Slow is Smooth… Smooth is Fast… This lesson was deeply ingrained in me over my 24 years as an Army soldier. While the concept felt like a paradox earlier on (how can you go fast by slowing down?), over the years, I came to understand that the principle of slowing down is a cornerstone of effective leadership that can create meaningful progress. A couple of weeks ago, I took that lesson to heart. I withdrew from the everyday hustle and…
In honor of Labor Day, I invited you to consider this Power of Three suggestion… ❤️ REST ~ Rest from your labors by sleeping in, taking an afternoon nap in the hammock, or veggie out with a Star Wars movie marathon (as long as you fall asleep 13 minutes into the second movie). ❤️ LABOR ~ Labor in the backyard grilling, snoozing on the deck at the cabin, or playing in the water. ❤️ REJUVENATE ~ Rejuvenate your body, mind,…
Exactly one year ago this weekend, I walked across the lush green lawn of Elk Ridge Park with Brett and Zell Allred. The events of the weekend were designed to honor our military fallen, including their son Michael, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on September 6, 2004, becoming Cache Valley’s first combat casualty in the War on Terror. The memory of Michael’s sacrifice, along with the sacrifices of so many others, weighed heavily on my mind as we walked…
Utah’s Fallen Military will be honored at the “Heroes Tribute” weekend August 23-25. This three-day event also commemorates the 20-year anniversary of Lance Corporal Michael J. Allred, Cache Valley’s first combat casualty in the War on Terror. The details for this sacred event follow, but first, let me share a little about Michael. Michael was my friend. Though our friendship was less than four years, we bonded fast through the common connection of military service. The last time we talked…
I first met Olympian Chari Hawkins and her now husband CJ O’Neal when they were students at Utah State University. Both were also track and field athletes. Our friendship began when I had the opportunity to mentor CJ as he was studying business and marketing. From that time I could see the hopeful desire of Chari that was fueling her clear vision to compete on the Olympic stage, a vision that has come to pass as she has competed on the…
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail grew by another 2.85 miles on Saturday. And a 20 year vision came to fruition! INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new portion of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Hyde Park. The event was a celebration of both community and nature, complete with a fun run, breakfast, and a shared sense of accomplishment. The nearly three-mile stretch of trail near the mouth of Hyde Park Canyon…
I so wish I could be at the NSA Influence in Denver this year! I will miss the energy, the ideas, meeting new people, and being with my NSAMW family… Let’s talk about why I won’t be there… Business this year has been extremely challenging. I have had the opportunity this year to intentionally lead through some very strong business challenges that have stretched me hard. Our revenue has taken a pretty good hit, and we’ve had to dip into…
Sometimes this journey of life can feel completely overwhelming. And that’s been the case for me. These last few weeks have been extra challenging. And this on top of an extra challenging year. I’ve struggled to rise in hope as it felt like the weight of life just kept pushing me down. I have struggled to focus on What Matters Most (one of my key Power of Three focuses). I have felt extra tired, lacked energy, and sometimes just downright…
Hyde Park and Cache Valley are places that evoke a sense of belonging–a sanctuary we yearn to return to after being away. The quest for a place to call home has resonated deeply with people across generations and cultures. Our community gathered Saturday night to celebrate the heritage of the place we call. We had the parade with a military honor guard leading the way, the city royalty, a bunch of homemade floats, and emergency vehicles with their lights and…
The days of the week would tend to run together while we were in Iraq. But I’ll forever remember July 16th in 2005 was a Saturday. It was a mail run day for Ron Wood and the other soldiers on his crew. They were on special mission toding Convoy Escort Security for the division’s eventual departure out of Iraq. They were based out of LSA Speicher near Tikrit operating on their own away from our main base in Kirkuk. They had…