Guys—this is a bestseller for a reason. It’s different. Unique. Game-changing.

Derek Coburn’s Let’s Retire Retirement isn’t just another retirement book—it’s a bold redefinition of what it means to live a fulfilling life at any age.

With wit, wisdom, and compelling storytelling, Coburn challenges the outdated idea of retirement as a finish line. Instead, he champions a life of purpose, meaningful work, and relationships that grow with you.

Through surprising historical insights, practical strategies, and raw honesty, he shows how to design a future where work becomes a source of joy and impact—not something to escape. His take on financial independence is refreshingly human—centered on freedom to pursue what matters, not just hitting a number.

Coburn also elevates the role of relationships—not just for networking, but for building a life of connection, collaboration, and meaning.

If I were to title this book, I might call it Smart Retirement—but Let’s Retire Retirement says it bes...

The recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities shook me—a reminder of how our world has changed.

Less than 50 years ago, my dad traveled through Iran and Israel. He loved the richness of their histories and the warmth of their people. Before 1979, Iran quietly partnered with Israel. There was trade, intelligence cooperation, and U.S.-backed regional stability.

But that all changed with the Iranian Revolution. Allies became adversaries. Dialogue gave way to decades of tension and mistrust.

As nuclear threats return to the headlines, I understand that firm action is sometimes necessary to preserve peace. The recent strikes were intended to neutralize a credible threat. Initial IAEA findings confirmed no off-site radiation—highlighting the precision of the operation.

Still, every move in this region carries weight—impacting families, peace efforts, and future generations.

Yet I still believe restoration is possible.

This isn’t a time to panic. It’s a time to pray.

Pray for wi...

You and I are living in a leadership crisis. Can you feel it? The headlines point to scandals, breakdowns, and failed leaders. Culture in corporate America is being tested. But the root problem isn’t just mismanagement—it’s a trust gap. One that keeps widening unless we act.

Consider this: only 21% of American workers strongly agree they trust their organization’s leadership. That’s not just a stat—it’s a warning signal. Trust isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation. And without it, everything else crumbles.

In every corner of leadership, there’s one force that determines the health of teams, the culture of companies, and the momentum of movements: trust. Cory Scheer’s Closing the Trust Gap is one of the most important contributions to the conversation on trust in years. It’s timely, actionable, and filled with sharp insight.

Why Trust Is the Game-Changer

This crisis isn’t limited to boardrooms or company cultures—it’s part of a broader cultural challenge. Public trust in institutions,...

Have you ever noticed that negativity creates negativity?

I must confess—this one’s personal. I’ve been trapped by the newsfeed, endless scrolling on social, the "you know better, don't go there" news pulls that your mouse wants to click. It’s easy to slip into the trap, to get caught in the noise without even realizing it. Negativity creates negativity.

Ironically in math, a negative times a negative may equal a positive. But let me tell you—when it comes to life, a negative plus a negative is always more negative. When we feed on negativity, it multiplies. And it doesn’t take long before it starts to shape how we see the world—and see our environment.

Our world feels heavy sometimes.

Scroll too long, and the weight settles in. Another headline. Another scandal. Another reason to feel like things are falling apart. Outrage drives clicks. Fear keeps us hooked. And before we know it, we’re addicted to the very thing that’s draining our hope.

We weren’t made for this much noise.

Ye...

We weren’t made to stay indoors.

When I need clarity or perspective, I go outside. It’s not just about fresh air—it’s about remembering what matters. The trail, the water, the stillness—they all speak. They remind me I’m part of something bigger.

In a world full of pings, noise, and never-ending alerts, nature gives us a chance to reset. There’s something sacred about the quiet. It re-centers the soul. When I’m kayaking or hiking, problems don’t vanish, but they shrink. I come back more present, more grounded.

John Muir once said, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." I’ve found that to be true.

Call to Action:

Take 30 minutes today. Step outside. Leave the phone behind. Walk. Breathe. Listen. You don’t need a grand plan—just a willingness to reconnect.

Just finished listening to Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams. It’s not just a story about Facebook—it’s a lesson on leadership, culture, and the loss of trust.

