Get Inspired | Kevin Brown

INSPIRATION TO HELP
YOU BE AMAZING

Explore a collection of resources designed to inspire and empower you on your journey to greatness. Plus subscribe to our series, The Hero Effect^® Every Day, a newsletter to inspire, encourage, and equip you to be your best when it matters the most, at work and in life.

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SEPTEMBER 4, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #8 You Are the Competition — You Are Only as Good as Your Last Performance

I was blessed to have a great corporate career. I came from the franchise world, and the last 20 years of my career I was in disaster restoration. A good fit for someone who had created many disasters and was in need of restoration. And redemption. I worked my way to the c-suite in a […]

MAY 15, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #7 How You Win Matters

After a short hiatus, I’m back this week with another installment in our series on winning. Back in the day, I was a little league baseballer. I played shortstop. And I was good too. They called me “hoover” because I could vacuum up any ball hit my way. I was also good with the bat. […]

APRIL 4, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #6 There’s Always Another Level

No matter how successful or accomplished you are, there is always another level. In business. In sports. In life. Your big, crazy, monster goal is someone else’s minimum standard to play the game. You make a million this year. Others might say that was a good month. Make a billion. Then there’s Elon, Bezos, and […]

MARCH 21, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #5 You Have to Want it More

People often approach me after an event. They say, “I want to do what you do!” My response is always the same. “Are you willing to do what I’ve done.” The truth is a lot of people want to BE something. An author. A speaker. A dancer. An artist. Wanting to BE something is great. […]

MARCH 11, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #4 You Will Be Criticized

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ~ Mother Teresa I love this quote. Not only because of the powerful truth it contains. But because of who wrote it. Mother Teresa. A saint. When the Catholic Church began the process to canonize her, she had many supporters. They recounted miracles and […]

MARCH 3, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #3 Relationships Change

Winning in business and life requires us to grow to the next level. What got us to our current place won’t get us to the next place. Our capacity to achieve more relies heavily on our ability to become more. As you become more successful. As you evolve, it is likely that the people around […]

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #2 It's Going To Hurt

My dad is a funny guy. A quick wit. When I was a kid, I remember going to him and saying, “Daddy, it hurts when I press on my arm.” He would just smile and say, “Stop pressing on your arm.” Problem solved. Fast-forward decades later and my mentor David used to say, “No pain, […]

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

10 Lessons on Winning: #1 It Takes Work

I am excited to share the first lesson in my new '10 Lessons on Winning' series. I grew up in Michigan. The Rust Belt. Where hard work wasn’t a way of life. It was a means of survival. My father had two jobs his whole life. At 16, he enlisted in the United States Navy. […]

JANUARY 7, 2025

Sow What? Growing the Good Stuff at Work and in Life

It was another Monday at the airport. The parking lot was packed and the line for the shuttle bus was long. I squeezed in just as the doors began to close. There was no place to sit down, so I stood near the driver next to the handrail. If you’ve ever been on an airport […]

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Be the Influencer

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

The Everyday Prodigy®

A prodigy is defined as one with an inexplicable talent that develops early in life. They are the ones who leave us speechless. Wanting more. Serena Williams. Tiger Woods. Prince. Stevie Wonder. We marvel at the depth of their talent. The ease with which their gift pours out of them. Their brilliance is unmistakable. Starting […]

AUGUST 29, 2024

Stop Chasing Greatness (It’s Looking for You)

I know. It doesn’t make sense. After all, we’ve been told to crush our goals, do great things, and live our dreams. But what if we’ve had it backwards and greatness was actually looking for us? Consider the people we aspire to be like. The ones who make us stop in our tracks and admire […]

AUGUST 14, 2024

Be Gloria Kind

I attended a funeral on Friday. My dear Aunt Gloria passed away at the age of 76. My aunt was never on time for anything. And this is one thing we wish she would have been late for. My Uncle Jim asked if I would say a few words. It was my honor to do […]

JULY 31, 2024

Commit to the Gift

A few years ago, I was speaking at a business forum in Washington D.C. The room was packed with CEOs from all over the world. I was nervous. In a good way. My 30 minutes was solid. I had brought my A-game that day. They graciously awarded me with a standing ovation. I was filled […]

JULY 18, 2024

The Secret to Success: Don’t Be the Michelin Man

I grew up in Michigan. The winters can be harsh there. Bitter cold at times. Enough to keep a lot of folks indoors. But not us kids. Schools are closed and there are snow mountains waiting to be conquered. “Layer up,” mom would say. So that’s what we did. We put on layer after layer […]

JULY 4, 2024

What Sets Strong Leaders Apart?

