Michele Assad, a former CIA operative, once had the opportunity to interrogate a self-proclaimed terrorist wanting to sell intelligence. He claimed to previously be part of Saddam Hussein’s core team of assassins. As Michele met with this man, she kept sensing that something was wrong. Over time she had learned to trust her intuition, because intuition is the unconscious mind […]

Years ago, at a loan committee meeting, a colleague presented a loan request that looked excellent. The borrower appeared to have great excess collateral and a strong financial statement. I, like many others, was shocked when our CEO said, “Something doesn’t smell right. Let’s pass on this one.” Months later we learned another bank had made the loan and regretted […]

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Kansas City Royals pulled off an incredible accomplishment this year. They signed five top draft picks and they did it for only $100,000. The reason these new players selected the Kansas City Royals is due to Dayton Moore’s commitment and concern for his minor league players. During the pandemic, most baseball teams cut […]

Late business leader and author Peter Drucker suggested, “In order to grow, a business must have a systematic policy to get rid of the outgrown, the obsolete, the unproductive.” Drucker believed that knowing what not to do is as essential to success as knowing what to do. And knowing when to stop is just as imperative as knowing when to […]

In our changing world, many cash-starved businesses are considering new business opportunities. There is a distinct difference between a pivot in your business and a shift in your mission. In the pursuit of cash, many will be tempted by a new product line or even a different business model. Although survival is critical, it’s just as important to be aware […]

2020 has been a year like none other. Business shutdowns, stay-at-home orders and race riots are just a few of the chaotic events that small business leaders have had to navigate. Disruption brings anxiety and uncertainty to our staff and to the leadership team of any organization. It’s during these unexpected times that people look to leadership for comfort, confidence […]

My son, Jeremy, works in a sheltered workshop for workers with special needs. Local businesses contract with the workshop to perform routine jobs. In the past, Jeremy’s employer paid him based on his volume of production. Because of Jeremy’s poor social skills and obsessive compulsiveness, he worked very fast. What motivates Jeremy, however, is not extra money. Instead, he’s driven […]

During one of our virtual events, Dr. Richard Blackaby shared about a CEO of a publicly traded company. This CEO had been asked to approve a marketing campaign that glorified sexual immorality. This CEO’s staff challenged him to dismiss his religious beliefs and instead focus on increasing shareholders value. The CEO called Dr. Blackaby for counsel, seeking insight on how […]

Business consultant Phil Clemmentis says, “Business owners needed a way to get advice that was set up in a way that they could understand and implement. Advice that cannot be implemented is worthless.” Often, business owners and employees attend training sessions and walk away with grandiose ideas but no implementation plan. The implementation plan is where the rubber meets the […]

As many businesses rebuild from the pandemic, some may be looking for new talented leaders. In Deuteronomy 1:13, God told Moses to select wise, discerning and experienced leaders. The final attribute we’re discussing in our series is experienced. The original Hebrew word discusses those who are known or recognized or are respected for their experience and skills. It reflects well […]