The Dichotomy of Perception and Reality: A Personal Reflection

Dichotomy—a word that has recently become a frequent part of my vocabulary. It perfectly encapsulates my observations from spending time in two remarkably similar yet distinct environments. Despite people’s inherent goodness and shared values in both places, their approaches to perception, bias, and reality reveal a fascinating contrast. In one place, there’s a culture dedicated […]
The Leadership Lessons of Daisy the Dove: Patience, Simplicity, and Dedication

Who would have thought that a mourning dove could inspire and remind us of life’s basics that keep us calm and focused? Animals often demonstrate qualities that, if we pay attention, can guide us in life. Remember, Orville and Wilbur Wright invented flight by watching birds. There’s much to learn from nature, and this story […]
Navigating the Waves of Uncertainty: Leading with Patience, Grace, and Open-mindedness

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The news brings fresh challenges: distant wars, social upheavals, and domestic crises. These issues often seem beyond our control, triggering reflexive reactions that range from despair to drastic declarations. These reactions are especially common among leaders who manage diverse groups, each with its values, biases, and perspectives. […]
The Unimaginable Journey: From Golf to Life’s Hole in One

We’ve all thought, “That’s not my thing,” or “Someone else is better suited for this.” Many of us believe we must be at the level required to achieve specific goals or dreams. However, as leaders of our own lives and sometimes of others, the sheer art of persistence, practice, and grit can lead to unimaginable […]
Finding Joy and Camaraderie in Unlikely Places: A Lesson from a Furniture Store

The workspace we go to every day can be many things: a place of challenge, growth, learning, and, ideally, fun. Most of us want to enjoy the company of our colleagues, have a supportive boss, and, of course, earn good pay. But often, the question arises: Do we know that we have a part in […]
Navigating the Personal Dynamics of Our Life Teams

It’s often said in jest, “You’re fired!” but the reality behind these words can provoke a deep, introspective journey, especially when it comes to managing our personal life teams. Mentorship and guidance are disciplines of their own, requiring one to adhere to the very advice they give. As ironic as it may sound, this is […]
Reflections on Proximity and Distance: Understanding Our Role in Society

As I awoke recently in a city renowned for its motorcycle rally and a mountain etched with profound historical significance, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity—not for the place itself, as I had never truly explored its streets or engaged with its subtleties before, but for the themes it stirred within me […]
Embracing Continuous Improvement: Lessons from the Montana Medical Group Management Association’s Conference

David (Dave) Nordel, CMSgt, USAF (ret), RN, BSN, MS Leadership Coach, Consultant & Keynote Motivational Speaker Military transition expert CEO of Max Fab Consulting (A Veteran owned proprietorship) Leadership is a journey of perpetual learning and evolution. As someone who has led large and small organizations, I’ve learned that imperfections and mistakes are simply part of the […]
Closing the Gap: A Holistic Strategy for Veteran Transition and Long-Term Success

Thousands of veterans transition from military service into the civilian workforce every year. Their journey is full of opportunity and challenge. Institutions like the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University have made significant strides in supporting this transition through comprehensive programs and partnerships. However, as we commend these efforts, we also […]
Imposter Syndrome & Your Environment: A Deep Dive

The narrative surrounding imposter syndrome often paints it as a personal quagmire, a psychological hurdle people must overcome to unlock their full potential. Yet, Seth Godin’s reflection on “The Rock Star Conundrum” and the story of Esther from The Bible invite us to consider a broader, more nuanced perspective. They challenge us to think about […]