The Thrivers Club Update: Behind the Life Leadership

Written by Orvin Kimbrough | May 26, 2026

I have the good fortune of being busy, and I don’t take it for granted. What am I busy with? Like you, family life is full. This year, like last, we hosted Thanksgiving dinner, a mad dash to get all the holiday decorations up and the place ready for hosting. I can check that off the list.

This season also brought a new experience: donating blood. It was my first time, and I’ll share more in a future post about what I learned and why I did it. Here’s the short version: a longtime colleague and friend’s young son, Benjamin, is fighting cancer. He’s undergone countless transfusions, and donating felt like the least we could do. We’re praying and pulling for your family, Rosie Stafford Smith. It’s a stark reminder of how precious life is. Interested in learning more and supporting Rosie’s family with a gift, click here.

As the year winds down, I’m reflecting on my work at the Bank. Hosting many of our board members and management leaders for our holiday reception, yes, before Thanksgiving, was a highlight. Most of my time is spent investing in people, shaping strategy, executing a capital raise as we focus on growth, inviting you to join us as customers (it would be an honor, join us), and finding more effective ways to share the story of what we’re striving to accomplish. While we’ve had success, I’m not content, I believe there’s much more to achieve with the right partnerships and mindset. One thing I firmly believe: profitability and impact can go hand in hand.

I’m excited about what’s ahead in 2025. If you’re looking for a values-based bank, I encourage you to click and visit our reimagined website and share your thoughts.

A graph of book sales

What’s Going on With the Book?

One of the reasons Twice Over a Man resonates so deeply with readers is its balance of tragedy and triumph. Once you move past the challenges in the story, you uncover its practical relevance to leadership and business. The book’s themes of resilience, purpose, and transformation go beyond personal growth, they offer a lens for shaping organizational culture, developing leaders, and building trust. In business, as in life, breakthroughs are often on the other side of the right relationships, intentional strategy, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty. My hope is that readers see the book not only as a story but also as a toolkit for driving meaningful, values-based impact in their work and communities.

People often ask if I ever take a break. The truth? I don’t do much “breaking.” I need to stay productive. I like having televisions in most rooms, just in case I feel like watching something, but honestly, 99 percent of my free time is spent reading, writing, or increasingly, recording videos. My kids are adulting, and my wife is pretty self-contained. This used to bother me, but it doesn’t anymore. The biggest challenge I face is when I’m in a groove writing during nontraditional work hours, and my wife wants to engage. I know, I’m working on it.

Speaking of working on it, I’m reenergizing my efforts to promote Twice Over a Man. November sales were slow, but 2025 brings fresh opportunities. I’m especially excited about collaborating with the St. Louis County Library system for public promotions. Did you know that St. Louis County and City libraries have entirely different governance structures? Learning these nuances has been fascinating.

For those waiting for the Audible version of the book: Scouts honor, it’s coming in the next two weeks, just before Christmas. I can’t wait to hear the market’s reception. This was my first recording experience, and I’m eager to share it with you.

To date, we’ve sold over 1,400 copies of Twice Over a Man. While that number is encouraging, my vision goes deeper. I don’t want readers to simply buy the book, I hope they truly experience it. This is more than a story or testimony; it’s a framework for resilience, leadership, and purpose.

To everyone who’s joined me on this journey, thank you. Your support means more than I can express. Whether you’ve read the book, shared it with others, started book clubs, written reviews, or signed up for my newsletter at orvinkimbrough.com, you’re part of something bigger. Together, we’re making Twice Over a Man more than just a book. It’s becoming a movement for resilience and purpose.

I also want to extend a special thanks to the Thrivers Club members. Your encouragement and support fuel this mission every day. Thank you for walking alongside me as we continue to inspire and impact lives.

Here’s to a new year of purpose, progress, and impact. Let’s thrive together.

Below is Chapter one of the book trailer! 

 

Presentations and Upcoming Events

  • 8/21 – Recently, I spoke at Midwest Independent Bancshares, Inc. The title of my presentation was Beyond the Balance Sheet. They generously provided copies of the book to everyone in attendance—thank you! (Photo)
  • 9/23 - Fathers On Purpose Podcast (click to hear)
  • 10/3 – Federal Reserve Conference
  • 10/17 – Stepping Up for Kids Lunch (The Foster Care System and Its Impact on You)
  • 10/29 – UMSL Speaker Series (Ethics)
  • 10/29 - Berges Foundation - Lessons in Leadership
  • 11/7 – Tarlton Annual Company Lessons in Leadership
  • 11/14 — Wells Fargo (MN) - Understanding Everyone's Story as a Method to Team Building
  • 11/20 —WWT Prayer Call - Unshakable Peace (click to watch)
  • 12/3 — SHRM Meeting – Human Potential Interview
  • 12/3 — Encouraging Leaders Podcast
  • 2/20 —Federal Reserve Black History Month Panel: Elevating with Equity: Building Black Generational Wealth
  • 2/20—St. Louis County Library - Talk about the book, Q&A, book sales and signing - 7pm - St. Louis County Library - Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis MO 63131 - PUBLIC EVENT
  • 3/18—Deaconess Foundation Black Liberation Finance
  • 4/17 – YPO Inside the Boardroom

Want to help?

Remember: I’m aiming to reach over 10,000 readers and would greatly appreciate your support. Here’s how you can help:

1) Purchase the book and then
2) workbook,
3) If it resonates with you, please leave an Amazon and Goodreads review, and
4) Share the book with your network, and in your own words, tell them what you appreciated about it, encouraging them to do the same…

The Book Twice Over a Man

When we reach 10,000 people, Orvin will host one group digital author Q&A for you and the people you invite to read the book at a date to be determined.  Ten percent of the profits will go to support charity, a real full circle moment!