The Journey of the Heart continues… I share once again the story of the Christmas I spent in Iraq in 2004. My Christmas in Iraq was cold and scary, warm and sacred. Few experiences havetouched my heart as deeply as that Christmas. As we remember those serving our country around the world, and as you remember your own loved ones who are unable to be home for Christmas, it seems fitting I share this story again, my most requestedstory of…
Darryl Alder was one of my earliest mentors. As my first Boy Scout Leader when I was 11, Darryl taught me the values of service, kindness, and leadership via the Boy Scout Law, Oath & Promise, and the overall scouting experience. And he helped me to believe in myself. Darryl moved not long after my time as a young scout, his career as a professional Scouter taking him away from our little town of Richfield. A phone call from Darryl…
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Christmas season is the magnetic pull to be with family. No matter where we are or who we are, the yearning to be “home” seems universal. This longing transcends differences in belief or tradition. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas as a deeply religious occasion, a cultural festivity, or simply a cherished time of year, there’s a unique spirit that blankets the world. It whispers of belonging, love, and the warmth of home. Bing…
A recent Texas federal court ruling has an immediate impact on small businesses by pausing the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the disclosure of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). This decision offers a temporary reprieve for small businesses previously facing an imminent compliance deadline while raising important constitutional questions. Following is my full analysis of this impactful ruling and what it means for business owners. On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District…
The holidays are a season of joy, gratitude, and togetherness–but they can also bring stress, busyness, and a sense of imbalance. Thanksgiving rolls into Christmas with a flurry of family gatherings, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to make everything perfect. This time of year challenges even the most Intentional Leaders to focus on what truly matters. I’ve often wrestled with the myth of balancing it all. The truth is, “balance” during the holidays is fleeting at best and often…
Saturday was a day of miracles. I had been working all afternoon in our yard, cleaning up the last of the trillion leaves, cutting the grass, and taking down our trampoline. I also spent time in the garage, organizing it to see if Elisa’s truck could fit there this winter. But what about a simple, normal day made Saturday a day of miracles? THE MIRACLE OF NO HEART ATTACK Three years ago last week, after two ER trips and seven…
Ah, Monday morning–the blank canvas of a brand-new week. Have you ever held a seed in the palm of your hand and marveled at its potential? That tiny seed, unassuming and small, holds within it the promise of a mighty oak reaching for the sky. Monday mornings feel like holding that small seed in your hand–a fresh beginning, bursting with potential. That seed holds the promise of a towering oak. Within you lies the same promise— The potential to become…
At a desk or on a ship, in the mud or in the air, there are those who served in ways that many of us may never fully understand. This Veterans Day, I’m drawn to a message of remembrance and gratitude, encapsulated in a few powerful words: They stood to defend. Veterans have shouldered a commitment that reaches far beyond personal comfort or convenience. Whether they served in the heat of battle, the chill of a lonely post, or the…
It’s easy to overlook the influence of our everyday actions, especially in the busyness of leading a business. Yet, each choice we make has the potential to leave a lasting impact on those around us. In the same way, Intentional Leadership allows us to create meaningful ripples–small actions that empower others, build trust, and shape a culture of purpose. As leaders, the ripples we start today can have effects we may never fully see but can trust will inspire, uplift,…
As the U.S. presidential election season enters its final push, we’re reminded daily of our political, cultural, and social divides. In moments like these, Intentional Leaders play a vital role. Instead of fueling division, Intentional Leaders create Intentional Unity by bridging differences and seeking understanding. But what does it mean to lead with Intentional Unity? It begins with a few essential principles: listening to understand, feeling genuine compassion, and looking for common ground. These actions create a foundation for unity in…