Every leader knows the hardest word in the job: no.

And many admit they wish they had learned how to say it earlier in their careers.

The truth is, no one likes hearing it, and no one enjoys giving it. But “no” is critical to protecting focus and priorities. The key is how you deliver it.

In this episode of Insights, I explore 11 ways to say no without demoralizing your team. You’ll see how subtle techniques we use with friends (yes, even at a restaurant) can help leaders set boundaries with grace.

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After Ohio State’s painful loss to Michigan, the season could have unraveled. Instead, players and coaches gathered for a raw, honest conversation. That heart-to-heart didn’t just heal wounds, it became the turning point that fueled their historic run to a national championship.

Business teams aren’t so different. There are moments when morale dips, trust frays, or setbacks sting. That’s when a leader’s willingness to pause, open up, and have a genuine conversation can reset everything.

In the latest episode of Insights, I share when and how to know it’s time for a heart-to-heart with your team, and how to use those moments to build unity and momentum.

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The Golden State Warriors credit part of their 2022 NBA Championship run not just to talent, but to the way they communicated—structured, clear, and consistent. That same principle separates high-performing business teams from those that constantly spin their wheels.

In the latest episode of Insights, I share how leaders can create communication protocols that cut through noise, build trust, and keep teams moving in sync. You’ll hear practical approaches you can apply immediately—without adding red tape.

👉 Give it a listen and see how a few minor changes in how your team communicates can transform the way you work together.

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Courage doesn’t always roar. More often, it whispers.

In 2024, Microsoft engineers raised concerns about AI safety. Leadership didn’t silence them—they created forums for open dialogue. That everyday courage improved outcomes and reinforced trust.

In the newest Insights episode, I share five ways to practice courage daily: normalizing candor, using stories, asking questions, standing with allies, and practicing in small moments.

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Silence isn’t neutral; it has a cost.

During the 2023 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa broke the silence around concussions, sparking a league-wide conversation about safety. In business, the same principle holds: staying quiet often costs more than speaking up.

In the latest episode of Insights, I explore five powerful moments when courage matters most: standing on values, reframing risk, sharing bold ideas, protecting fairness, and treating feedback as a gift.

What makes a great presenter stand out? It isn’t about adding more slides or talking more; it’s about knowing what to cut. In this episode of Insights, discover why less is more. You will learn simple techniques to deliver clearer, concise, and to-the-point presentations.

Dak Prescott. CeeDee Lamb. Micah Parsons.

Jerry Jones waited until the very last minute to strike a deal with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and it cost the Cowboys tens of millions more than it should have. Will he do the same with Micah Parsons? Waiting until the end may not be the best strategy when negotiating.

In business, we may fall into the same trap as Jerry Jones. Don’t confuse “waiting” with “winning.”