I’ve been blessed to be around great leaders. Strong leaders. Here are some of the characteristics I have observed in them. Strong leaders ask great questions. They understand that the smartest person in the room generally isn’t them. They invite smart people into the room and ask really good questions. Strong leaders are curious. They […]

MAY 30, 2024

Everything Speaks

Creating a culture that drives organizational excellence and customer loyalty is not only essential, I believe it is heroic. Now more than ever, leaders must focus on and find ways to harness the power of culture by creating a positive, innovative, and pliable environment where teammates can become the best version of themselves and contribute […]

APRIL 30, 2024

Bumpy Roads

When our son Josh was little, we were going on our first “big trip” as a family. We were headed to Hawaii. I was going for work. My bride and Josh were going for fun. As it should be. The first leg was Nashville to Los Angeles. As the 757 took flight we quickly found […]

APRIL 15, 2024

A Powerful Lesson from Toby Keith

On February 5, 2024, the world lost an entertainment icon in Toby Keith. A country music titan and legendary songwriter who left us too soon. But his words remain. In his songs. And in one of his final television interviews. The conversation turned to the song he sang at the People’s Choice Country Awards where […]

MARCH 20, 2024

Sometimes You Just Need to Stand Up

Sometimes, when I feel the heaviness of work and life, I think about my grandmother and this little story. It always makes me smile and brings a little perspective. I hope you enjoy it.When I was a boy, my family didn’t have much money, so vacations were usually just a few miles from home. Today, […]

MARCH 12, 2024

No Gnats

Low-payoff activities are like gnats. Flying around you constantly. Distracting you. Annoying you. Serving no purpose. In business and in life, there are gnats all around. Things that demand your attention. Bugging you. Fake work. Busyness. Low-priority stuff. Keeping you from your real work. The work that matters. Work that yields the highest returns. Today, […]

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Have You Paid Your Rent?

As a young man trying to find my way, a mentor shared life-changing wisdom with me. He helped me become a better person. A better leader. He helped me in ways that I could never repay. Except to share his wisdom with others. You, perhaps. After all, wisdom isn’t really owned. It’s borrowed. And becomes […]

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

The Underestimated Power of Perspective

“The greatest tragedy for any human being is going through their entire lives believing the only perspective that matters is their own. We need to break down those walls and barriers and get people to see that there's perspectives outside of their own eyes.” ― Doug Baldwin When was the last time you felt misunderstood? […]

JANUARY 30, 2024

The Power of Saying No

Do you ever feel overwhelmed from trying to be all things to all people? When was the last time you said “yes” to something and later regretted it because it took time away from people and activities you truly valued? Many of us struggle with overcommitting — we say yes to requests and opportunities even […]

JANUARY 16, 2024

It’s Time to Ditch Your Yearly Resolutions

January is a great time for new things - a new year, new opportunities for change, and of course...new resolutions destined for failure! Cue dramatic music. Yes, it's that familiar time of year when nearly half of Americans boldly declare their ambitious New Year's resolutions only to ditch them a week or two later. We've […]

DECEMBER 12, 2023

Cultivating Empathy: Featuring guest author Patrick Leddin, PhD

Below is a recent article by author and leadership speaker Dr. Patrick Leddin that has some great advice on cultivating empathy. A skill that seems to be lost in our hectic, busy lives of wanting to check items off the list, or solve problems quickly and move on to the next. This week I hope […]

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

21 Rules for a Great Life

My mentor was a great human. He not only changed my life, he saved it. Here are some of the lessons he taught me. Be grateful. Be curious. Write everything down. Don’t complain about what you allow. Leaders are learners. Be kind. Take care of yourself first. Develop your gifts. Your attitude is everything. Wisdom […]

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Recharge, Reflect, and Reclaim

We need to unplug. I mean really unplug. No screen time. No calls. Alone with all that life is. And isn’t. We weren’t meant to be “on” all the time. We weren’t built to set up camp in the past. We weren’t designed to be consumed by tomorrow. We were built for today. For this […]

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

What Are We Doing?

