Gratitude Focus: This Morning, I’m Simply Grateful Not To Feel Rushed

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

 I was up at 4 a.m. today—and strangely, I feel rested. After a nonstop first quarter filled with onboarding new leadership at the bank and diving into deep strategy to position the business for the future, I’m grateful for a moment of stillness.

These days, I’m not just being asked to grow, but to transform—as a leader, a communicator, and a thinker. I’ve committed to daily writing goals, and I’ve been keeping that promise to myself. The demand for speaking engagements—especially on podcasts—has also increased since publishing my book. I don't take any of it lightly.

My recent time with John O’Leary reminded me of the power of communicating with clarity and purpose. For me, writing isn’t just about expression. First, it helps me process my own thoughts—I actually play back the audio of what I write to hear if the message is clear. Second, I write to help others gain clarity. I'm not interested in going through the motions. I communicate with intention, hoping my words add value to someone else’s journey.

For those looking for a scriptural lens, think back to Genesis—Adam’s failure to clearly communicate God’s instruction to Eve is a reminder that communication, or the lack thereof, can alter the course of everything.

As I sit here looking at the whiteboard in my office, mapping out my weekly, monthly, and yearly goals, I see upcoming talks with YPO, PreventEd, AAIM, and the NAACP. Each audience is different, yet I’m reflecting on what stays the same: What’s the one core message they all need to hear?

Thank you, John O’Leary, for the coaching and wise words: “Develop one core message.” After all—I run a bank. But more importantly, I lead people. And leadership begins with communication.