Even Good Change Can Be Hard
Change is hard. It’s important to navigate new chapters, embrace growth, and understand why uncertainty doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the wrong path.
Tell Them Now
In leadership, relationships matter more than we often realize. Yet many of us wait too long to express gratitude to the people who have influenced, encouraged, and shaped our lives. Inspired by a conversation with University of Oklahoma Vice President Matt Rom, this reflection explores what he calls the “eulogy problem”—our tendency to say the most meaningful things about people only after they’re gone—and challenges us to tell them now.
What 25 Guys Had in Common
A week with twenty-five strangers in Vermont revealed a common human need that transcended careers, backgrounds, and accomplishments: the desire for genuine connection and meaningful relationships.
The Scorecard That Actually Matters
When the Indianapolis Colts were choosing between two talented quarterbacks in the 1998 draft, the debate centered on physical ability. Both players had strong arms. Both had impressive college careers. Both looked like they could succeed.
When ‘The Customer is Always Right’ Goes Too Far
Real optimism is not pretending things are easy, or that everything will work out just like we hope.
It’s not ignoring problems, dismissing risks, or acting as though difficult moments won’t come.
The Noise is Not the Outcome
Real optimism is not pretending things are easy, or that everything will work out just like we hope.
It’s not ignoring problems, dismissing risks, or acting as though difficult moments won’t come.
Why Talented Teams Still Fall Apart
Even highly talented teams can struggle when people are not moving in the same direction. True unity goes beyond effort or ability—it requires shared purpose, communication, trust, and alignment.A simple lesson from the sport of rowing that reveals why teamwork and culture matter more than talent alone.
Before You Say a Word
Before a leader ever casts vision, corrects a mistake, or delivers a speech, something else speaks first: presence. People often decide how they feel about us long before we say a word—through our expression, tone, posture, and the emotional atmosphere we create around us. This week, I was reminded that some of the most influential leaders don’t simply command attention; they make people feel seen, valued, and genuinely welcomed.
Not Completion, Commencement
Milestones in life often feel like endings, but many of them are actually beginnings. In this article, Nathan Whitaker reflects on his daughter’s graduation from the University of Florida and explores the ideas of growth, character, purpose, and what it truly means to keep becoming over the course of a lifetime.
The Day I Tried to Give Hank Aaron My Autograph
Leadership and humility are often revealed in small moments rather than large stages. A memorable encounter involving baseball legend Hank Aaron and reflects on humility, service, and the kind of character that leaves a lasting impact on others.
What March Madness Gets Right About Teams
Great teams are rarely built on talent alone. In this article, Nathan Whitaker reflects on the lessons of March Madness, leadership, role acceptance, and why alignment, trust, and shared purpose often matter more than individual ability when building strong team culture.
He Chooses His Attitude Before the Sun Comes Up
Emotional leadership often begins long before a meeting, practice, or difficult conversation ever starts. IA baseball manager’s intentional approach to attitude, mindset, and leadership — and why great leaders choose what they will bring into the room before the day even begins.
Geography Changes. Human Nature Doesn’t.
Organizational culture may look different from one country or workplace to another, but human nature remains remarkably consistent. Reflections on conversations with leaders and schools around the world and explores the timeless foundations of strong team culture, trust, accountability, and leadership.
When Power Changes Us
Power doesn’t just give us authority, it can test our awareness.
It can lead to habits that might help us stand out early but quietly erode trust over time.
Sometimes the Best Help Is a Phone Call
Leadership and relationships often require humility as much as wisdom. In this reflection, Nathan Whitaker shares a story involving college basketball coach Donnie Jones and a simple act of care that became a reminder that sometimes the best way to help someone is by...
The Real Cost of One Toxic Person
Allow a toxic person into our organization impacts our leadership and culture more than we might realize. This article draws on research from Bob Sutton to explain.
For a Moment, I Was a Kid Again
Keeping a sense of wonder at the magic of the everyday.
Hit Your Goals — Just Don’t Lose Yourself
Winning the Super Bowl didn’t change who I was. A personal story about goals, identity, and why who you become matters more than what you achieve.
Leaders Who Lift
Tony Dungy always had mindset of developing leaders and saw a young coach that with the right guidance and opportunity, could flourish.
That coach? Mike Tomlin.
Pause Before You React
Leaders who can pause before reacting — who resist the urge to match emotion with emotion — create space for wisdom. They calm the room, not fuel the fire.
Would You Give Up $150,000?
Reggie Wayne put playoff success over a regular season bonus – talk about selfless
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