In my work with mission-driven organizations, I’ve seen how trust isn’t just a virtue—it’s a strategy. The way we initiate conversations says everything about our integrity, our intent, and our respect for others. Sales and development efforts rooted in honesty build relationships that last. The rest? Just noise that is best ignored.

Forget the tools—do you have a system? In this episode, I explore why personal knowledge management isn’t about the latest app—it’s about discipline, consistency, and devotion. From steno pads to second brains, I discuss what separates high performers from the forgetful, and why even seasoned executives need a system they trust.

Can you really have your cake and eat it too in nonprofit M&A? In this episode, we explore the mindset behind mergers, acquisitions, and strategic affiliations—not the math, but the meaning. When organizations face pressure to scale without sacrificing identity, leaders are often sent on a quest for the impossible. Tune in as we unpack the cross currents, the trade-offs, and the conversations that matter most before the deal is even on the table.

In a world flooded with AI-generated content, standing out is harder than ever. In this episode, I explore what it really takes to rise above the noise—and why your unique voice matters more now than ever. Fountain pens. Film photography. Franklin Planners. Maybe the future isn’t faster. Maybe it’s more… rum raisinish.

What makes a team brave enough to face transformational change—together? In this episode, I explore the power of vision, trust, and storytelling in leading organizations through risk, resistance, and renewal. Listen in. The fire’s real—but so is what’s on the other side.

“Why Are Young People So Lazy?” (Spoiler: they’re not.) A c-suite exec dropped that line—and it sparked a deeper dive into generational shifts, workplace loyalty, and what younger leaders really want. Listen in for a fresh take on what’s changing—and why it matters.

What does it really mean to step into the CEO role—especially as an interim? In this episode, I share lessons from my own experience leading organizations in transition, and offer practical advice for navigating the delicate balance between “keeping the seat warm” and truly leading. If you’ve ever been tapped to step up, this one’s for you.

Organizations stuck in urgent crises often sacrifice long-term planning, focusing only on immediate fixes. This short-term mindset creates a cycle of unpreparedness that repeats itself. Building awareness of this pattern is the first step toward breaking free and planning for a more sustainable future.

In this week’s episode, I dive deeper into a powerful lesson drawn from my journey as a photographer—why falling in love with what you create transforms not just your art, but your life and career. From average snapshots to meaningful images, I share how shifting focus from process to passion unlocks greater fulfillment and impact. Whether you’re navigating your career path or reflecting on what truly motivates you, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding joy and purpose in the wor...

What do photography and career planning have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, I share how years behind the lens—starting with a beat-up rangefinder—taught me the art of seeing, of waiting, and of wandering. Whether you're a sunrise-chasing planner or a thrill-seeking discoverer, this conversation explores how balancing preparation with openness can shape not just your images, but your life. Because sometimes, the best shot—and the best opportunity—is just around the bend.

Accountability isn’t rocket science—it’s a notebook. In this episode, we skip the complexity and spotlight a painfully obvious yet wildly underused leadership tool: writing things down. From toxic cultures to missed follow-ups, we explore how a simple habit can transform organizational trust, clarity, and follow-through. No apps required. Just a pen, a plan, and a little discipline.

What if the loudest leaders are the most insecure—and the quietest, the strongest? In this episode, we unpack a paradox at the heart of leadership: how humility, not bravado, shapes resilient cultures and lasting impact. From personal reflections to a poignant story of legacy and retirement, this is a candid exploration of what strength really looks like when the stakes are high. If you lead—or aspire to—you’ll want to hear this.

We all learned a lot about life, leadership, values, and priorities during the Covid pandemic. I recently was reminded of one while in the drive-through line at Starbucks.

Some mission driven organizations benefit from considering their purpose, their objective, their very reason for being as a diamond that is distinct from its setting. This week's quick episode is a thought experiment that several of my clients have found helpful. Perhaps you will as well.

"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"... sang The Clash all the way back in 1982. Let's say you have been debating this same question at your job... and ultimately conclude: I'm so done here. As an executive coach, I have been in a number of conversations with individuals who can relate. I sometimes then find myself in a "how do I quit?" discussion. I hope my advice here helps if you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Figuring out what went wrong and then learning from our mistakes is vital to an organization's long-term success and impact. Unfortunately, some organizations struggle to move past the woe-is-us wound licking phase. This is a topic of great interest to me personally and one I have studied and written about quite a bit. The key to progress here is for groups to lament... for a bit... and then to move forward into the learning mode. In this episode, I suggest a distinct and simple set of steps ...

Finding meaning at work impacts organizational culture. Organizational culture impacts our ability to retain and hire the necessary talent for our mission driven organizations. Finding talent to fill our key positions is essential to the success of our "organizations that matter". In this week's episode, I discuss this phenomenon cut against the backdrop of the rapidly changing (i.e., for-profitization) of the hospice industry.

I took a leap of faith, left behind the world I knew and tried to do something completely different. Yet somehow, in the process, I rebuilt everything I had just walked away from. For me, wisdom, insight, and inspiration came from the unlikeliest of sources: Jerry Seinfeld. Perhaps his own self reflection can help you too.

This week, I discuss the impact of busyness on the business of health care with author and expert, Susan Keane Baker. We review issues related to kindness, accountability, presence, leadership, and the state of the industry when it comes to elevating the patient experience. Thank you to Susan for her time and insights. She can be reached at her website here: https://susanbaker.com/.

You need to determine whether change is necessary and then, if so, how best to accomplish that change. This week, I offer another important question that must be considered: is the organization ready for that change? I then discuss the implications of high change readiness and the actions you can take if you encounter low change readiness.