Your success, my mission | 3x founder & CEO | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally | Sharing 24 years of hard-earned leadership & self-mastery wisdom

My purpose is to inspire and empower individuals to unleash their potential and create a positive impact in the world.

I believe success is a byproduct of helping others, and the best leaders create other leaders.

When you:
set a clear vision,
lead by example, and
empower your people,
they give you their best
and you all win together.

🔭 Former Corporate Exec | 🌱 Entrepreneur | 💡 Founder | 📚 Lifelong Learner

After 22 years of corporate life and reaching the pinnacle, I stepped off the high-wire to begin a new chapter.

Trading the executive suite of a $4B global powerhouse for the excitement of entrepreneurship, I'm now spreading knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

Through 5 major career transitions, I evolved from a VP of Marketing & Sales to Division President, and ultimately, CIO.

But behind every business transaction, there's a face. I firmly believe that people are the heart and soul of any endeavor. I owe my success to the great teams I've been a part of and the wise mentors who guided me. My advice for aspiring leaders:

Be bold.
Be curious.
Be authentic.
Be respectful.
Be transparent.
Be growth-minded.
And success will follow.

Today, as an entrepreneur, I've swapped corporate structure for startup passion, partnering with my wife as co-owners of a holding company, founding multiple business ventures, crafting 3 new brands, consulting growing companies, and extending my love of mentoring into coaching.

In between, you’ll find me nurturing my four personal passions: learning, writing, traveling, and gardening. They keep me rooted and help me grow. After all, isn't life one big, beautiful garden? Here’s to growing together! 🌱

Justin Wright

I’ve watched managers publicly humiliate their own team.

In meetings.
In front of clients.
Like it was nothing.

And it taught me something I’ll never forget:

If you don’t defend your people, you don’t deserve to lead.

True leaders know:

➟ Your team's success is your success
➟ Their growth and achievements are your legacy
➟ Their trust is what makes you a leader, not your title

So what does it mean to defend your team?

It’s not about lowering the bar. 
Or making excuses. 

It’s about this:

✅ Fighting for their growth
✅ Protecting them from burnout
✅ Shielding them from toxic politics
✅ Offering support without micromanaging
✅ Being their voice when they're not in the room

The best leader I ever had modeled this.

When things went wrong, she’d say: 
“That’s on me. We’ll fix it.”

When we crushed it? 
“My team did all the work. I just cleared the path.”

She gave tough feedback. 
Held us to high standards. 
But she never made us feel small.

That made all the difference.

We gave everything for that team. 
Grew faster than ever. 
Hit milestones we never thought possible.

Because we knew she had our back. 
Always.

Anyone can manage tasks. 
Real leaders develop people. 
And you can’t develop what you don’t defend.

So choose wisely. 
Your team is watching. 
And they won’t forget.

P.S. Ever worked with a leader like this? Tag them below.
 
🔁 Repost if defending your team is non-negotiable.
 
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Your success, my mission | CEO @ Polished Carbon | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally | Sharing 25 years of hard-won wisdom on people-first leadership + emotional intelligence + self-mastery

It's so important to know when to leave.

The job.
The party.
The relationship.

Most people stay too long in situations that drain them.

They think leaving means giving up.

But sometimes, leaving is the bravest thing you can do.

I learned this the hard way.

I stayed at a toxic job for a year longer than I should have.

Why? Because I thought I could fix it.

I thought if I just...

Stayed later
Worked harder
Proved my worth

...things would change.

They didn't. But I did.

I became anxious. Exhausted. Resentful.

Until one day, I realized:

Staying wasn't loyalty. It was self-sabotage.

The strongest people I know have mastered 1 skill:
They know when to walk away.

It takes emotional intelligence to recognize:

When your values are being compromised
When your energy is being drained
When your growth has stopped
When respect has left the room

And it takes courage to act on that knowledge.

I wish someone had told me sooner:

You don't need a reason to choose yourself.
You don't need permission to protect your peace.
You don't need to stay anywhere that makes you small.

The right people will understand.
The wrong people will try to guilt you into staying.

That's how you know you're making the right choice.

Your EQ isn't just about understanding others.

It's about knowing yourself well enough to honor your needs.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply leave.

And create space for something better.

♻️ Agree? Repost to inspire someone in your network.
Thank you!

9 daily choices that make you memorable:

Kindness...
it echoes.

Respect...
it stays.

Help...
it inspires.

Honesty...
it’s admired.

