“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there …
Transitioning from Go-To Person to Empowering Leader!
Your boss was incredibly successful because he or she had you! What happens after you get promoted and the team you are now leading no longer has a “you?” Recreating yourself as a leader means shifting focus from personal achievement to team empowerment. Your new role is about creating opportunities for others to shine, building trust and independence. Interested in …

How to write a book (or accomplish pretty much anything)
Our friend and mentor, Chris Hunsicker, travels the globe helping clients transform organizational culture and leadership. And he just published a book that captures many of the principles and tools he shares: “Unstoppable Culture: A Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Relentless, Results-Driven, High-Performing Team” Chris shares how he wrote it–and how you can use the process (structure, tiny habits and …
Leading in crisis–and a plot twist
The CDK shutdown: A crisis so big it impacted the GDP. Mike and Mark watched a firm not just survive but thrive, thanks to five key behaviors. And it turns out there is a plot twist involved. Interested in coaching or training on these topics for you or your team? We’d love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark.
The intern who figured it out: Be open to learning
Mark shares the story of what happened when an intern opened up to a room full of professionals. Are you willing to say you don’t have it figured out? Your future growth–and success–may depend on it. We’d love to hear from you! Email Mike and Mark.

Booker T.’s 3 secrets to overcoming challenges
Mark thinks Booker T. Washington is one of the greatest Americans of all time. Need proof? Check out how Washington improved students who wanted to be teachers … by turning his school into a brick-making powerhouse. Resources mentioned: “Up from Slavery” “What a black cemetery teaches us about self control” “Choices: a Civil War battle and the battles we face …
Choices: a civil war battle and the battles we face with every decision
It all hinged on choices. If one had not chosen to rise before dawn … if another had not chosen to commit to training … if still another had not chosen to execute the severest of punishments … … it’s possible we would not live in the United States of America. Are you taking your daily decisions just as seriously …
Choices: a Civil War battle and the battles we face with every decision
It all hinged on choices. If one had not chosen to rise before dawn … if another had not chosen to commit to training … if still another had not chosen to execute the severest of punishments … … it’s possible we would not live in the United States of America. Are you taking your daily decisions just as seriously …
Toyota explains how to never jump to a conclusion again
Toyota has been synonymous with quality for decades. Part of the secret is the company’s distinct way of operating, which has been a gift to companies and managers worldwide. Perhaps you know one of those gifts: kaizen. Do you know about genchi genbutsu? It has kept Toyota’s quality high … and it will prevent you from ever jumping to a …
Does your pursuit of excellence have a purpose?
The warriors in the Iliad … Pa in the Little House stories … and you and me. We all want to improve and excel. But why? There are good ways to answer that question–and some incredibly destructive ones as well. Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes … or interview subjects? Email Mike and Mark.