I was sitting around a fire pit with some buddies. It’s one of the things I love about fall weather. Sweatshirts, jeans, and something to sip on. Like each time before, we were willing and ready to solve all the world’s problems. Okay, we were willing at least. We talked about friends who weren’t there. […]

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

True Freedom

Recently, my brother Chad and I were talking about success, life, leadership, and other things. I asked Chad what his definition of freedom is and his answer blew me away. He said, “Freedom is the ability to be unapologetically you…and having the grace to allow others to do the same.” — Chad Lewis I asked […]

OCTOBER 24, 2023

Break the Burnout Cycle Featuring guest author Patrick Leddin, PhD

My mentor used to say, “You’re either fired up or burned out! And it’s a choice.” It’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. Life is hard. Business is ever-changing and full of challenges. Thankfully there are things we can do to reclaim our focus, energy, and passion. Here is an article from my friend […]

OCTOBER 12, 2023

Some Things Leaders Do

I was on a podcast recently and the host asked me about my daily rituals. He wanted to know what I focus on personally to make each day the best it can be. I have been fortunate to spend time with great leaders over the years. Here are some things I’ve observed and adopted into […]

OCTOBER 3, 2023

The Nature of Partnership

I am on the road. Again. Four events in six days. From New Orleans to Canada. And Hilton Head to Dallas. I am blessed to have my bride with me this week. She signed up to be a true road warrior. Why? Because we are celebrating 27 years of marriage. And on our anniversary, we […]

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Forget About It: Letting Go of Failure

I am blessed with a stellar memory. It has served me well. Mostly. I say mostly because over the years I struggled with holding on to failure too long. I’m a perfectionist. I expect a lot from myself. Striving to achieve the unattainable goal of perfection is delusional at best. And yet so many do […]

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Learning to Love Rejection

“I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.” — Billy Joel I am a keynote speaker and author. I am a sales professional. I am a human. I have an intimate relationship with rejection. Growing up I was a sensitive kid. I wanted everyone […]

AUGUST 30, 2023

The Power of Having Clear Values

"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." — Roy E. Disney What do you think of when you hear the word values? I hear people talk about their values. A lot. I hear leaders talk about organizational values. A lot. It’s easy to talk about values. It is another matter entirely […]

AUGUST 25, 2023

Be Grateful for Feedback and Criticism

“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” —Aristotle How do you feel about feedback and criticism? Is it the same thing? I don’t think so. I think it’s important to understand the difference between feedback and criticism. Nobody likes criticism. It hurts. Every time. Its sharp barbs […]

AUGUST 15, 2023

Believe in a D.R.E.A.M.

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them." —Walt Disney To believe in a dream is foundational to achievement. To believe in something big. Something that matters. It’s what drives elite performance. It is what sustains you when obstacles and roadblocks get in the way. It’s a reason to […]

AUGUST 15, 2023

5 Principles That Elevated My Game as a Leader

Great leaders are born. Just like everyone else. But they weren’t born great leaders. They were simply born with the potential to become a great leader. It takes work, discipline, and commitment to hone one’s ability to lead well. I have been fortunate in my life to be mentored by some great leaders. Masters of […]

JULY 31, 2023

Amazing to the CORE

When I was young, my grandmother would always say to me, “Grandson, you are rotten to the core!” Then she’d laugh. It was a term of endearment that meant I was spoiled. I think of her often and all that she taught me. The other day I was reminiscing about one of those times. I […]

JULY 24, 2023

You Are Worth It

One of the things I am most grateful for is the people I meet out on the road. The road can be a lonely place. It’s not the glamorous life so many envision when I tell them I am a motivational speaker and travel hundreds of days each year. Missed flights. Rideshare no-shows. Long nights […]

JULY 11, 2023

Raise the Bar on Yourself

“Moderate your desire of victory over your adversaries and be pleased with the one over yourself.” — Benjamin Franklin I love to compete. I’ve been that way since I was young. Every sport. Every endeavor. Losing is not an option. Although I have lost plenty of times. My mindset is about winning. Claiming victory. But […]

JULY 3, 2023

Excellence Is Simple But Not Easy

Most service companies suck. Sorry. It’s the truth. We are tired of paying for the privilege of doing the job, for those we hired to do the job. We are tired of excuses. We don’t want to supervise your work. We don’t want to source and pick up materials. We are tired of needing to […]

