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Being Radical

by Walt | May 8, 2025 | Success | 0 Comments

Leaders are often pressured to adapt quickly and make rapid decisions. While agility and responsiveness are crucial, there is an underlying principle that is even more essential for effective leadership: groundedness. The word “radical” originates from the Latin word “radix,” meaning “root.” To be radical, in the truest sense, is to be deeply rooted and grounded. As leaders, your ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others hinges on your own groundedness, which in turn requires daily practices that nurture your emotional and physical well-being.

The Power of Being Grounded

Being grounded means being stable, centered, and connected to your core values and purpose. This inner stability allows you to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience. Grounded leaders exude a calm confidence that reassures their teams, even in turbulent times. They are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or fleeting trends because their actions and decisions are anchored in a deep understanding of their mission and values.

Groundedness fosters authenticity. When leaders are true to themselves and their principles, they build trust and credibility. Teams are more likely to follow a leader who is consistent, transparent, and genuine. Furthermore, grounded leaders are better equipped to handle stress and prevent burnout, which is vital for long-term effectiveness and sustainability in their roles.

Daily Practices for Staying Grounded

To achieve and maintain groundedness, you must adopt daily practices that support your emotional and physical well-being. Here are some key practices to consider:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for cultivating groundedness. These practices will help you stay present, reduce stress, and enhance your emotional intelligence. Just a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day can lead to significant improvements in focus, decision-making, and overall mental health.

2. Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining energy levels and reducing stress. Whether it’s a morning jog, yoga session, or a simple walk during lunch breaks, physical exercise helps clear the mind and strengthen the body. It also releases endorphins, which boost mood and overall sense of well-being.

3. Reflection and Journaling

Taking time to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and feelings is crucial for self-awareness. Journaling can be a particularly effective method for this. By regularly writing down reflections, you can gain insights into your behaviors, recognize patterns, and align your actions with your core values and goals.

4. Healthy Eating and Hydration

Nutrition plays a significant role in our physical and emotional health. Prioritize a balanced diet rich in whole foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar can prevent energy crashes and maintain steady focus and productivity.

5. Quality Sleep

Sleep is foundational for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a restful sleep environment can greatly enhance sleep quality.

6. Connection and Community

Human beings are inherently social creatures. Building and maintaining meaningful connections with others is vital for emotional well-being. Make time to connect with family, friends, and colleagues. Engaging in social activities and being part of a supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Embracing Radical Leadership

By integrating these practices into daily routines, you can cultivate the groundedness necessary for radical leadership. This approach not only enhances your own well-being but also positively impacts your team and your organization. Grounded leaders are better equipped to inspire trust, navigate challenges, and drive sustainable success.

The journey to becoming a radical leader begins with rooting yourself in practices that nurture emotional and physical well-being. By staying grounded, you can remain steadfast in your purpose, lead with authenticity, and create a lasting, positive impact on your organization and the people you serve. Embrace the radical path of groundedness and witness the transformative power it brings to your leadership… and to the world.

Shadow of an effective leader sitting beside a tree with grounded roots while his reflection shows in a body of water.

Lost In A Dark Wood

by Walt | May 1, 2025 | Success | 0 Comments

I was lost. Hopelessly lost.

“In the middle of the journey of my life, I found myself in a dark wood with no clear way out.” So begins Dante’s Divine Comedy.

That was me.

It wasn’t comedy.

I was bored; restless, unhappy.

Yearning for something more, different, exciting.

I was searching for meaning, purpose; something.

And it seemed ridiculous to me. Because by all outward appearances, I had it all. The beautiful house, the nice cars, a big boat, a fancy office, a prestigious career.

There was so much to be grateful for. And, yet, there I was: a miserable fuck.

My marriage failed. (Or I failed my marriage. Inartfully, unlovingly.)

I’d burned the metaphorical house down.

I became a caricature of myself; a hapless single dad, raising three young boys; a listless lawyer trying to manage a firm.

Trying to keep my shit together.

But truth be told: it was just a shit show.

Barely able to crawl out of bed; barely able to keep my head above water most days.

I couldn’t see the way.

But there was a way.

And I’m here to tell you that there is a way for you.

Not an easy way. (Nothing worthwhile is easy.)

But a way that leads to joy and peace.

Here’s the bad news: When you’re lost in the woods, you need to stop. (And hug a tree as we tell our kids.) You simply can’t run headlong into the maelstrom. You’ll break too many things. Yourself and others.

You need to get quiet and still.

Surround yourself with good friends and wise guides.

Feel the feels. The sadness. The remorse. The fear. The trembling.

Let the tears come.

And then you must get out of that brilliant mind of yours.

Connect with the ground. The Ground of Being.

Drop into your heart space.

Feel your heart.

Listen to that beautiful heart of yours. Because your heart knows the way.

It always knows the way.

From that place – only from that place – will the darkness shift.

Dawn will come.

