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New Year’s Resolutions Are Leadership Promises — Especially the Ones You Make to Yourself
Every January, leaders everywhere make promises. We promise to be healthier. More present. More disciplined. Better leaders, parents, partners, coaches and teammates. Yet by February, many of those commitments quietly fade. Not because we didn’t mean them — but because we misunderstood what resolutions really are. New Year’s resolutions aren’t about motivation. They’re about accountability. They’re about ownership . And ownership is the foundation of leadership. Leadership S
James Lord
2 days ago3 min read


The Leadership Lesson of Santa Claus: Why Giving Makes You Stronger
At first glance, Santa Claus may seem like an unlikely leadership role model. Red suit. Reindeer. A once-a-year appearance. But look closer — and you’ll find one of the most enduring examples of positive leadership the world has ever known. Santa leads without authority. He gives without expectation. And somehow, year after year, he inspires belief, loyalty, and joy on a global scale. That’s not magic. That’s leadership. ⸻ Santa Leads Through Service, Not Status Santa doesn’t
James Lord
Dec 223 min read


When Ego Leads, Leadership Suffers
Ego is one of the most subtle — and destructive — forces in leadership.It rarely announces itself loudly. More often, it shows up as certainty without curiosity, confidence without humility, and authority without accountability. Left unchecked, ego doesn’t just slow leadership growth — it quietly dismantles trust, silences truth, and blinds leaders to the very signals they most need to hear from their staff or from their customers. Ego Doesn’t Make Leaders Strong — It Makes
James Lord
Dec 133 min read


The Tom Cruise Standard: What Leadership Looks Like When Effort Becomes a Habit
When most people think of Tom Cruise, they picture the blockbuster star hanging off airplanes or sprinting through explosions. But behind the stunts and global fame lies something far more impressive — a relentless work ethic and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Cruise’s approach to his craft offers a surprising lesson for every leader: excellence isn’t about talent — it’s about effort. The Power of Showing Up Prepared Tom Cruise isn’t just known for his performance
James Lord
Dec 63 min read


Boost Your Leadership Skills Effectively
Leadership is one of those things that sounds simple but feels like a puzzle when you’re in the thick of it. I’ve been there—wondering how to inspire my team, make tough calls, and still keep my sanity intact. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about growing, adapting, and showing up authentically every day. If you’re ready to boost your leadership skills effectively, let’s dive into some real-world leadership insights that have h
James Lord
Nov 244 min read


10 Powerful Rules for Giving SMART Method Feedback That Drives Real Growth
Learn the essential rules for giving effective SMART method feedback that helps people grow, increases clarity, and strengthens leadership outcomes. Includes examples, tips, and best practices. Introduction to SMART Method Feedback Giving great feedback is one of the most important skills a leader can build. Whether you're guiding a new team member or coaching an experienced professional, your ability to communicate clearly can transform performance, confidence, and team cult
James Lord
Nov 154 min read


Preparing the Youngest Workers for the Age of GenAI
We are living through a period of unprecedented technological change, and reports indicate that our youngest workers—those aged 21 to 25—are feeling the effects of Generative AI most acutely in the form of job reductions. As leaders in management and HR, we cannot afford to wait for this disruption to settle. We must take proactive steps now to prepare this driven generation to find meaningful and enduring employment. The future economy will demand workers who are resilient
James Lord
Nov 84 min read


Mastering Effective Leadership in Today's World
Leadership. It’s a word that carries weight, promise, and sometimes, a little bit of fear. I remember the first time I was handed a leadership role. My heart raced, palms sweated, and I thought, “Am I really ready for this?” Fast forward a few years, and I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about growth, connection, and yes, mastering some key techniques that make all the difference. If you’re ready to dive into what it takes to lead effectiv
James Lord
Oct 304 min read


Courage Isn’t Loud: Leading When the Lights Go Out
When crisis hits, the world looks to leaders — not for perfection, but for presence.In the quiet moments after the storm begins, true leadership isn’t found in the headlines or the heroics. It’s found in the calm voice that says, “We’ll find a way through this.” Courageous leadership isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about showing up even when fear is everywhere. The Myth of the Fearless Leader Too often, courage gets mistaken for bravado — the loud confidence that everything
James Lord
Oct 252 min read


Leadership at the Speed of Change: Why Standing Still Is the New Decline
In today’s world, change doesn’t knock — it kicks the door down. Markets shift overnight, technologies outdate themselves in months, and global events rewrite the rules of business in real time. Yet one element inside organizations often evolves the slowest: leadership. No matter how advanced our tools become, success still depends on how we lead — not just from the top, but across every level of the organization. The leaders who thrive today are those who understand this tru
James Lord
Oct 173 min read


Advice on How to Support Men
( Transcribed from Episode 999 of Modern Wisdom by Chris Williamson ) Men want to aim high without feeling insufficient if they fall short. Men want their suffering to be recognized and appreciated without being pandered to or patronized and made to feel weak. Men want to believe they can be more, without feeling like they're not already enough. Men want to be able to open up without being judged. Men want support without feeling broken. Men want to be loved for w
James Lord
Oct 112 min read


Leadership Lessons from 'Wick Is Pain': Turning Adversity into Unstoppable Momentum
As a leader, I’m always on the lookout for moments of inspiration—sometimes they come from the most unexpected places. Recently, I found...
James Lord
Oct 43 min read


Leadership Lessons from Billy Joel's Historic Madison Square Garden Residency
Billy Joel’s historic residency at Madison Square Garden, spanning January 2014 to July 2024, was a cultural milestone, with 104...
James Lord
Sep 273 min read


How a 30-Day Push-Up Challenge Taught Me Discipline and Leadership
That’s right. I saw a Facebook post a few months ago about doing 50 pushups a day for 30 days to help raise money for some non-profit...
James Lord
Sep 214 min read


10 Leadership Lessons from Charlie Kirk’s Enduring Legacy that Emerging Leaders Can Learn
The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on September 11, 2025, at Utah Valley University, cut short a...
James Lord
Sep 203 min read


How to Improve Leadership Communication: Frequency, Effectiveness, and Intent
In Toronto, where the crisp fall air and events like the Toronto International Film Festival set a vibrant stage, it’s an ideal time to...
James Lord
Sep 183 min read


Why Hustle Beats Talent in Leadership: Lessons from Football
Hey there, friends—it’s Jim, coming to you from Toronto, where the fall chill is settling in and football season’s got me fired up. As a...
James Lord
Sep 133 min read


Leadership and Regret: How Missed Opportunities Can Shape Better Leaders
Hey folks, Jim here from Toronto, where the leaves are just starting to turn and the air's got that crisp back-to-school feel. As a dad...
James Lord
Sep 63 min read


Weekly Reflection for Leaders: How One Hour Boosts Productivity and Clarity
Anyone that knows me knows my calendar is insane… let's just say my calendar looks like a battlefield. But amidst the chaos, I've learned...
James Lord
Aug 283 min read


Authentic Leadership in a Digital Age: Why Handshakes and Notes Still Matter
Hey there, Jim Lord here, your guide to leadership with a heart, writing from the vibrant pulse of Newark Airport (while trying to get...
James Lord
Aug 243 min read
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