Life + Leadership

       Last week, I found myself in an unexpected situation that taught me an invaluable lesson. It all unfolded during a "routine visit" to court for a speeding ticket. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary day would turn into a astounding encounter with a remarkable individual – Mr. Carlo, an elderly Haitian man. In that small courtroom in Georgia, I witnessed a captivating display of kindness, vulnerability, and persistence that left an indelible mark on my soul.        A s I patiently awaited my turn before the judge, I couldn't help but notice Mr. Carlo's perplexed expression while conversing with the court clerk. Seated beside me, he explained his presence in court, having received a ticket for neglecting to renew his car tag. In Georgia, drivers are required by law to renew their tags annually. Mr. Carlo, a delightful and jovial character, shared that his financial situation made it difficult for him to afford the $175 fine. Moved by his plight, I offe

    There are certain people who enter our lives and leave a permanent mark on our hearts. For me, that person was my mother. Although our time together was cut short due to her passing, the impact she had on me during the first twelve years of my life is immeasurable. My mother was a shining example of unconditional love, nurturing, selflessness, humor, and compassion. In this blog, I would like to express my deep appreciation, love, and share some of her amazing traits that had a profound impact on my life.   Unconditional Love and Nurturing      My mother's love was a force that knew no bounds. It was a love that embraced me, flaws and all, and made me feel like the most cherished person in the world. Her nurturing spirit was evident in the countless hours she spent tending to my needs, both physical and emotional. She taught me the value of self-care, of nurturing oneself while extending kindness to others. It was through her unwavering support and encouragement that I lear

       I'm on my way to an incredible IHG Hotels & Resorts conference, and was captivated by Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger's insights during the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting - so much that it spurred me to change the topic I was going to address on my weekly blog. I thought it would be worth taking a deep dive into their words - distilling them down into something applicable for our everyday lives!      Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders’ meeting is always a highly anticipated event among investors, finance enthusiasts and business professionals. In 2023, the conglomerate made several major announcements and statements that are likely to have significant impacts on markets, businesses and consumers alike. But what does all of it really mean for most Americans? In this blog post, I will provide you with a summary of a few key takeaways from Berkshire Hathaway’s 2023 annual shareholder meeting, explaining their implications in plain language a

       As a father of a 12-year-old daughter, I am often marveled at her inquisitiveness and natural curiosity towards the world around her. From the questions she asks to the explorations she embarks on, it’s amazing to witness her thirst for knowledge. It reminds me of the time when I was her age and had a similar curiosity towards everything. However, over the years, I have noticed that I, like many others, have lost that innate trait. It’s made me wonder why being curious is so important, why we tend to lose it as we age, and most importantly, how we can regain it to benefit in life and work.      Being curious helps us learn and grow. Curiosity is what sparks creativity and innovation. It’s what makes us ask questions, seek answers, and explore different possibilities. When we’re curious, we’re more likely to take risks, try new things and learn from them. It's crucial in both our personal and professional lives, as it helps us develop new skills, think outside the box and a

      Have you ever spoken to someone and felt like their words were not matching their actions? Or wished you could understand what someone was really thinking or feeling based on their body language? The ability to read body language is a valuable skill in both personal and professional settings. While it may seem like a daunting task, with practice and observation, any of us can become better at interpreting body language.       I   've always been intrigued by the art of reading body language and have delved into articles and books on the subject. Most recently I read “Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace” by Wendy Patrick Mazzarella and Jo-Ellan Dimitrius who has been a consultant in more than 60 jury trials including Rodney King, John Dupont, McMartin Preschool and O.J. Simpson cases. It was a great read but to be honest I was pretty disappointed I did not get the holy grail to ready people easily and conclusively 😊.  Nonet

       Life can be a wild ride, full of unexpected twists, turns, and bumps in the road. Whether it's financial woes, heartbreak, health setbacks, or any other type of challenge, we've all been there in some shape or form. While these tough times can be gut-wrenching and agonizingly difficult, they can also teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us. We emerge from these struggles stronger, wiser, and more equipped to help others facing similar hardships.      Have you ever considered what your struggles have given you? I was inspired by a recent podcast featuring Jay Shetty and Ed Mylett where they explored the power of cultivating positive values. Their insights left a lasting impression on me, particularly the idea that our past hardships can actually be our greatest strength. From bankruptcy to addiction battles and everything in between, the challenges we face have the potential to shape us into a powerful force for good in the world. Reflecting on