Carson V. Heady's Blog, page 14

My Review of “Stillness is the Key” by Ryan Holiday

My wife made me see a doctor at 40. He marveled at my rigor—little sleep, lots of workouts, and nonstop crammed 10+ hour workdays, but told me I’d eventually hit a wall and have to adjust. At least it took 6 years!

I fed what I was feeling into ChatGPT and it recommended the book Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. Having already read The Obstacle is the Way and as a subscriber to The Daily Stoic, I started reading it immediately.

It was exactly what I needed.

What if the missing ingredient to your success isn’t doing more, but doing less, being more intentional and focused, and taking the time to invest more in what really matters so you are better when you’re working?

Ryan Holiday takes wisdom from ancient Stoics, legendary athletes, brilliant artists, and world leaders to show that true mastery, happiness, and impact come from slowing down, focusing, and creating space for deep work and reflection.

Here are my favorite takeaways:

Stillness isn’t passivity; it’s power. Holiday shares how JFK avoided nuclear war by practicing patience and restraint rather than reacting emotionally. In sales, leadership, and life, our best moves often come from calm, clear thinking, not knee-jerk reactions.

We are addicted to movement and distraction. A story about Tiger Woods’ inner stillness before a big putt reminded me how much focus we lose by constantly checking notifications, emails, and social feeds. Less noise = more clarity.

Discipline > Hustle. Kobe Bryant’s routine wasn’t just about grinding harder; he carved out time for mental and physical recovery. If we don’t prioritize rest and deep work, burnout is inevitable.

Journaling is a superpower. Leonardo da Vinci, Marcus Aurelius, and Anne Frank all used writing to clarify their thoughts. I have journaled consistently for 39 years, and it has been a powerful outlet.

Stillness is the ultimate unlock for success. It’s the ability to be calm in chaos, to see clearly when others panic, and to make better decisions with patience and wisdom.

Are you busy or are you effective?

Are you looking from the balcony view, focused on what matters most, or are you letting yourself be spread thin by every fire you feel compelled to put out?

Do you leave time to think, or is your day just one long reactive sprint?

Are you intentional about recovery, or are you running on fumes?

What would happen if you truly embraced stillness?

I HIGHLY recommend this book. Read it. Apply it. And watch your performance, leadership, and personal growth reach new levels.

What role does stillness play in your life?

#Leadership #Success #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Sales #Stoicism #TimeManagement #Productivity #SelfImprovement

Unlock Lasting Success: How Daily Self-Investment Transforms Dreams into Reality

At this stage in my life and career, I’ve realized that I have everything I ever chased. But here’s the real lesson: it’s not just about earning what you want—it’s about investing in it every single day, through every high and low.

Getting everything I chased demanded everything I had – I have my dream girl, a loving family, a fulfilling career, my dream car, and a powerful reputation in the field I’m passionate about.

Yet, the journey to get here was far from easy; it was excruciating and, at times, downright ugly.

Whether it’s nurturing relationships, pushing through career challenges, or fueling personal passions, the consistent commitment is what keeps your treasures close.

Recently, I immersed myself in Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. I’m working to master my most important relationships like I’ve mastered roles, but also to find solace and fulfillment in the stillness amidst the constant pull to do. To be active. To keep winning. Those never go away.

The relentless pursuits of Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, and the profound impact of their mentors and families, reminded me that our glory days aren’t confined to a single moment. They evolve. Our best days can continue if we never stop investing in what we love.

Dreams Achieved, But the Fight Continues: Success is a journey, not a destination.

Nurture Your Relationships: Consistent investment is essential to keep what matters.

Success is a Marathon: Patience and perseverance shape a fulfilling career.

Learn from the Best: Embrace wisdom from mentors and timeless lessons.

Invest in Your Passion: It’s the key to sustaining your achievements and happiness.

The fight never stops, but every moment invested is worth it.

What keeps you going, and what are you chasing after you win?

At this stage in my life and career, I’ve realized that I have everything I ever chased. But here’s the real lesson: it’s not just about earning what you want—it’s about investing in it every single day, through every high and low.