As leaders, we often talk about innovation, growth, and impact. But the core of any lasting organization is culture—and trust. Culture isn’t the slogans on the wall; it’s the lived experience of the people inside. Careless People is a reminder of what happens when trust fractures, when culture becomes misaligned, and when the pursuit of scale overtakes the discipline of stewardship.

This book (for me) isn’t about bashing anyone. It’s a call to attention. A chance for leaders to ask:

• Are we listening to our people?
• Are we building structures that reinforce integrity—or just performance?
• Are we as intentional about maintaining trust as we are about hitting targets?

Wynn-Williams writes with clarity and conviction—not from the outside looking in, but from the inside looking back. Her perspective is rare and valuable....

Wisdom from a galaxy not so far away

You don’t need a lightsaber or a brown robe to think like a Jedi. (Although if you have one, why not wear it? Just don’t try it in a TSA line.)

Jedi thinking isn’t about space wizardry. It’s about focus, clarity, calm under pressure—and not turning into a grumpy cyborg with breathing issues.

In today’s fast-paced, over-scheduled, emotionally-charged world, we could all use a little Jedi mindset. So here are a few timeless, slightly ridiculous, and strangely practical lessons straight from the galaxy far, far away.

1. Master the Mind Trick (on Yourself)
Obi-Wan’s classic line: “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
Translation for today: “This isn’t the drama you need to get pulled into.”
Jedis know the real battle starts in the mind. Reframe the situation. Control the narrative. Talk yourself back into focus. Before you change the world, you’ve got to change your thinking.

2. Don’t Fight Like Anakin (Especially in Meetings)
Anakin had po...

It’s here. Face the Mountain is now available.

This book has been years in the making—built on lessons of grit, faith, and the power of resilience. It’s not just a story; it’s a call to rise. Whether you’re climbing the mountain of self-doubt, hardship, or uncertainty, this book will remind you: the climb is worth it.

I wrote this for leaders, for believers, for those stuck in the valley. You’ll find stories, insights, and a framework rooted in the Three C’s of Resilience: Competence, Courage, and Compassion. You’ll meet people who faced storms and still stood tall. And you’ll get practical tools for your own journey.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Nelson Mandela: "It always seems impossible until it’s done." That captures the spirit of this book. Mountains aren’t meant to intimidate—they’re meant to shape us.

Call to Action:

Pick up your copy of Face the Mountain. Start your climb. And if it speaks to you, pass it on to someone else facing a mountain of their own.

When Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals, the hockey world erupted.

But behind that milestone wasn’t just one man’s talent—it was a team’s trust. Trainers, coaches, teammates, and staff rallied around Ovechkin, defying skeptics who questioned his comeback after a major injury just months earlier.

When that record-tying shot hit the net, the celebration wasn’t just for Ovechkin—it was for a team that stood by him through every grueling moment. They shared in the pressure. And they shared in the win.

That’s the power of trust.
It fuels resilience. It lifts teams. And it drives greatness.

The Science of Trust: It’s in Your Brain

What made Ovechkin’s team so unshakable?

Trust isn’t just a leadership value—it’s a brain response.

In The Neuroscience of Trust, Paul J. Zak reveals what many leaders miss: when people feel trusted, their brains release oxytocin—a chemical that lowers stress, builds connection, and boosts performance. It’s biology, not buzzwords.

TRUS...

I just released my fifth book in the personal growth and leadership space—Face the Mountain.
In it, I dive into the idea of resilience, breaking it down into what I call the 3Cs: Competence, Courage, and Compassion.

Resilience shows up in different ways, but at the heart of it are these three essential traits:

Competence is about rising to the challenge with skill and preparation.
Courage is the decision to move forward even when fear or uncertainty stands in the way.
Compassion is the strength to care—for others, for purpose, and for something greater than self.

In the stories we watch and the lives we lead, these three traits show us what it means to press on.
When combined, they create a powerful measure of resilience.

But for this post, I want to have a little fun.

I’ve always loved stories of resilience—especially on screen. So I’ve pulled together a list of 25 movies that showcase the 3Cs in action. These are films I return to often. They remind me that no matter the obstacl...