Are You Connected?

Are you connected? We communicate without talking, fight without throwing a punch, and argue without saying a word. And we celebrate with others with a thumbs-up or heart emoji. We desire being "liked" rather than being known. Our contacts continue to increase, and all the while, we’re losing sight of the value of real human connection.

Read More
Bret NicksComment
Trail Lessons

When was the last time you were out on a hike and came away with more than you expected? Sometimes, the most profound lessons are learned in the most unexpected places.

Read More
Bret NicksComment
Shaping a Nation: Leadership Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin's life is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Founding Father of the United States can serve as a source of inspiration for any leader. By embracing the leadership lessons he emulated, by practicing constant learning, effective communication, diplomacy, and problem-solving, you can become a more influential and impactful leader in your own right. Just as Franklin helped shape the United States, you have the potential to shape the future of your organization, community, and beyond. Press on.

Read More
Bret NicksComment
Beyond Moral Injury

I sensed many emotions through visual expressions paired with the words that were shared. Exhaustion. Sorrow. Compassion. Abandonment. Opportunity.  There were some that recognized the need for change and willingly embraced that call.  Others were at a point of needing time for personal healing and restoration. Regardless, all spoke of the moral injury felt due to the inability to serve those for whom they have dedicated their clinical career. 

Read More
Bret Nicks Comment
Positive Leadership

In life, we are not positive because life is easy. We are positive because we know that through hardship we are challenged and in time, we learn, we grow, we change. As a leader, you will face numerous obstacles, uncertainty, negativity, and challenges. There will be times when it appears the world is conspiring against you. That your vision for the future is impossible.  That your passion and your ‘why’ cannot sustain you any longer.  And yet with grit, perseverance, and resilience, positivity remains for many.  Why?

Read More
Bret Nicks Comment
Courageous Leadership

Courageous leadership comes at the crossroads of a passionate desire for positive change, endless perseverance, resilience despite the storms that come, and a willingness to learn through and despite our greatest challenges. Are your courageous?

Read More
Bret NicksComment
School Bus Lessons For Life

Sometimes it is in the subtle activities of life that we can learn the most. As a child, perhaps it was a school bus, maybe it was a long walk along a common trail, perhaps it was sitting in the car line… regardless, what lessons did you learn?

Read More
Bret Nicks Comment
Will Your Story Matter?

For many of us, our story is born out of struggle. Often that is true for those around us as well - but is often unseen or unrecognized. As a leader, do you understand the power of ‘seeing’ people? We need to be willing to give people a voice. And help them feel that we want more for them, than we want from them. We need recognize the struggle in those around us – because you never know when you will place an indelible imprint on someone’s life.

Read More
Bret Nicks Comment
Won't You Be... My Mentor?

As an adult, I think about the opportunities that I have been given to serve as a mentor. And the fact that not only is it a choice, but sometimes a sacrifice. A sacrifice with a greater value proposition - a personal exchange where we impact the future of another.

Read More
Bret NicksComment
Being Thankful... Lead With Gratitude

As a leader, can you think of a better attribute to have than an attitude of gratitude? It isn’t based on a time of year, but a reflection of one’s quality of character. If this is something that you have cultivated, continue to share the gift. If this is something that might represent an opportunity for you or your team, embrace it like your life depends on it. To some degree… it does.

Read More
Bret NicksComment
Your Personal Development Plan in 6 Steps

What is your plan for the next adventure in your life? Jim Rohn said, “I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change.” I know that statement has certainly held truth for me at times in life. How about you?

Read More
Bret NicksComment