“If you want to understand something, take it to the extremes or examine its opposites.”-Boyd The ability to make swift, effective decisions is invaluable. Colonel John Boyd’s OODA Loop is the go-to framework that leaders can leverage to sharpen their decision-making skills and overcome challenges. It is a phenomenal tool for developing emotional intelligence as you move through your day in professional and personal moments. The OODA Loop, an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, is a decision-making model that was initially developed and refined by Air Force Colonel John Boyd during m ..read more

“Emotional intelligence is being curious about people in their lives and their stories, and communication is the way we grow closer to one another.” – Brené Brown Many of you have heard about Emotional Intelligence (EI); however, intellectually understanding a concept differs from mastering one. Today, I want to share with you why being emotionally intelligent is a skill set that equips you as a leader to be present with emotions and gives you insight into the emotional state of those around you. As a leader, developing self & social awareness, understanding how to self-regulate,  and ..read more

Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.”-Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements The demand for leaders who can navigate the complexities of international relations and cross-cultural interactions has never been greater. Holistic global leadership development is not just a trend; it’s necessary for those aspiring to lead effectively on the global stage. Drawing from scholarly research and best practices, here are three ideas that leaders can adopt immediately to enhance their global leadership competencies. Cultivate Cultural ..read more

People are very open-minded about new things…as long as they’re exactly like the old ones! – Charles Kettering Being open-minded is not just a nice-to-have trait for leaders; it’s essential. Open-mindedness is the art of easily considering new ideas and perspectives, especially when they challenge existing beliefs. It’s a critical skill for navigating the complexities of modern leadership and fostering innovation and growth within organizations. Open-mindedness starts with recognizing that your current way of thinking might not be the only way and especially may not be the best way. Getting cu ..read more

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw Effective communication is essential for effective leadership, and the skill of active listening is at its heart. Miscommunication can lead to conflict and missed opportunities, but by genuinely listening—engaging with both the verbal and nonverbal aspects of what someone is saying—we can transform our relationships. Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, setting aside your agenda, and immersing yourself in your counterpart’s perspectives. Showing a deep, human inter ..read more

“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”-Dalai Lama Let’s be transparent about the importance of transparency in our world’s current uncertainty and constant change this week. If you follow my blogs, you know I constantly remind leaders that VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) has become emblematic of our times, encapsulating the whirlwind of challenges they/you navigate daily. Yet, within this turbulence lies an opportunity for us to steer our teams, families, and selves to success with clarity, authenticity, and trust. The power to na ..read more

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” –Ernest Hemingway Trust in a team is not just a nice-to-have; it’s the very foundation upon which successful teams and organizations are built. It is the thread that binds leaders and their teams, enabling them to navigate the complexities of today’s business world. Understanding how trust is gained and lost, and the pivotal role of transparency, courage, and respect is crucial to forge a high-trust culture. Trust is hard-earned and easily lost. It’s built on a series of positive interactions and experiences where leaders d ..read more

“Restore your attention or bring it to a new level by dramatically slowing down whatever you’re doing.” – Sharon Salzberg Throughout my years of mentoring and coaching leaders, I’ve observed a transformative shift when leaders integrate mindfulness daily. Leadership is not just about making decisions or setting directions; it’s more about showing up and being present with those we lead. Mindfulness is not just a buzzword; being a mindful leader is a practice and the ability to be fully present and engaged in each moment without judgment or secondary-level mental rumination. This week, let’s co ..read more

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill Leadership today must evolve to meet the demands of  the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions we reside in. Drawing from my experience as a Navy SEAL commander, where operating in VUCA environments is the norm, I know there are a few non-negotiables for success. This week, I offer three actionable lessons for leading effectively amidst uncertainty so that you and your team can make a real impact within and outside your organization. Embrace Reality and Foste ..read more

“The warrior is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others. His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who can not provide for themselves, and above all, the children, the future of humanity.”- Chief Sitting Bull In today’s world, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), effective leadership demands continuous self-improvement. To improve oneself requires consistent skill development and growth. As a Navy SEAL leader, I learned one crucial lesson for how to show up daily: an unwavering dedication to servant leadership. Robert K. Gr ..read more