My whole life has been, and continues to be, influenced by amazing females.
The older I get, the more I realize just how much the women in my life have shaped who I am, not only as a person, but as a leader.
I think about my late mom, who modeled strength, resilience, and passion in ways I probably didn’t fully appreciate until I became an adult. She raised us as a single mom, navigated so many challenges, and encouraged me to go for what I truly wanted in life.
I think about my big sister, Lori, who passed away from cancer in her mid-40s. She taught me so much about life and relationships. She was my first friend and helped me make sense of the world when I was young.
I think about my amazing wife, Michelle, who has been my partner, sounding board, and grounding force through all of life’s ups and downs. She believes in me, inspires me, and loves me and our family in such a beautiful way.
And of course, I think about our daughters, Samantha and Rosie, who continue to teach me every day about courage, authenticity, and what it means to truly listen and grow. Their honesty, curiosity, and insight have such a big influence on me and how I move through the world.
Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of working with and learning from many incredible women, colleagues, mentors, clients, and leaders, whose wisdom, clarity, and emotional intelligence have deeply impacted my perspective.
When I reflect on the leadership lessons I’ve learned from the women in my life, a few qualities stand out.
Empathy. Collaboration. Inclusion. Kindness. Appreciation. And a deep understanding that relationships matter.
These qualities are sometimes underestimated in traditional leadership models. For a long time, leadership was often associated with control, certainty, confidence, and dominance.
But in my experience, the leaders who create the most trust, the strongest cultures, and the most meaningful impact lead differently.
They listen. They connect. They care.
They understand that leadership isn’t about having power over people, it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive together.
The women who have shaped my life embody these qualities in powerful ways.
They’ve shown me that strength and compassion are not opposites. That honesty and kindness can coexist.
That vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s one of the greatest sources of connection and trust.
As we recognize Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting not only on the remarkable women who have shaped history, but also on the ones who shape our lives every day.
If we could increase the representation of women in leadership, in business, government, and beyond, I truly believe the world would change for the better.
Not because women are perfect. None of us are.
But because the qualities so many women bring to leadership are exactly what our organizations and our world need more of right now.
I know there are a lot of good men out there, and I do my best to be one of them.
But I also know that the women in my life have helped me become a better leader, a better partner, a better father, and a better human being.
For that, I’m deeply grateful.
And I’m committed to continuing to listen, learn, and lead in ways that honor the lessons they’ve taught me.
We’re all in this together.
You Don’t Need a Title to Lead