Decision Risk In the realm of decision-making, the most overlooked risk isn’t tied to economic shifts, technological advancements, or climate challenges. It’s the risk inherent in human decision-making, made worse by our tendency to tune out the critical voices around us. This insight is at the heart of Nuala Walsh’s latest book, Tune In: How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World. Walsh delves into the underestimated threat of decision risk, urging leaders to hear and interpret what matters most. Nuala Walsh, a seasoned professional with over thirty years in investment management, serves ..read more

Lessons from the 4th of July   On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. This moment was marked by the ringing of the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. John Adams believed July 2 would be the date remembered by history. Instead the 4th of July has become the day we celebrate American independence. The day gives us lessons in leadership, particularly about boldness, risk-taking, and principles.   Be Bold Independence requires boldness. The founding fathers demonstr ..read more

It’s the Small Stuff   In leadership, the focus often gravitates towards grand visions and sweeping changes. The big stuff.   But my experience is that it’s usually the small, seemingly insignificant threats that can derail organizations.   We think that lions and sharks are scary, and we dismiss the tiny mosquito. But the mosquito is far riskier to humans.   Tiny challenges can accumulate and become critical if ignored. Understanding how successful leaders manage these small threats provides valuable insights for all of us.   Attention to Detail Leaders who excel are ..read more

A Masterclass in Resilience   Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’! — Audrey Hepburn   I found myself needing to stop at a local mall. And I didn’t expect to hear someone shouting in such a hostile manner. I heard the awful words and felt the sting in them before I even rounded the corner. When I turned to see what was happening, and saw her crying, I wasn’t sure what to do or say. Before I could react, she muttered to herself. Straining to hear, I picked up on the fact that she was repeating those awful words to herself. I thought….“You are not those words ..read more

Frank Sonnenberg, an award-winning author and advocate for personal values and responsibility, has written 11 books, including his latest, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose[/amazon]. Named one of “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” and one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts,” Frank’s influence extends through his writing, consulting, and his popular blog, FrankSonnenbergOnline. In our interview about his latest book, we explore Frank’s insights on moral character and how individuals can lead fulfilling lives by embracing strong ..read more

On this season of the Aim Higher podcast, we’ve explored new ideas, shared stories, and learned so much together. As we wrap up, let’s talk about something important. With summer here, it’s time to recharge and reconnect. Summer is a season full of possibilities. The days are long and the sun is bright. It’s a perfect opportunity to step back from our routines and refresh ourselves. Here are some ways to make the most of this wonderful season.   “You don’t always need a plan.  Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” –Mandy Hale   Play Remember ..read more

Listen   “To constitute a dispute there must be two parties. To understand it well, both parties and all the circumstances must be fully heard; and to accommodate the differences, temper and mutual forbearance are requisite.” – George Washington, 1790   We live in an era marked by disputes. Facts are debated, and political parties are in constant conflict. Social media amplifies differences, making it easy to get caught in the echo chamber of our own beliefs. In such a climate, impartial listening is more crucial than ever. This quote from Washington holds timeless wisdom. Especiall ..read more

Weather the Storms Leaders guide ships through storms, not just calm seas. It’s about weathering those storms where resilience becomes the heart of leadership. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about being flexible. Learning to come back, again and again, no matter the setback. Let’s talk about how to instill this into our teams.   Resilience is dancing with the wind, not standing against it.   I think we’d all acknowledge that resilience is a critical leadership skill. It’s also a skill that great leaders need to coach their teams on. Because if your plan starts wit ..read more

Your Unique Leadership Style   Imagine walking into a room full of leaders. Everyone is dressed sharply, their resumes polished. Yet, what truly distinguishes one leader from another isn’t their attire or the bullet points on their CV. It’s something far more intrinsic – their uniqueness. In the world of leadership, blending in might feel safe, but it’s the bold colors of uniqueness that capture attention.   Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all role. Each journey is personal and distinct. Think of it like navigating a river. Some leaders are like speedboats, zooming straight ahead ..read more

Is success ever a “one time event?” When we think of successful people, companies, and even sports teams, we don’t think of people who had one great idea, one excellent product, or a single outstanding game. We think of people who have made a difference over the entire course of their lives. We think of companies that bring new products to market year-after-year. We think about the sports franchises that created winning dynasties across decades or even a century of play. And yet, in our daily lives as workers and managers and leaders, we are often way too willing to define success based on th ..read more