The Real Reason We Can’t Pay Attention to Politics

If you find yourself rationing your exposure, take a moment to thank your brain for helping you filter some of the madness out. It’s ok to break away, to reset. In fact, it’s pretty necessary.

If You Want To Be An Optimist, Begin By Giving Thanks

I was catching up with a friend recently and he said I seemed more optimistic, more confident in the future. The comment stuck with me over the past few weeks. And as I’ve sat with it, evaluating what could be different, I’m left with one simple answer: I’m more grateful these days. Over the lastContinue reading “If You Want To Be An Optimist, Begin By Giving Thanks”

Colin Powell, The Reluctant Warrior

In the last decade, former Secretary of State Colin Powell may have found himself feeling like a man out of sync with the times. With the news of his passing yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the profound impact he had on so many over such a long career. Regardless of one’s politics, there’s probablyContinue reading “Colin Powell, The Reluctant Warrior”

Opposing Isn’t Good Enough

I’m watching an absolutely painful interview clip right now. I’m not going to offer context out of respect for the victim, er, interviewee. But suffice it to say that a public persona is being re-defined in front of my eyes. In watching this particularly brutal exchange, I’m reminded of a lesson from former Speaker ofContinue reading “Opposing Isn’t Good Enough”

Jumpstart Your Advocates’ Infinite Mindsets

The Infinite Game. That’s a pretty heady title, right? Building on his success with Leaders Eat Last and Start With Why, Simon Sinek did not disappoint with the work he released in 2019. The Infinite Game was such a compelling piece that, in large measure, it served as the catalyst toward the eventual launch ofContinue reading “Jumpstart Your Advocates’ Infinite Mindsets”

Complicated Cal

You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but you can judge it by the wear and tear. I don’t really care for clean books. Yes, I absolutely want to pass along an extensive library to my kids some day. But under no circumstance should they expect those books to beContinue reading “Complicated Cal”

Second and Third Order Consequences

If you take a moment to browse the Bookshelf page on this site, you’ll note the opening section includes a reference to the Thomas Sowell Reader. Dr. Sowell stands as one of those influencing figures in my life whose words continue to come back to me time and time again. A prior Marine himself, Dr.Continue reading “Second and Third Order Consequences”

Moments of Leadership – the one where you just keep going

Going slow isn’t a failure, giving up is.

Space for All

No doubt by now you’ve come to know my self-professed obsession with the world of human spaceflight. In my nearly 36 years, the boyish wonder I’ve felt on this topic has only grown. But all along, that same wonder has remained shaded by the reality of the dangers of the pursuit. In the past fewContinue reading “Space for All”