Start this New Year With Purpose🌟...

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words remind us that the power to shape our days — and our lives — begins within.

He championed individualism not as isolation, but as a celebration of the human spirit: the belief that each person carries within them the strength, the vision, and the responsibility to build a meaningful life. This year, let that idea be your compass.

Every goal you set, every dream you dare to name, begins with you. Look in the mirror and you’ll see the one person who can move your life forward. Not because you must walk alone, but because your determination is the engine that makes everything else possible.

So as this new year begins, choose to double down on yourself. Choose to believe that your effort matters. Choose to act with intention.

Here’s how you can start:

·       Study the topics of your dreams — invest in the knowledge that will carry you where you want to go.

·       Find a mentor — someone who can guide, challenge, and inspire you along the way.

·       Stay true to yourself — because authenticity is the foundation of every lasting achievement.

And begin today. Write it on your heart that every day will be the best day of the year — not because life is perfect, but because you choose to meet each day with purpose, courage, and hope.

Make the most of every moment in 2026. Starting today.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882): American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, minister, abolitionist, and poet who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century.                  

Start With What You’ll Finish 🚀...

These words feel especially true as we stand on the edge of a new year.

On this last day of 2025, reflection hangs in the air. We look back on what we did, what we didn’t, what we’re proud of, and what we wish we’d handled differently. We look forward to what might be — the hopes, the plans, the quiet promises we make to ourselves when no one is listening.

As you prepare for the New Year, be gentle and realistic in your planning. Resolutions are wonderful, but only if they’re doable. Ask yourself honestly: Will you truly spend time every day doing this? Can you comfortably give up all of that?

Even the most righteous resolutions must reflect your interests, your style, your life. Just because you

can doesn’t mean you should — although sometimes, because you can, you absolutely should.

Start with one simple resolution: that you will keep the resolutions you make. Let that commitment shape the rest. Let the desire to finish what you start inspire you to carry through. Let “so beautiful or so what” guide you — a reminder that meaning is something you create, not something that happens to you.

As the year turns, may you choose the beautiful. And when you can’t, may you at least choose the honest.

Here’s to a year you make your own. Start by finalizing your resolutions today.

Paul Simon (born 1941): American singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his solo work and his collaborations with Art Garfunkel.   

Your Next Level Starts with One Brave Step 🚀...

As the year comes to a close, remember that your personal and professional journeys don’t reset on January 1. They continue, shaped by your priorities, your preparation, and your persistence. Your goals may evolve, but the work carries forward.

That’s why clarity matters. I often encourage people to conduct a simple yet personal SWOT analysis — assessing their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats — to establish a baseline and create a personal roadmap. It’s a practical way to understand where you stand today and identify what you want to sustain, adjust, or pursue in the year ahead.

Yet even the best plans require something deeper: grit. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and progress depends on steady, deliberate effort. When I lived near the 14‑mile marker of the New York City Marathon, I saw firsthand how preparation, pacing, and resilience carried runners forward. Most of us will never run an actual marathon, but life itself can often feel like one.

Success — in life, leadership, and career — demands long‑term conditioning. It requires pacing yourself through highs and lows, collaborating effectively, and reassessing your goals with honesty and intention. And while support from family, colleagues, and leaders is invaluable, it’s your determination that ultimately moves you forward. Just remember this: the race continues and so should you today.

Angela Duckworth (born 1970): American academic, psychologist, and popular author. [1]

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[1] She is the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studies grit and self-control. She is the founder and former CEO of Character Lab, a not-for-profit whose mission is to advance the science and practice of character development.

 

Innovation Has Always Been a Team Sport...

Innovation has never been a solo act. Nearly 400,000 years ago, early humans in England learned to strike flint against iron pyrite to create sparks. It wasn’t instant brilliance. It was trial and error, shared frustration, shared discovery, and—most importantly—shared effort. That same dynamic still fuels every breakthrough today.

