My conversation with Elizabeth reminded me that there are still good young leaders in this world. Leaders who care about more than power, agendas, or prestige. Leaders who are curious, want to grow and who have a desire to help others.

In my world there are those who talk about growing and learning and then there are those who actually put action behind those words. I was talking with a seasoned executive recently who represents the ladder type of leader.

It took him down. He destroyed the company and any significant relationships that were attached. His fear and insecurity led him down a path of arrogance and dictatorial leadership. He ultimately was terminated from the company.

With tears in his eyes, he said, “I want to grow and learn all that I can so that I lead my people well.”

He was blown away by the treatment he received. Charles was admitted to the hospital for a procedure that would repair a heart issue.

I recently had a conversation with Crystal Brown. She is one of the most authentic, respectful and well-respected leaders I know.

This week we are celebrating our 246th birthday as a nation. We are not perfect, and our flaws are many times raw and hurtful. However, I think we spend a lot of time pointing out our weaknesses and neglect the strengths of this great nation.

Steve Cook knows pain. He has traveled through difficult seasons and he understands the need to continue to grow, even through the dark days of life. Allowing those experiences to change him and strengthen him was a critical choice in his leadership and life journey.

Steve Cook is a leader who understands change. Coming from a family who legally immigrated to the USA, he has faced many changes and challenges in his career. Yet, he has chosen to learn and grow through the journey and now leads a large Aerospace organization with a global footprint. What he learned as a child helped to form him into the man he is today.

I like real. I like authentic. That’s why I like the leader that I had the opportunity to talk with recently. He is straightforward and does not play games with words or intent.

John Josep thinks deeply and practically at the same time. While he has numerous leadership accolades, it is his depth and vulnerability that make him truly inspirational.

I invite you to take a moment and give thanks for these heroes who allowed us the freedoms we have today.

We are living in a time where the words “attrition,” “retention,” “recruiting" and “hiring” are dominating the conversations in the business world.

My friend is a seasoned successful leader. He has lots of experience in his field. In fact, he is an expert.

Refusing to cast judgement on those who hold views or opinions that conflict with ours is the responsibility of all strong leaders.

She understands about overcoming obstacles and she knows about hard work. She is a healthy contrast to the “I Quit” culture of today. She refuses to become a victim and is determined to lead by example. I’m talking about Dr. Yvette Rice.

A member of our military was walking down a hall in the Pentagon where she worked, away from her office and towards a different wing. That's when it happened.

I was at Home Depot recently getting provisions for the lengthy “honey do” list that my wife had prepared for me. That’s when I met Rocky.

Political agendas… misinformation… the greed of meeting shareholder expectations at all cost… the travesty and horror of leading a needless war that continues to kill innocent people… It isn’t hard to see the selfish ambitions and agendas that leaders use to gain power, money and control.