Listening...
it’s valued.

Smiling...
it’s infectious.

Time...
give it.

Love...
spread it.

Promises...
keep them.

And you'll...
be remembered.

Which of these makes a person memorable to you?

P.S. Repost to inspire others ♻️.
Thank you!

The most powerful leadership tool costs $0.

(And you already have it.)

Kindness.

Most people think success comes from being tough.

From pushing harder.
From demanding more.

But here's what the research shows:

Teams led with kindness are...

➟ 70% more engaged
➟ 40% more resilient
➟ 21% more productive 
➟ 4x more likely to stay

Because kindness isn't weak. It's a strength multiplier.

It transforms average teams into exceptional ones.

Think about it:

When someone shows you kindness at work, you feel seen.

Valued.

Ready to give your best.

That's why great leaders practice these daily:

• They ask real questions, not just "how are you?"
• They defend people who aren't in the room
• They celebrate others' wins like their own
• They respect boundaries and off-hours
• They lead with empathy, not authority
• They offer help before being asked
• They include the quiet voices
• They share knowledge freely
• They give credit generously

The truth?

Leadership isn't about power.
It's about impact.

And nothing impacts people more than genuine kindness.

Make kindness your competitive advantage.

Your team will thank you.
Your results will show it.
Your legacy will prove it.

Want to transform your workplace?

Start with kindness.
The rest will follow.

P.S. How do you show kindness at work?

♻️ Repost if this resonates with you. Thanks!

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If you dread Monday mornings, it's not you.
It's your workplace.

If your ideas are dismissed in meetings...
If you feel invisible and undervalued...
If your hard work goes unnoticed...

You're not alone.
And you deserve better.

As a leader, I've seen how toxicity affects talented people.

I've seen them shrink.
I've watched their spark fade.
I've noticed their energy disappear.

That's why I make it my mission to create a space where my team feels:

➟ Valued for their unique skills
➟ Inspired to do their best work
➟ Empowered to make decisions
➟ Supported when challenges arise
➟ Appreciated for their contributions
➟ Included in important conversations

Life's too short to spend it where you're not valued.

No paycheck is worth:

➟ Your time with loved ones
➟ Your peace of mind
➟ Your mental health
➟ Your self-worth
➟ Your joy

The signs are there if you feel:

🚫 Relief when your boss is out of the office
🚫 Exhausted beyond normal tiredness
🚫 Anxious about checking your email
🚫 Unable to speak up in meetings
🚫 That Sunday night dread

Remember this truth:

You weren't born to just pay bills and be miserable.
You deserve to work where your talents shine.

Where your work has meaning.
Where your voice matters.

Don't stay where you're tolerated.
Go where you're celebrated.

Your talents are too valuable to waste in a place that dims your light.

♻️ Agree? Repost to share with your network. Thanks!

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Power doesn’t make you a leader.
(What you do with it does.)

The truth hits hard:

A boss takes what they need.
A leader creates what everyone needs.

Look closely at any thriving team.
You’ll spot the difference instantly.

Bosses:
➟ Command through position
➟ Guard resources like secrets
➟ Take credit for others' wins
➟ Stand above the team
➟ Demand loyalty

True leaders:
➟ Inspire through action
➟ Share openly and freely
➟ Give credit where it's due
➟ Stand alongside their team
➟ Earn trust through words & actions

It’s never about power.
It’s about empowerment.

Not about being first in line, 
but making sure no one’s left behind.

Not about drinking alone,
but making the well bigger for everyone.

Because when you lead with service,
people follow with passion.

When you clear the path for others,
they’ll give their best for you.

Your example doesn’t just influence.
It multiplies.

Choose wisely.

Be the leader you'd want to follow.

Have you seen the difference between a boss and a leader in your workplace?

♻️ Repost if you believe in true leadership. Thanks!

P.S. Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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Video credit: Millionaire Mentor

Leadership isn't a title... it's actions and behaviors.

12 essential traits of a great leader:

1. Confident, Not Arrogant
↳ Confidence inspires trust. Arrogance destroys it.

2. Empowers Their Team
↳ Sets them up for success with resources & support

3. Good Listener
↳ Listens with empathy and values others' input

4. Doesn't Play Favorites
↳ Treats everyone fairly and with respect

5. Emotionally Intelligent 
↳ Manages own emotions and responds well to others'

6. Encourages Feedback 
↳ Welcomes honest input to continuously improve

7. Always Learning 
↳ Stays curious and open to new ideas

8. Supports Team's Growth 
↳ Invests time to help them develop skills and advance

9. Gives Recognition 
↳ Celebrates team's wins and effort, not just results

10. Calm Under Pressure 
↳ Stays poised in challenges to guide team forward

11. Genuinely Cares 
↳ Looks out for team's wellbeing, beyond just work

12. Owns Their Mistakes 
↳ Takes responsibility, learns, and course-corrects

The impact of a great leader can't be overstated.

