Kindess &

Accountability

I build teams that accomplish ambitious goals in high-pressure situations. This is my approach.

When a team succeeds, it is due to the team. When a team fails, it is because of the leader. I aim to lead in a way that makes my team feel confident and supported as we navigate challenges together. My biggest hope is that my teammates and colleagues trust that I will have their back, especially during setbacks.

Embodying principles like kind communication, transparency, and grace toward all people, enables team strengths like resilience, creativity, and the courage to have tough conversations when necessary. It is possible—and more powerful—to be firm and kind than to be direct and harsh.

I suppose throughout history we have seen leaders use unethical means to accomplish their goals, but I don’t think there is anything extraordinary about those accomplishments. One can scare, threaten, shame, or manipulate others to accomplish one goal, one time — sure. Real value is in accomplishing something great, while staying true and empowering those around you to succeed independently years after you’re gone. Now that is extraordinary!

As I write this, I can think of many times I could have acted smarter, shown more kindness, or learned a hard lesson sooner. My values are not fixed traits, they are a practice. I work everyday to embody kindness and accountability as a team player and, especially, as a leader.