“Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previously thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.”

                                                                                                    - Robert Baden-Powell

Although I never made it beyond Cub Scouts in Mrs. Larson’s Den in elementary school, I have always admired the scouts' motto “Be Prepared”.  I have come to believe in leadership that being adequately prepared can be the difference between breaking through obstacles and simply letting them overtake us as we revert to old and familiar behaviors. 

One thing I know is when we are up to big things in our lives and our organizations, it is inevitable that we will come upon challenges.  It has been my experience that the bigger the endeavor, the bigger the challenges that present themselves. 

I believe it is also correct to assume that those who experience the su...

“In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth.  Each of you is an original.  Each of you has a distinctive voice.  When you find it, your story will be told.  You will be heard.”

                                                                                                            - John Grisham

As human beings, I believe one of the most amazing gifts we possess is the power of our voice.

Through it, we can inspire others to dream through the power of oration, lift spirits through the gift of song and open hearts through the whisper of “I love you.”

As a professional speaker, I am very privileged to use my voice regularly to inspire and educate others.  As a martial arts and self-defense master instructor, I use my voice to empower others and teach them to access their own strength through the martial arts Ki-Hap (spirit yell) and using the ferocity of voice to fe...

“Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.”

                                                                               - John Wooden, coaching legend

Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden is famously quoted for saying – “Make each day your masterpiece.” 

Coach Wooden retired in 1975 as the winning-est coach in college basketball history, leading his UCLA Bruins clubs to an unprecedented ten NCAA college basketball national championships. 

Although his official title was “coach”, Wooden referred to himself as a “teacher”, not only of basketball, but of life. 

The incredible result of his coaching/teaching philosophy is not only seen in his win/loss record or his number of championships, but more importantly in the lives of those who played for him who regularly site him as being the most influential figure in their lives, leading them to experienc...