Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Grab your favorite coffee cup and get ready to embark on a transformative journey. The Champions Brew Newsletter is here to invigorate your mornings and ignite your drive for personal growth and impact! Fuel your mornings with motivation and purpose. As you savor your first cup of the day, let the Champions Brew infuse you with the insights and strategies you need to make each day a stepping stone towards your aspirations. Let’s Go!
- Uncommon Leader Insights – I went back in the archives to episode 79 of The Uncommon Leader Podcast when I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth, a trailblazer in the healthcare industry with over 30 years of experience and author of two best-selling books, including his most recent Beyond the Walls: MegaTrends, Movements and Market Disruptors Transforming American Healthcare. Our conversation was nothing short of transformative. Here are a few of the takeaways from our conversation:
- Practice ‘Positive Deviance’: Dr. Neuwirth introduced the concept of “positive deviance” as a beacon for change in the healthcare system. Traditional methods are failing, and it’s time to look at those unconventional leaders who are making real strides by thinking differently. One of the unconventional leaders I have followed is Dr. Robert Pearl, co-author of ChatGPT, MD. Dr. Pearl teams up with the artificial intelligence system ChatGPT to examine the transformational power of generative AI in medicine. The book reveals how advanced AI technologies can reduce medical errors, enhance diagnostic precision, ease the growing burden on healthcare professionals, and – most importantly – democratize medical expertise, arming patients with the kinds of tools and knowledge once reserved only for doctors.
- Leaders Listen: One of the most profound points Dr. Neuwirth made was about the critical role of listening in leadership. True leaders aren’t just hearing words; they’re understanding the stories and spirits behind them. Asking genuine, open-ended questions can forge deeper connections and inspire change. This skill is essential not just in healthcare but in any field. Leaders who master the art of listening can turn simple conversations into opportunities for significant impact.
- Change takes Courage: Change is always challenging, especially in a complex system like healthcare. Dr. Neuwirth highlighted extraordinary leaders such as Sean Duffy and Chris Chen, who left prosperous careers to make a difference in underserved communities. Their stories are testaments to the power of conviction, courage, and integrity. True leaders must be willing to transform themselves if they are to inspire and lead systemic change.
Reflecting on our conversation, it’s clear that the path to transforming healthcare hinges on fostering innovation, practicing deep listening, and committing to bold, courageous change. The Healthcare industry is quick to adopt new technologies as well as medicine breakthroughs to treat disease and sickness. The industry would do well to prescribe Dr. Neuwirth’s actionable insights that could redefine what it means to lead in the creation of a healthier population, not just treat a sick population.
I encourage you all to listen to the full episode and consider how these takeaways can influence your own approach to leadership. Let’s make it our mission to drive the change we wish to see.
Being successful as a leader requires intentional leadership habits. That’s why I developed the Ideal Week template – a tool that helps me identify areas for success and allocate the necessary time. It guides you through planning your ideal week, ensuring you dedicate time to the activities that bring you closer to your goals.
Want to give it a try? Subscribe to my YouTube channel (click here) and take a screenshot that confirms you are subscribed. Email the screenshot to [email protected] and I’ll send you a copy of the Ideal Week template complete with a sample to get you started!
- Be Intentional – As John F. Kennedy once observed, “Victory has 100 fathers and defeat is an orphan.” This timeless wisdom highlights the reality that while success often has many contributors, failure often falls solely on the leader’s shoulders. In times of crisis, leaders play a pivotal role in guiding their organizations and communities through turbulent waters. While victory often has many claimants, defeat often falls solely on the leader’s shoulders. As we navigate the challenges of our world today, it’s crucial for leaders to demonstrate resilience, integrity, and strategic thinking. Here are a few of my thoughts on leading in tough times:
- Visibility is Key: Leaders must be present and accessible during times of crisis. Their visibility provides reassurance and stability to those they lead.
- Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with trusted advisors who can offer guidance and support. Having a strong network of mentors can be invaluable in navigating complex challenges.
- Uphold Your Principles: While it may be tempting to compromise your values in a crisis, doing the right thing is ultimately the most rewarding path. Remember, crises don’t build character; they reveal it.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: While some crises are unforeseeable, organizations can develop contingency plans to mitigate the impact of emergencies.
- Harness the Power of Prayer: In moments of uncertainty, turning to faith can provide strength and guidance. Prayer can offer a sense of peace and clarity when faced with overwhelming challenges. One of my favorite verses to go to in times of crisis is Joshua 1:9 which reads: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you.”
Leadership in times of crisis requires a combination of visibility, wisdom, integrity, preparedness, and resilience. By embodying these qualities, leaders can inspire confidence, foster unity, and navigate challenges with courage and determination.
- Read More – Join me as I dive into the new book, “Jesus the High Road Leader,” by John Maxwell and Chris Hodges. This companion to Maxwell’s best-seller, “High Road Leadership,” explores how Jesus exemplified the principles of this powerful leadership style.
The High Road: A path characterized by giving more than taking, serving others, and making a positive impact on the world.
The Low Road: The opposite of the high road, marked by selfishness, expectation, and a negative influence on others.
The Middle Road: A stagnant path focused on maintaining the status quo, leading to little change or growth.
The authors assert that the road we choose defines our leadership. Are you High, Low or Middle Road leader?
Join me on this journey of discovery. Grab your copy of “Jesus the High Road Leader” and next week, we’ll dive into the first example: Jesus Valued All People.
- Quote of the week:
“The secret to getting…is giving. And the secret to giving is making yourself open to receiving.” – The Law of Reciprocity from Bob Burg and John David Mann, co-authors of The Go-Giver
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: Share this post tag me and a friend for a chance to win a Free Copy of the Jesus, the High Road Leader! Let’s spread the word and inspire others!
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!!