They bring out the best in others.

When you find a leader like this, learn from them.

And always be this kind of leader for others.

Find this valuable? Repost to share it ♻️. Thanks!

P.S. What did I miss? What would you add?

I made my biggest leadership mistake on day one.

I was so proud of that promotion.

Now I'm in the spotlight, I thought.

Until I eventually learned...

Leadership is all about shining a light on others.

When you become a leader, your impact is no longer measured by what you produce.

It's now measured by how you help others grow and reach their potential.

Your greatest achievement becomes your team's success, not your own.

You see, leadership isn't about:
➟ Being the loudest voice in the room
➟ Taking credit for your team's work
➟ Having an answer for everything

Instead, it's about:

➟ Amplifying the quiet voices
➟ Celebrating your team's wins
➟ Creating space for their growth

Great leaders invest in their people daily.

They see potential before others do.

They push you when you need pushing.
And support you when you need supporting.

Try asking your team:

"What's one obstacle I can remove for you this week?"
"What skill do you want to develop next?"

When someone doubts themselves, remind them of their past wins. Their hidden strengths.

A single "I believe in you" can change everything.

Because at its heart, leadership is simple:

Your job isn't to be the best person on the team.

It's to bring out the best in everyone else.

♻️ Agree? Repost to inspire other leaders. Thanks!

Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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Today's my 50th birthday.
If I could go back, here's the advice
I'd give my 20-year-old self:

Don't be afraid to start over.
You might just like your new story better.

Yes it's scary.
Yes it's humbling.
Yes it's uncomfortable.

But it can be incredibly rewarding.

Some of my biggest leaps happened
because I was willing to begin from zero.

In 2012, I lost 140 lbs in just over a year.
It completely changed my life.

I went from being "demoted" at work
to rising to the C-Suite of a $4B company.

In 2023, I left a 23-year corporate career
to start my own company.

No idea how to do it.
No personal brand to build from.
I'd never even posted on social media.

I went from 1,766 LinkedIn followers in June 2023
to 687,015 today (hi fam 👋).

Your support means the world to me. Thank you.

Every single restart was humbling.
Every single restart was terrifying.

But starting over doesn't erase your experience.
It redirects it. It sharpens it.

The weight loss taught me discipline.
The demotion taught me resilience.
The career change taught me courage.

And I'm grateful for all of it.

You don't lose your story when you start over.
You write a new chapter.

The hardest part is deciding to try.
The second hardest is sticking with it.

But if you do both...
you can change everything.

Your career.
Your health.
Your confidence.
Your life.

Stick with it. You can change your life.

♻️ Repost if this resonates with you.

P.S. Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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Your success, my mission | CEO @ Polished Carbon | Former CIO, $4B company | DEIB ally | Follow for leadership + emotional intelligence + personal growth

12 traits I see in every high performer.
(They're not born this way.)

They build these habits over time.

And you can too.

Here's what the top 1% do differently:

1. They don't wait to be asked.
↳ They see what needs doing and handle it.
↳ They take action without being told.

2. They stay out of drama.
↳ Office politics drain energy. Solutions create it.
↳ They focus on results, not rumors.

3. They fix what's broken.
↳ Anyone can point to problems. They solve them.
↳ They bring answers, not just complaints.

4. They admit what they don't know.
↳ "I'll find out" shows strength, not weakness.
↳ Then they learn fast to close the gap.

5. They turn ideas into action.
↳ Talk is easy. Execution is rare.
↳ While others discuss, they deliver.

6. They truly listen.
↳ Not just waiting for their turn to speak.
↳ They hear what others really need.

7. They balance data with instinct.
↳ Numbers matter. So does intuition.
↳ They know when to trust each.

8. They spot hidden patterns.
↳ Where others see random events, they see connections.
↳ This ability to anticipate creates massive value.

9. They handle challenges with high EQ.
↳ Pressure reveals character. Stress tests resilience.
↳ They respond thoughtfully, not just react emotionally.

