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7 Leadership Lessons From The London Marathon

Five years ago, I ran my first marathon. It was the Grand Rapids Marathon in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After this marathon, I said I would never run another marathon again.

Fast forward to 2024…

I ran my second full marathon. This time, in London, England.

Man with dark hair in an orange tank top jersey running the streets of London in the London Marathon

Photo by Pamela Lalonde

Running the London Marathon wasn’t a dream come true. It wasn’t something I’d longed to do. Yet, when the invitation from Team World Vision came to run the London Marathon and change kids’ lives, I couldn’t say no.

Pamela and I spent nine full days in London. We got to see so much and experience so much. You may hear about those experiences in a later post. This post is going to be about the lessons from the London Marathon.  Read more...

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Tips On Leading With Integrity And Purpose

All of us want to live a life that is authentic. We also want to live a life full of integrity. Then there’s living a life full of purpose. We know these three things can be guiding lights for us personally and professionally. 

However, I’ve seen many leaders side-step these areas of their personal and professional lives. They see a shortcut and they take it. No one will know, they think. 

It may be true. No one may ever discover what you did under the cover of darkness. You may never be exposed for taking advantage of your employees, organization, or friends. 

But those things still happened. 

You’ve broken the trust of the people you love and care about. You’ve tarnished your reputation. You’ve become the laughingstock of your industry. 

All because you decided to do the wrong thing.  Read more...

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Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Next Goal Wins

My latest book, Reel Leadership, is now available on Amazon. If you love movies and leadership, you will love this book.

Directed by Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins is a heartwarming tale based on the true story of the American Samoa soccer team. The team was so bad that they once lost all 30 games they played. To add salt to their wounds, they also had a 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001. This sent Australia to the 2002 World Cup.

But, like many things, teams can turn around. Organizations can change. And people can be proud of the work they do.

I missed this gem of a film in the theaters. However, you can now catch this movie on Disney Plus and other streaming channels. It’s worth checking out.

Soccer players in green jerseys circled around their coach in a black shirt.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Next Goal Wins

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5 Leadership Books To Read In May 2024

Margaret Fuller once said:

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

Mary Ann Shaffer said:

That’s what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you to another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It’s geometrically progressive–all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.

Both of these people have one thing in common: They know the power a book has to change your life. 

Every book you pick up will open a door into the world of someone who has been there and done that. Their experiences are there for you to learn and grow from. So, what’s stopping you from picking up a great book?  Read more...