Executive presence is one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership. Recently, I joined Ryan K. Calkins and Ernest Epley on the Leading Ain’t Easy podcast […]
Sometimes it’s hard to see who benefits from a decision—until it’s too late. It doesn’t matter if it’s a third-party provider or a larger institution. Remember […]
In leadership, the hardest part isn’t just learning new skills; it’s letting go of the old ones. Unlearning is an underrated but crucial part of growth—shedding […]
Knowing whether you need a team or a working group can be game-changing in community banking. Teams are built for collaboration, where everyone is rowing in […]
The most successful community banks understand that real strength is built over years, not reporting periods. While quarterly results matter, they are outcomes, not the strategy […]
Community banks face traps in the form of flashy vendor pitches, regulatory shortcuts or “silver bullet” strategies. These traps are tempting and seem like quick fixes, […]
Leadership in community banking starts with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to core values that don’t shift with market noise. In an industry […]
Let’s be honest—one-size-fits-all leadership just doesn’t cut it anymore. Real leadership means knowing your strengths and staying true to them. When you embrace what makes you […]
Knowing when to bring in a team versus a working group is crucial. Working groups are perfect for tasks with clear parameters and specialized skills. Teams? […]
Change isn’t just coming—it’s here and it’s constant. The leaders who thrive are those who don’t just react but anticipate. When you approach every challenge with […]
What Intelligent Systems Are Revealing About How Banks Really Lead Every community bank runs two systems. One is visible: the reports, ratios and regulations everyone can […]
Even from where I sit in the leadership realm, tech is transforming banking—but here’s the key: it’s not about replacing relationships but enhancing them. Use technology […]
Community banks matter. They’re not just smaller versions of big banks—they’re the foundation of local prosperity. And if we don’t advocate for the policies that protect […]
Selling 101: The Intersection of Coaching and Selling Coaching and Selling: Parallel Skills and Outcomes Both coaching and selling involve understanding the client and helping them […]
In today’s world, it’s all too easy to become cynical. The news cycle is filled with negativity, and social media often highlights the worst aspects of […]
Let me tell you a story about some of the biggest names in business—IBM, AT&T and Microsoft. These companies spent enormous resources fighting efforts to break […]
Every journey begins with a single step. The Pyramids of Giza weren’t finished in a day. In fact, their construction spanned years and required immense planning […]
In the world of community banking, generosity doesn’t mean offering services for free; it signifies a commitment to creating value that exceeds the cost. This principle […]
In the world of community banking, our core values are rooted in trust and transparency. In order to thrive, it’s imperative to avoid the overused and […]
As community bank CEOs, your commitment to excellence is paramount. Yet, we’ve all seen what happens when an organization loses its drive. There’s a nearby bank […]
Ladies and gentlemen, as community bank CEOs, you often find yourselves searching for a safe path—a secure way to achieve greatness for your bank. Let me […]
In the dynamic landscape of community banking, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service are paramount. The LCP 360 assessment offers a valuable tool to enhance personal […]
In high-stakes leadership and management, the best leaders often make their work look effortless. This is not because the work is easy but because they have […]
In the world of community banking, leadership isn’t just about making strategic decisions or managing operations. It’s about confronting and overcoming a pervasive and often invisible […]
Ladies and gentlemen, leadership, at its core, often comes down to decision-making. Decisions are the heartbeat of every business. They’re made every day, at every level, […]
The importance of leadership becomes especially pronounced during times of significant change. As we recognize inherent flaws in our current understanding and implementation of work—highlighted by […]
As community bank CEOs, you’re often presented with multiple-choice decisions, whether it’s about product offerings, strategic initiatives or vendor selections. The options seem straightforward, and someone […]
Community banking is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about the embodied energy—the trust, relationships and local expertise—that fuels every decision and action […]
In the ever-evolving world of community banking, distractions often pull your focus toward things that seem important but don’t truly make an impact. Picture yourself browsing […]
In the fast-paced community banking world, the principle espoused by Seth Godin: “the best available option is always available,” holds profound significance. For CEOs, Seth’s mindset […]
“Jean-Michel Basquiat was afraid he’d be a flash in the pan, worried about paying rent, even as Andy Warhol reassured him otherwise.” This story isn’t just […]
In the world of community banking, a fascinating paradox often emerges: we tend to celebrate those who excel in crisis management while overlooking the quiet effectiveness […]
In the dynamic world of community banking, understanding the distinction between a team and a working group is crucial for fostering a productive and collaborative environment. […]
In the dynamic world of functional teams, apologies are not just a formality but a stepping stone to success. Your true power lies in recognizing that […]
Most of my banking clients consider predicting human behavior to be crucial to their success. It’s an essential part of our risk management and strategic planning. […]