10. They finish what they start.
↳ Starting is common. Finishing is valuable.
↳ Their word is their bond.

11. They make work better for others.
↳ Value isn't just about your personal output.
↳ It's about helping the whole team shine.

12. They lift others up without seeking credit.
↳ True help comes with no strings attached.
↳ They cheer for team wins like their own.

These traits aren't about talent or IQ.
They're about daily choices and commitment.

Anyone can develop them.
Few actually do.

Will you be one?

♻️ Repost to help others if this resonated with you.

P.S. Want PDFs of my 99 best cheat sheets?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

9 seconds could change your life.

That's how long it takes to make a choice that
defines your character.

I once worked with someone who taught me this lesson.

Aaron was always the first to help, even when no one
was watching.

He'd stay late to finish a project, refusing to cut corners.

In meetings, he'd give credit to others before himself.

One day, I asked him why he bothered.

His answer stuck with me:

"If you can't be trusted with the small stuff,
how can anyone trust you with the big stuff?"

He was right.

Good character isn't about:
— Grand gestures
— Public recognition
— Doing the right thing when it's easy

It's about:
— Quiet integrity
— Consistent kindness
— Doing the right thing, especially when it's hard

The truth is, we all face character tests daily:
— Do we own up to mistakes?
— Do we gossip about a coworker?
— Do we help without expecting anything?

These small decisions shape who we become.

Remember:

Your character is your real resume.

It's what people say about you when
you're not in the room.

So, next time you're faced with a choice,
take those 9 seconds. Make them count.

Build a character that makes you proud.

Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts below.

♻️ Repost to inspire someone in your network. Thanks!

You can't control much in life
(but these 22 things you always can):

1. Your Attitude
Choose to have a positive outlook.
 
2. Your Integrity
Stick to your values, even when it's hard.
 
3. Your Courage
Face your fears and grow.
 
4. Your Kindness
A small act can change someone's day.
 
5. Your Influence
Be the leader you'd want to follow.
 
6. Your Actions
Make decisions you'll be proud of later.
 
7. Your Boundaries
Say no when you need to.
 
8. Your Effort
Push through when it gets tough.

9. Your Circle
Surround yourself with supportive people.
 
10. Your Self-Belief
Believe you can, and you will.
 
11. Your Excuses
Kill them before they kill your dreams.
 
12. Your Goals
Set them high to inspire your growth.
 
13. Your Focus
Choose where you direct your attention.
 
14. Your Limits
Break them, then set new ones.
 
15. Your Time
Prioritize what matters most to you.
 
16. Your Words
Speak positively to yourself and others.
 
17. Your Self-Care
Make time for yourself every day.
 
18. Your Silence
Speak up, even when it's unpopular.
 
19. Your Inner Critic
Put it in its place.
 
20. Your Mindset
Shift from fixed to growth thinking.
 
21. Your Purpose
Align your actions with your mission.
 
22. Your Gratitude
Count your blessings, no matter how small.

And remember, even though you can't control
what you feel...

You do get to choose how you respond.

Your power starts and ends with you 💪.

Master these 22, and watch your whole world transform.

You're not a passenger in life.

You're the driver.

P.S. Which of the 22 is most important to you?
Any I missed that you'd add?

♻️ Repost if this resonates with you.

P.S. Want PDFs of my 99 best cheat sheets?
Get them free: brilliancebrief.com

The human brain has 6 gears.
Most people never shift past 2nd.

Bloom's Taxonomy gives a clear guide.
Here's how to access all 6:

REMEMBER is 1st gear.
We all start here, memorizing facts.
It's essential, but just the beginning.

UNDERSTAND is 2nd gear.
Being able to explain concepts clearly.
Many of us get comfortable here.

APPLY is 3rd gear.
Where knowledge turns into action.
Where real growth begins.

ANALYZE is 4th gear.
Breaking big problems into smaller pieces.
Seeing patterns others miss.
This is where strategic insights form.

EVALUATE is 5th gear.
Making smart decisions backed by clear thinking.
Choosing the best path forward.
Leaders thrive here.

CREATE is top gear.
Where new ideas come to life.
Where solutions to old problems are born.
The space for innovation.

The beautiful thing?

Every gear builds on the one before it.

Each level makes you more capable.
More valuable to yourself and others.

Most haven't been shown how to shift gears.
But it's possible for anyone.

Your brain is incredible.

It can do so much more than you think.

Ready to level up?

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P.S. Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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What does it take to build a strong team?

