Yesterday I lost my job. As I sit with that reality, I've been reflecting on what's happening in corporate America today.
For years, the best companies thrived because they built contagious cultures—places where teams rallied around each other, raised the bar, and treated people with dignity and respect. To me, the standard was simple: be a good human. Assume positive intent. Move the needle forward.
But in some recent experiences, I've seen those basics fade. Vulnerability, learning from mistakes, asking for help—things that should be signs of strength—are too often seen as weaknesses. Self-preservation replaces teamwork, and toxicity erodes trust.
A mentor of mine often said #OTOD—One Team, One Dream. When teams adopt that mindset, something special happens: people stop focusing only on their roles and instead focus on each other and the mission. That's when I've seen the most extraordinary outcomes as a leader—when teams feel safe, have "air cover," and can innovate together.
I believe the companies that will win in the future—especially as AI and rapid innovation reshape business—are the ones that never lose sight of this: culture and teams come first. The basics I tell my 6-year-old still apply in the workplace: be kind, have empathy, and lift each other up.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest advantage any organization has isn't technology or process—it's people who believe in one another and the mission.