Communities Thrive on Shared Values
“…We wept and prayed” is a line from It’s a Wonderful Life that describes the collective reaction of a community in a moment of loss. That phrase has always struck me. Tears and prayers are not just private acts, they are a holy reminder of what happens when people come together, shoulder to shoulder, and […]
A Failure to Communicate
I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry. Then […]
Celebrate Life as a Legacy Leader
I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry. Then […]
Who Do You Know?
John Maxwell’s question — “Who do you know that I should know, and will you introduce me?”, is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use. On the surface, it sounds simple. But in practice, it’s a game-changer for communities that want to grow, businesses that want to thrive, and leaders who want […]
Who Are You Learning From?
t was the middle of a scorching Missouri summer, in between two-a-day football practices, when Coach Paul Skeans called me into his office. He shut the door, handed me a book, I Believe by then Baylor Coach Grant Teaff and said, “I just heard him speak. You need to read this.” He wasn’t just giving […]
What Will It Take To Grow?
Fast Company, in partnership with LinkedIn, just published truly clarifying data on why people select where they live. As you will see from the chart below, the normally assumed number one factor of jobs is number 5 on the list. It seems that in today’s market for the talented residents to select a community, quality […]
The Power of Showing Up
A mentor once told me something that stuck: “Half of success is just showing up. The other half is showing up with purpose.” Translation? Don’t just drag yourself to the meeting — bring your brain, your heart, and maybe even an extra cup of coffee. In leadership and community building, showing up isn’t about logging […]
Always Forward: The Power of Gratitude
As the year draws to a close, I have a tradition that keeps me grounded: I take the quiet weeks of the Christmas season to pause, reflect, and say two simple words that carry extraordinary weight—Thank You. This practice is not just about politeness; it’s about intentional gratitude. I carve out time to look back […]
The Power of “I Believe in You”
“I believe in you.” Four words. Simple, ordinary even. But in the vocabulary of a leader, they may be the most powerful words you can speak. When said with sincerity, those words are like Miracle-Gro for people and organizations. They don’t just affirm someone’s current abilities, they plant the seed of who that person can […]
The First Day of School – A Fresh Start for All of Us
The first day of school is more than just an exciting milestone for children and their families, it’s one of the most important days of the year for our entire community. New shoes squeak on polished floors, backpacks are filled with sharpened pencils and big dreams, and the air hums with both excitement and a […]