I want to write about something becoming increasingly relevant in community banking: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative and professional/banking work. Embracing AI can […]
In the realm of leadership development, we are on the cusp of recognizing two pivotal trends that we’ve overlooked in our advisory roles with community bankers. […]
Talented employees are probably walking out your door right now because they can’t stand their boss. Or their manager expects too much from them. Or maybe […]
Explore how embracing continuous learning and development transcends traditional training in the finance world, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the ability to learn from mistakes […]
In the banking industry, sustainable growth isn’t just a goal; it’s essential. Community banks, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering growth while maintaining […]
Breaking Barriers. Building Success. In our journey toward excellence in community banking, leadership transcends the mere management of operations; it embodies the essence of fostering an […]
As we enter this Christmas season, it’s important to embrace the values that have stood the test of time. First and foremost, let’s remember the importance […]
Many people have expectations that their employer is going to offer them flexibility in how, where and when they work. And in many businesses, why wouldn’t […]
Recently, I had the honor of going on The Patty-G Show, a local podcast that features local entrepreneurs to share their stories and highlight their impact […]
It would be cool if magic really worked, and just like the lady on Bewitched, you could wiggle your nose and alter the situation. However, what it really […]
Your development as a leader is full of ups and downs. You are probably aware that the development process is full of productive, easy sailing days […]
Commenting one day in his notebook about the topic of immortality, Ralph Waldo Emmerson opined that people often dance around complex issues by using quotes. “I […]
There are six leadership behaviors that promote the perception of being believable: Being candid and courageously authentic, particularly when it’s uncomfortable or costly in the short […]
The old adage “tradition is worth repeating” may be accurate. But it’s essential to keep in mind that cutting-edge ideas were controversial and innovative when introduced […]
A common problem executive teams face is that they forget—or never even knew—the ultimate purpose of their role, which is to advocate and plan for the […]
Executives reading this are no doubt aware that the world is moving fast and is more chaotic, disrupted, and less predictable than ever. This feeling it […]
Investing in employee engagement is beneficial to a company’s productivity, work quality and work environment. A company’s high-performing employees are typically genuinely engaged, while low-performing employees […]
Plentitude is another word for abundance. It is abundance, not scarcity that is going to govern our new post industrial revolution. Copies…duplication…mediocracy all run in excess. […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqHqiq9KCKE”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you look around your office, you will most likely be able to categorize each of your employees into one of three types of performers: […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nearly all employees work on a team. According to ADP Research, in companies consisting of at least 150 employees, more than 80% of those employees work […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What’s in a name? Well, it’s the first piece of information we receive about a company. It’s what sparks our initial thought process of who they […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s easy to ask a manager to identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, working genius and work frustrations. But, determining those traits might be a little […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Employee engagement and job misery are directly related. It’s not a secret that the less happy people are, the less engaged they are likely to be. […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Conventional wisdom describes self-awareness as a positive attribute. An attribute that allows an individual to perform better because they have an accurate assessment of their genius […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]I often hear that businesses want clarity, productivity and an aligned mission among their team. The reality is that it’s difficult to achieve those things […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Business owners often feel as though they don’t have anyone to turn toward. They have might have ideas and visions for a better future, but […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As businesses start to reopen, they’re faced with obstacles and opportunities. For the companies that want to emerge stronger than ever from this pandemic, it comes […]
“Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and then suddenly you are doing the impossible.” —Francis of Assisi The sales guru’s all […]
Knowing how to unwind clients when the impulse to act precipitously overcomes them is crucial to guiding them through difficult times. I have a client who […]
Your philosophy, your manifesto, when well thought out, becomes the basis for your, “why I’m different” conversation with your prospects and clients. You use it in your marketing materials, a welcome video on your website, in social media, and even on the walls in your office as artwork.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” ―Simon Sinek It doesn’t come as […]
I have a horticultural background. In nature, you find ecosystems. In those ecosystems, you find that things that are not closely connected in time or space […]
