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November 2025 | Ask. Listen. Lead.
In this month’s reflection, Michael M. Carney reminds us that leadership, like great storytelling, is built on curiosity and connection. A simple shopping trip becomes a lesson in attentiveness — how asking thoughtful questions and following through can deepen relationships and drive success. Just as a good story inspires, engages, and educates, so too does genuine personal contact. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, we’re reminde

Mister Mike
Nov 113 min read


October 2025 | The Story You're Telling
We’ve used this opening before—and it still fits. My wife once asked if I had a story for everything. I said, “Wait a minute; I have a story about that!” This month’s message: your systems tell your story. Every customer interaction shapes how your company is seen. Build systems that reflect your values, lead with intention, and remember—storytelling outlasts marketing. Pass it on, you Giants!

Mister Mike
Oct 163 min read


September 2025 | Buffet of Leadership
September sharpens our focus and reminds us that leadership, like life, is a buffet. Early on, we sample widely—jobs, roles, opportunities. As we mature, we narrow our plate and commit with passion. Leadership too is a buffet built on kindness, gratitude, honesty, and the courage to develop others. The real question: what will you choose to serve, and what will you return to again and again?

Mister Mike
Sep 243 min read


August 2025 | Building Our Biography | Legacy in the Making
History isn’t just about events — it’s the stories of the people who lived them. Just as the signers of the Declaration of Independence brought their unique biographies to the table in 1776, we are each writing our own through the lives we lead today. The question is, what will your biography say?

Mister Mike
Aug 113 min read


July 2025 | From Fireworks to Foundations | Enduring Leadership from 1776 to Today
On July 3, 1776, John Adams foresaw a celebration of freedom marked by “pomp and parade.” Nearly 250 years later, his vision reminds us that true leadership—rooted in principle, integrity, and service to others—still matters. Are we living up to the legacy of those on whose shoulders we stand?

Mister Mike
Jul 113 min read


June 2025 | This Old Guy’s Guide to Leading Better in June and Beyond
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about awareness, composure, courage, and hope. In a world full of “top ten” lists, here’s a real talk reminder: Know your people, keep your cool, face your fears, and lead with hope. Because the best leaders lift others up, not tear them down. No tantrums, no fear—just forward momentum.

Mister Mike
Jun 193 min read


Beyond Giants | May Reflection | Leadership Lessons from History’s Quiet Titans
Discover timeless leadership lessons from Lincoln, Truman, Dr. King, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Chesty Puller in this powerful reflection on courage, humility, and influence. Learn modern leadership tactics rooted in emotional intelligence, selflessness, and resilience—crafted to inspire today’s leaders to rise beyond titles and lead with purpose.

Jonathan M. Carney
Jun 193 min read


May 2025 | Lessons in Leadership Reflections on Courage Character & Change
This May, we explore timeless lessons in leadership drawn from historical giants—Lincoln, Truman, MLK, Chesty Puller, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Through books and reflection, we uncover the courage, humility, and wisdom that define true leadership—reminding us that growth often begins in discomfort, and that great leaders lead by example, not ego.

Mister Mike
May 253 min read


April 2025 | Leading Through Change: From Sketchplanations to Lifequakes
In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional leadership approaches are no longer enough. Embracing visual thinking through “Sketchplanations” and navigating “Lifequakes” with resilience can help leaders guide their teams through uncertainty with clarity and purpose.

Mister Mike
Apr 213 min read


Beyond Giants Report | High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Habits serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals striving to achieve long-term success.

Jonathan M. Carney
Jan 313 min read


February 2025 | The Power of Communication: How One Leader Lost His Team by Ignoring It
When a newly promoted Assistant Manager decided to reorganize his team without prior communication, he faced unexpected resistance. What see

Mister Mike
Jan 303 min read


January 2025 | Leadership, Change, and Growth in the New Year
Leadership thrives on growth, mentorship, and change. Stand tall, inspire others, and lead with energy, vision, and purpose in 2025.

Mister Mike
Jan 164 min read


December 2024 | The Leader’s Trumpet: Navigating Vision, Value, and the Power of Knowing | Leadership Vision Value Power Knowledge
Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about guiding with vision, honesty, and courage.

Mister Mike
Dec 9, 20243 min read


November 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - Igniting Positive Change: Creating the Leadership Epidemic
Spark a positive epidemic! Lead with exponential growth and break the status quo. Let’s build lasting change, one leader at a time.

Mister Mike
Nov 10, 20243 min read


October 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - Perspective Matters: The Power of Seeing Beyond Our Own Viewpoint - Leadership Perspective
Perspective shapes how we see the world, but what happens when we pause, stop, look, and listen to see beyond our own viewpoint? Discover ho

Mister Mike
Oct 2, 20243 min read


Embracing AI in the Workplace: A Path to Efficiency, Innovation, and Growth
"Embracing AI isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading, innovating, and transforming your business for a smarter, more efficient futur

Jonathan M. Carney
Sep 3, 20243 min read


September 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - Leading with Patience and Praise: The Power of Positive Recognition in Building Stronger Teams
Discover the impact of patience, praise, and thoughtful leadership on building stronger teams and fostering a positive work environment.

Mister Mike
Sep 3, 20243 min read


August 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - Embracing Leadership: The Art of Leading Without Titles and Navigating Change
True leadership transcends titles. Embrace change wisely, lead by example, and become a champion worth following.

Mister Mike
Aug 5, 20243 min read


July 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - The Endless Journey: Striving and Supporting as a Leader
Leaders never truly "arrive" or find lasting calm. Embrace the journey, support others, and focus on integrity, respect, communication, and

Mister Mike
Jul 9, 20243 min read


June 2024 - Shoulders of Giants - Leadership and the Path to Greatness: Insights from History, Literature, and Modern Thought
June 2024 www.SOGiants.com “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton 1643-1727 “Gentlemen,...

Mister Mike
Jun 12, 20243 min read
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