As leaders, we know that communication is the oxygen of innovation. The most successful teams don’t just exchange information; they engage in:

·      Open brainstorming to explore possibilities

·      Clear conversations to define roles and responsibilities

·     Collaborative planning to align on direction

·    Real‑time debate to refine ideas

·    Honest debriefs to learn, adjust, and grow

Whether you lead a large division or a small team, your role is pivotal in setting the tone for these conversations. Some teams need structured guidance; others thrive with more autonomy. But all teams—without exception—need clarity, connection, and a shared commitment to communicate.

Innovation rarely comes from one person working alone. It comes from people who choose to work together with intention. It comes from teams who agree on how they’ll collaborate, how they’ll make decisions, and how they’ll keep communication flowing even when the work gets messy.

Just like those early fire‑starters, our greatest sparks come from partnership. As you guide your teams, encourage them to lean into one another, to share ideas freely, and to embrace the creative friction that leads to real progress today.

Louisa May Alcott: (1832 – 1888) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for writing the novel Little Women and its sequels Good Wives, Little Men, and Jo's Boys.

🚀 Leadership Starts With Ownership. Success Starts With Your Team. 🙌

Eisenhower’s quote is a principle that remains essential at every level of leadership — from the C‑suite to frontline management.

Organizations succeed when people understand what needs to be done and are empowered to do it. They struggle when leaders fail to plan effectively, communicate clearly, or delegate with intention. Not always, but often enough that leadership must be treated as a discipline, not an instinct.

What effective leaders at every level must master:

·       Clear vision and direction: Leaders must understand where the organization is headed, build on its strengths, and anticipate or mitigate its weaknesses.

·       Consistent communication: Leaders must articulate the vision, explain the strategy, and ensure alignment across teams and functions.

·       Defined roles and empowered execution: Leaders must clarify responsibilities, remove obstacles, and trust people to act with autonomy and accountability.

These fundamentals sound simple, yet many leaders only learn them through trial and error. Coaching, mentorship, and intentional development accelerate that learning — and help leaders internalize Eisenhower’s principle: take responsibility for failures and give credit for successes. This mindset builds trust, loyalty, and a culture where people are motivated to perform at their best.

As the year winds down and you consider your goals for the year ahead, reflect on how you plan, communicate, and delegate. Whether you lead a division or a team of five, strengthening these capabilities will elevate your impact and the performance of those you lead. Leadership growth is a choice — and the responsibility to pursue it begins today.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 – 1969): American five-star General of the Army34th, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary force in Europe during WWII, and President of the United States (1953-1961). 

Merry Christmas☀️🎅

Christmas doesn’t have to be grand gestures or cinematic moments. Sometimes the “little something extra” is:

·       a kind word you didn’t have to say

·       a moment of patience you choose to give

·       a small act of generosity that ripples farther than you realize

Those little choices can shift someone’s whole day.

If you’re feeling inspired, you could:

·       send a quick message to someone who’s been on your mind

·       offer a bit of help to someone who’s overwhelmed

·       give a compliment that feels oddly overdue

·       or share a moment of genuine attention

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just should be real. Go ahead: do a little something extra for someone today.

Charles Schulz (1922 – 2000): American cartoonist who created the comic strip Peanuts, featuring the characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Kindness doesn’t require translation 💬❤️ ...

Everywhere we went this season, the spirit of Christmas was unmistakable. During recent travels to Nashville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, we were met with holiday cheer at every turn — in airports, restaurants, music halls, gift shops, and even gas stations. “Merry Christmas” flowed naturally from friends and strangers alike. Decorations, music, and goodwill created an atmosphere where, for a moment, nothing else seemed to matter. Christmas, after all, is more than a season; it’s a feeling.

At home, we keep a basket of snacks and water by the door for the many delivery drivers who help make the holidays possible. When a package arrived last night, I invited the driver to take something from the basket. He didn’t seem to understand my words, but he offered a warm smile and wished me a Merry Christmas. It was a simple exchange, yet a reminder that kindness is a universal language.

Years ago, when I first joined the Golden Nugget, I was asked to form an employee choir to perform throughout the hotel during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Employees from every department and background came together, singing as though they had known one another for years. The sense of unity and shared purpose was unmistakable. It brought us — and those we sang for — together in a way that still resonates with me after all these years.