Getting everything I chased demanded everything I had – I have my dream girl, a loving family, a fulfilling career, my dream car, and a powerful reputation in the field I’m passionate about.

Yet, the journey to get here was far from easy; it was excruciating and, at times, downright ugly.

Whether it’s nurturing relationships, pushing through career challenges, or fueling personal passions, the consistent commitment is what keeps your treasures close.

Recently, I immersed myself in Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. I’m working to master my most important relationships like I’ve mastered roles, but also to find solace and fulfillment in the stillness amidst the constant pull to do. To be active. To keep winning. Those never go away.

The relentless pursuits of Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, and the profound impact of their mentors and families, reminded me that our glory days aren’t confined to a single moment. They evolve. Our best days can continue if we never stop investing in what we love.

Dreams Achieved, But the Fight Continues: Success is a journey, not a destination.

Nurture Your Relationships: Consistent investment is essential to keep what matters.

Success is a Marathon: Patience and perseverance shape a fulfilling career.

Learn from the Best: Embrace wisdom from mentors and timeless lessons.

Invest in Your Passion: It’s the key to sustaining your achievements and happiness.

The fight never stops, but every moment invested is worth it.

What keeps you going, and what are you chasing after you win?

#InvestInYourself #NeverGiveUp #PassionAndPurpose #Leadership #CareerJourney #Resilience #StillnessIsTheKey #SuccessMindset #Inspiration

Challenge Accepted: Turning Doubt Into My Greatest Wins and Proving Them Wrong

My biggest wins have come after people doubted me, said it couldn’t be done or don’t bother. When I’m told it’s not possible, my inner Barney Stinson says, “Challenge accepted.”

I’ve been a runner-up for jobs and deals. Multiple times.

I’ve applied for 3,058 jobs I didn’t get.

I’ve had roles that were created for me disappear overnight.

I’ve had colleagues tell me not to waste my time going after opportunities.

I’ve been in situations where the odds were against me and the situation was grim at best.

And yet—every time someone said I couldn’t do it, my instinct was to lean in harder. Do it different. Find a way.

When I was told I wouldn’t be considered for a leadership role, I owned the opportunity anyway—showed up prepared, over-delivered, and turned myself into the front-runner.

When a partner in a firm I worked for took credit for my whale, I left and went to Microsoft, where I built something even bigger.

When a manager tried to get rid of me because my style was unorthodox, I doubled down and became the #1 social seller in all of tech, training people in 11 countries and earning 6 promotions.

When people told me “That deal will never close”, I stayed the course for two years—through seven C-level changes—until we landed a 9-figure agreement that never would have happened if I hadn’t met the C-suite on LinkedIn and finessed ruffled feathers for going so high in the organization.

When I was laid off, I wrote a book, and built a brand that got me hired for a job I wouldn’t have otherwise landed.

At every step, I could have listened to the doubters. I could have walked away. But I didn’t. Because I’ve learned that the greatest breakthroughs come when someone tells you something is impossible.

The reality? No one gets to decide your potential but you.

The work you put in today is an investment in the doors that will open tomorrow.

The biggest opportunities are often disguised as challenges.

Nothing is impossible.

So when someone tells you “That can’t be done”, remember:

Challenge accepted.

#ChallengeAccepted #Resilience #Grit #ProveThemWrong #Leadership #Sales #GrowthMindset #Motivation #CareerSuccess #NeverGiveUp

Your Schedule Is Killing Your Success. Here’s How I Applied Ruthless Discipline to Turn Things Around—and How You Can Too

Most people don’t have a productivity problem. They have a schedule problem. I learned this the hard way.

Early into my second career as an account executive, I was drowning in meetings, emails, and distractions that drained my energy but added zero value.

My calendar was a graveyard of cadences, catch-ups, and check-ins—none of which moved the needle.

I was “busy” all the time but making little progress where it actually mattered.

And then I made one simple but radical decision: I took control of my schedule and bet everything on an unorthodox, data-driven strategy. And it changed everything.

I realized that if I didn’t own my time, someone else would. So I made a shift—one that catapulted my productivity, revenue, and career growth.

