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

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!

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

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!

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

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?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

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?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

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?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

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?

♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network.

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

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.

Want a PDF of this and my 99 best cheat sheets?
Get them free: brilliancebrief.com

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.

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

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?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

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?
Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

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.

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

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

#1 for Career Coaching on LinkedIn. I help senior-level ICs & people leaders grow their salaries and land fulfilling $200K-$500K jobs —​> 300+ placed at top companies.

Ranked The Top Career Coach Worldwide On LinkedIn | Helping Senior ICs & People Leaders Land $200K-$500K Dream Jobs

Ready to grow your salary and land a role you actually love?

I've helped over 300 professionals break through salary ceilings and land life-changing positions at Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, and other top companies.

Here's what makes my approach different:

Most job seekers waste months applying to hundreds of jobs with no results. My clients land multiple offers in 6-12 weeks using "The Simple Success Method" - my distilled 5-step system that focuses only on what gets you hired. After 300+ successful placements, I've learned that executive-level results come from doing the RIGHT 5 things perfectly, not overwhelming yourself with complicated processes.

My track record speaks for itself:
✓ 300+ clients placed at dream companies  
✓ Average salary increase: 40-80%  
✓ 300M+ content views helping job seekers  
✓ Featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider  
✓ Built my own 7-figure business using these exact strategies
✓ Ranked the top job search coach on LinkedIn (#1 in the U.S. and Worldwide by Favikon)  

What you get in Career Leap:
→ The Simple Success Method™ (my battle-tested 5-step system)  
→ 1:1 coaching sessions with me personally  
→ Exclusive access to proprietary AI job search tool  
→ Group coaching with other high-performers  
→ Private community of ambitious professionals  
→ Complete confidentiality throughout your search  

This isn't for everyone. I only work with senior-level individual contributors and people leaders who are serious about making a major career move and ready to invest in themselves.

My guarantee: If you don't land a $200K-$500K role within 90 days, we'll keep working with you until you do. That's how confident I am in this system.

More about me: Currently living in Chicago. I worked at LinkedIn for 4 years helping Fortune 500 companies hire top talent, then founded my own 7-figure recruiting start-up. Now I use that complete 360° perspective - platform insider knowledge + hiring expertise + entrepreneurial success - to help people land jobs they actually love.

Ready to transform your career?
  
Send me a DM with "CAREER LEAP" or book a free job search strategy call: https://lwspuk8wil4.typeform.com/to/LeHkspKC

P.S. - Spots are limited. I only take on a select group of professionals each month to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve.

Reno Perry

My biggest hiring mistake taught me everything.

I passed on someone because they didn't fit the mold.

She had passion. 
She had drive.

But no industry experience.

So I hired the "safe" choice instead.

9 months later, they were gone. 
I was just a stepping stone. 

The person I rejected?

She's now embedded and thriving at another company. 
With no plans to move on. 

That's when it clicked:

People never forget the leader who took a chance on them.

And leaders who don't take chances?

They miss out on incredible talent.

What I’ve learned:

↳ Drive beats degrees
↳ Potential beats pedigree
↳ Character beats credentials

But most of all: 

Attitude beats everything. 

The intern we promoted over more senior candidates.
The career changer who became our top performer.
The self-taught developer who built our best systems.

They all had one thing in common:

Someone believed in them before they proved it.

Now that's how I lead.

I look for hunger, not just qualifications.
I bet on people, not just resumes.
I build futures, not just teams.

Because when you give someone their shot?

They don't just remember. They deliver.

Who's someone who gave you a shot? 

Tag them in the comments below.

I've helped 100s of candidates land 6-figure roles.

The best offers don’t always go to the best candidates.

They go to the most prepared ones.

Save this for your prep.
Share it with someone who needs a win.

12 tough interview questions with A+ answers
(from someone who’s seen what works):

1. “Tell me about yourself.”
↳ Share your value, impact, and what you’re building next.

2. “Walk me through your resume.”
↳ Show how each step made you stronger and more strategic.

3. “Why are you leaving your current role?”
↳ Don’t trash the past—focus on what’s ahead.

4. “I see a gap in your resume. Why did you take time off?”
↳ Be real. Keep it brief. Then move forward.

5. “How do you lead without authority?”
↳ Show how you align people and drive results anyway.

6. “Have you ever disagreed with your boss?”
↳ Prove your maturity: challenge with logic, solve with impact.

7. “What’s a decision you regret?”
↳ Pick one. Own it. Share what changed because of it.

8. “What’s something you’d do differently if you could?”
↳ Point to one thing that would’ve made a big difference.

9. “If I called your boss, what would they say about you?”
↳ Share real feedback that shows clarity, trust, and leadership.

10. “What’s your biggest weakness?”
↳ Be honest. Keep it small. Explain how you manage it now.

11. “What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?”
↳ Walk through the bold move and the payoff.

12. “Tell me about a project that failed and what you did.”
↳ Own the mess. Show how you fixed it and rebuilt trust.

Great answers don’t just sound good.
They show you’re already thinking at the next level.

So if this helped you rethink how you prep...

