A Letter to Will at 15
Happy 15th birthday to my son, Will. He’s driven, disciplined, and wired a lot like his dad. I wrote him a letter about what I hope he carries into high school — starting with the fact that our love was never something he had to earn.
Mama Jean Turns 10
Her brothers nicknamed her “Mama Jean” years ago. It stuck because it’s true — she’s the one who checks on people, who cares without being asked. This week she turns 10, and I put some thoughts to paper about who she’s become.
Hope, History, and a Family Trip Worth Taking
Visiting Corrie ten Boom’s house reminded me that real hope isn’t theoretical — it’s costly. Here are four lessons I learned on our family trip to Amsterdam and Berlin.
Speaking from the Cheap Seats
The gym locker room might be the most honest place on earth. I overheard three conversations after a recent workout. All three made me laugh. One of them made me a little uncomfortable. I recognized myself in all three.
My Role Was Secondary
Our VP of Operations led the tour. Our plant managers explained the metrics. Our quality director, automation leader, tool room team, and maintenance leaders each took the floor. I mostly watched. And it was one of the best days I’ve had as a leader.
Dear Class of 2026
As a leader, the best thing I can offer the next generation isn’t advice on how to succeed. It’s honesty about what actually shapes you. So I wrote this letter to the Class of 2026 about regret, freedom, and gratitude — and what each one means when life gets hard.
The Difference Between Positivity and Optimism
Positivity is circumstantial. Optimism is a choice. In a moment when both feel hard to come by, I’ve been thinking about the difference — and why one matters more right now than the other.
Clarity Beats Noise
Before you send that email, one question worth asking: is this moving the work forward? Or am I just adding another opinion to the pile? Short post this week on communication clarity.
The Hardest Thing to Hand Off
I like visiting our partners in Europe. I like building those relationships. And that’s exactly why I handed the next trip off to someone else. Here’s what I’ve been learning about delegation, leadership, and the highest and best use of my time.
RE POST: Hope Springs Eternal
As we celebrate Easter, I offer this for your consideration: In a world that lacks hope — in a world full of ridicule, alienation, and mocking — perhaps it is time to reconsider the Hope of the World?