For Kevin Ames, leadership and personal growth have always been tied to discipline.
Whether serving in the United States Army, managing complex operations, or preparing for the demanding world of competitive bodybuilding, Ames approaches each challenge with careful planning and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Recently, Ames reached a new milestone when he became a professional natural bodybuilder, a goal that required both physical and mental endurance. The achievement reflects the same qualities that have shaped his professional and leadership journey for decades.
Before entering the world of competitive bodybuilding, he built a strong leadership foundation through military service, education, and as a professional in his field.
Ames served in the U.S. Army from 1998 to 2015 as a Korean linguist and intelligence analyst. After completing his service, he continued his academic journey, earning a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies from American Military University, part of the American Public University System, before completing a master’s in applied leadership and management from Arizona State University in 2020.
Today, Ames serves as deputy program manager, helping oversee operations involving approximately 145 personnel across multiple states. His work focuses on coordinating resources, supporting intelligence teams, and helping analysts strengthen their skills through development programs.
While Ames has built a strong career in program management and intelligence operations, he recently set his sights on a very different challenge: competitive bodybuilding.
For Ames, the path to competition demanded far more than time in the gym.
“It took a lot of discipline, meticulous planning, and reliance on my family and network of friends,” Ames says. “Despite the physical work required, this is the area where most struggle.”
Preparation for competitions required precise scheduling and long-term thinking.
“Planning and prepping meals, planning backward from competition dates, and the dedication to staying on track daily are integral to success,” he says.
Ames believes that some of the most valuable leadership lessons come from observing others.
“So much of what I associate with good leadership I learned from being led,” he says. “Either what to do or what not to do as a leader.”
One leader in particular left a lasting impression.
“One of my former managers, Joshua Hoy, is someone I’ve always looked up to,” he says. “Aside from being a genuinely congenial person, he has a particular knack for seamlessly interweaving taking care of the organization’s interests with taking care of the people in a way that makes each individual feel integral to the success of the organization.”
Observing leaders like Hoy helped Ames refine his own understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it.
“Leadership to me is the process of helping those around you realize their respective visions,” he says. “Not just telling people what to do and when, but navigating obstacles to increase the chances of successful outcomes for those that manage you and for those whom you manage.”
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Ames remains focused on growth both professionally and personally. In his current role, he continues building his leadership experience while supporting complex operations and large teams.
He is also exploring new opportunities that challenge him in different ways.
“My goals are to continue to grow as a leader within my current organization, become more polished as a bodybuilder, and explore other vocations that fuel my passion for learning new things,” Ames says.
To achieve those goals, he continues to seek new experiences and skills.
“I’m doing this by asking to assist other departments when my work is in a lull, by continuing to train and polish my fitness and diet routines, and by exploring other trades like modeling and acting.”
At the same time, Ames hopes to expand his impact within the fitness community. One of his long-term goals is to open a gym where he can help others prioritize their health. He wants people to understand that meaningful change is always possible, no matter where they are starting from.
His experience as an NSLS member has also helped bolster his growth.
“Being a member of the NSLS has exposed me to leadership styles and approaches to problem solving that continue to help me grow as a leader.”
Ames is proof that developing soft skills like problem solving, and always seeking opportunities for growth, is a recipe for leadership success.
Ames encourages aspiring leaders to stay attentive to the examples around them and use those experiences as opportunities to grow.
“My advice would be to always look for those leadership lessons that you can examine, categorize, and use for your own leadership opportunities when they come.”
One lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career came during his time in the military.
“As a soldier, I was once told ‘when life is easy, those in charge choose the leaders. When it gets hard, the led decide who their leaders are.’ This has always stuck with me and I try to be one of the few that people come to when life gets hard.”
Donovan Butler is another U.S. Army veteran and NSLS member dedicated to lifting others up while continually growing as a leader. Read A Veteran’s Path to Giving Back.