Through the dark wood, you will begin to see the path.

To your new life that is already waiting.

Peace to you.

On That Last Day

by Walt | Apr 24, 2025 | Success | 0 Comments

Every morning, Steve Jobs looked in the mirror and asked himself one question:

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”

And if the answer was no too many days in a row, he knew something had to change.

That’s not just a good quote. It’s a radical practice. Because it forces us to stop lying to ourselves.

We spend so much of our lives working. So much of our lives doing. Shouldn’t that time reflect who we truly are?

Shouldn’t our work be an expression of our values, our voice, our gifts? Shouldn’t it bring us some measure of joy, meaning, and fulfillment?

I don’t mean every moment will be rainbows and sunshine. There are always tough days. Hard seasons. Work is still work.

But if you’re dragging yourself to it every day… If the thought of another Monday fills you with dread… If the person you’re becoming feels further and further away from your truest self… . Then maybe, just maybe, it’s time to change something.

You don’t have to burn it all down. But you do have to be honest.

Is this how you want to spend your precious, limited time?

Because you deserve more than just a paycheck. You deserve a life that lights you up. A life where your work isn’t a mask—but a mirror. A life where you wake up and say, “Yes. Even if today were my last… this is what I’d choose.”

And if it’s not that… It’s never too late to start choosing.

(If you need help choosing, let’s talk. Email me: [email protected])

Never Retire

by Walt | Apr 17, 2025 | Success | 6 Comments

What if you never retire?

I was listening to a group of people talk about retirement the other day.

They were dreaming about the day they’d be done with work. And then wondering what they’d do to stay engaged. How they’d avoid boredom. What might give them purpose.

I found the conversation… perplexing.

Because I love what I do. I can’t imagine not wanting to do it.

Not because I’m a workaholic. Not because I don’t like downtime. I love my rest days. Love my quiet mornings. Love getting outside.

But I also absolutely love my work.

Not every moment. Not every meeting. But the work itself? The mission? It lights me up. It gives me energy. It fills me with purpose and joy.

So I kept thinking… what if we stopped talking about retirement—and started talking about what’s next?

What if the goal isn’t to stop working—but to stop doing the work that drains us?

What if the real goal is to design a life you don’t want to retire from?

You’ve probably heard that old quote: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

It’s not about escaping responsibility. It’s about alignment. Loving the work. Loving the life.

And if you don’t yet love what you do?

Don’t settle. You get to choose again.

Your next chapter is yours to write. It can be joyful. Playful. Deep. Purposeful. It can be full of new adventures. New contributions. New meaning.

You can consult. Mentor. Create. Teach. Start a foundation. Lead a movement. Launch a small business around what you love. Or do something completely different.

But whatever you choose—let it be something that pulls you forward. That lights a fire inside. That you can’t wait to wake up for.

Because that’s the sweet spot. That’s where time feels different. That’s where energy flows.

Not everyone will understand. And that’s okay.

You’re not retiring. You’re reimagining. You’re beginning again.

And that… is worth getting excited about.

(The work I LOVE to do is helping others create their exciting next chapter. If you’re thinking about that, email me. We’ll talk! [email protected] )

Staying Steady

by Walt | Apr 10, 2025 | Success | 6 Comments

There’s a lot going on right now.

Political chaos. Economic uncertainty. Wars and rumors of wars. The noise is relentless.

If you’re feeling off your game, you’re not alone. Many leaders are struggling to stay focused, present, and productive. It’s hard to lead when the ground beneath your feet feels like it’s constantly shifting.

But here’s the truth: This isn’t the first time the world has been turned upside down. It won’t be the last.

What separates those who thrive in times like these from those who burn out?

Steady habits. Smart boundaries. Relentless self-care.

We saw it during the pandemic. We saw it after 9/11. The people who made it through with clarity, strength, and resilience weren’t the ones glued to the news. They were the ones who kept showing up for themselves.

Self-care isn’t indulgence. It’s insurance. It’s the foundation for clear thinking, emotional regulation, and strong leadership.

So what does it look like right now?

It means protecting your mornings. Starting the day with something that grounds you—movement, stillness, sunlight, journaling. Before the headlines, before the emails.

It means managing your inputs. Less doomscrolling. More time with real people. Less reactivity. More intentional choices about where your energy goes.

It means sleep. Leaders like to skip this one, but it matters more than anything. Cut the screen time. Create a wind-down routine. Guard your rest like your life depends on it—because it does.

It means movement. Daily. Even just a walk. Get outside if you can. Move your body. Let it discharge stress the way it’s built to.

It means naming what’s hard—and not doing it alone. Find the people who help you stay sane. Your team, your coach, your partner, your dog. Whoever helps you breathe a little deeper and laugh a little louder.

We can’t control the chaos. But we can decide how we move through it.

Stay steady.

Not because it’s easy.

But because your people are counting on you.

(If you need help navigating the storm, reach out for help. That’s what we’re here for.)