Executive presence is one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership. Recently, I joined Ryan K. Calkins and Ernest Epley on the Leading Ain’t Easy podcast […]
Sometimes it’s hard to see who benefits from a decision—until it’s too late. It doesn’t matter if it’s a third-party provider or a larger institution. Remember […]
In leadership, the hardest part isn’t just learning new skills; it’s letting go of the old ones. Unlearning is an underrated but crucial part of growth—shedding […]
Knowing whether you need a team or a working group can be game-changing in community banking. Teams are built for collaboration, where everyone is rowing in […]
The most successful community banks understand that real strength is built over years, not reporting periods. While quarterly results matter, they are outcomes, not the strategy […]
Community banks face traps in the form of flashy vendor pitches, regulatory shortcuts or “silver bullet” strategies. These traps are tempting and seem like quick fixes, […]
Leadership in community banking starts with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to core values that don’t shift with market noise. In an industry […]
Let’s be honest—one-size-fits-all leadership just doesn’t cut it anymore. Real leadership means knowing your strengths and staying true to them. When you embrace what makes you […]
Knowing when to bring in a team versus a working group is crucial. Working groups are perfect for tasks with clear parameters and specialized skills. Teams? […]
Change isn’t just coming—it’s here and it’s constant. The leaders who thrive are those who don’t just react but anticipate. When you approach every challenge with […]
What Intelligent Systems Are Revealing About How Banks Really Lead Every community bank runs two systems. One is visible: the reports, ratios and regulations everyone can […]
Even from where I sit in the leadership realm, tech is transforming banking—but here’s the key: it’s not about replacing relationships but enhancing them. Use technology […]
Community banks matter. They’re not just smaller versions of big banks—they’re the foundation of local prosperity. And if we don’t advocate for the policies that protect […]
Selling 101: The Intersection of Coaching and Selling Coaching and Selling: Parallel Skills and Outcomes Both coaching and selling involve understanding the client and helping them […]
In today’s world, it’s all too easy to become cynical. The news cycle is filled with negativity, and social media often highlights the worst aspects of […]
Let me tell you a story about some of the biggest names in business—IBM, AT&T and Microsoft. These companies spent enormous resources fighting efforts to break […]
Every journey begins with a single step. The Pyramids of Giza weren’t finished in a day. In fact, their construction spanned years and required immense planning […]
In the world of community banking, generosity doesn’t mean offering services for free; it signifies a commitment to creating value that exceeds the cost. This principle […]
In the world of community banking, our core values are rooted in trust and transparency. In order to thrive, it’s imperative to avoid the overused and […]
As community bank CEOs, your commitment to excellence is paramount. Yet, we’ve all seen what happens when an organization loses its drive. There’s a nearby bank […]
Ladies and gentlemen, as community bank CEOs, you often find yourselves searching for a safe path—a secure way to achieve greatness for your bank. Let me […]
In the dynamic landscape of community banking, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service are paramount. The LCP 360 assessment offers a valuable tool to enhance personal […]
In high-stakes leadership and management, the best leaders often make their work look effortless. This is not because the work is easy but because they have […]
In the world of community banking, leadership isn’t just about making strategic decisions or managing operations. It’s about confronting and overcoming a pervasive and often invisible […]
Ladies and gentlemen, leadership, at its core, often comes down to decision-making. Decisions are the heartbeat of every business. They’re made every day, at every level, […]
The importance of leadership becomes especially pronounced during times of significant change. As we recognize inherent flaws in our current understanding and implementation of work—highlighted by […]
As community bank CEOs, you’re often presented with multiple-choice decisions, whether it’s about product offerings, strategic initiatives or vendor selections. The options seem straightforward, and someone […]
Community banking is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about the embodied energy—the trust, relationships and local expertise—that fuels every decision and action […]
In the ever-evolving world of community banking, distractions often pull your focus toward things that seem important but don’t truly make an impact. Picture yourself browsing […]
In the fast-paced community banking world, the principle espoused by Seth Godin: “the best available option is always available,” holds profound significance. For CEOs, Seth’s mindset […]
“Jean-Michel Basquiat was afraid he’d be a flash in the pan, worried about paying rent, even as Andy Warhol reassured him otherwise.” This story isn’t just […]
In the world of community banking, a fascinating paradox often emerges: we tend to celebrate those who excel in crisis management while overlooking the quiet effectiveness […]
In the dynamic world of community banking, understanding the distinction between a team and a working group is crucial for fostering a productive and collaborative environment. […]
In the dynamic world of functional teams, apologies are not just a formality but a stepping stone to success. Your true power lies in recognizing that […]
Most of my banking clients consider predicting human behavior to be crucial to their success. It’s an essential part of our risk management and strategic planning. […]
