What Does It Mean to "Borrow Trouble"? Borrowing trouble means taking on or meddling with someone else's problem. It often happens for two main reasons: A leader is compassionate and wants to prevent suffering. A leader knows how they want something done and can't...

I’m stealing an old adage from the Army. As a young officer, I attended Ranger School and was awarded the Ranger tab, a patch I could forever wear on my left shoulder, indicating this accomplishment. Alongside serving in combat, it was the toughest thing I’ve ever...

In Henry Kissinger's book, Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy, Kissinger labels French President Charles de Gaulle a "master of circumstance" for the way he seized the moment when it appeared, using it for both personal leadership and national purpose. How...

“Facing difficulties is inevitable. Learning from them is optional.” John Maxwell In over three decades of leadership, I’ve had more leaders than I can recall. Some were great. Some were horrible. I learned from all of them and I’m a better leader because of all...

"If there is alignment among stakeholders, values, and actions, we have the agency to make things happen.” Roger Spitz In one of my keynote speeches titled, “Are You Veteran Friendly or Veteran Ready,” I share the value of hiring veterans – “the ability to engage...

In the fall of 2013, I was an Army Colonel in command of an infantry brigade, a large organization nearing 5,000 people. Though I had a ton of authority, I still had a boss. One of my senior officers approached me to ask if I would promote him to Colonel. It was...

During challenging times, many organizations pull back on visibility efforts—but history has shown that the businesses that remain in front of their audience emerge stronger. Staying visible isn’t just about maintaining brand awareness; it’s about sustaining trust,...

“To communicate effectively is to bridge the gap between perception and reality.” Mark Thompson “What just happened?” “Is Laura going to get fired?” “Is the business going under?” “Did the recent company policy happen because the CEO believes we are not bought...

Trust Is the Essential Ingredient Trust is the essential ingredient for a healthy relationship. Good leaders strive to form a bond of trust between themselves and their people. When trust is broken, often it cannot be repaired. I have fired only a handful of leaders...

I’m honored to share some exciting news — I’ve been nominated for the 2025 Veteran of the Year® Award, and I would be truly grateful for your support! This recognition highlights more than just an individual achievement — it shines a light on the strength,...

Farmer Veteran Coalition's "In May We March" month-long event starts! This is a virtual spring activity that addresses the challenges our Veteran Members and their families face on a daily basis. As we acknowledge the challenges associated with serving our country,...

Upgrade Read in the Substack app Open app Start with the Ending in Mind Initiatives are easy to start; great leaders plan how they end. Rob Campbell Leadership Apr 18, 2025 "Tell me how this ends." This famous line was uttered by then Major General (2-Star) David...

“Being ready isn’t enough; you have to be prepared for a promotion or any other significant change.” Pat Riley “Selfless Service,” one of the U.S. Army’s seven core values still runs through my veins. It comes, in part from military experience which made me a...

“When we avoid difficult conversations, we trade short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction.” Peter Bromberg A contractor friend of mine came to my house recently to do some work. I asked, out of curiosity, if he had any help. I knew he owned and ran the...

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