JUNE 28, 2023

Setting the Stage to Connect

The first thing I want to see when I arrive on location for an event is the meeting space. I want to walk around the room, see the stage set-up, and check out the seating arrangement. I am very intentional about this part of my process. The room is my performance partner. It has everything […]

JUNE 22, 2023

My Dad Still Wears the Cape

Growing up I had heroes. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. They were larger-than-life characters who transported my young mind to a place where truth, justice, and the pursuit of goodness prevailed over the darkness. I needed those heroes. Something to believe in. Someone to believe in. A picture of what was possible. Fast forward some […]

JUNE 12, 2023

The Circle Called Now™

“Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed." —Corita Kent I have developed a very strong belief in the power of one moment in time. Personally, and professionally, the moments of my life have been profoundly impacted when I am disciplined enough to be present in them. To be where […]

JUNE 6, 2023

Today is Your Legacy™

One of the highest honors I have ever had in my life is being asked to deliver a eulogy at the end of someone else’s life. It is also the most challenging thing I have ever done as a speaker. To celebrate all they had done and everything they had become. To invite friends and […]

MAY 24, 2023

Attitude IS Everything

My dear friend, the late, great Keith Douglas Harrell was a giant in my industry. Still is. Keith was known as Dr. Attitude. In fact, I only referred to him as “Doc.” He left us way too soon. He was 54. But his impact. His legacy. Will leave a mark that cannot be erased. We […]

MAY 16, 2023

10 Life Lessons I Learned from My Hero Stepmom

When I was 26 years old, I lost my mother in a car crash. My parents were married for 34 years. My father survived the accident barely. It was a long road for him to heal both mentally and physically. My dad was lucky to find love again. Her name is Jane. For 27 years […]

MAY 8, 2023

Who Motivates the Motivator?

I am often asked… Who motivates the motivator? Great question. I am not naturally a positive person. But I am a trained optimist. Optimism is a skill. A muscle that needs work to develop. I have to work extra hard to try and keep my mind in the right place. This week I thought I […]

MAY 4, 2023

Bea Present

“A great hallmark of mental wellness is the ability to be in the present moment, fully and with no thoughts of being elsewhere.” — Wayne Dyer Here is another in our series of “Bea Attitudes.” Everyone talks about the power and importance of being present. Yet few ever accomplish it fully. Intellectually we understand the […]

APRIL 25, 2023

Bea Happy

“Don't worry, about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right Singin', don't worry, about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right.” — Bob Marley I love the words to this song. “Don’t worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, gonna be alright.” What if that was actually true? […]

APRIL 21, 2023

Bea Entrepreneurial

“You don’t have to own the place to think like an entrepreneur. But you can never own the place until you do.” — Kevin D. Brown Entrepreneurs think differently. They see what others can’t see. They do what others won’t do. Let’s take a look at this week’s Bea Attitude. Bea Entrepreneurial. One of the […]

APRIL 11, 2023

Victory is at Hand

“Sacrifice is the gateway to victory.” — Kevin D. Brown This week we are going to take a break from the Aunt Bea Attitudes, to share a few thoughts on the topic of sacrifice. “Will the use of my day, outlive my day?” That’s something my mentor used to say to me. He would push […]

APRIL 4, 2023

BEA Authentic

“When you are genuinely being your true self, you need no words of explanation. You just are.” — Laurie E. Smith As we continue to explore the “Bea Attitudes” I want to focus this week on one of Bea’s most magical attributes. Authenticity. Now, if you’re like me, you might cringe a little when you […]

MARCH 28, 2023

BEA Willing

"Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream." — Peter McWilliams Last week we talked about the “Bea Attitude” of kindness (click here if you missed it). This week I want to talk about another “Bea Attitude.” Be Willing. […]

MARCH 21, 2023

The “BEA” Attitude of Kindness

“Kindness is the most underrated superpower on the planet. And in today’s world, it is a competitive advantage.” — Kevin D. Brown If you know our story, you might remember a certain pancake maker who works at the “happiest place on earth.” Her name is Bea. To us, she is affectionately known as “Aunt Bea.” […]

MARCH 9, 2023

Never Look at the Empty Seats

If what you do pleases them, they'll be back and probably bring somebody else with them. And it snowballs. That's how you build a following. Bring your “A” game every night, and never look at the empty seats. ~ Charlie Daniels Some of the best advice for business and life is summed up in this […]

