Mister Mike

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?

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?

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?