What does flushing (or not flushing) have to do with executive leadership?

“If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”

That memorable line was shared with me by a mentor in the early 90s.

Are you leading for the next deliverable, or for long-term impact?

There is a surprising connection between adult learning, procrastination, and transformational leadership.

But let me back up a minute before we go there…

I have a bad habit…

I was trapped – and didn’t even know it.

On May 3, 2025, I was flying home from Southern California when a revelation hit me – one that freed me from chains I didn’t even realize I was carrying.

Most people work to live.

But what if your work is how you live out your purpose?

There’s something most people will never quite understand about you…

Even when the evidence is all around.

Even when you’ve tried to explain it.

Even when it shapes every part of your life.

You were designed for this.

They don’t see it.

They may never understand it.

And that’s okay.

Because business is in your bones, and you love it.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

You’ve heard the phrase, I’m sure. (Also known as TANSTAAFL – “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”)

It dates back to the 19th century when a ‘free’ meal was offered with the purchase of a drink at the local saloon – where, of course, the cost of the meal was baked into the price of the drink.

In most contexts, it’s a cynical phrase. But today, I’d like to redeem it in the minds and hearts of purpose driven business leaders like you.

You’re the expert in your business—until something feels off. Then what?

Nobody knows my body better than I do.

I know every ache. Every pain. Every joint’s range of motion. Every former (and current) injury.

I know my limits – what I can and cannot do.

I know how much I weigh, how much I should weigh, and what it would take to get there.

I know when I’m stressed emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically. And I know what to do about it.

I know what to do when I’m hungry, or get a headache, or a backache, or a pulled muscle, or when I’m tired.

I know my body, and I can manage it well…

This isn’t about Todd, but I do have to start there…

We were going for the cake and a handshake, but I ended up leaving with a lump in my throat.

Todd and I have gotten to know each other over the years, but we would never have met without our wives going to high school together.

Yesterday was his retirement reception. A “come-and-go” type thing that, quite frankly, I hope I never forget.

One word kept coming back to my mind and heart.

“I’m foe-and-a-HALF!” proclaims the four-year-old aching for acknowledgement.

“I’m 39…” she says up until the day before (maybe even the hour before) she turns 40.

“I’ll be 77 in October,” says the grandparent grateful for every moment on this earth, knowing that to reach that next milestone would be a gift they very well may not receive.

All three are aging at the exact same rate according to the calendar.

But their language is distinctly different.

It’s all about ‘reframing.’

Don’t know about you, but I have a real "love-hate" relationship with reminders.

Believe me, I appreciate their value!

I am - like most, I'm told - an "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" kinda guy.

Reminders, therefore, can be a blessing, and sometimes a necessity, no matter their form.

Be they digital, analog, lists, prompts, alarms, or any myriad of "other" - I appreciate a nudge in the right direction as much as the next person.

But…

Every word. Every conversation. Every interaction.

Recorded. Transcribed. Uploaded. Searchable.

It’s available right now.

Are you even the least bit interested in a wearable AI pendant that records every word spoken within the reach of its microphone?