Christmas isn’t just a holiday — it’s a way of showing up for each other.  Let’s carry that forward today.

 

Edna Ferber (1885 – 1968): American novelist, short story writer and playwright.

🌱 Excellence Is Intrinsic: it can’t be forced; it must be sparked 🔥

Anything great that people accomplish begins with their own desire to excel. Training can build competence and experience can prepare employees for their responsibilities, but exceptional performance is ultimately driven from within. Workplace culture can inspire, and teamwork can support, but the true drive for excellence is personal.

 

Leaders provide the vision that defines organizational goals, and HR creates the systems that support development and motivation. Yet it is the front-line managers who play the critical role of coaching, guiding, and inspiring employees every day. When these elements align, micromanagement becomes unnecessary — excellence emerges naturally from employees who bring skill, optimism, flexibility, resilience, and grit to their work.

 

Leaders can create an environment that encourages excellence, but they cannot demand it. They can build systems that point employees toward success, but they cannot force motivation. Effective leadership recognizes that motivation is the art of getting people to do what needs to be done because they want to do it.

 

The hard-driving, command-and-control leaders of the past must give way to visionary, empathetic leaders who guide rather than push, support rather than criticize, and coach rather than command. The workplace continues to evolve with each new generation, and leadership must evolve with it to bring out the best in their workforce today.

 

Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower[a] (1890 – 1969): American 5-Star Army General, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in WWII, and 34th president of the United States. 

Happy winter solstice, it only gets brighter from here...

The Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — marks the symbolic rebirth of the sun. Paired with the approaching New Year, it offers a natural moment for reflection and a meaningful turning point in the calendar. These transitions often prompt us not only to look back, but also to consider how we might grow in the months ahead.

As a child, I remember walking home from school in the fading twilight, watching snowflakes shimmer under the streetlights, and imagining the life that awaited me. I never would have predicted that I’d one day live in Las Vegas or work in a casino, yet in hindsight, both now feel like logical milestones along my path. It has truly been a long, strange trip.

I’ve always enjoyed coaching young people as they begin exploring career possibilities. I encourage them to learn as much as they can about the companies they’re interested in — context helps them make informed decisions. For those considering a career change, I often remind them that the best job is sometimes the one they already have; the challenge is learning how to make it the one they love. In both cases, it’s impossible to know exactly where the journey will lead, but it’s remarkable to look back and see how far you’ve come.

This season is an ideal time to reflect on where you’ve been, envision where you’d like to go, and consider who you want to become. With the days now growing longer, there’s a renewed opportunity to begin meaningful work — starting today.

Robert Hunter (1941 – 2019): American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. This is from their song “Truckin”.

Teamwork isn’t just about getting the job done - it’s about learning skills that make life better. 🚀

I love working in teams – it’s more fun, keeps me focused, sparks creativity, and helps balance the natural ups and downs of the workday. The best part: teamwork teaches us a “better way to live” by developing essential life skills:

• Handling pressure with resilience
• Improving communication across diverse perspectives
• Building empathy and understanding
• Fostering shared purpose and belonging

These skills translate into stronger relationships, more effective problem-solving, and greater adaptability in every aspect of life. A collaborative environment nurtures accountability, support, and unity — reducing stress while promoting growth.

Whether in an office or working virtually, people must interact with others. Effective leaders recognize this and actively engage with their teams to maximize collaboration.

• By communicating how teams work, employees better understand the benefits of collaboration.
• By coaching employees to get the most out of teamwork, leaders shape stronger interactions.
• By highlighting how collaboration benefits life beyond work, leaders help employees become more well-rounded individuals.

Don’t leave teamwork to chance — plan it, nurture it, and maximize it. When leaders invest in collaboration, they’re not just building better teams; they’re helping people discover a better way to live today.

Freeman Dyson (1923 – 2020): British-American theoretical physicist and mathematician.

Celebrate community and tradition...