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

Seeking a Sitting Ovation

“Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it, there is suffering.” - Brené Brown I am a professional speaker. I love my time on stage with amazing clients. There is nothing more gratifying than an audience who loves you […]

FEBRUARY 21, 2023

What Not to Do When Things Aren’t Going Well

“Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure.” -James Altucher Some people think that speakers and authors have got it all together. I suppose some speakers and authors think that too. Not this one. In fact, I still have a lot of work to do on the person in […]

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

The ART of Friendship

"Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows." ~ Ben Stein I just spent two days with my best buddy, Chad. I had been on the road for nearly 4 weeks straight. Flown somewhere around 25,000 miles. Coast to coast, north and south, international, and […]

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Unleashing the Force of Flexibility

“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” ― Robert Jordan, The Fires of Heaven There was a time in my life when I was inflexible. Incapable of compromise. My way or the highway was my operating system. I was opinionated. Stubborn and headstrong. I had a […]

JANUARY 31, 2023

The Power of Failing

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela I hate when I mess up. On anything. Big things. Small things. Failure drives me crazy. I am my own worst critic. When I make a mistake, I tend to beat […]

JANUARY 27, 2023

Stop Counting Your Sit-ups

“I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count.” ~ Muhammad Ali Success is doing what others won’t do so you can have what others won’t have. Most people quit when it gets difficult and they begin to feel the pain. If you […]

JANUARY 26, 2023

What the Purpose of Life is Not

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. -Ralph Waldo Emerson What are you chasing? I overheard someone the other day tell a friend, “I just want to be happy.” […]

OCTOBER 26, 2022

Unleashing the Power of Motivation and Momentum

I am a motivational speaker. I am proud to be a motivational speaker. When I first started out, friends in the business implored me not to call myself a motivational speaker. I was intrigued by their adamant pleas. “Why,” I asked. The answer was the same each and every time. “People don’t like motivational speakers. […]

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Respond Versus React: 3 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Response-Ability

There is a lot of talk these days about responsibility. We demand responsibility from our political, spiritual, and business leaders. We try to instill a sense of responsibility in our colleagues, subordinates, and in our children. Yes, there’s no doubt that during times of crisis, hardship, and the tests that befall us, there is a […]

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

It’s Called Self-Help for a Reason

I am a self-help junkie. For those who know me, this is not a revelation or new knowledge. Personal improvement is high on my list of priorities. Why? Because I need all the help I can get. Trust me. I was playing golf the other day with a friend and telling him about the latest […]

AUGUST 5, 2022

The Magic of Perspective

When you think about your life, what is the story you keep telling yourself, and how do you perceive the person in the mirror? Is your story a mystery? A drama? A love story? Fiction? Do you keep beating yourself up because of all the past mistakes and failures, or are you high-fiving the hero […]

JULY 6, 2022

Make Focus Your Superpower

A young man came up to me after a speech and said, “may I ask you a question?” I said, “sure, go for it.” “I’m curious,” he said with an intent look on his face, “who motivates the motivator?” Then he added this. “I mean, how do you get yourself to focus on what really […]

JUNE 7, 2022

The Incredible Power of Words

Heroes choose their words wisely. Wise words lead to a life of wisdom and positive influence. Words can be used to tear down walls and build bridges. Unfortunately, they can also be used to tear down bridges and build walls. Early in my career I had a mentor who would ask me the same question […]

APRIL 26, 2022

Setting Your Personal GPS: 3 Things to Keep You on Course at Work and in Life

Years ago, during a family vacation, we settled into our hotel and then piled into the car to find something to eat. A quick look online revealed a number of good options. After the cursory "where would you like to go – I don't care, where do you want to go?" conversation with my wife […]

APRIL 13, 2022

7 Secrets to a Killer Morning Routine By Matt Mayberry – Author, Consultant, and Speaker

How you start your day determines whether you win or lose. The right rituals in the morning can have an incredible impact on your performance at work and in life. In this newsletter, I want to share an article written by my friend, Matt Mayberry. Matt is an author, speaker, and consultant that helps organizations […]

MARCH 29, 2022

The Secret Superpower Behind Batman

I love the Batman movies. My favorite is still the 1989 release starring Michael Keaton. The one that started it all for the modern-day big-screen Batman franchise. As a twenty-something young man whose life was in shambles, I remember being inspired by the Batman character. This troubled superhero channeled anger and grief into a force […]

