“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 […]

"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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]