This is an excerpt from the forthcoming book Imagine. It's from a chapter focused on the Power of Resilience

What has life thrown your way? Are there challenges and moments of crisis that have tested you? What if you could just be 10% more resilient? What would that look like? How might you handle things differently?

Resilience is “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or stress.” [i] It’s about bouncing back after you face defeat or discouragement. The Power of Resilience is not easy to attain. It takes some work, but it’s possible.

Imagine if you lost sight in one eye, or you received the news you never want to hear. How would you respond?  

Leading Bulletproof

I want to explore with you how you can develop a resilient mindset. A mindset where, not matter what life throws your way, you instinctively know how to bounce back.  I call this leading bulletproof. 

Leading bulletproof...

Just a few years ago, I sat in an auditorium at the Orlando World Marriott Center and witnessed one of the most profound speeches the world has ever heard.  The orator was a gentleman named Stephon Ferguson. He is a Martin Luther King Jr. impersonator, and in this bright auditorium, Stephon stepped up to the podium as if he was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Instantly he captivated the room, and in that next six minutes, it was if we were transported to 1963. I was moved to tears.

The words of a great leader can inspire us to a renewed vision. When you think about it, MLK’s speech is the perfect example. Take a moment to reflect on what he eloquently shared. The words are eternal.

“Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that...

Here it -- is the final top book that we picked and wanted to share with you. It's book #16, which is The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. This epic adventure centers on a character named Santiago who represents you and me. It's a powerful tale, that will help you you live and lead. Tune in and capture take aways from this incredible episode.  

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life. For this episode, we explore Brené Brown''s magnum opus on leadership, "Dare to Lead". Specifically, we explore the TEN BEHAVIORS and CULTURAL ISSUES that get in the way of leaders and organizations.  

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life. For this week's episode, we explore four elements that can help you move from strategy to EXECUTION.

I grew up going to church. Every Sunday and frequently on Wednesday it seems my family was always there in the building.  Can I be honest?  Most of the time I didn't want to be there.

I was a fidgety kid.  I remember sitting in the Church pew hearing more prayers than I can count. Some were simple and profound.  Touching and real.  But most were just long drawn out speeches trying to influence God -- and all those listening.  It was a sales pitch usually combined with an alter call.  That was my perception of prayer.

What’s interesting is that despite all my years of going to church and "being" in church, rarely did anyone talk about WHAT prayer really is.  It was if they assumed you just knew.

Sure, we heard the Lord’s prayer, and I was even taught how to pray. That is really important, but what about understanding what prayer really is?  Not necessarily the why - but the...

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life. For this week's episode, we uncap the psychology of PERSUASION as we explore Robert Cialdini's breakthrough book "Influence."

My colleague and friend Joe Caliri, who is the President for us at SimVentions, and has a passion for others, asked me about a year ago to write a guest blog post.  I came across it recently, and thought I'd share it with you. It offers a glimpse of what the company we get to work for is all about.  Enjoy! 

 How to be Extraordinary 

• Walt Disney 
• Jesse Owens 
• Wilbur and Orville Wright  
• Mother Teressa  
• Oprah Winfrey 
• Neil Armstrong 
• Michael Jordan 

When you see these list of names, you might think greatness. After all, their accomplishments and achievements are pretty significant, aren’t they? 

The truth is they had their doubts, their challenges, and their frustrations.  They were like anyone else.  Yet, despite the odds, they rose above the fray and left their mark on the world. 

Story after story – going back to...

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life. For this week's episode, we unpack the landmark book from best-selling author Daniel Pink - To Sell is Human. Learn the new ABCs of sales and marketing. And discover the power of MOVING people.

I will never forget the day.  My freshmen year of college, one of my required classes was English Literature.  Honestly, I was less than thrilled.  English Lit was not on my bucket list.

It was a cold afternoon in Ohio and I hustled from my dorm to beat the train going through the campus.  I arrived early enough to find a good seat at the "back" of the room.  (Yes, that's right, in those days I was a back seater student. The last thing I wanted was to get stuck in the front :-) 

The professor walked in a few minutes late, cooly strolling in wearing a tweed jacket  looking a lot like Jack Black would today. 

In a passionate voice he introduced himself glancing at his new students in the room.  "Welcome everyone! I am your Professor, Dr. Davis. But rather than thinking of me as yet another teacher, think of me as a GUIDE on your journey." 

I looked around the room to see...