Organizational Behavioralist, Culture Architect, Author
“The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life.” - Victor Frankl
Everyone has a purpose but not everyone is on purpose in life. Sometimes we find our purpose but there are times our purpose finds us.
Either way, living a full life on purpose requires intentionality.
The resources and words on these pages are reminders for myself as I focus on living a life on purpose.
Consider this humble site a purpose filled refueling station as we journey through life.
Chief Talent Officer, The Encompass Group | International Speaker | C-Suite Advisor and Coach | Organizational Behaviorist | Best-Selling Author | Board Member | Adjunct Professor |
Chief Talent Officer, The Encompass Group | International Speaker | C-Suite Advisor and Coach | Organizational Behaviorist | Best-Selling Author | Board Member | Adjunct Professor |
Books
Leah, the newly promoted manager at Blaise International, faces a common challenge: how to turn slow sales and uninterested employees into a booming enterprise. Uniting her team and avoiding employee layoffs seem impossible. Until she meets the Professor, Their weekly lessons on the power of story help Leah turn her employees and leadership team from unmotivated individuals into a community with a common goal. Alongside Leah, learn the three ways to experience story and how to idenitify a misaligned story. The Professor teaches that the way we present ourselves through verbal and nonverbal cues -- employee recognition, team meeting behaviors, and identifying employee burnout -- impacts not only our own path, but also the paths of others.
Saturday Morning Tea is a powerful tale of leadership and ambition that proves how story has the power to change everything.
"I was lured into believing that success was about money, power, fame, and pleasure. If those things defined success, then I should have opted for failure. My true success in life came when my focus was on doing what God wanted me to do and investing in the life of others. My only regret is that I wasted so many years chasing the wind when I should have been all in from the start" (Taylor Bellows). The death of Taylor Bellows, one of the wealthiest men in the world, devastates Brendan Austin, his best friend since childhood. But even more than Taylor's death, it's the set of journals he left behind that shakes the foundation of Brendan's life. Brendan and Taylor grew up together, from their days spent having adventures in the woods and pretending to be businessmen in Taylor’s father’s office to their eventual careers and marriages to the lovely Allison and Ann—and to Taylor’s struggles with infidelity. But through it all, Brendan and his wife Ann stood by Taylor and Allison, mentoring and guiding them toward the truth—even as Brendan often felt that Taylor resisted taking his words into his heart. And now, in reading Taylor's journals, Brendan uncovers things he had never known...about his friend, his life, and his faith. He discovers what it means to be a difference maker. A conversation starter, an approachable guide—in fable form—for mentors both deliberate and unintentional, The Difference Maker looks at the godly principles of true success, mentorship, leadership, courage, and transformation. The truths are powerful and applicable, in life and in faith, for everyone who reads them. Learn how to lead others while you follow The One.
When journalism prodigy Carson Stewart’s life comes crashing down in an ethics scandal, he sets out to rebuild his reputation in a desperate act that tests his journalistic integrity. Accepting a freelance job, Carson wields his cynical pen to break a story featuring Clara Becker, a popular U.S. representative. His course is interrupted, however, when he meets an attractive and cunning congressional aid who is not afraid to shed light on the condition of Carson’s integrity and purpose. Entangled in deception, Carson finds counsel from his only friend and mentor, Joe - a well-read, yet mysterious bartender. Joe’s Place provides the solid foundation where an unsteady Carson finds footing. With his situation spiraling to rock bottom, it is this unlikely mentor and the scorned congresswoman who provide Carson a way out, if he will accept it. Carson is presented with the “3 Life Choices,” which ultimately force his pen to consider rewriting more than his article. The Newsmaker is a fable about leadership choices, and the value of mentors whose guidance directs the wayward to good places. It is also a story about unconditional love, and the power to change life’s direction for a greater purpose.
At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that success―where purpose, talents and resources come together to
meet the needs of others―cannot be achieved in isolation.
In The Kingmaker, Kyle Ellis, the CEO of powerhouse PR firm Ellis International, is known in an elite circle of people as The Kingmaker. Unlike others in his field, Kyle has the ability to unlock the true potential within his clients while guiding them to the world’s highest levels of power.
After years of masterfully engineering careers to the height of success, Kyle suddenly finds that an alarming number of his “Kings,” as they are known within his close network, are falling from power. Over the course of only a few short weeks, two of Kyle’s most high-profile clients have collapsed into trouble. Kyle is forced to step in to play damage control not only to save their careers but, in one case, their very life.
With longtime friend and driver Parker McIntosh offering keen insights into the motivations of people in their circle, the two form a perfect pairing to master the strategic chessboard of business and politics.
At the heart of this leadership story is the central idea that one's ability to impact others is directly related to his or her ability to lead from a place of authenticity. Sara Davis, the Chief of Staff for powerful Congresswoman Clara Becker, has come to a crossroads in her life. When Clara Becker suddenly is gone, Sara must decide what to do next. When she discovers Clara’s video diary, Sara begins to realize she has the power within her to change the world. Sara’s journey, and the wisdom she uncovers along the way, is an inspiring story for everyone. Inside each of us is the ability to be a changemaker. We simply have to dare to step into the arena.
Recent Blog Posts
Reflecting back on my life, I once found myself playing the role of a "YES, BUT" character with a bit too much ease. Like looking through tinted glasses, my mindset shaded every opportunity with doubt. Every "YES" seemed to be followed by a "BUT," casting a shadow of uncertainty over the outcomes.
I'm thrilled to announce that my latest book, The Follower Effect: A Story About Flipping the Script on Leadership, will be available in just a few months!
This book, a product of my doctoral research over the past three years, is not just a publication. It’s a testament to my personal journey and the culmination of countless hours of hard work and insights. I'm truly excited to share this with you all.
Have you ever experienced the feeling of having someone live rent-free in your head? I have, and it's a journey many have been on. Have you ever considered why these moments happen? We could evict these cognitive squatters, yet we let them stay.
Erin, a young technology executive, is burned out and discouraged in her management role. Facing a decision to confront her CEO and resign, she encounters a woman named Leah whose wisdom helps guide her choices. An uncommon mentorship develops as Leah challenges Erin to write a new story. Leah’s insights into leadership and followership are fueled by her former relationship with a professor whose enduring lessons about the power of story are passed on to Erin. Challenged to recognize and overcome toxic work environments, Erin confronts her own abilities to change her mindset through personal responsibility, forgiveness and ultimately, hope. The Do-over is an enduring tale of hope and healing for employers and employees facing unprecedented challenges in the workplace.