No Leader is an Island

My passion lies in people— family, employees and their families, customers, vendors—anyone who comes to be a part of the community I love. While in business, I appreciate great products and recognize that money opens doors. What truly drives me each morning is the opportunity to connect with people. I want to help people find the courage to create ripples of hope, bravery, change, and prosperity.

Business brings inevitable moments of stress and uncertainty. Ironically, while leadership connects you to countless lives, it can simultaneously feel like you're stranded on your own little island. That's why I've learned the importance of building bridges to connect with fellow CEOs. Think of it as creating pathways between islands—linking our community to other thriving places rich with resources and support systems that keep me from getting swept away by the tide of challenges.

A healthy leader builds bridges in every direction and actually uses them regularly (not just for show!). This network completely changes my perspective. When I see an employee's child visiting the office, I don't feel anxious about whether our little island can provide for their future. Instead, I get excited thinking about our whole archipelago of connections and all the amazing opportunities we can offer together—opportunities I've always dreamed of making possible.