Here’s what I did:

Daily Non-Negotiables – Every morning, before emails and messages could hijack my brain, I wrote down the 5-10 things I HAD to accomplish that day. These weren’t just “tasks”—they were mission-critical moves that aligned with my long-term goals.

Focus Time Is Sacred – I stopped treating focus time as a luxury and made it a non-negotiable necessity. If I didn’t block time to think, strategize, and execute, my day would disappear into a whirlwind of other people’s priorities.

Eliminating “Zombie Meetings” – You know the ones—meetings where people just read the news to each other, where nothing gets decided, and where you leave wondering why you were even there. I cut or challenged every meeting that wasn’t absolutely essential.

Owning the First and Last 30 Minutes – The first 30 minutes of my day? Planning. The last 30 minutes? Reviewing, learning, and preparing for tomorrow. No mindless scrolling, no distractions—just deliberate time to course-correct and improve.

No More Instant Responses – Just because someone pings me on Teams or emails me doesn’t mean they get an instant reply. My time is mine to manage. I set boundaries and responded on my terms, not theirs.

The Results: A Complete Transformation

I started closing bigger deals—because I was spending time where it mattered.

I was less stressed, more in control, and laser-focused.

I had more energy because my day wasn’t dictated by distractions.

I went from zero rewards and insufficient results to Gold Club, Platinum Club, and a billion-dollar sales engine.

This wasn’t luck. It was intentional discipline.

If you feel like you’re constantly working but not getting ahead, take a hard look at your schedule.

Are you spending too much time in meetings that don’t matter?

Are you reacting to your inbox instead of driving your own priorities?

Are you letting other people’s demands dictate your day?

Your success isn’t about working more. It’s about working smarter, more intentionally, and more relentlessly focused on what actually moves the needle.

#Productivity #TimeManagement #Focus #Leadership #CareerGrowth #SuccessMindset #Discipline #HighPerformance #Sales #RuthlessSchedule

The Leader Who Changed Everything: Why I Stayed When I Had an Offer I Couldn’t Refuse

A great leader makes all the difference. Several years ago, I had a competitor aggressively come after me and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So why did I stay?

My skip level at the time was the reason I was in the role I was in; I had followed her to this organization. I contacted my boss and indicated that because of that relationship, I wanted to be the one to break it to her boss.

Within 10 minutes, she called me on my cell and asked me what it would take to get me to stay. I outlined some things. She asked me to give her a little time.

The following day, in the evening, she asked me to join a call. She had prepared a PowerPoint presentation like a David Letterman Top 10 list of all of the reasons I should stay, including amazing feedback and perspectives, great experiences we had created together with our team, and the last slides were an incredible retention offer.

Not only did I stay, but I followed her for 3 more roles for 5 more years.

She knows who she is. One of the most pivotal people in my career, someone who tells it to me straight, challenges me, and always makes me think bigger, even with the constructive feedback that I didn’t want to hear in the moment but she was spot on with.

I pray you all get the opportunity to work for a leader like this in your lifetime.

#Leadership #CareerGrowth #LongTermThinking #RelationshipsMatter #Mentorship #Loyalty #BigDecisions #LessonsLearned

💌 My Love Letter to Sales: The Show Must Go On 💌

My Love Letter to Sales: The Show Must Go On On this Valentine’s Day, I want to talk about one of the great loves of my life—sales. Because the truth is, everything I have, I owe to sales.

My incredible wife, Amy—whom I met because of sales.

My beautiful daughters—who wouldn’t be here if not for sales.

The experiences, friendships, and opportunities I’ve had—sales made them all possible.

The lessons, the failures, the wins—it’s all been a journey, and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

That’s why I wrote The Show Must Go On—not just a book, but my love letter to the game that has given me everything.

It’s my full playbook that has made me the Salesman on Fire, the #1 social seller in tech and has delivered me every opportunity to get everything I could ever want.

Sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about resilience, relationships, and reinvention. It’s about finding the fire within to keep pushing forward—because no matter what happens, the show must go on.

About the Book:

This is the story of a struggling seller who loses everything—only to rise again, not just in sales, but in life. It’s about the grind, the hustle, the failures, and the comebacks that define every sales professional’s journey. Whether you’re in sales or just navigating life’s challenges, this book is about resilience, reinvention, and never giving up.

