Author: Brian Mitchell

Mindful Minute – Understanding Yourself: Seeing Yourself Clearly So You Can Lead Others Well Greetings, Leader! Have you ever worked with someone who lacked self-awareness? How did that affect you? Many leadership failures are not about ability. They are about awareness. Leadership begins within, so before we can consistently understand, serve, or influence other people READ MORE

July 14, 2026, | Brian Mitchell The dream is free. The journey is not. At the beginning of the second leg of my hitchhiking trip across the country, that reality became painfully clear. After only one day on the road, the heavy canvas backpack I had so enthusiastically packed was rubbing my shoulders raw. I READ MORE

August 3, 2026 | Brian Mitchell Problem Solving – Finding the Way Forward Greetings Leader, Think about the biggest challenge you’ve faced recently. What made it difficult? Looking back – Did you react, or did you lead? Every leader eventually arrives at a moment when the way forward isn’t obvious. Sometimes it’s conflict, sometimes it’s READ MORE

Mindful Reflection: Hitchhiking Lessons #1 – Eastbound and Uncertain July 30, 2026 | Brian Mitchell A reflection on beginnings, doubt, and the roads that shape who we become. On a cool September morning in 1974, my friend Leo dropped me off on the shoulder of a highway just east of the New Mexico–Texas state line. READ MORE

July 21, 2026 | Brian Mitchell Mindful Minute – The Courage to Put Others First Courage in leadership is often associated with bold decisions, difficult conversations, or standing firm under pressure. But some of the most meaningful acts of courage are quieter: Choosing to put others first.Creating space for someone else to succeed.Letting go of READ MORE

Mindful Reflection: Halfway There – The Patience to Finish Well July 20, 2026 | Brian Mitchell Have you ever heard someone say, “Be careful what you pray for?” Years ago, I prayed for patience. Since then, I seem to have encountered one situation after another that has tested it. Delays. Detours. Unmet expectations. Slow progress. READ MORE

Mindful Reflection Role Model vs. Influencer Leadership is not easy—but it is worth it. Whether you lead as a parent, CEO, coach, teacher, janitor, or teammate, leadership always requires the same things: intention, effort, courage, humility, and the willingness to keep going after you fall short. And leaders do fall short. The reality is that READ MORE

Mindful Minute – Presence Over Position Leadership is often associated with position. With titles. With authority. With responsibility. But what people remember most is not position — it is presence. A leader who is fully present in a conversation. One who listens without distraction. One who gives their attention without rushing. That’s what they remember. READ MORE

Mindful Reflection: FORE Letter Word Golf has a way of teaching humility. Recently, I played a round while battling a stiff back. Every swing seemed to remind me that time catches up with all of us. As the round progressed, frustration began creeping in—something every golfer understands. Golf looks easy. It isn’t. A game that READ MORE

May 15, 2026 | Brian Mitchell Mindful Reflection: 4 Areas to Gain Influence Leadership is influence. John Maxwell has said that for years, and the longer I lead, the more convinced I become that he is right. But not all influence is the same. Some influence is rooted in fear, title, control, or intimidation. Other READ MORE