If someone says you can’t do it, do it twice… and take pictures.
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Grab your favorite coffee cup, sit back, relax, and get ready to sip on some enriching and thought-provoking content that will equip you to thrive in all areas of your life:
- Uncommon Leader Insights – In the latest episode of The Uncommon Leader Podcast, I had a great conversation with Jill Burdette, an engineer and a fellow West Virginia University alum with a unique perspective on leadership. Through our engaging discussion, I gleaned three significant takeaways on leadership, personal growth, and life management that are worthy of reflection in this week’s Brewr:
- Embrace Unconventional Paths – Jill’s journey from a small town to an international science fair ignited her passion for engineering and set her life’s trajectory. Her story reminds us that unexpected routes often lead to fulfilling destinations. It’s a testament to staying curious, seizing opportunities beyond the standard course, and letting inspiration guide our choices, especially when it steers us into unchartered territory outside our comfort zone.
- Learn Continuously, but Adapt Relentlessly: Throughout her career in commercial engineering, Jill emphasized the importance of constant learning and transparent communication. In a field where technology evolves rapidly, she proves that credibility stems from expertise, adaptability, and sincere exchanges. Whether teaching a class or leading a team, her approach underlines that understanding and growth are symbiotic – together, they form the backbone of credible leadership.
- Striking Rhythm between Work and Life: Jill debunked the myth of ‘work-life balance,’ advocating instead for a fluid approach where sometimes work may take precedence, and at other times, family comes first. I couldn’t agree more. Her candid sharing about color-coding calendars and setting boundaries illustrates that successful management of professional and personal responsibilities hinges on clear communication, prioritization, and the acknowledgment that the scales will tip from time to time.
As we digest these lessons from Jill Burdette’s experiences, remember that the route to uncommon leadership is not well-trodden; it’s paved with the irregular stones of lifelong learning, flexibility, and the dance of balancing life’s demanding rhythms.
Listen to the entire episode here.
Are you aware that The Champions Brew explores various topics that I frequently coach and consult on with other leaders and organizations? If you or someone you know is seeking to elevate their business or personal life from underperforming to uncommon, I would love to connect with you and discuss 1:1 or group coaching, as well as performance consulting. In fact, click the following link to schedule a FREE CALL to explore how coaching could benefit you and your team. Let’s work together to unleash your full potential and achieve your goals
- Work Hard – “The enemy of excellence is mediocrity—the acceptance of average with a complacent ‘it’s fine’ attitude.” These powerful words were recently spoken by Pastor Chad Veach on an episode of the Grow Leader podcast. If you’ve been around me, you’re well aware that I coined the phrase “Excellence Only Happens on Purpose.” I stumbled upon it years ago on a Liberty University Instagram post, and interestingly, my son Brendan was even featured in the photo!
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter. Throughout my career journey, I’ve noticed a recurring issue that plagues countless individuals and organizations: underperformance. It’s like a dark cloud that hovers over us, dampening our potential and impeding our progress. I’ve personally experienced the impact of underperformance and understand its weight. It’s a pervasive problem, affecting a staggering 97% of companies and costing the global economy trillions of dollars.
Have you ever received a less-than-stellar performance review? It could have been a report card from your elementary school days or a professional evaluation. Regardless of the context, it undoubtedly stung. For me, it became a turning point—a moment of truth that set me on the path I’m on today, assisting some of the most impactful leaders worldwide.
This kind of impact, the pursuit of excellence in leadership, can only be achieved through intentionality. That’s why I’ve developed a comprehensive 7-step process that offers guidance to individuals and organizations seeking continual and measurable improvements. By following these steps, you can deliver results that go beyond the ordinary—they can be truly uncommon. These results not only enhance your business but also transform your life. In fact, they can become part of what I refer to as “the Greatest Story Ever Told.”
In the upcoming editions of the Champions Brew, I will take the opportunity to outline these seven steps. Each step will equip you with practical tools and valuable insights to unlock excellence within your own journey. Together, we will bridge the gap between where you are now and where you aspire to be.
Are you ready to elevate your performance, exceed expectations, and leave a lasting impact? Stay tuned for the forthcoming editions of the Champions Brew as we delve into the keys to unlocking excellence.
- Read More – Here we go. We are traveling together on a journey with an inspiring speaker, and author, Ed Mylett, and his book “The Power of One More – The Ultimate Guide to Success and Happiness”. As an avid listener of Mylett’s podcast, I’m thrilled to revisit this remarkable book that holds a special place in my Top Ten influential reads. Join me as we uncover the profound wisdom within its pages. Got your copy yet? Let’s dive in!
Chapter Four – “One More and the Five Principles of Time Management”
If you’re a regular reader of the Champions Brew newsletter, you know that the concept of Time Management has always struck a dissonant chord with me. After all, we can’t control or manage time itself like a coach in a sports event. We all have the same 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, and 86,400 seconds in a day. Instead, what truly matters is Priority Management—how we choose to invest our time wisely.
In this chapter, there are salient points worth considering about our time investment:
- Time is more valuable than money. It’s a finite resource that cannot be replenished.
- We cannot turn back the clock or reclaim lost time. Each passing year is a smaller percentage of our lives, making time seem to go faster.
- When our time is over, there are no replays. It’s essential to make the most of the time we have now.
Many authors and influencers have explored the subject of time, leaving behind thought-provoking quotes that resonated with me:
- “If you don’t have the time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it again?” – John Wooden
- Coco Chanel wisely quipped, “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”
- Charles Darwin reminds us, “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
Here’s the thing: Time is our most valuable asset, and we never know how much of it we have left. It’s crucial for us to reflect on how we allocate our time, ensuring that we prioritize what truly matters and invest it wisely.
So, I invite you to take a moment today to evaluate your priorities and how you’re investing your time. Are you aligning your actions with what truly brings you fulfillment and makes a positive impact? Let’s make every moment count and embrace the power of priority management!
Next week: One More Emotion
Quote of the week: “I’ve got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” – Larry Bird
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: Share in the comments below one small change you’ll make today to better invest your time. Together, let’s make the most of this precious asset we’ve been given.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with me! I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