MARCH 16, 2022

An Apple A Day: Eight Things You Can Do to Supercharge Your Life

Several years ago, I was having a conversation with a mentor about productive habits. Specifically, he was talking about the power of daily rituals that he used to stay focused and on track. He was one of the most disciplined people I had ever been around. A legit high-performer who left nothing to chance. He […]

MARCH 3, 2022

Ready, Set, Grow: 3 "B"s to Personal and Professional Growth

There is a great debate among human development experts. One side says that the average person uses only 5% of their brain’s capacity. The other side argues that most people use 10% of their brain’s potential. My question – why aren’t we arguing on behalf of the 90 – 95% of our potential that is […]

FEBRUARY 15, 2022

4 Things I Learned From Charlie Brown About Achieving Goals

I’ve never met a person who didn’t love the Peanuts character Charlie Brown. There’s something about him that makes us like him – to root for him when the chips are down. Maybe it’s his do-good nature or his naïve vulnerability that draws us in. Perhaps it’s his ability to wear one shirt every day […]

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

3 Things Heroic Leaders Do to Take Care of Themselves First

I recently posted the following on social media. “In order to help others, you have to take care of yourself first.” Before every flight, passengers are given a safety briefing. The very last thing we are told is that if oxygen masks are needed, to put your mask on first and then help those around […]

JANUARY 18, 2022

Reinvention Is A Myth: The ART Of Revealing Your Best Self

The other day I overheard someone say, “I am reinventing myself in 2022!” The way he said it made me laugh. It was as if there is a giant switch you can flip and instantly become someone else. It made me think of something my dad used to say. “Wherever you go, there you are.” […]

JANUARY 5, 2022

The Power of a Compelling Vision – Three Things to Bring Your 2022 Goals to Life

A new year. New goals. More resolutions. Renewed intentions. We all call it something different. It seems everyone has an opinion about how you should plan, prepare, and execute in the year ahead. I want to set you free in 2022. I don’t have a business plan. I will say it again. I don’t have […]

DECEMBER 8, 2021

The Extra Mile - 3 Ways to Push Big Goals Across the Finish Line

Four months ago, I couldn’t walk. Hip pain and a subsequent medical procedure left me on crutches. Keynotes were a challenge. Clients had to help me on and off the stage. Strangers helped me navigate airports and hotels. I was angry. I was determined to walk normally. I also wanted to run again. My son, […]

NOVEMBER 23, 2021

The Power of a Grateful Heart

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I have been reflecting on the past year or two, as I am sure many of you are. We have all been through so much and continue to face challenges every single day as a result of the storm we have been in. But I think we also have […]

NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Belief: One Superpower That Can Change Everything

“Don't worry, about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right Singin', don't worry, about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right.” — Bob Marley I love the words to this song. “Don’t worry about a thing. ‘Cause every little thing, gonna be alright.” What if that was actually true? […]

OCTOBER 26, 2021

Five Ways to “Pivot” and “Circle Back” to CLEAR Communication

Meetings should not require a translator when everyone speaks the same language. And yet, people leave meetings and log off Zoom every day confused, frustrated, and stressed over the communication that didn’t happen. It’s 8:27 a.m. and teams around the globe are walking into and logging onto the exact same meeting even though they all […]

OCTOBER 12, 2021

NOW Is the Time

As a professional speaker, I am often asked about my process. Specifically, what goes through my mind as I am taking the stage. My first thought is don’t trip and fall. My second thought is actually a prayer: Please use my story and this time together to add value to the people in this room. […]

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

There's No Labor Shortage

I hate what the pandemic has done to our world. From lives lost and families devastated to the erosion of humanity and the decimation of dreams for many business owners, the burden is heavy in life and business. To make matters worse, this season of crisis has become a convenient excuse for some as it […]

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

When Is a Dream Too Big?

