A Few of My Favorites
Strong Hands & Real Leadership
After being in the Middle East last week, I’ve spent this week in Arizona with some of our board members from the Calista region in Alaska—my home state. While in these meetings, I found myself noticing something familiar, something I grew up around: strong hands. It made me pause and reflect on what they represent.
Some people measure success by a firm handshake, a polished résumé, or a well-cut suit. But where I come from, success often shows up in rough hands—calloused from labor, scarred from experience, heavy with the weight of real work.
I grew up in Alaska, around those who worked outside in the harshest conditions. Their hands weren’t just tools; they were proof. Proof of resilience. Proof of capability. Proof that when things got hard, they kept going.
Now, in business, I find myself looking for the same thing. Not just in hands, but in character. The people I trust, the ones who lead with integrity, often carry that same quiet strength. Many of my company’s board members are from Alaska’s villages—hunters, gatherers, workers. Their hands have built, provided, and endured. As a company, we have experienced tough times, and yet, we have endured.
And in business, that’s exactly what you want.
Soft hands don’t always mean soft character, but rough hands? They rarely belong to the weak.
Quick Tips for Selling a Business
Selling a business isn’t just a transaction; it’s a strategic journey that can transform your hard work into lasting value. Whether you’re considering an M&A exit in the near future or a few years down the road, planning ahead is key to securing the best outcome for you, your employees, and your legacy.
🔑 Here are some key steps to get started:
1️⃣ Valuation - Know your business’s worth and understand what drives its value.
2️⃣ Streamline Operations - Efficiency and profitability attract buyers.
3️⃣ Financial Clean-Up - Accurate records and financial clarity build trust.
4️⃣ Succession Planning - Ensure a smooth transition to retain value.
5️⃣ Engage with Verus Datum at launch - We will help you connect with M&A experts that can navigate complex negotiations for the best terms.
💡 Remember: Exit planning isn’t about leaving, it’s about preparing for your business’s future. Start now to make the process smooth, maximize value, and leave on your terms! #ExitStrategy #BusinessSale #MergerAndAcquisition #MABusiness #BusinessExit #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLife #FuturePlanning #BusinessGrowth #MaximizeValue
Mastery – The Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is an iconic car—timeless in design, performance, and charisma. Its design has remained remarkably consistent, and its functionality has stood the test of time. A visit to the Porsche museum in Stuttgart, Germany, opened my eyes to the brand and its history, especially the 911.
In the late 1970s, Porsche almost replaced the 911 with the 928. The 911 SC wasn’t as desirable as some other air-cooled models, but it was the 911 that saved Porsche. The decision to extend its production helped solidify the company’s legacy. The 911 remains the flagship product, a car built with precision and passion.
Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers presents the 10,000-hour rule: to master something, devote 10,000 hours to it. Whether it’s musicians or racing drivers, mastery comes from focused dedication. In business, we often get distracted by the latest trends, losing sight of our core passions and competencies. My challenge to you is to find your "911"—something you can master, even if it means failing along the way.
Go Get Em’: 3 EMs of Leadership Part III – Emotional Intelligence
“Hey! I think the stove is on fire!”
“Ok, one sec, let me finish this coffee.”
Some accuse me of not showing enough urgency in crises. It's ironic since I spent nine years as a bomb technician. There are times when I need more intensity, and times when I need a lot less. I don’t think she’s wrong, though. I often question whether something is truly urgent, and I sometimes determine its urgency myself. This mindset has its risks.
Humans are complex. For instance, I react only when I confirm that something is urgent, while others jump into action before knowing the severity. In life-threatening situations, you might want those who act first. Our physiology and experiences play a significant role in how we react to different situations. What we know and how we feel both impact our leadership success.
The brain functions in three layers: instinct, emotion, and cognition. Traditional intelligence (IQ) isn’t the only factor for success. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is just as crucial. John Maxwell sums it up: “Leaders with emotional intelligence outperform those without it.”
Daniel Goleman defines emotional intelligence as the ability to recognize and manage our own emotions, and the emotions of others. While many associate EQ with empathy, it's also about decision-making, productivity, and corporate success.
