I am becoming more and more aware of how the constant influx of negative information transforms us from being our best to becoming our worst.

The past week has proven to be incredibly intense, highlighting the deep divide within our country. That’s why I am standing my ground. This stance has little to do with political posturing and more to do with my call and commitment as a leader.

He was more than sad. He was disappointed to the point of frustration. This young leader knew that coming into this job would be tough and he was experiencing that difficult journey now.

A lack of customer service is my pet peeve. I know it is not unique and that people deal with it everyday, but it still ticks me off. Recently, I experienced both ends of that spectrum.

Now more than ever, it is crucial for leaders to understand the importance of getting out of their comfort zones to lead in areas that may be uncomfortable.

He actually sent me a picture. This leader understood the concepts of servant leadership. Unfortunately, his boss did not. In the picture was a car parked in a space that read Visitors.  While the rest of the company parked in the designated employee parking spaces the CEO of the company chose the spot closest to the building. This may seem like a small thing but it is not. What do you think the team members think every morning when they walk past his car to enter the building?

Her name is Katie Britt and she is one of the most successful young leaders in our state and maybe the country. She has sat with national leaders and served as chief of staff to one of the most influential leaders in our nation.

I was talking with a wise executive recently who was sharing his thought process on the next steps in his leadership journey. One of the driving questions he posed for change was, “Have I had enough?” While it seems like a simple question, a meaningful answer requires some soul searching, wisdom and courage.

Have you noticed that some people seem to have all the luck? At least that’s what we like to tell ourselves as we struggle through this strange year of 2020.

Questions abound in our lives today. We are consumed with living in a world that is in uncharted territory. That’s why decision making is more important than ever. 

I walked away from my conversation with this leader with new found hope and wisdom.

"I’m just tired," “I seem to be more exhausted than ever before," “It seems like this is never going to end.” These are the things I consistently hear from leaders these days.

This is a story about a wife, mom and entrepreneur who is constantly striving to do better and achieving the gradual result of excellence along the way.

During times of stress and pressure, it is easy to default towards a directive and authoritative leadership style. Instead, we need to allow our eyes to see the world from someone else’s perspective. 

We recently went on a kayak adventure down a river located in a rainforest. There were rapids; underwater rocks along with a bit of easy floating.

This is hard stuff. The length of uncertainty and the depth of the new normal is taking its toll. I was talking with a married couple who owns a business together.

It is the norm now. Virtual meetings have become necessary to conduct business during this time of social distancing and remote working.

One of the greatest fears we as humans have is the fear of the unknown and of uncertainty. Welcome to the year 2020.

You really know someone when you have walked with them for nearly 20 years through adversity and victory. These are the experiences where you build or debunk trust for and in someone.