Sometimes the biggest leadership failures come from the best intentions. In this article, I unpack two powerful stories, one real, one fictional, where leaders tried to help, but ended up doing harm by skipping the most important step: listening. Whether you're leading a team or launching a new initiative, these stories reveal why influence without empathy quickly becomes imposition, and how trust is built not by having the answers, but by asking the right questions first.

For the first time in history, five generations are working together in the same workforce. Boomers, Gen X, Xennials, Millennials, and Gen Z—all with different strengths, expectations, and worldviews.

The challenge? They don’t always speak the same language.

But the real opportunity lies in learning how to lead through that difference, not around it. Whether it’s a general asking about a rifle score or a young Marine pioneering breakthroughs in AI, leadership today means translating across generations—not choosing sides.

This article explores how leaders at any age can bridge that divide, build mutual respect, and create something better than either side could build alone.

In today’s culture of shortcuts and surface-level effort, true craftsmanship and preparation stand out—sometimes so much they’re mistaken for AI. This post explores how mediocrity has become the norm in business, content, and everyday life—and why leaders who commit to doing things well are more important than ever.

When change hits hard and the path ahead is uncertain, the one thing your team needs isn’t a perfect plan—it’s your steady presence. In this post, I share a behind-the-scenes moment from one of the most chaotic transitions of my career as a senior advisor, and how calm leadership—not control—created clarity in the storm. Because when the map disappears, your presence becomes the compass.

True leadership in crisis isn’t about rank or control—it’s about knowing who you are when the pressure hits. Discover how identity shapes leadership and why your reflection in the mirror matters more than ever in moments of chaos.

The Martian Paradox explores what happens when a leader grows beyond the system they return to. Through personal stories from elite military assignments, embassy service, and high-level leadership programs, this piece unpacks the quiet challenge of reentry—how evolved leaders can feel out of place in legacy organizations, and what to do when the system isn’t ready for what you've become.

If you’ve ever come back from something that changed you—and struggled to reconnect with the world you left behind—this is for you.

In this article, I explore how coaching and mentoring evolved from leadership tasks into the core of my leadership strategy—and how their ripple effects can shape teams, cultures, and even generations. If you’re serious about growing leaders, not just managing them, this one’s for you.

In this reflective article, Michael shares the lessons he learned over 21 years of military service, focusing on the transition from tactical to strategic thinking. He discusses how shifting from reactive problem-solving to proactive planning shaped his leadership philosophy and led to a deeper understanding that "Every business is a people business." This journey emphasizes the importance of investing in people, anticipating challenges, and leading with foresight for long-term success.

We often expect great work but rarely take the time to acknowledge it. A simple, sincere compliment can change someone’s entire day—yet praise is often overlooked. Here’s how a quick moment of recognition at a busy Starbucks reminded me why instant appreciation is a leadership superpower.

Leadership should be universal—if you can lead at work, you should be able to lead at home. Or so I thought. In my professional life, leadership feels structured, methodical, and effective. But at home? It’s a different story. The same skills that help me guide teams and mentor employees don’t always translate seamlessly into parenting. In this reflective piece, I explore why leading at work feels easier than leading at home, the emotional weight of fatherhood, and what it truly means to bridge the gap between professional success and personal growth. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about people, and the ones at home matter most.

Leadership is often measured by performance metrics and business outcomes, but its true impact is revealed in the quiet moments at home. The Dinner Table Test asks a simple yet profound question: When your employees go home at the end of the day, what do they say about you as a leader?

Do they share stories of inspiration, respect, and support? Or do they vent about stress, frustration, and lack of appreciation? Leadership does not stop at the workplace—it follows people home, influencing their relationships, well-being, and engagement.

A great leader understands that their legacy is not just written in quarterly reports but in the conversations happening around dinner tables every night.

Many leaders overthink decisions, treating every choice as if it’s irreversible. But Jeff Bezos’ Two-Way Door Framework offers a smarter approach: some decisions are one-way doors (permanent and high-stakes), while others are two-way doors (reversible and low-risk). The problem? Too often, we hesitate on choices that could simply be tested and adjusted.

Understanding this distinction helps leaders move faster, adapt quickly, and avoid unnecessary delays. Is your decision truly a one-way door, or are you just overthinking it?

Sometimes, leadership finds us before we even realize we’re ready. This past week, I witnessed it firsthand as my wife, Nelli, stepped into a leadership role at a business conference—not by seeking it, but by naturally guiding a conversation, sharing insights, and empowering others.

True leadership isn’t about authority or titles; it’s about stepping forward, contributing, and creating space for others to do the same. Watching Nelli embrace this moment reinforced a powerful lesson: when we surround ourselves with the right people, opportunities to lead become clear.

Leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about contribution. On a recent cruise, I met Mr. Washy Washy, a crew member whose simple job of reminding guests to wash their hands became something extraordinary. Through song and dance, he turned a routine task into a ship-wide phenomenon, creating joy while likely preventing illness.

It was a powerful reminder that the smallest roles can have the biggest impact and that true leadership is about recognizing the value in every team member.

Who’s your Mr. Washy Washy? Who has made an impact in your life—not because of their title, but because of how they showed up?