Leaders with high EQ understand their emotions, their influence on decisions, and how to manage them effectively.
Why does EQ matter in leadership? It helps us make rational decisions and navigate challenging situations. EQ consists of five areas: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. I’ll focus on why emotional intelligence is key for effective leadership.
Let’s take the 2017 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears traded up to select Mitch Trubisky, a quarterback with just 13 college starts, instead of more accomplished players like Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson. This decision, based on biases like confirmation bias and conviction bias, shows how emotional intelligence—or the lack thereof—can impact major decisions. Leaders with low EQ might be blind to their biases, making irrational choices that can hurt organizations.
Emotional intelligence also plays a significant role in mergers, talent hiring, investments, and even entrepreneurship. Leaders who recognize their biases and emotional triggers can avoid costly mistakes.
The story of Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in the 1972 World Chess Championship illustrates how emotional intelligence can impact outcomes. Fischer used his understanding of Spassky’s emotional state to manipulate the match and win.
In leadership, emotional intelligence is about understanding others, staying calm under pressure, and making rational decisions. It’s about using both intellect and emotional control to make the right choices for the team and the organization.
Go Get Em’: 3 EMs of Leadership Part II – Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s essential in leadership and business. One of my friends in Alaska, an exceptional attorney, displays empathy through his work. He connects deeply with clients, understanding their needs while also grasping the business objectives. His empathy, cultivated through family experiences and global travel, has made him a successful leader.
Empathy is crucial not only in personal interactions but also in business. It’s the foundation for building trust and understanding, both internally with teams and externally with clients. Businesses with empathetic leadership experience more engaged employees and lower turnover.
Empathy is not weakness. It’s strength, humility, and leadership. Leaders who can balance empathy with accountability foster positive work cultures. On the other hand, failing to hold people accountable in the name of empathy can lead to organizational dysfunction.
Being empathetic doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone or avoiding tough decisions. It means understanding where others are coming from and addressing challenges with care and consideration. Empathy can lead to improved relationships, better customer experiences, and more productive teams.
Empathy is not just about emotions—it’s about understanding the other person’s perspective. Whether in personal life or business, this ability can be the difference between success and failure.
Go Get Em’: 3 EMs of Leadership Part I – Empower
In leadership, empowerment is a game-changer. Empowering others doesn’t mean relinquishing control—it means providing the resources, trust, and authority for team members to take ownership. General (R) Stanley McChrystal’s book Team of Teams highlights the importance of decentralization and empowerment in leadership. When the U.S. military shifted to a decentralized command structure in the Middle East, it allowed for faster, more flexible decisions, and led to greater success.
Empowerment comes in two forms: structural decentralization and motivational empowerment. Structural decentralization allows teams to make decisions on the ground. Motivational empowerment inspires and motivates individuals, increasing their sense of ownership and commitment.
When done right, empowerment leads to increased morale, innovation, and performance. But it must be done with responsibility. Leaders must avoid shirking their duties and ensure that empowerment doesn’t lead to neglecting accountability.
Empowerment doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility. It’s about giving others the power to act while remaining accountable for the overall success. Leaders who embrace empowerment trust their teams, provide them with the right tools, and hold them accountable to high standards.
Empowerment is about filling others with strength and confidence. When leaders empower the right people, they unlock their full potential, leading to organizational success.
Inspiring Storytelling: Unlock Your Best Leadership and Organizational Potential
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in leadership. Whether you’re leading a business, a community, or a nation, storytelling can inspire, motivate, and connect people to your vision. Leaders who can effectively tell stories create a sense of purpose and direction, engaging their audiences on a deeper level.
Stories transcend data and facts, creating emotional connections. They help people visualize a better future, understand complex ideas, and empathize with others. Great leaders like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Oprah Winfrey use storytelling to connect with their audiences and share their vision.
In business, storytelling can help you connect with clients, employees, and stakeholders. It’s not just about your story—it’s about how your story impacts theirs. Every business has a story to tell, and the way you tell it can inspire others to join you on your journey.
Storytelling also helps you create a meaningful connection with your team. It turns abstract goals into real, tangible achievements that people can rally behind. As you tell your story, you’ll inspire your team to act with purpose and passion.