For over four decades, A Prairie Home Companion has been a cherished part of our lives. We’ve attended productions in person many times, most recently at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Each show is a living tribute to the golden age of radio—complete with singers, storytellers, musicians, and sound effects artists—reminding us of a time when families gathered around the radio to share laughter, music, and stories.

 

The heart of the program lies in its storytelling. Tales of small-town America capture the values of community, simplicity, and connection—where neighbors know one another, children play freely, and life unfolds with both triumphs and foibles in full view. These stories, paired with live music, create a sense of belonging that is rare and deeply meaningful.

 

This year’s Christmas performance was especially memorable. It culminated in nearly forty minutes of seasonal and patriotic songs, with the audience joining in full voice. Without prompting, strangers sang together in harmony, transcending differences and divisions. In that moment, there was no “us and them”—only unity, goodwill, and shared joy.

 

Such experiences remind us of the importance of empathy, friendship, and generosity. They echo the values we strive to uphold in our workplaces and communities: supporting one another, celebrating successes, and extending kindness without restriction.

 

As we move through this holiday season, let us honor these moments of connection. Life is good, friendships are special, and the spirit of togetherness is what makes both our personal and professional lives richer today.

 

 Robert Hunter (1941 – 2019): American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead where he became friends with musician Jerry Garcia. Hunter and Garcia began a collaboration that lasted through the remainder of Garcia's life.

🎶 Leadership Lessons from the Country Music Hall of Fame...

During a recent visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I was struck by the institution’s ability to collect, preserve, and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music. What stood out most was the sense of unity among the artists represented—an unmistakable reminder that they are all in it together.

 

Music, much like sports or the workplace, brings people together in shared pursuits that can be deeply powerful. My own experiences—singing harmonies in a college folk group and motivating service teams in the casino industry—placed me at the center of inspiring others to commit fully to what they were doing. When people are aligned and engaged, the sense of accomplishment is profound.

 

From these experiences emerges a clear leadership lesson: work closely with your team, listen attentively, observe their actions, understand their needs, and engage with them in ways that foster their own engagement. Allow them to experience the results of their efforts firsthand. True leadership is not about standing apart, but about being part of the collective journey. If you are in it, you must be all in.

 

Organizations, like bands or sports teams, do not achieve success on their own. It is the individuals within them who succeed—because they care enough to strive for excellence. As a leader, your role is to instill the tools, values, and inspiration that empower people to want to win. You cannot do the work for them, but you can help them believe in their ability to succeed. When that belief takes hold, they recognize that they are all in it together—and that is when real success happens today.

 

Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003): American singer-songwriter who is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide.

Communication isn’t just a "soft skill"...🗣️

The difference between a good manager and a great one is their ability to communicate effectively. 

 

It is how leaders inspire vision, build trust, motivate teams, and drive action; it turns abstract ideas into shared goals, fosters collaboration, resolves conflicts, and creates the vital human connection needed for people to follow and align with an organization's purpose, making it the foundation for everything from setting direction to achieving results. 

 

Key Reasons Communication is Leadership's Language:

·      Vision & Direction: Leaders use communication to articulate a clear vision and the path to achieve it, unifying people around a common purpose.

·      Trust & Credibility: Open, honest, and transparent communication builds trust, making teams more likely to believe in and follow their leader's guidance.

·      Motivation & Inspiration: Effective leaders use words and empathy to inspire passion and commitment, transforming goals into shared beliefs.

·      Collaboration & Alignment: It aligns individuals and teams towards organizational objectives, ensuring everyone understands their role and works together.

·      Connection & Rapport: Meaningful dialogue helps leaders understand their team's needs, fostering engagement and creating stronger human connections.

·      Influence & Change: A leader's language shapes attitudes and actions, making strategic communication a powerful tool for driving positive change.

·      Conflict Resolution: Clear communication is essential for addressing challenges, resolving disagreements, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. 

 

In essence, leaders don't just give orders; they use communication to create meaning, build relationships, and guide people toward a desired future, making it their most crucial skill. Make sure you learn how to communicate effectively today.

 

James C. Humes (1934 – 2020): American author and presidential speechwriter.