I’m 36 today. Not old, not young—just firmly in the “should really know better by now” phase of life…In no particular order, here are 36 lessons I’ve learned in my 36 years.

Because if Barbara Fredrickson is right (and I think she is) the people who thrive aren’t the ones who avoid hardship. They’re the ones who feel it, face it, and still find a reason to laugh.

We’ve been doing this work quietly for a long time—listening well, connecting dots, and making calls that turn into careers. Now we’re giving it a name. And a home.

These are your neighbors, your next board members, your future collaborators. And you didn’t just tell them they mattered. You proved it.

That’s what’s so haunting about the Titanic. It didn’t sink because the professionals didn’t know enough. It sank because they thought they knew everything.

To literally jump into the deep end and trust that your body will remember what it’s learned. That’s not just a new skill—it’s a transformation.

It’s not enough, he said, to simply do some good every now and then. Leadership, whether in government, business, or community work, should refine us.

The second you start watching them instead of working on you, you lose ground. Not because they’re taking anything from you, but because you’re choosing distraction over discipline.

I don’t wholly disagree with Alan’s razor-sharp observation about HR, but I believe it’s time to redefine its role—from being seen as “hardly relevant” to truly Human Relevant.

Trust is the cornerstone of coaching. When a leader confides their challenges and hopes, it’s not just about solving problems—it’s about forging a partnership where honest conversation leads to real transformation.

Parental leave policies might seem overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to show your team you’ve got their back. And honestly, creating one doesn’t have to feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark.

Choosing someone to join your team is a big decision, especially as a small business owner, where each paycheck feels like it’s coming right out of your pocket.

A mantra, as Pete and Steve explained, is something entirely different. It’s the heartbeat of an organization—the rhythm that keeps everything moving in the right direction. Even when the brain is overthinking or the mouth is fumbling for the right words, the mantra is steady. It’s always there, quietly guiding you back to your purpose.

McConaughey’s now-famous line didn’t come out of nowhere—it was informed by what he had been consuming. His connection to The Doors' music sparked a moment of creativity that changed his trajectory. And that’s the big takeaway here: What you consume influences what you create.

As Thomas Jefferson said, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

I’m not sure marketing will ever feel effortless for me, so my goal is to do it with minimal pain and maximum value. Maybe that’s your goal too.

Hiring isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. And when you get it right, the payoff is huge—for you, your team, and your business.

These phrases are conversation starters, trust builders, and ways to connect on a human level. The next time you’re in a tricky conversation or need to bring a little extra encouragement, reach for one of these lines.

Remember, most issues in leadership are communication problems masquerading as something else.

This partnership is one that is right for our businesses and our families. From the get-go, Danielle has shown incredible talent and dedication. She’s strategic, detailed, and creative—everything you want in someone telling your story. I trust her completely to lead this new division and provide you with top-notch service.