What an interesting question. And one I had never considered until recently. I was on the phone doing a prep call with a client for an upcoming keynote. We were discussing specific content and essential takeaways that would support their theme and objectives. Everything was good. Until it got uncomfortable. It started when I mentioned […]

SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Unleashing Your HERO

During the pandemic, we’ve heard the words hero and essential on a daily basis. We’ve watched as everyday people in communities, families, and organizations all over the planet rise to the challenges we’ve all faced during the crisis. And while we may not all be in the same boat, we have all most certainly been […]

AUGUST 31, 2021

If You Want Engagement… Be Engaging

During a recent leadership retreat with a client, the following question was asked: “How do we, as leaders, effectively engage with our teams in a virtual environment?” My first thought was, don’t suck at engaging your people, virtually or otherwise. Too harsh? Let’s explore… I know it is an important question. After all, the virtual […]

AUGUST 17, 2021

The Future of Work Is Change

The dominant question on the minds of many today is, “What does The Future of Work look like?” I think the answer can be found in the History of Work. The one thing that you see throughout history in business and life is change. Everything changes, and thank goodness for that. Without change, there would […]

JULY 20, 2021

Two Superpowers That Can Change Everything

There are two incredible forces that heroes and high achievers use to automatically tip the scales of success in their favor. The deployment of these two forces quite literally gives them an unfair advantage in their work and life. The first is OPTIMISM. I know some of you may be rolling your eyes and thinking, […]

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Do What You Can

Theodore Roosevelt said, "Do what you can with what you have where you are." So many people just go through life coasting, going through the motions. The great ones, the people who excel at work, who build great companies, the high achievers in life, they're always great stewards of where they are right now. They […]

AUGUST 18, 2020

Running Stream

The great philosophy professor Howard Hendricks said, "I would rather my students drink from a running stream than a stagnant pool." So many people go through life as a stagnant pool. They never learn; they never grow; they're content to just be where they are. Nobody wants to drink from a stagnant pool. People want […]

JULY 26, 2020

The Box

When I was young we used to play With sticks and stones and rocks. But nothing, oh nothing, ever compared To the fun we could have with a box. Laugh and play we’d stay all day, And we might even lose our socks. Lost in space to a faraway place Inside that plain old box. […]

JULY 24, 2020

Influence is a Two-Way Street

The opportunity to influence others is one of the great joys and responsibilities of leadership. I believe that influence is the ability to move others from where they are to someplace new—to challenge old thinking, inspire new actions and help create a pathway for excellence in the lives of others. Influence is indeed a gift. […]

JUNE 24, 2020

Sprint Day of Learning Podcast

Great to be with the heroes at Sprint earlier this year. Honored to share more about The Hero Effect with Colin Ridge on Sprint's Day of Learning podcast.

JUNE 18, 2020

Asking for What You Want

You get 100% of what you don't ask for.

JUNE 9, 2020

Reputation

Reputation goes before you and announces your arrival and lingers long after you leave… What do people do when they see your name pops up in their inbox? What do people do when your name shows up on their caller ID? Your reputation represents what you do. Make sure your reputation clearly represents who […]

JUNE 3, 2020

Heroes See Life Through the Lens of Optimism

Today I challenge you to wear the lens of optimism. You'll see people not just as they are, but as they can be. You'll see life not just as it is, but as it could be. Develop this supernatural vision, and I promise you'll live a richer, more meaningful life.

MAY 29, 2020

Legacy Is What Lingers After We're Gone

People will respect you for the business you build. You will be rewarded for the organization that you build. But you will only be remembered for the people you build. You decide what your life is about. What do you want to linger after you’re gone?

MAY 20, 2020

Satisfaction is Code for Ordinary

Organizations are always chasing employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, vendor satisfaction. But the truth is "satisfaction" doesn't even get you a ticket to the dance. Don't you want enthusiastic ambassadors for your brand? Then you'll need to go beyond satisfaction to create an exceptional experience for those you serve and serve with.

MAY 15, 2020

Practice Doesn't Make Perfect

Practice doesn’t make perfect… it makes it permanent. Make sure you’re practicing the right fundamentals… perfect practice makes perfect.

MAY 6, 2020

The Power of a Smile

There's power in a simple smile. Smiling and laughter are infectious. Positivity and optimism are contagious. And we need those things right now.

APRIL 8, 2020

The #1 Thing Everybody Wants (According to Oprah)

Oprah said everybody she’s ever known - rich, famous, known or unknown; from Bush to Obama to Beyonce - were all seeking this one thing…

MARCH 31, 2020

It's Time To Move

Leaders always move boldly into uncertainty. Now is not the time to sit down. It’s time to move… to move boldly and to get creative.

