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 […]

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 […]

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 […]