What People Are Saying:

“A must-read for anyone who’s faced setbacks in sales or life.”

“Inspiring, raw, and packed with lessons you won’t find in any sales playbook.”

“This book made me fall in love with sales all over again.”

If you’ve ever had to fight for your dreams, keep going through adversity, or pick yourself up when life knocks you down—this book is for you.

Because no matter what, the show must go on.

Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLBGCS6V/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

#SalesLoveStory #TheShowMustGoOn #ValentinesDay #Resilience #NeverGiveUp #SalesLife #LoveWhatYouDo #KeepGoing #SalesMindset

50,877 Hours in Sales: The Relentless Pursuit of Mastery

50,877 hours I’ve spent in sales. Mastery in motion. Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers introduced the 10,000-hour rule—the idea that mastery comes from relentless practice.

The Beatles played over 1,200 shows in Hamburg before they hit it big.

Bill Gates had thousands of hours of coding before Microsoft was even an idea.

Mozart? Composing at age 6, but it took him over a decade to create his first true masterpiece.

By that measure, I should’ve hit “expert” status long ago. But sales isn’t static. It evolves. Customers change. Markets shift. New challenges emerge.

Every hour, every call, every deal has been another at bat in my pursuit—not just to be great at what I do, but to be the best noble salesperson ever. Not for titles. Not for numbers. But to serve, to solve, to master the art of impact for everyone I’m blessed to touch, to teach, to influence, to help.

What I’ve learned? Repetition breeds confidence. Mastery isn’t a destination—it’s the daily quest to be better than yesterday.

How many hours have you put into your craft? And how will you use the next 10,000?

#SalesLeadership #Mastery #SuccessMindset #SalesMotivation #LearnAndGrow #ElitePerformance #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #Outliers

🔥 Sales Mistakes That Are Holding You Back—And How to Fix Them! 🔥

Sales Mistakes That Are Holding You Back—And How to Fix Them!

I’ve made my share of sales mistakes. We all have. But the key to long-term success? OWNING those mistakes, learning from them, and sharpening the axe. Let’s dive into some of the biggest pitfalls I’ve seen (and made) and how to avoid them:

Poor Time Management
I used to chase everything—treating a $1K deal with the same urgency as a multi-million-dollar one. Wrong move. Prioritize mountain-moving opportunities, scale smaller tasks, and eliminate low-value meetings.

Weak Follow-Up & Communication
Momentum dies when you don’t follow up. Ever had a great meeting… and then crickets? You lose 50% of retention within two weeks! After every meeting:
Follow up immediately (even from the airport!)
Loop in the right people
Keep the conversation going—or risk losing it all.

Wasting Time on Pointless Meetings
I’ve sat on weekly calls that did nothing. Take a balcony view of your calendar:
Cut meetings that don’t move the needle.
Adopt ruthless discipline of schedule (shoutout to Megan Reed for this concept!).

Sounding Like Everyone Else
Too many sales emails sound identical. Customers don’t need another generic pitch—they need VALUE. Ask yourself:
Does this email stand out in a crowded inbox?
Am I showing up with a unique perspective?
Is my ask clear, bold, and impactful?

Talking Too Much
Your customer should be talking way more than you. Think like a doctor—diagnose before prescribing. Ask:
What are your top priorities?
What gaps exist in your processes?
What’s holding you back from your next level?

Getting Lost in Price vs. Value
If your customer sees value, they’ll invest. Instead of price anxiety, focus on:
The pain they’re experiencing today
The cost of that pain
The measurable impact of your solution

Going at It Alone
Sales isn’t a solo sport. I used to think I could do everything myself—I was wrong. You win with a team. If you need help, ask. If you get Intel, share it. No surprises—keep leadership in the loop.

Not Seeking Out Ways to Get Better
If someone is crushing a metric I’m struggling with, I go to them and learn. Sales is a game of continuous improvement. Don’t stand still. Seek out mentors, tactics, and new strategies—because if you don’t evolve, someone else will pass you.

