Ever since announcing my decision to step away as American Family Insurance CEO, I’ve gotten a ton of comments from folks inside and outside our organization. It’s been great to hear from so many people. There’s a common theme in those messages, too. “Wow, the company has really grown during your tenure as CEO.” Or, “It’s […]
Read More“How do you amplify gratitude?” I asked this question recently on Twitterand LinkedIn because I believe in the power of gratitude. It’s an essential element of organizations move forward. Gratitude is built into what we do every day, and how we connect with customers, our communities where we live and work, and with each other. […]
Read MoreWhen I was in college – a few years ago – my main objective was to learn a discipline in four years. Back then, colleges and universities hoped that by teaching all this content, something else would rub off.As students, we were supposed to figure out how to think critically, adapt, question things, become curious. […]
Read MoreI was struck recently after reading an article in my local newspaper. Lawmakers had passed a resolution requiring mandatory sexual harassment-prevention training for themselves and their employees. What really stood out was the training would only need to be completed every two years. This strikes me as a check-the-box approach. You know what I mean […]
Read MoreI’m an optimist. I talk, write and tweet a lot about the great things happening at our company. Letting gratitude, optimism and belief guide my way really and truly is my approach to life. But, as a leader, at times I also need to have crucial conversations about things that aren’t so great. I don’t […]
Read MoreNote: This is a guest post from my friend and colleague, Bill Westrate. Have you ever started a company meeting or event by sharing your work story? Most of us have. If you’re like me, it’s a source of pride – and it should be. But my story is a little different than most. Later […]
Read MoreSo, here’s a question: When faced with failure – like personal or career setbacks – why are some people able to learn from it, while others are not? Maybe it was disappointment from being passed over for promotion, not winning that award, or missing out on recognition. Why do some people learn from setbacks and […]
Read MoreWant to achieve success? NFL superstar and American Family Insurance brand ambassador JJ Watt says start by surrounding yourself with good people. I chatted with JJ recently about the good people in his life – especially his parents, but also coaches and mentors. JJ is proud of his work with Kevin Durant on American Family’s […]
Read MoreWhat are you doing to create the culture you deserve? I asked leaders at my company this rather pointed question recently, referencing something I wrote about more than two years ago – this battle between culture and strategy. My belief then – and now – is that strategy feeds our culture. (You can read the […]
Read MoreI appreciate the response my blogs have received – particularly on LinkedIn. The comments from my last post about integrity inspired me to write more on this topic – and to connect to another previous topic: Defining moments. When organizations adapt and change quickly, sometimes the path of least resistance leads you to troubling places. […]
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