Red Mike Messages

The Law of the Leaky Bucket: What You Tolerate, You Teach

Where are the holes in your organization?

In your processes?

#DrinkTheBourbon #LeakyBucket #benignneglect

The Boiling Frog: Taxes, Debt, and Complacency

From 2% colonial taxes to 30% today, have we learned to live with too much? Discover the hard truth about what we tolerate—and what it’s turning us into.

#DrinkTheBourbon

#boilingfrog

#boilingover

#nationaldebt

Celebration to humility—through the lens of Easter traditions.#DrinkTheBourbon#Humility #resilience

Inspired by a powerful lesson from a high school teacher and paired with Oliver Aust’s “How to Listen” framework, this Red Mike Message explores why real listening—not just hearing—is a game-changing leadership skill.

Learn how to shift from passive hearing to intentional listening and unlock deeper understanding, trust, and influence in every conversation.

#DrinkTheBourbon #leadbylistening

“Someone’s Always Watching: Be the Kind of Story Worth Telling”
Someone’s watching—your kids, your team, a stranger you'll never meet again. How you live matters. In this Red Mike Message, I reflect on Scouting, football, regret, and choosing to live a life that would make the front page for the right reasons. You don't need a badge to make an impact. You just need to live with honor.
#DrinkTheBourbon #LiveWithHonor

Be the First One Off the Bus: Leading by ExampleThis Red Mike Message breaks down accountability and culture.Watch, share, and tag someone who always steps up.#DrinkTheBourbon#WorkEthic#LeadByExample

Real Leaders Pick Up the Phone: Why Credibility Is Earned, Not Given

True leadership isn’t about staying above the grind—it’s about stepping into it.

When I took over as Executive Director of a Texas agency, one of my first moves was to take calls alongside my staff. Not to watch them—but to join them.

In this Red Mike Message, I share why credibility can’t be bought, borrowed, or faked—and how great leaders build trust by showing up, getting dirty, and doing the work no matter what title they hold.

Leadership means knowing when to steer—and when to grab an oar.

#RedMikeMessage

#DrinkTheBourbon

#DTB

#LeadByExample

The Leadership Lesson That Changed My Life: One Millimeter from Disaster

A high school football injury nearly ended more than just my season—it forced me to confront one of life’s toughest leadership lessons: letting go of the plan you had, and embracing the life you’re meant for.

In this Red Mike Message, I share how one millimeter made all the difference—and how a coach’s quiet courage gave me the future I never knew I’d need. It’s a story about trust, resilience, and why unanswered prayers might just be the greatest gift of all.

#DrinkTheBourbon #DTB #UnansweredPrayers #HeartOverHype

Red Mike Message 4-4-25

Start by Starting.

Critics be Damned.

#DrinkTheBourbon

#DTB

#teddyroosevelt

Act Like You Belong

#DrinkTheBourbon

#DTB

#HowardSchultz

#richardbranson

#georgecostanza