Why I Do What I Do: The Moment That Changed Everything

People ask me all the time: "Why leadership training? What made you do this?"

The truth? For years, I was a solution without a problem.

I went to radio school, became an announcer. The job was fun, but it didn't pay the bills. I graduated with a speech communication degree. I loved speaking, but I had nothing meaningful to say.

Then, about 30 years ago, everything changed.

The Three Hours That Changed My Life

I met Ross Reishus. Brilliant communicator.

For three hours, he delivered specific, actionable content you could apply immediately to become a better person and make a real difference at work. No theory. No fluff. Just practical stuff that worked.

I never forgot that feeling.

Afterward, I asked him, "How did you do it? How did you keep everyone engaged for three hours?"

He looked at me and smiled. "I make the complex sound simple and compelling. I give people advice from the trenches, not out of a textbook."

That moment changed everything for me.

Finding My Calling

From that day forward, I stopped being a solution without a problem. I found my calling.

Ross taught me that real leadership isn't about fancy theories. It's about straightforward, effective actions that work when your employee shows up late, creates conflict, or resists every change you make.

Today, I give leaders permission to throw out those communication and leadership textbooks filled with theories, models, and graphs that don't translate to the real world.

Instead, I address the actual problems leaders face every day. Problems like:

• The employee who rolls their eyes every time you delegate

• The supervisor who avoids difficult conversations

• The team member who does just enough to not get fired

The solutions are so logical that people wonder why they didn't think of them first.

But here's the thing: I also challenge leaders to look in the mirror first before pointing fingers at their teams.

My Mission is Simple

My goal is the same as my clients' goal: influence employee behaviors that lead to improved productivity and performance long after the training ends.

That's it. No complicated mission statement. No corporate buzzwords.

Just practical solutions that work in the real world.

Introducing "Champion of the Underdog"

This is why I'm launching my weekly podcast.

Every week, I'll share insights, stories, and straightforward strategies for leaders dealing with real problems. Whether you're navigating tough conversations, addressing poor performance, or trying to get your team on board with changes, this podcast cuts through the noise.

No fancy theories. Just clear, decisive actions you can take Monday morning.

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn't complicated. People just make it complicated.

Join me every week as we focus on what actually makes a difference.

Listen to Champion of the Underdog and get leadership advice from the trenches, not from a textbook.