What are the biggest mistakes YOU see in sales? And how do you fix them? Drop your thoughts below!

#SalesLeadership #SalesTips #ContinuousImprovement #GrowthMindset #SalesExecution #EliteSelling #TimeManagement #FollowUpMatters #AlwaysBeLearning

Monotony Beats Misery: How to Stay Motivated When the Wins Aren’t Coming

Here’s a long-form, first-person article in your voice based on the transcript:

Monotony Beats Misery: How to Stay Motivated When the Wins Aren’t Coming

You’ve heard me say it before—monotony beats misery every time.

Not every moment in life or in our careers is going to be filled with excitement. And the older you get, the more you realize there’s a rhythm to everything. There are times when you’re on fire, crushing goals, making big moves, and feeling inspired. And then there are times when you just have to show up, do the work, and stay consistent—even when it’s boring.

Sometimes, you’re simply paying your dues. Other times, you’re maintaining balance. And then there are moments where you’re planting the seeds for something bigger, even if you don’t yet know what that “bigger” thing is.

I know this firsthand. No matter how much experience I have, no matter how many wins I’ve stacked up, I still find myself in situations where I have to grind through those monotonous stretches. These moments aren’t glamorous, they aren’t exciting—but they’re critical.

And let’s be honest—they’re better than being miserable.

The Dopamine Dilemma: What Happens When We’re Not Winning?

We all crave dopamine in some form. It’s that rush we get from success, from hitting a milestone, from being recognized for our work. And for a long time, I got dopamine from a lot of different sources—some good, some not so good.

Today marks 150 days without alcohol. That used to be a dopamine source for me. But my real favorite dopamine hit? Winning.

The problem? We can’t win all the time.

There won’t always be a big deal closing, a promotion coming, or an award being handed out. There will be times when it feels like you’re just grinding with no immediate payoff. So what do we do in those moments?

I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately. This year, I’ve read 12 books so far, including Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.

Aurelius reminds us that life is fleeting, that we have a purpose, and that we need to live it.Sinek breaks down the chemicals that drive us—dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, cortisol—and how they affect our motivation, behavior, and relationships.

This got me thinking: If we can’t always chase wins, how do we stay engaged and fulfilled in the process?

What To Do When the Wins Aren’t Coming

Here’s what has worked for me—maybe it’ll help you too.

1⃣ Lean into Relationships and Passions That Truly Matter

We spend so much time worrying about work deadlines, deals, and promotions—but do we take our marriages, our families, our friendships just as seriously?

I’ve been intentionally shifting my focus here. I’ve mastered a lot of things in my career, but I want to master my relationships just as much.

Investing in my wife, my kids, my family—because they’re the real foundation.Connecting with people who genuinely support me, rather than clinging to relationships that have run their course.Pouring energy into what I love, like reading, writing, mentoring, and helping others succeed.

Think about your life like a diversified stock portfolio—where are you investing? The returns come from where you put your time and energy.

2⃣ Find Joy in the Process—Even the Mundane

Some days, success isn’t about hitting a huge milestone—it’s about taking the next step forward, even when it’s not exciting.

I get it—there’s nothing thrilling about hopping on back-to-back Zoom calls, filling out reports, or grinding through repetitive tasks. But we have to find ways to inject joy into the process:

Break up the monotony—take a walk, listen to music, switch up your environment.Focus on the small wins—every step forward counts.Find meaning in showing up—even when no one is watching.

Some of the best conversations, insights, and breakthroughs I’ve had weren’t planned—they happened because I showed up, stayed consistent, and kept going.

3⃣ Build Community and Find Camaraderie

One thing that has set me apart in my career? I actively build community.

I seek out the best people—learning from them, sharing insights, and collaborating.I avoid operating in silos—there’s always someone out there who has figured out a better way.I surround myself with people who challenge me, push me, and keep me accountable.

There’s a reason why we’re wired for connection. Science backs it up—oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone, gives us a deeper sense of fulfillment than any short-term win ever could.

So if you feel stuck, go find your people—the ones who get it, the ones who inspire you, the ones who make you better.

