Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

It’s been a full one.

This week was loaded with high-stakes moments—board prep, committee meetings, decisions that don’t just affect the now but shape the future. I spent time one-on-one with several of my colleagues at the bank—each conversation unique, each person managing their own mix of challenge and opportunity.

I found myself in a few impromptu coaching moments with young leaders—just trying to deposit a word of encouragement, a little wisdom, maybe a different lens. I also attended a regional conference with the Missouri Bankers Association—always a reminder that our work sits inside a larger ecosystem, and sometimes the insight comes from the side conversations.

On top of all that, I carved out intentional time to organize everything I do outside of the bank that still impacts the bank—writing books, creating content, expanding thought leadership, building relationships that make the whole system better.

People ask me nearly every week: How do you get so much yield out of your day?

And the truth is, it’s not a secret formula.

You wake up early.

You reduce distractions.

You focus on the big things first.

You pull the right people close.

And you work a reasonable but focused day.

That’s it.

This week I walked more than usual—averaging over three miles a day, one hour at a time. Movement helps my mind stay clear. And I’ve been prioritizing my minutes like they matter—because they do.

What I’ve reconfirmed this week is that none of this is separate.

The bank. The writing. The mentoring. The strategy. The speaking. The walking.

It’s all integrated. It’s all tied together by mission and purpose. That’s how I can yield more—because I’m not living in compartments. I’m living in alignment.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

— Psalm 90:12