Start by understanding what drives people.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs isn't just a theory.
It’s a guidebook for team-building.

Let me show you how:

1. Set a Foundation of Security
↳ Ensure clear roles and job stability.
↳ Trust and safety are non-negotiable.

2. Build Community
↳ Create real connections.
↳ Regular team-building is essential.

3. Create a Culture of Recognition and Respect
↳ Say "thank you" often. Celebrate wins.
↳ Make appreciation a habit, not a rarity.

4. Support Growth and Development
↳ Invest in training and mentorship.
↳ Support their personal and professional journey.

5. Instill a Sense of Purpose and Creativity
↳ Align team goals with individual passions.
↳ Encourage innovative thinking and passion projects.

6. Create Leaders, Not Just Followers
↳ Mentor your team to become future leaders.
↳ Empower them to take ownership and grow.

Why does this matter?

When you meet these needs,
your team isn't just working…

They’re thriving.

The impact?

➟ Higher employee engagement
➟ Better team collaboration
➟ Increased productivity
➟ Healthier culture
➟ More fun

How do you make it happen?

✅ Lead with empathy.
✅ Understand their needs.
✅ Unlock your team's potential.

♻️ Find this valuable? Repost to help others too.

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Leaders are like Wi-Fi. Good ones connect & empower.
Toxic ones leave you frustrated and unproductive.

Think about your best leader.
Remember how they made you feel?

Motivated. Inspired. Ready to take on the world.

Now think about your worst.
That pit in your stomach. The dread of going to work.

The difference is night and day.

Great leaders:
• Have your back when things go wrong
• Push you to grow, not to break
• Listen more than they speak
• Celebrate your wins
 
They're the ones who:
↳ Help you see your potential
↳ Make you believe in yourself
↳ Create a team that feels like home

Bad leaders?

They do the opposite:
• Take credit for your work
• Micromanage every little thing
• Play favorites and create drama
• Blame you when things go south
 
Working for them feels like:
↳ Losing your passion for what you do
↳ Never being good enough
↳ Walking on eggshells

Here's the thing:
Leadership isn't about titles or corner offices.
It's about how you make people feel.

Do you lift them up or tear them down?
Do you inspire or intimidate?

Leaders, remember:
Your team's success is your legacy.
Their growth is your real achievement.

So, ask yourself:
Are you the Wi-Fi that connects and empowers?
Or the one that leaves everyone disconnected?

The choice is yours.
But your team is counting on you to get it right.

♻ Agree? Repost for your network. Thanks!

12 leadership traits they don't teach at Harvard:


Everyone talks about confidence and charisma.

But true leadership runs deeper than that.

Here's what great leaders do differently:

1. Lead With Heart
↳ They know kindness isn't weakness
↳ Their humanity makes their impact stronger

2. Share The Spotlight
↳ They celebrate your wins like their own
↳ Your success becomes their success

3. Stay Curious
↳ They listen first, speak second
↳ Your ideas shape their decisions

4. Trust Their Team
↳ They resist the urge to control
↳ Autonomy creates ownership

5. Stand Behind You
↳ They defend you when it matters
↳ Support isn't just words, it's action

6. Show Up Authentically
↳ They ask how you're doing and mean it
↳ Tough times reveal their true character

7. Value Your Time
↳ They protect your boundaries
↳ Work-life balance isn't just talk

8. Fight Burnout
↳ They notice when you're stretched thin
↳ Prevention beats damage control

9. Read The Room
↳ They tune into unspoken signals
↳ Emotional intelligence guides their moves

10. Build Others Up
↳ They surround themselves with brilliance
↳ Your growth is their investment

11. Stay Grounded
↳ Success hasn't changed their core
↳ They remember where they started

12. Own Solutions
↳ They focus on fixing, not blaming
↳ Progress beats pointing fingers

These traits aren't flashy.
They don't make headlines.
But they build legacies.

Be the leader you'd want to follow.

What underrated trait would you add?

♻️ Agree? Repost to share this with others.

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The best leader I ever had did something unique:


They made our weekly 1:1s a priority.

No phone. No interruptions. Just pure attention.

In those moments, I felt truly valued.

And it changed everything about how I showed up at work.

Now as a leader, I know the secret:

Great leadership isn't about having the loudest voice.

It's about having the most open ears.

Here's why:

It builds stronger, more authentic relationships.
It encourages your team to share their ideas.
It helps you pick up on unspoken concerns.
It shows your team you truly value them.
It creates a more positive work culture.
It boosts morale and motivation.
It improves communication.
It sets a good example.

