Searching for Light After Darkness
As we celebrate Easter, I ponder the question: Can there be light after darkness? During the darkest times in our lives, it seems nearly impossible. But I believe in a Creator who makes the darkness disappear.
Chris Chelios: The Ideal Team Player
Earlier this year, my son Ben and I attended the jersey retirement ceremony for Blackhawks hockey great Chris Chelios. And in all my years of admiring the man, I never admired him more than that night. Here’s why I think Chelios epitomizes the ideal team player, and what leaders can learn about humility, hunger, and smarts.
Dear Grandpa 2024
My late grandpa’s birthday was in March. And every March, I take a moment to reflect on his amazing life, the man he was, and the valuable lessons he taught me.
Why Sleep is a Leadership Secret Weapon
If you’re like I used to be, you see sleep as a luxury, something you try to get a bit more of when you’re feeling sick or taxed but otherwise something you don’t pay a whole lot of attention to. But after a lifetime of viewing sleep as a “supplement” I’ve finally figured out that isn’t good enough. Here’s why I’m prioritizing sleep in 2024, and the early gains I’ve already been able to achieve.
Gaining Clarity: My Six Focus Areas
Last year, I attended the Path for Growth leadership experience, and much of the content focused on the importance of leaders gaining clarity on the areas where they focus their time and energy. Here, I share the six areas I determined are most important for me, and challenge you to find your own.
The One Thing a Leader Always Does
Leadership isn’t about perfection, but humility and owning mistakes. And a true leader values every role and speaks meaning into lives, understanding that everyone — from the C-suite to the custodial crew — has incalculable worth. Learn what I think is the one thing a leader should always do. #LeadershipInsights #ValueInEveryRole
The First “Back to Work” Monday of the Year
As we head back to work after the holidays, I’m reminded of a Monday back in January 2008 when my life was completely different than it is today. On that Monday, my wife went to work and I took a chilly walk through our suburban neighborhood, questioning everything about my life. Here’s what I learned about the dignity of work and why every Monday — but especially the first Monday in January — matters.
Start, Stop, Continue
Earlier this fall, I thought to myself: What would I do if I were to retire in January 2024? What things would I stop doing, what would I start doing, and what would I continue? And while I have no plans to retire anytime soon, I learned some things that I think will improve my life in 2024 and beyond.
The Power of Stepping into Your Discomfort Zone
Want to grow as a person and a leader? Get used to pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Here’s why I think willingly asking for direct feedback — and being open to hearing that feedback — is the only way we can improve.
Lessons from My Fall Golf Trip
As a leader, I’m always looking for opportunities to learn and grow — even when I’m on a golf trip with my buddies! Allow me to share a few thoughts with you on the power of feeling thankful, slowing down, and taking in the moment.