Meet Dr. Rich Rader, The Foot and a Half Leader™. Dr. Rich is a seasoned international speaker, trainer, author, and coach with a remarkable background spanning 40+ years in the corporate world, 30+ years in ministry, and 20+ years in higher education.
Hailing from Ontario, OH, Dr. Rich, a proud four-time graduate of Ashland University, seamlessly integrates his diverse experiences into a unique leadership perspective. As an ordained minister, he infuses values-based servant-leadership principles into his speaking engagements, offering a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Driven by a passion for positive change, Dr. Rich is not only a dynamic figure in leadership development & personal growth, but also a social entrepreneur committed to making a meaningful impact in communities.
In late 2024, a serious health crisis became the defining moment that reshaped both Dr. Rich’s life and his work. Complications from diabetes led to a severe bone infection and the partial amputation of his foot. What could have remained simply a medical recovery instead became a moment of profound clarity. Confronted with loss, limitation, and the reality of starting again, Dr. Rich recognized a deeper truth about leadership and life: real transformation happens in the critical space between what we know and how we live. From that experience, The Foot and a Half Leader™ was born, not as a metaphor, but as a lived calling to help others bridge the 18-inch gap between head and heart and move forward with purpose, courage, and intention.
What began as personal recovery became a renewed mission to help others move forward to significance…one foot and a half at a time.
With a wealth of practical insights cultivated through decades of experience, Dr. Rich stands as a versatile and influential force in guiding individuals and organizations toward significance. In a world seeking transformative leaders, Dr. Rich's blend of wisdom, integrity, empowerment, and humor makes him a beacon of inspiration for those navigating the complexities of leadership and personal growth.
The Foot and a Half Leader ™ transformation framework
At the core of Dr. Rich’s work is the 5H Process of The Foot and a Half Leader™ transformation framework that guides people from insight to lasting impact. The journey begins with the Head (what we learn and understand), moves to the Heart (what we believe and value), and then into the Hands (how we live it out in real life). From there, growth is sustained through Habits (consistent practices that reinforce change) and ultimately leads to Harvest (multiplied impact in others).
The 5H Process reflects Dr. Rich’s conviction that real change happens when learning moves beyond information and becomes transformation, lived daily and shared intentionally.