9 ways you can be more present for your team:

Put your phone away.
Pause before reacting.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Focus on one thing at a time.
Make time for 1:1 conversations.
Be mindful of your body language.
Give your full attention in meetings.
Ask for feedback from your team often.
Listen to understand, not just to respond.

Your presence is more powerful than your words.

Your attention is more valuable than your advice.

Your listening creates the space for others to shine.

Want to transform your leadership today?

Start with one simple act:

Put your phone away during your next conversation.

Watch what happens when you give someone your full attention.

♻️ Agree? Repost to help a leader in your network. Thanks!

Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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The most underrated leadership skill isn't strategy.
It's confidence. (But not the kind you think.)

Not the "I have all the answers" kind.

The kind where you can make a tough call when nothing is certain

... and still sleep at night.

The kind where you hear hard feedback

... and don't get defensive about it.

The kind where you hand off important work to someone on your team

... even though you could do it faster yourself.

There are 7 types of confidence great leaders build over time.

Decision confidence
Feedback confidence
Vulnerability confidence
Delegation confidence
Emotional confidence
Boundary confidence
Humble confidence

The one most people skip?
Vulnerability confidence.

Because admitting what you don't know feels like weakness.

But it's actually what makes your team trust you more.

♻️ Agree? Repost to inspire someone in your network.

P.S. Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
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Team motivation made simple.

6 keys that actually work:

1. Listen First, Act Second
↳ Ask for their ideas and put them into action
↳ Show them their input matters

2. Give Recognition
↳ Pay attention to their efforts
↳ Make recognition part of your routine

3. Challenge and Support
↳ Set goals that help them grow
↳ Be there when they need guidance

4. See the Whole Person
↳ Care about their life outside work
↳ Respect what matters to them

5. Support Their Growth
↳ Learn about their career goals
↳ Help remove obstacles in their way

6. Trust and Empower
↳ Let them lead projects
↳ Support their decisions

Motivation doesn't come from ra-ra speeches.

It's from daily actions that show your team they matter.

When people feel truly supported, they achieve extraordinary things.

P.S. Which key do you think is most important?

♻️ Find this helpful? Repost to share with others.

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I used to avoid difficult conversations.
(You know the ones.)

That talk with the team member who's missing deadlines.

The discussion about expectations with your boss.

The feedback that needs to be given but feels too hard.

I thought I was keeping the peace by staying silent.

But what if silence is actually the problem?

I learned this the hard way with my project manager.

His work quality was slipping. The team noticed.
I said nothing for months.

When I finally had the conversation:

"I've been waiting for you to bring this up," he said.
"I know I'm struggling. I thought you didn't care."

That's when it hit me hard. My silence wasn't kindness.

It was abandonment disguised as peace-keeping.

What I thought protected our relationship was actually destroying it.

Every time you choose courage over comfort, you build something precious:

➟ A culture where honesty thrives
➟ Relationships built on real trust
➟ Solutions that actually solve problems

Yes, difficult conversations are... difficult.

But the space on the other side?

That's where real progress happens.

The awkward feeling might last a few mins.
But regret can last a lifetime.

Your team is waiting for you to lead.
Not around the hard stuff.
But through it.

♻️ Agree? Repost to share with your network. Thanks!

Want my 99 best cheat sheets?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

The Systems Guy • Follow me for systems on health, wealth, and free time ⚡ Cornell MBA • 2M+ audience

Hi, I'm Ben Meer.

Tired of non-actionable life advice, I started writing online in February 2022.

Here are the results:

→ Built social audience from 0 to 2M+ (across IG, LinkedIn, and X) 
→ Grew 0 to 690K+ followers on LinkedIn in 21 months
→ Scaled newsletter—System Sunday—from 0 to 270K+ subscribers

There are 2 primary ways I can help you:

1) System Sunday Newsletter

Most people don't know how to build life systems to accelerate personal growth. So I created a weekly newsletter that teaches these systems (it's free). Subscribe to unlock new levels of wealth, health, and freedom.

→ Try it: benmeer.com/ss

2) Archimedes [Coaching]

Access the most exclusive members' club for LinkedIn thought leaders. Get the proven systems, resources, and community to 10x your personal brand. 

→ Check it out: joinarchimedes.com

——

Sponsorships: partnerships@benmeer.com

Ben Meer

How to live life like it’s your second time around.