Save it.
Remember it. 
Use it. 

Because your next big opportunity could come down
to just 1 question.

But you’d better be ready for all 12.

—

📌 P.S. Ready to land a stronger role in 2026?

I'm hosting a free masterclass where I'll walk you through exactly how senior-level candidates engineer the offers they want.

Grab your spot here: https://lnkd.in/g8fyNm7g

Your LinkedIn profile is costing you opportunities.

(And you don't even know it.)

I've reviewed 1000+ profiles.

Most make the same 7 mistakes.

The good news?

They're all fixable today.

Here's what separates profiles that get ignored
from profiles that get interviews:

1. Your Photo

Blurry selfie → Professional headshot
Dark lighting → Natural light
Busy background → Clean, simple backdrop

2. Your Headline

"Marketing Manager" → "Helping B2B SaaS Companies 
Triple Pipeline Through Data-Driven Campaigns"
Job title only → Keywords + impact + value

Try these headline formulas ↓
[Title] | [Keyword 1] | [Keyword 2] | [Keyword 3] | [Value Statement]
[Title] | [Industry/Expertise] | [Value Statement or Achievement]

3. Your About Section

Resume copy → Your actual story
Third person → First person, conversational
List of duties → Problems you solve

4. Your Skills

23 random skills → Up to 100 strategic ones
Old terminology → Current industry keywords
Set and forget → Update every quarter

5. Your Recommendations

2 generic ones → 3+ specific ones
Old colleagues → Recent success stories
Vague praise → Measurable outcomes

6. Your Custom URL

in/12345abc → in/yourname
Hidden profile → Easy to share and find

7. Your Activity

Ghost mode → Weekly engagement
Broadcasting → Conversations
Silent scrolling → Strategic commenting

The reality?

Recruiters spend 6 seconds on your profile.

Make them count.

I've helped 100s land 6-figure roles.

Every single one started here.

Your competition isn't just sleeping.
Their profiles are working 24/7.
Yours should be too.

Pick one section.
Fix it today.
Then move to the next.

Small changes. Big results.

—

📌 P.S. If you’re serious about making a move and want help positioning yourself for $200K–$500K roles, I work with a small number of clients inside my Job Search Accelerator. You can fill out the short form in my Featured section and, if it’s a fit, book a strategy call.

I stopped asking "What's the culture like?" in interviews.

Not because culture doesn't matter. It determines everything…your growth, confidence, stress, and well-being.

I stopped asking it because it never reveals the truth.

Ask any hiring manager and you'll hear the same three lines:

"Collaborative." "Innovative." And dare they say "Like family."

Vague. Rehearsed. Meaningless.

If you want real insight, you need questions that force specifics, not slogans. Questions that uncover actual behavior, not branding.

The 12 on this cheat sheet do exactly that.

Pay attention to how leaders respond, not just what they say. 

Do they lean forward or get guarded? Do they name real people and real examples or speak in theory? Do they admit where they're still improving or pretend everything is great?

Those moments tell you everything.

Because you're not just interviewing for a job. 

You're interviewing for the next 2,000 hours of your life.

Ask the questions most people are too afraid to ask. 

You deserve real answers.

📌 Want help landing a better role and a healthier team environment? Visit the featured section on my profile to learn more and book a free strategy call.

6-figure offers don't go to the best candidates.

They go to the ones who follow a system, not luck.

Applying to jobs feels like shouting into a void.
Recruiters get 250+ applications for every role.

I’ve seen many get 1000+

Your resume has a few seconds to make an impact.
But there's a better way to stand out.

After helping hundreds land amazing roles, 
I've noticed a pattern:

The most successful job seekers aren't 
using the same LinkedIn as everyone else.

They're using these 5 essentials that most people miss:

1️⃣ Your profile is your sales page, not your resume

Headline: Role + industry Focus + your Impact
About: Tell us who you are, what you do, why it matters
Featured: Showcase wins with real evidence

2️⃣ One good comment can outperform ten average posts

Comment on executives' content (they notice)
Add genuine insight to show your credibility.
Ask a thoughtful question to build a relationship

3️⃣ Consistency beats viral content every time

LinkedIn rewards weekly posters with 5x more 
profile views and 7x more connections. 

Your formula:

Start with a valuable insight
Add a quick personal example
End with a simple call-to-action

4️⃣ The DM template that gets 50%+ response rates:

"Hey [Name], I saw your post on [topic]. 
Really resonated with your take. 
I've worked on something similar, 
curious how your team is approaching [X] right now?"

5️⃣ The hidden "Open to Work" hack

Set your status to "Recruiters Only" - 
you'll get the algorithm boost 
without broadcasting to your network.

The job market has SERIOUSLY changed.
Most recruiters find talent on LinkedIn, not job boards.

Most still apply the old way and remain invisible.
While others wait for luck to strike, you need to be creating your own opportunities.

These 5 essentials are your system for standing out in 2026.
→ Your strategy beats talent every time.

—

📌 If you're spending more time applying than positioning, then we need to fix that. Visit my Featured section to learn how my Job Search Accelerator (Career Leap) can help and book a free strategy call.