4⃣ Redefine What a “Win” Looks Like

Not every win is about money, promotions, or accolades. Some days, the win is:

Landing a hard-to-get conversation with someone.Helping someone else succeed.Having a meaningful moment with a loved one.

We tend to only celebrate the big milestones, but success is built on micro-wins.

Your highlight reel isn’t everything—some of the most important moments in your career won’t be the ones you post about.

Final Thought: Play the Long Game

We live in a world that thrives on instant gratification. But real success? It’s built over time—through consistency, resilience, and staying focused on what actually matters.

So the next time you feel like you’re grinding without a win—pause. Look at where you’re investing your time and energy. Lean into the process, embrace the monotony, and build something that lasts.

Now, I want to hear from you:

What keeps you going when the dopamine rush isn’t there? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Because at the end of the day, monotony beats misery every time.

#Mindset #Leadership #Growth #Discipline #Success #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Winning #Entrepreneurship

Taught or Caught? Unlocking the Secrets to Leadership Qualities You Can’t Learn in Books!

Leadership: What Can Be Taught and What Must Be Caught

Leadership is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Over my 25 years in sales and leadership, I’ve come to realize that great leadership isn’t just about hitting quotas, closing deals, or managing teams—it’s about connection, trust, and the ability to inspire.

Recently, I had the privilege of discussing this with my friend and mentor, Richard Vickers, and the conversation left me reflecting deeply on what it truly means to lead.

Richard posed a question that stopped me in my tracks: What leadership qualities can be taught, and which ones simply can’t? This idea resonated deeply with me because I’ve spent years trying to balance the innate qualities I bring to the table with the skills I’ve learned along the way.

The Innate Traits of Leadership

Every leader brings something unique to the table. For me, traits like ambition, drive, and passion have always been natural. But Richard asked a powerful question: Can vision be taught, or is it something you either have or don’t?

He explained it beautifully: “Every great leader has to have vision. But can you teach someone how to have vision? I think about how some leadership qualities have to be caught, not taught. If I see someone leading with integrity, for example, and it’s not something I value inherently, can I catch that from them and work on it in my own life?”

This perspective struck a chord with me. Vision, integrity, and authenticity are often foundational to leadership, but they’re hard to teach in a classroom or a book. They’re caught—absorbed—through experiences, mentors, and relationships.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

One of the most critical yet overlooked traits of leadership is emotional intelligence (EQ). Richard and I dove into this topic, and it became clear how pivotal EQ is in building trust and inspiring loyalty. He described it as “self-awareness and empathy” and reminded me that EQ allows us to recognize our own emotions and those of others—a skill that can elevate or cripple a leader’s effectiveness.

For years, I made the mistake of dismissing emotions—both my own and those of the people I led. When things went wrong, I’d say, “Let’s move on,” without acknowledging the feelings behind the failure. As a leader, a husband, and a father, I’ve learned that this approach doesn’t work. People process emotions differently, and if we don’t meet them where they are, we risk losing trust and connection.

Blind Spots and Lessons Learned

Richard reminded me of a critical truth: We all have blind spots. As young leaders, our ambition can sometimes outpace our awareness. “That’s why they call it blind ambition,” I quipped during our conversation. But blind spots don’t go away with experience—they just shift. The difference is that with time, we learn to recognize them and lean on others to help us navigate them.

Richard shared a piece of wisdom I’ll never forget: “Great leaders are those who are willing to learn from their failures and acknowledge when they’ve screwed up.” He shared a personal story about apologizing to his grandson for overreacting, and it was a powerful reminder that vulnerability and humility are strengths, not weaknesses. As leaders, we don’t need to be invincible. We need to be human.

Taught vs. Caught: Finding the Balance

While some leadership qualities may be innate, there are critical skills that can and must be taught. Communication and connection, for example, are skills every leader needs to develop. Richard shared a story about Warren Buffett, who once told a room of young leaders, “If I could instill two things in you, it would be to learn how to communicate and connect.”

This advice is golden. Over the years, I’ve found that asking the right questions—what motivates someone, what they want their legacy to be—can uncover everything you need to know to help them succeed. It’s not about impressing someone with how much you know. It’s about listening and understanding their “why.”

