Failing Forward: How to Use Setbacks as Stepping Stones to Success
“You either win or you learn.” That’s a phrase I’ve carried with me throughout my career. But I didn’t always see failure that way. Early on, I viewed setbacks as roadblocks—evidence that I wasn’t good enough or had made the wrong decision. It wasn’t until I started leading teams, both in the military and in […]
The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership Growth: Why It Starts with You
I remember one of my first leadership roles—full of energy, determination, and a clear mission to succeed. But I made one big mistake: I assumed leadership was all about strategy, decisions, and results. What I didn’t realize at the time was that leadership starts with something much deeper—self-awareness. It wasn’t until a mentor pulled me […]
How to Inspire Accountability Without Micromanaging Your Team
I once worked with a leader who, despite having an incredibly talented team, struggled to trust them to do their jobs. He was in every meeting, reviewing every email, and double-checking every decision. His intent was good—he wanted things done right—but the effect was the opposite. His team felt smothered, disengaged, and uninspired. Productivity plummeted, […]
Beyond the Title: What It Really Means to Lead with Purpose
I remember a turning point in my military career when I realized my role wasn’t just about commanding a platoon or issuing orders. It dawned on me that my troops needed more than direction—they needed a compelling reason to unite, move forward, and push past the hard days. That moment changed my perspective on leadership. […]
The Ripple Effect of Leadership: How Your Actions Shape Organizational Culture
I still remember a defining moment early in my career when I was leading a team under intense pressure. Deadlines were looming, resources were tight, and everyone was on edge. Instead of pulling back or blaming others, I decided to lean in—really listen to my team’s concerns, offer clear guidance, and encourage open communication. The […]
Creating a Legacy: Leadership Strategies That Stand the Test of Time
After 30 years in uniform, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t just about what you achieve today—it’s about what you leave behind. True leadership is about building something that lasts, something that reflects your values and impacts others long after you’ve moved on. When I transitioned out of the military, I asked myself, “What […]
Building Trust Through Transparency: A Leader’s Guide to Open Communication
I’ve been in leadership roles for decades, and one lesson has stood out above all others: Trust is the foundation of every great team. Whether you’re leading a small group or an entire organization, trust is what drives success, fosters collaboration, and boosts performance. But here’s the kicker: You can’t build trust without transparency. I’ve […]
Leadership Under Pressure: How to Stay Calm and Focused in Crisis
As a leader, there’s a moment that defines your ability to guide your team through tough times. It’s not the moments of calm or success, but when the pressure is on, the stakes are high, and a crisis hits. I learned this early in my career. I remember a time when an unexpected crisis threatened […]
Empowering Leaders: Developing the Next Generation of Innovators
When I first stepped into the leadership world, I quickly realized something that all leaders eventually come to understand: the weight of decision-making is immense. As a leader, the pressure to perform, inspire, and align your team is a constant companion. But over time, I learned that true leadership isn’t just about carrying the burden […]
The Art of Decision-Making: How Great Leaders Make Tough Calls
Decision-making is at the heart of leadership. Whether it’s charting the course for an organization or handling a crisis, leaders are often faced with choices that can have far-reaching consequences. But what separates good leaders from great ones? It’s their ability to make tough calls with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Being a seasoned leader with […]