MARCH 27, 2020

Heroes Help People... With No Strings Attached

Everyone knows that being helpful is good for business, but most people are only willing to be helpful to the extent that there’s a return on investment. HEROES understand there is a part 2 to this idea of being helpful… Have you mastered the dot, dot, dot?

MARCH 25, 2020

The Playlist in Your Head

I was thinking on my run today that in the same way we can skip, shuffle, delete and add to the playlist on our earbuds... the playlist of the mind is super powerful and you have the capacity to control everything that makes it onto that playlist. Now, more than ever, we need to fill […]

MARCH 18, 2020

Leading Through Crisis

With everything that’s happening in the world right now, as a leader, it can be tough to know what to do. But I

FEBRUARY 19, 2020

How Business Gets Done

How the business gets done is about building a team of heroes at every level. Executing at a high level with every single customer internally and externally. Business gets done when we help each other...with no strings attached. Serving others is priority number one. Business gets done when we create an exceptional experience for the […]

FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Everyone is Selling Something

We're all in sales. What are you selling? And what are you buying?

JANUARY 13, 2020

Feedback vs. Criticism

Who are you listening to in 2020? Say NO to critics!!

JANUARY 1, 2020

How to Make 2020 Extraordinary By Using the Five "I's"

I’ve never been impressed by goal-setting. But vision casting is non-negotiable! Here’s a simple process to achieve your vision in 2020...

DECEMBER 31, 2019

It's Time to Be the Extraordinary Human You Were Born to Be...

Have you been making “ordinary” choices!? It’s time to let go of the ordinary and embrace your Extraordinary! Remember, the past is a place of reference not a place of residence! Make this year your most EXTRAORDINARY year ever! “Heroes are extraordinary people who chose not to be ordinary. You see ordinary is a learned […]

OCTOBER 22, 2019

Think Inside the Box: How Heroes Transform the Ordinary

In my neighborhood, the kids lived for the day when someone bought a washer, dryer, or refrigerator so we could play with and decorate the box that the appliance came in. Limited only by the boundaries of our imagination, that box represented anything we wanted it to be: a race car, an army fort, a […]

AUGUST 13, 2019

Conquering Kryptonite: How to Beat Fear, Leverage Change & Achieve Your Best Results

Do you remember Superman and the superhuman acts he performed for the good of mankind? Of course, you do, but do you remember what robbed Superman of all his power? It was kryptonite...the one thing that took away his greatness. It left him powerless and weak, helpless and unable to make any significant contribution to […]

JULY 17, 2019

Be The Hero... For Yourself and Others

A Hero Named David My first mentor was a man named David. He was a gruff, no-nonsense sales guy from South Texas. David helped me pull my life out of the ditch by teaching me about sales and about life. He taught me how to create a vision for my life that was far different […]

JUNE 11, 2019

The 5 Bea-Attitudes: How You Can 'Bea' a Hero

If you’ve heard one of my presentations, you probably remember the story of Aunt Bea and apple pancakes… For those not as familiar with the story or if you need a refresher, you can watch the first part of the apple pancakes story here: What can we learn from Aunt Bea? Bea showed up with […]

MAY 23, 2019

Your Heroes Need Encouragement

When you decide to be a hero, you will need encouragement. In fact, your heroes need encouragement as well. The world is full of discouragers. You can become a hero simply by encouraging others along the way. During an interview, Oprah Winfrey shared that she had interviewed over thirty-five thousand guests on The Oprah Winfrey […]

APRIL 18, 2019

Why Ordinary People are Ordinary

One person I talked to and asked what a hero looked like was a ten-year-old version of myself. Kids have a brilliant way of seeing themselves and the world. They are confident. They think they showed up with all the right stuff. They believe they are here to save the world and make a positive […]

MARCH 6, 2019

How You Can Lift Up Yourself and Others by Seeing Life Through the Lens of Optimism

Optimism changes your luck. It changes your perspective on things that happen in life. It allows you to rise above the things that hold most people down and provides you the wisdom to respond to situations rather than react to what happens. I hear people talk about Murphy’s Law, which basically says that whatever can […]

JANUARY 15, 2019

The Fantastic Four Qualities of a Hero

Heroes do certain things better than everyone else. They show up with a different mindset and focus. Specifically, I noticed four fantastic qualities that are evident every time a hero shows up: 1. Heroes Help people—with no strings attached. Everyone comprehends that heroes help people. We understand on some level that helping others is a […]

January 15, 2019