Leadership Through Connection

One of the most meaningful moments of our conversation was when Richard said, “At the end of the day, we’re human beings first, not human doings.” This simple truth speaks volumes. Too often, we get caught up in the tasks, titles, and metrics, forgetting that leadership is ultimately about people. It’s about recognizing the humanity in those we lead and striving to bring out their best.

For me, this means focusing less on what I’m doing and more on who I’m doing it for. It’s about creating trust, inspiring loyalty, and building a culture of collaboration. As I reflect on the leaders who’ve shaped me, it’s their willingness to connect, listen, and learn that stands out—not their credentials or achievements.

A Call to Action for Leaders

So, what does this mean for all of us striving to lead better? It means taking a hard look at our innate strengths and asking ourselves how we can sharpen them. It means acknowledging our blind spots and leaning on others to help us see what we cannot. It means focusing on connection and communication as the foundation of every relationship, whether with a team member, a client, or a loved one.

If you’re reading this as a young leader, take heart. Experience is the greatest teacher, and every failure is an opportunity to learn. If you’re a seasoned leader, don’t stop learning. Surround yourself with great leaders, and remember: the best leadership traits are often caught, not taught.

What leadership traits do you think are taught, and which ones are caught?

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

Leadership Traits: Taught or Innate? Can vision, integrity, or emotional intelligence be truly taught, or are they traits we simply “catch” from being around great leaders? Richard introduces a powerful concept: “Some things in leadership must be caught, not taught.”The Role of Vision in Leadership Vision is essential for every great leader—but is it teachable? My experience has sharpened my ability to anticipate challenges and “see around corners” as Mary Annette Brackin, MBA instilled in me.Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Empathy As leaders, emotional intelligence often makes the difference between success and failure. EQ—awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of others—is pivotal for building trust and inspiring loyalty.Learning from Failure Young leaders often face pressure to appear invincible. Failing forward, being vulnerable, and seeking feedback from others aids our growth as leaders.The Power of Connection and Communication Richard recalls a piece of timeless advice from Warren Buffett: Learn how to communicate and connect. Focusing on relationships and uncovering someone’s “why” can unlock incredible opportunities—both personally and professionally.Blind Spots in Leadership We all have blind spots. Great leaders acknowledge their blind spots and rely on their team to help fill in the gaps.Balancing Passion and Discipline While innate traits like drive, ambition, and passion are invaluable, fine-tuning those qualities with discipline, strategy, and experience transforms leaders from good to great.Why This Conversation Matters:

Leadership isn’t just about hitting metrics or managing tasks—it’s about inspiring others, building trust, and making meaningful connections.

Leaders can strike a balance between innate traits and teachable skills to become well-rounded, impactful leaders.

In today’s world, young leaders often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed. This video offers practical advice for navigating those challenges, whether it’s through developing emotional intelligence, building better relationships, or learning from failure.

Memorable Quotes from the Video:

“Some leadership qualities have to be caught, not taught.” – Richard Vickers

“Focus on the connection, and everything else will take care of itself.” – Carson Heady

“We are human beings first, not human doings.” – Richard Vickers

Practical Advice for Leaders:

For Young Leaders:

Don’t fear failure—use it as a learning opportunity.Acknowledge your blind spots and seek feedback from your team.Focus on building trust and inspiring loyalty, rather than appearing invincible.

For Seasoned Leaders:

Revisit the fundamentals of leadership—vision, connection, and communication.Continue to learn and adapt, using your experience to guide others.Balance innate qualities like passion with teachable skills like strategy and time management.Actionable Steps for Your Leadership Journey:Reflect on Your Innate Traits: What are your natural strengths as a leader? What areas do you need to grow?Identify Blind Spots: Ask for feedback from your team or peers to uncover areas where you may need improvement.Focus on Connection: In your next interaction, ask someone about their “why”—what motivates them or what legacy they want to leave.Balance Emotion with Strategy: Cultivate your emotional intelligence while staying focused on your long-term vision.Be a Continuous Learner: Never stop learning from books, mentors, and experiences.

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