5 rules to experience more joy and less regret:

1. Remember the Spotlight Effect.

We think people are paying far more attention to us than they are. 

Harsh truth: 

Your freedom begins the day you realize nobody is thinking about you.

—

2. Consider the things you won’t care about in 5 years. 

• Other people’s opinions
• Petty disagreements
• Sensationalized news 

Allow yourself to stop caring now.

—

3. Shift your mindset from ‘I don’t know how’ to ‘I don’t know how yet.’

In the words of Adam Grant:

• Impostor syndrome: ‘I don't know what I'm doing. It's only a matter of time until everyone finds out.’

• Growth mindset: ‘I don't know what I'm doing yet. It's only a matter of time until I figure it out.’

The highest form of self-confidence is believing in your ability to learn.

—

4. Make 'No' your default. 

Whether it's a new work project or social gatherings, saying 'Yes' to non-priorities ruins your priorities. 

As Derek Sivers says, if it's not a 'Hell yeah,' it's a no.

Then pour that time into what actually excites you.


—

5. Normalize being weird.

“Weirdness is what sets us apart, gets us hired. Be your unapologetically weird self. In fact, being weird may even find you the ultimate happiness.” —Chris Sacca

—

We only get one do-over in this beautiful life. 

Make sure to live it intentionally. 🙌

♻️ Repost to help others live life to the fullest.
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more.

This quote hit home for me.

12 small life edits that have outsized returns:

Morning Routines

1. Make your bed first thing. You build momentum and set the tone for the day. 

2. Step outside. A healthy tide of cortisol is released when you step outside at daybreak, allowing you to become more alert. You'll reset your circadian rhythm.

3. Send a good morning text. Gm texts >>>. Make someone's day.

—

Evening Routines

4. Write down your 3:3:3 plan for tomorrow: 3 hours on your most important project, 3 shorter tasks, 3 maintenance activities (h/t Oliver Burkeman).

5. End your workday with a shutdown ritual (h/t Cal Newport). Close your laptop, plug in the charger, and spend 2 minutes tidying your desk. Then say "shutdown". Separating your work and life is key.

6. Journal 1 beautiful life moment. Delicious tacos, presentation you crushed, a moment of inner peace. Write it down. Gratitude programs a mindset of abundance.

—

Meals

7. Prioritize unprocessed, whole foods: eggs, blueberries, dark leafy greens, and walnuts. You'll feel on (finally).

8. Hydrate before you caffeinate. Drink a full glass of water right away. 60% of your body is water. Replenish it.

9. Follow Japan's 80% Rule: Only eat until you are 80% full. Overeating makes the body divert blood & energy to digestion (causing drowsiness). Nobody has time for a food coma.

—

Home

10. Establish a home for every item. My advice: List your most misplaced items (keys, wallet, etc.) and standardize a home for these things today.

11. Choose practical materialism. Buy things that make you healthier, wealthier, or provide you free time. Products that make a material difference in the quality of your life.

12. Follow the 1 In, 1 Out Rule. If you purchase one item, then donate, toss, or sell another. Manage both inbound and outbound possessions to enjoy equilibrium.

—

One last thing:

It's not just your environment worth editing. Your inner dialogue shapes your life, too.

Audit your thoughts to make sure they align with who you want to become.

Your future self will thank you. 

♻️ Repost to share these tips with others. 
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more.

Social intelligence quietly determines who gets promoted.

Here are 20 sentences to master it:

These may be called soft skills, but there is nothing soft about their impact. 

♻️ Repost if you found this useful. 
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more like this.

The ultimate career superpower?

Learning faster than everyone else.

These 4 science-backed frameworks make it possible:

1. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
↳ Identify the 20% of material driving 80% of learning.

2. Spaced Repetition 
↳ Revisit concepts at growing intervals. Memory compounds with time.

3. Feynman Technique
↳ Break an idea down into its simplest parts to deeply understand it.

4. Memory Palace
↳ Attach facts to memorable mental images. Visuals are hard to forget.

 —

Accelerate your learning with AI:

Here’s 3 prompts to use:

1. “Explain [topic] to me as if I’m 12.”

2. “Quiz me on [topic] with 5 questions, then give hints only if I’m stuck.” 

3. “Generate a spaced-repetition schedule for mastering [skill] in 30 days.”

Paste these into your favorite AI to take action. 

—

The best investment you’ll ever make is in your own mind.

Information is abundant. It’s the willingness to learn that’s rare.