I want to write about something becoming increasingly relevant in community banking: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative and professional/banking work. Embracing AI can […]
In the realm of leadership development, we are on the cusp of recognizing two pivotal trends that we’ve overlooked in our advisory roles with community bankers. […]
Talented employees are probably walking out your door right now because they can’t stand their boss. Or their manager expects too much from them. Or maybe […]
Explore how embracing continuous learning and development transcends traditional training in the finance world, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the ability to learn from mistakes […]
In the banking industry, sustainable growth isn’t just a goal; it’s essential. Community banks, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering growth while maintaining […]
Breaking Barriers. Building Success. In our journey toward excellence in community banking, leadership transcends the mere management of operations; it embodies the essence of fostering an […]
As we enter this Christmas season, it’s important to embrace the values that have stood the test of time. First and foremost, let’s remember the importance […]
Many people have expectations that their employer is going to offer them flexibility in how, where and when they work. And in many businesses, why wouldn’t […]
Recently, I had the honor of going on The Patty-G Show, a local podcast that features local entrepreneurs to share their stories and highlight their impact […]
It would be cool if magic really worked, and just like the lady on Bewitched, you could wiggle your nose and alter the situation. However, what it really […]
Your development as a leader is full of ups and downs. You are probably aware that the development process is full of productive, easy sailing days […]
Commenting one day in his notebook about the topic of immortality, Ralph Waldo Emmerson opined that people often dance around complex issues by using quotes. “I […]
There are six leadership behaviors that promote the perception of being believable: Being candid and courageously authentic, particularly when it’s uncomfortable or costly in the short […]
The old adage “tradition is worth repeating” may be accurate. But it’s essential to keep in mind that cutting-edge ideas were controversial and innovative when introduced […]
A common problem executive teams face is that they forget—or never even knew—the ultimate purpose of their role, which is to advocate and plan for the […]
Executives reading this are no doubt aware that the world is moving fast and is more chaotic, disrupted, and less predictable than ever. This feeling it […]
Investing in employee engagement is beneficial to a company’s productivity, work quality and work environment. A company’s high-performing employees are typically genuinely engaged, while low-performing employees […]
Plentitude is another word for abundance. It is abundance, not scarcity that is going to govern our new post industrial revolution. Copies…duplication…mediocracy all run in excess. […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqHqiq9KCKE”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you look around your office, you will most likely be able to categorize each of your employees into one of three types of performers: […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Nearly all employees work on a team. According to ADP Research, in companies consisting of at least 150 employees, more than 80% of those employees work […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What’s in a name? Well, it’s the first piece of information we receive about a company. It’s what sparks our initial thought process of who they […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s easy to ask a manager to identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, working genius and work frustrations. But, determining those traits might be a little […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Employee engagement and job misery are directly related. It’s not a secret that the less happy people are, the less engaged they are likely to be. […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Conventional wisdom describes self-awareness as a positive attribute. An attribute that allows an individual to perform better because they have an accurate assessment of their genius […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]I often hear that businesses want clarity, productivity and an aligned mission among their team. The reality is that it’s difficult to achieve those things […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Business owners often feel as though they don’t have anyone to turn toward. They have might have ideas and visions for a better future, but […]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As businesses start to reopen, they’re faced with obstacles and opportunities. For the companies that want to emerge stronger than ever from this pandemic, it comes […]
“Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and then suddenly you are doing the impossible.” —Francis of Assisi The sales guru’s all […]
Knowing how to unwind clients when the impulse to act precipitously overcomes them is crucial to guiding them through difficult times. I have a client who […]
Your philosophy, your manifesto, when well thought out, becomes the basis for your, “why I’m different” conversation with your prospects and clients. You use it in your marketing materials, a welcome video on your website, in social media, and even on the walls in your office as artwork.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” ―Simon Sinek It doesn’t come as […]
I have a horticultural background. In nature, you find ecosystems. In those ecosystems, you find that things that are not closely connected in time or space […]