What a Cruise Ship Taught Me About High-Performance Teams

High-functioning teams don’t happen by accident—they are built through clear roles, seamless communication, a shared mission, and mutual trust. On my first-ever cruise, I witnessed a masterclass in teamwork as thousands of crew members from around the world worked together to create a seamless guest experience.

One small but powerful example stood out: consistency. Every Old Fashioned I ordered on board, regardless of the bartender or location, was perfectly crafted. That level of precision is no coincidence—it’s the result of a strong team culture, clear expectations, and a commitment to excellence.

These same principles apply beyond the cruise industry to any organization striving for high performance. Are they present in your team?

Read more to explore the key takeaways from this experience and how they can elevate your leadership and team dynamics.

What Are You Really Selling?

Most business owners focus on what they sell—paint parties, crafting kits, or workshops—but few recognize why their customers keep coming back. People don’t just buy products; they invest in connection, belonging, and shared experiences.

On a recent cruise with my wife, Nelli, for a leadership summit, I had the opportunity to listen to passionate entrepreneurs discuss their businesses. One thing became clear: the most successful ones weren’t just selling a product; they were selling a transformation—a break from routine, a sense of community, and a chance to create lasting memories.

Whether you run a business, lead a team, or inspire others, the key to success isn’t in what you offer—it’s in the impact you create. Are you all in on what you do?

Read the full post to discover how shifting your mindset can transform the way you connect with customers, employees, and the people around you.

Discover why customer buy-in is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Through the story of an Afghan village and lessons from The Ugly American, this blog explores how listening, collaboration, and cultural awareness lead to sustainable solutions and meaningful change. Learn actionable strategies to engage your team, build trust, and solve the right problems the right way.

The philosophy of "Adapt and Overcome" is a cornerstone of resilience and success, whether on the battlefield, in business, or in academia. From military operations like the Battle of Guadalcanal to corporate strategies exemplified by Netflix’s rise, adaptability fosters innovation and ensures survival in ever-changing landscapes. What’s your next move to embrace this mindset?

Corporate culture isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the X-factor that drives engagement, teamwork, and mission success. Drawing from 20 years in the Marine Corps, I’ve seen firsthand how culture transforms teams into high-performing units. When leaders prioritize shared values and purpose, the impact on morale and the bottom line is undeniable.

Labor Day isn’t just a tribute to hard work; it’s a celebration of opportunity, teamwork, and the transformative power of labor. Thomas Edison’s words remind us that opportunity often wears overalls, requiring grit, collaboration, and dedication. Let’s honor the dignity of work and the teamwork that makes enduring achievements possible.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is more than a leadership buzzword—it’s the secret sauce for effective management and team success. By cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and strong communication, leaders can foster innovation, resilience, and engagement within their teams. In leadership, it’s not just about what’s said but understanding what isn’t.

Jack Welch redefined leadership by emphasizing empowerment, autonomy, and recognition. His philosophy—selecting the right people, providing opportunities, and fostering autonomy—transformed GE and serves as a blueprint for modern leadership. By inspiring rather than controlling, Welch showed that great leaders empower their teams to thrive.

The fear of failure often stems from the mistaken belief that its consequences are permanent. Yet, as Friedrich Nietzsche reminds us, "Those who dance alone are considered fools only by those who cannot hear the music." By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, leaders can foster innovation, cultivate psychological safety, and unlock their team’s full potential.

Dale Carnegie once said, "A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound." Remembering and using names is more than courtesy—it’s a leadership tool that builds trust, fosters connections, and drives success. In the people-centered world of business, mastering this simple skill can elevate your leadership and strengthen relationships.

Success isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about recognizing opportunities and acting on them with clarity, resilience, and leadership. Drawing lessons from Ray Kroc’s journey and military insights, this article explores how decisive action and empowering others pave the way for sustainable success and impactful leadership.

The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) isn't just for product development—it’s a mindset that can revolutionize leadership. By embracing adaptability, innovation, and iterative growth, leaders can create resilient teams and strategies that thrive in a dynamic business landscape. MVP thinking transforms leadership into a tool for continuous learning and success.

Success is built on three pillars: Strategy, Execution, and Consistency, with the Momentum Effect serving as a powerful multiplier. Crafting a sound strategy, executing with precision, and maintaining consistent effort lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Harness momentum to amplify your efforts and drive success in leadership and life.

Decision fatigue silently drains a leader’s efficiency, creativity, and judgment, impacting team and organizational success. By acknowledging this phenomenon, structuring decision-making processes, delegating wisely, and automating trivial choices, leaders can preserve their mental energy for critical decisions. Mastering decision fatigue is key to fostering productivity, creativity, and results-driven leadership.

Accountability is the cornerstone of trust, engagement, and sustainable success. By fostering a culture of accountability through clear expectations, constructive feedback, and leadership by example, organizations can boost productivity, reduce turnover, and unlock growth. Let’s embrace accountability as the secret ingredient for thriving teams and resilient businesses.

Meetings should drive progress, not drain productivity. Elon Musk’s advice—“Walk out of a meeting when it is obvious you aren’t adding value”—reminds us that time is precious. By focusing on purpose-driven, efficient meetings, leaders can respect their team’s time and foster a culture of meaningful dialogue and results.