For Jonica Rea King, leadership isn't about standing in front—it’s about walking beside.
A member of the Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow chapter, King has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful mission to uplift others. As an author, coach, and passionate advocate, she’s helping readers and aspiring leaders rise above their circumstances to become the best versions of themselves.
Her recently published book, The Ultimate Guide to Leadership Development, is a reflection of that journey, one shaped by resilience, purpose, and the belief that even the hardest moments can spark meaningful change.
Setbacks Are Just Stepping Stones
Publishing her first book was no small feat.
“Writing and publishing The Ultimate Guide to Leadership Development took a mix of discipline, strategic thinking, and relentless curiosity,” King says. “I leaned heavily on communication skills. Not just writing clearly, but translating complex leadership concepts into language that actually resonates.”
But it wasn’t just about clarity. It was about commitment.
“Time management was everything. Balancing writing with my day-to-day responsibilities meant sticking to a tight schedule and keeping myself accountable,” she explains. “I also relied on my networking skills—connecting with mentors, other writers, and early readers who provided honest feedback that helped push the book to a higher standard.”
Through every revision, every setback, she held onto one core lesson she learned from the NSLS: “Failure is a step towards success.”
“The NSLS has played a huge role in shaping me as a stronger, more intentional leader,” King says. “It taught me how to set SMART goals—goals with real structure and accountability, which completely changed how I approach personal growth and long-term planning.”
And with every small failure comes another small step toward success.
“Publishing comes with rejections, rewrites, and plenty of ‘back-to-the-drawing-board’ moments,” she says. “I used every one of those setbacks as fuel to sharpen the message and stay focused on the goal: helping others grow into the kind of leaders who make a real impact.”
Leadership as a Force for Healing
King’s path to leadership was forged in loss. After the devastating death of her daughter, her world came undone.
“My world shattered. The grief was so heavy, my heart literally couldn’t take it,” she shares. “What was once a minor heart defect turned into a serious condition, and I began having fainting spells that led to injuries, concussions, sprains… pain on top of pain.”
But in that darkness, a powerful piece of advice stayed with her: “If you’re still here, there’s still purpose.”
“That stuck with me. It didn’t erase the pain, but it reminded me that I could still turn my suffering into something meaningful,” she says. “That advice is what helped me choose healing, choose writing, and choose to keep building others up, even while I was learning how to stand again.”
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Mentorship Makes a Difference
One of the most influential people in King’s life is Dr. David Ruskoski, a professor she met through the TRIO Student Success Mentorship program.
“At the time, I was a history major trying to find my footing,” she recalls. “But Dr. Ruskoski had a way of asking the kind of questions that made you stop and really think. He didn’t just give advice—he shared his own journey, his challenges, and what leadership meant to him.”
Over time, their relationship deepened, and Dr. Ruskoski became a trusted guide.
“He continued to challenge my thinking, push my potential, and model what it meant to lead with purpose,” she says. “To me, that’s one of the most powerful things a leader can do: lift the people around them and help them realize who they’re capable of becoming.”
Using Your Voice to Inspire Others
For King, leadership and storytelling go hand in hand. Her long-term mission is to write a series of self-help books that inspire transformation and healing.
“My long-term goal is to help people grow, heal, and believe in their own potential, and I’ve found that words can be a powerful way to do that,” she says. “That’s why I’m now focused on writing a series of self-help books designed to uplift, encourage, and empower.”
She’s also launching one-on-one coaching sessions to provide personalized support.
“My plan is to stay consistent, keep learning, and meet people where they are. I’m building a platform that combines storytelling, strategy, and heart, because I believe transformation happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported. Step by step, book by book, person by person. That’s how I plan to make a lasting impact.”
A major roadblock for many is having the confidence to speak up, trust your voice, and follow your heart even if it is uncomfortable. She credits the NSLS with helping her embrace the unknown to forge her path.
“I also learned how to step out of my comfort zone and speak confidently on stage, which has helped me connect with others and share my story in powerful ways. But beyond the skills, the NSLS helped me understand what impactful leadership looks like. It’s not just about ambition—it’s about service, integrity, and lifting others as you climb. The community, mentorship, and leadership training sessions all gave me tools that I still use every day. The NSLS didn’t just help me grow—it helped me own my voice.”
Jonica’s Advice for Future Leaders
When asked what advice she’d give to others, her response rethinks what the role of a leader should be.
“One piece of advice I always give to aspiring leaders is this: leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about showing up when it matters most,” she says.
“In my book, I talk about how true leadership starts with self-awareness. You can’t guide others if you haven’t taken the time to understand your own values, triggers, and blind spots. The strongest leaders lead with empathy, not ego. They listen more than they speak. They make space for others to grow.”
And for those unsure where to begin?
“If you want to lead, start by asking yourself this: ‘Who do I want to be when no one’s watching?’ Because that version of you—the one who shows up with integrity and intention—that’s the one people will follow.”
Her perspective on leadership is rooted in lived experience, humility, and courage.
“To me, leadership means showing up. Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard,” she says. “It’s about using your voice to speak truth, your strength to lift others, and your story to create change. A real leader doesn’t chase titles—they build people. They lead with empathy, humility, and courage.”
King’s story demonstrates just how powerful courage can be.
Read about another member’s courageous journey from a brain tumor diagnosis to becoming an outstanding graduate and successful entrepreneur.