💾 Save this to find it later.
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more frameworks like these.

The most underrated life skill:
doing hard things even when you don’t feel like it.

3 mental models that make it easier:

1. For practicing discipline, follow the 2-Day Rule (H/T James Clear): 

"Never miss two days in a row." 

Your life will never be perfect, but it can be extraordinary. 

You might miss a day building a positive habit. That is OK. 

What's not OK? Letting that day turn into 3 weeks.

As Jim Kwik once said, "On the days you have only 40%, and you give 40%. You gave 100%."

—

2. For practicing courage, try going first.

Most people don't go first because it's scary.

The awkward silence. The risk of rejection. The fear of judgment.

But here's the thing: everyone feels it.

Whether you're in a meeting, on a call, or waiting in line, the person next to you is just as hesitant.

Going first isn't the absence of fear. It's choosing to act despite it.

A simple "Hi, I'm Ben", an unprompted idea, or raising your hand before you feel ready are all small acts that compound into a courageous identity over time.

—

3. For practicing gratitude, use the 3+3 Framework.

Write down 3 things you're grateful for and 3 recent small wins.

• 3 things you're grateful for: Focus on anything, big or small (a sunny day, a friend's support, a warm cup of coffee).

• 3 small wins: Write down things that have gone well recently (finishing a task, learning something new, a compliment you received).

It only takes 5 minutes and goes a long way.

—

The choice of what to practice is yours.
What you practice becomes who you are.

♻️ Repost if this message hit home for you.
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more content like this.

A career skill I wish I learned earlier:

Analytical thinking.

20 sentences to make better decisions:

♻️ Repost if this was useful for you.
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more.

6 simple secrets to become quietly confident:

1. Allocate time every day for learning

Confidence starts with competence.

• Block out 30 minutes for reading
• Listen to an audiobook or podcast during your commute to work
• Treat everyone like they were sent to teach you something

—

2. Hone in your body language

Nonverbal communication is underrated. 

People will like or dislike your communication based on:

7% words, 38% face and tone, and 55% body language. 

Stand up straight. Keep your shoulders back. Make eye contact. Smile. Give a firm handshake.

—

3. Be more interested than interesting 

Make people feel important using the SHR Method:

Seen
• Give eye contact
• Offer a specific compliment

Heard
• Ask good questions
• Be interested, not interesting

Remembered
• Follow up
• Remember name(s)
• Recall something you discussed

—

4. Build your own momentum

• Write down your wins (compliments, successful presentation, solo trip, etc.)
• Consistently review these wins

You’ll build an undeniable stack of evidence showing how far you’ve come and how seriously capable you are.

—

5. Pause before speaking

When speaking, we allow ourselves only 30% of the time a listener would give us to fill a pause.

You have more time to reply than you think.

Wait for 2s first.

Pause in Speaking + Eye Contact = Confidence

(h/t Charlie Newport)

—

6. Embrace your flaws (Pratful Effect)

Think of your favorite character from the movies or TV.

They always had at least one major weakness (you wouldn’t like them as much otherwise).

Owning your flaws is humanizing; you’ll be magnetic.

You don’t need to hide parts of yourself to be accepted by others. 🙌

—

It doesn’t matter whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or ambiverted.

Confidence isn’t the loudest voice in the room.

It’s the calm belief that you'll figure things out.

♻️ Repost this if you learned something new.
🔖 And save it so you can master all 6 strategies.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." —Peter Drucker

20 simple phrases to build a healthy team culture:

If you want to install a growth mindset:

1. "What did we learn?"
2. "How might we…?"
3. "I need your help…"
4. "What are your thoughts on…?"
5. "Thanks for taking that risk."

If you want to build trust:

6. "I made a mistake."
7. "You've got my full support."
8. "I appreciate when you…"
9. Help me understand…"
10. "I trust your judgement."

If you want to cut out toxic language (avoid these):

11. "That's not my job."
12. "We've always done it this way."
13. "Who's to blame?"
14. "That'll never work."
15. "Just do what I say."

If you want to prevent eroding your culture (avoid these):

16. "They should have…"
17. "You're wrong because…"
18. "That's a stupid idea."
19. "Why didn't you…"
20. "I told you so."

The words you speak become the culture you work in.

The best ones don't just happen overnight.

They're built one word, phrase, and conversation at a time.

♻️ Repost to champion healthy workplace communication.
➕ Follow Ben Meer for more like this.

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Justin Wright's LinkedIn Performance

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