‘A-Players’ myth

A-player mythology pervades leadership circles. These mythical beasts deliver 3-5x standard output while attracting more unicorns to your stable. The promise is seductive: fill your ranks with these superstars and watch your company soar. You want them. You need them....

Come prepared

Leaders who know their challenges get better answers. The most valuable coaching conversations begin before we meet. Every time I sit down with a leader, I can predict who’ll benefit most – those who’ve shared their agenda ahead of time. Some leaders...

Hidden allies

The company was struggling when Howard Schultz returned to Starbucks as CEO in 2008 after an eight-year hiatus. Sales were down, the stock had plummeted 40%, and the brand lost its soul. What saved Starbucks wasn’t just Schultz’s vision—it was a board that...

Sweet tension

Watching Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari journey unfold carries special resonance for a scaling coach who values leadership principles. The anticipation builds each day, knowing soon the seven-time champion who shattered Formula 1’s color barriers will don that...

Personal brand blindspots

Your personal brand isn’t manufactured—it’s discovered. It’s already there, hidden in plain sight. When colleagues describe you after leaving the room, they reveal your brand. Not the one you wish you had. Not the one on your LinkedIn profile. The...