My Experience in the Davis Chamber Leadership Institute: A Program Worth Sharing
I graduated! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to participate in the Davis Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute. It was an incredible experience from start to finish. Over the past year, I got a deeper, behind-the-scenes look at the county I live in. From touring the Davis County Sheriff’s Office and jail, to visiting […]
The Two Most Dangerous Words in Leadership: “I Know”
You’ve probably heard people say the three most important words are “I love you.”But in leadership and communication, two far more dangerous words are: “I know.” When someone says “I know,” it’s often a conversation‑ender.Curiosity shuts off. Feedback stops. Learning ends. At home, it might sound like: “I know, Dad.” At work, it often sounds like: “I know, […]
Thought Diversity Without the Drama: How Effective Teams Turn Differences into Wins
Ever had a teammate who peppers every plan with questions? It feels like they’re intentionally undermining momentum, right? They’re not—they’re your secret weapon for bulletproof results. In the Maxwell DISC model of human behavior, we refer to this as a “C” style. Let’s dig into what makes them tick, and how to turn their strengths […]
Connecting With Confidence: How DISC Makes Networking Less Awkward and More Profitable
Most business owners know that people do business with those they know, like, and trust—but very few think intentionally about how they create that trust in the first few minutes of a conversation. Two weeks ago I shared a short “Connecting With Confidence” session with a room of 60+ local professionals, and we explored a […]
Productivity Isn’t Willpower. It’s Systems (How I Went Full-Time)
Productivity isn’t about willpower or motivation. It’s about building the right environment (i.e. systems) to support your goals. For years, I worked harder than ever and ground through endless tasks but still ended most days feeling behind and frustrated. It wasn’t a lack of discipline. It was that my “system” was just a chaotic pile […]
When Engineers Stop Talking: The Real Cost of Communication Breakdowns
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
Closing the Loop: The Communication Skill That Sets You Apart
Have you ever played Mario Kart? Most of us have enjoyed a few rounds of this classic racing game during family game nights or friendly competitions. Now, think about some of the most memorable tracks in Mario Kart: Rainbow Road, Bowser’s Castle, and Wario Colosseum. What do they all have in common? They all have […]
Engineering Leadership in the Age of AI: What I Wish I’d Known (and What I’m Still Figuring Out)
I know, AI has become a household word. I suspect most, if not all, of you engineers have been using it for a while: Creating reports, helping write code, “checking your grammar” (i.e. completely rewriting your emails), making bedtime stories for your young ones, and everything in between. This is all fine and good, but […]
Helping Students Grow Beyond Success Toward Significance
When I speak to students, I often begin by sharing something personal: I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school. Like many teens, I felt uncertain about my future and unsure which direction to take. In fact, it wasn’t until a college counselor reviewed my aptitude tests and suggested engineering that I […]
Do you need to master your BLUF technique?
I’m not talking about playing cards better. And no, I didn’t misspell BLUF or leave my Caps Lock on accidentally. BLUF stands for Bottom Line Up Front. How many times a day do you wish your emails would get right to the point, so you’re tuned in on what you need to know (or actually […]
