John Rondi has accrued mega influencer status as everyone’s favorite Tik-Tok Dad within the online video empire known as “Johnny Drinks” (profiled in our February 2025 issue). Over the course of their many videos, John has become a sort of surrogate father to his audience, giving paternal advice and life lessons - nuggets of wisdom that he’s made sure to include to help boys become better men.
Here are some thoughts that he’s developed over a lifetime of experience.
How you show up is critical
No matter what your mindset is before you arrive, leave whatever mental baggage you’re carrying at the door. Forget the bad traffic, the irritating phone call you just had, or whatever might be bugging you. Regroup mentally before you enter a room. Being ready and present - not distracted and disengaged - brings energy to your interactions. Be there with a purpose.
Names are important.
When introducing yourself, use your full name. It’s your unique identity. Get their full name as well. “Hi, I’m John Rondi” conveys so much more than just saying “I’m John.” Be memorable for your entire self.
Remember the acronym “FORD” to network effectively with new people
There are four easy things to talk about to engage with people - Family, Occupations, Recreation, and Dreams. Questions about people spark conversations. Notice details about what they tell you. Even something simple, like noticing they’re wearing a crucifix or a wedding ring can lead to something to talk about. Prioritize listening more rather than talking more.
Be purposeful with your personal brand.
John uses another acronym that will help define yourself. ABC - Appearance, Brand, Communication. Your appearance should align with your call to action of what you want people to think of you, both professionally and personally. You are your own brand. You might be comfortable selling insurance in jeans and a hoodie, but you’re less likely to be successful at it that way. Spend a few minutes the night before to decide what you’ll wear the next day so you can be prepared, comfortable, and ready. Being overdressed for a situation is always preferable to being underdressed - you’ll look better and feel more confident and less self-conscious if you’re looking good. Know what the weather outlook is - no one wants to sit in long meetings with wet suede loafers when you should’ve worn leather boots.
Be accountable to yourself.
And be realistic with your expectations. Enjoy what you’re doing and have fun with what you’ve created as your image and what you want to project.
Notice how engaged people are.
Do they make eye contact? Are they fully listening? And are you showing that same level of respect for them? There’s nothing better than being fully engaged with someone you’re talking with. If either you or they are distracted, looking out the window, peaking at their phone, the conversation is likely over and it’s time to move on.
Make advice realistic.
When giving advice on something, make it manageable, not “heavy lifting”. Give reasonable steps on a ladder to get them on the right path. Once they’re up a rung or two, the pattern can be repeated and set in practice over and over again. Acknowledge (and demonstrate) that what you do works for you, and that it’s merely one way of doing things. Everyone wants to be led, no one wants to be told what to do. That’s the balance.
Experience trumps education.
You learn from your mistakes - and your regrets. We were all 18 once. You learn how to be better, and gain wisdom, over time. Sometimes, the smartest, most highly educated people just don’t “get it”, while someone who has lived a simple, modest life has things figured out quite well. How someone has lived their life has value.
Chivalry isn’t dead.
Young men might not know what that even means. Having class is a mindset based in respect for yourself and for others. Sometimes that takes a lifetime to learn. Remember, be a man. Be a gentleman.
First Pull Quote is:
No matter what your mindset is before you arrive, leave whatever mental baggage you’re carrying at the door.
second pull quote is:
You learn from your mistakes - and your regrets. We were all 18 once.