The most successful people I've met share 1 skill:

They’re powerful communicators.

I've watched so many talented professionals get overlooked.

(Especially in job interviews these days)

All because they couldn't package their value into stories that stick.

The right frameworks can help you do that.

Here are 5 story frameworks every professional or job seeker needs to know:

1. PCAR Method
↳ Forces you to set the scene before jumping to what you did
↳ Makes interviewers feel the weight of your impact

2. The Minto Pyramid Principle 
↳ Saves time by leading with conclusions
↳ Perfect when you must make your point quickly

3. AIDA Framework 
↳ Builds momentum from the first word to the final ask
↳ Keeps readers engaged through your entire message

4. StoryBrand Framework 
↳ Shifts focus from what you did to what they need
↳ Makes your value instantly relevant to your audience

5. The Hero's Journey
↳ Turns career gaps into growth stories
↳ Shows resilience instead of just listing jobs

Each framework helps you:

✅ Build real connections
✅ Make your message stick
✅ Say more with fewer words
✅ Stand out from everyone else

Your experiences already matter.
These frameworks just help others see it too.

Which of these frameworks are you using right now?

If storytelling in interviews is the piece that's costing you offers (which it probably is tbh), that's exactly what we fix inside Career Leap.

My clients don't just learn frameworks. We practice real reps with them until their stories land every time.

Link in my Featured section if you want to see how it works.

Many candidates overthink this question.

They try to answer it by:

❌ Proving everything all at once
❌ Sharing their needs instead of the company
❌ Giving answers that are too generic/general

But what often works better?

Stories that show your impact.

(I would do this for most interview questions btw)

Research suggests stories are remembered up to 22x more than facts.

And the best ones follow a clear structure:

Problem → Constraint → Action → Result

Here’s what that looks like: 

1. Problem
What challenge were you solving?

2. Constraint
What made it harder—tight deadline, limited budget, unclear direction?

3. Action
What steps did you take? What skills did you use? What was your role?

4. Result
What changed because of you? Use data when you can or clear outcomes.

Some questions I always come back to:

☑ Does this story solve a problem they care about?
☑ Can it be shared concisely in no more than a few minutes?
☑ Does it highlight your decisions, not just your tasks?
☑ Will they remember both the result and how you work?
☑ Does it feel like your story, not a script?

When those answers feel solid, your story will feel solid too.

At the end of the day, you don’t need a perfect answer.
You need a structured one that connects.

Ever shared a story in an interview that really landed?
Would love to hear how you approached it.

📌P.S. If you want support using stories like this to land a better, higher-paying role, I’m opening a few spots this month in my job search accelerator. We have people leaving this month due to landing jobs! Fill out the short form in my Featured section and if it’s a fit, we can talk.

How_to_Answer_Why_Should_We_Hire_You

10 phrases that quietly kill interviews.

Most candidates don't realize they're saying them.

"I'm open to any role here." 
"I'm considering a career change." 
"I just really need to get back to work." 
"My greatest weakness is working too hard." 
"What's the work-life balance like?"

And it isn't just these exact phrases.

It's anything that sounds like them.

Anything that signals uncertainty, desperation, or lack of direction 
(even when that's not what you mean)

Hiring leaders at the senior level are reading between the lines on every answer.
 
One unguarded moment can quietly close a door you didn't even know was closing.

After coaching hundreds of professionals through this process, I've learned that interviews aren't lost on qualifications.

They're lost in the moments that candidates don't even know are happening.

The full cheat sheet breaks down phrases to avoid and what to say instead.

If you're a mid to senior-level professional targeting your next big move and want to know exactly how your words, positioning, and story are landing with hiring leaders, Career Leap was built for this.

Visit my featured section to apply and book a free strategy call.

Everyone's chasing the next AI productivity tool.

Meanwhile, the rules that actually work have been around for decades.

No prompts. 
No subscriptions. 
No learning curve.

Just clear frameworks built by people who figured out how to do more without burning out.

Warren Buffett built one to protect his focus. 

Cal Newport built one to protect his attention. 

Tim Ferriss built one to protect his time.

None of them needed an app to do it.

The problem most people have isn't that they lack the right tools. 

It's that they never built the right habits in the first place. 

A better app won't necessarily fix that. 
A better system will.

I put 9 of the best ones in the playbook below.

Some you've probably heard of. A few might surprise you.

But all of them work. And none of them require anything except a decision to start.

Pick the one that fits where you are right now and build from there.

The best companies don't have to beg people to stay.

I talk to hiring leaders every week.

The ones with great retention aren't doing anything complicated.

Their people feel challenged. Trusted. Recognized. Like their career is actually moving somewhere.

These are exactly the things you should be testing for in your interviews.

Most candidates never ask the right questions to find out if a company actually operates this way.

Or just says it does.

The difference between a role that energizes you and one that burns you out in 18 months usually comes down to how well you interviewed them.

taplio

The Battle

Justin Wright

Reno Perry

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreJustin Wright's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreReno Perry's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Justin Wright

Reno Perry

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

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

Performance ScoreReno Perry's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJustin Wright's LinkedIn Performance