AXIS Leadership, LLC.

06/04/2026

Thinkers Thursday: "How Senior Leaders Can Build Their Influence" - Harvard Business Review

Hey Leaders,

A great idea is not always enough.

At senior levels of leadership, influence is not just about having the right answer. It is about understanding what matters to the people in the room and connecting your message to what drives their decisions.

That is the heart of Rebecca Knight’s March 23, 2026 HBR article, which focuses on how senior leaders gain traction, build momentum, and earn buy-in from peers and bosses. (Harvard Business Review)

Too often, leaders assume logic alone will move people. But influence grows when trust, timing, and alignment come together.

A few leadership takeaways stood out to me:

Know what matters to others - Before pushing your idea, understand the pressures, priorities, and concerns of the people you need to influence.

Translate your message - Don’t just present what makes sense to you. Frame it in a way that speaks to the goals of your peers, your team, and your organization.

Build momentum, not just a case - Buy-in often happens through conversations, relationships, and steady alignment before the big meeting ever starts.

Expect resistance without taking it personally - Pushback is not always rejection. Sometimes it is an invitation to clarify, strengthen, or reposition your message.

Influence is relational - At the senior level, people often follow leaders they trust, not just leaders who are right.

Here’s the leadership truth: Influence grows when leaders learn to connect conviction with empathy.

At Axis Leadership, we believe leadership is not about overpowering people. It is about understanding people, developing trust, and moving forward together.

Better People. Better World.

🔗 Read more: https://hbr.org/2026/03/how-senior-leaders-can-build-their-influence

💬 Let’s discuss: What has helped you build influence most effectively as a leader - stronger logic, stronger relationships, or a combination of both?

Dr. Joe

06/03/2026

Wisdom Wednesday: "11 Experiences All Gen Z Employees Need for Growth" (Part 2) - Maxwell Leadership Podcast Episode

Hey Leaders,

Many young professionals enter the workforce wanting success—but without some of the experiences that build resilience, initiative, confidence, and maturity over time. The challenge isn’t simply teaching job skills. It’s helping the next generation develop the character and life experience needed to thrive in the real world of work.

This week on Generations at Work, Susan Davis and Dr. Tim Elmore continue their conversation on the critical experiences that help young employees grow into strong leaders and contributors. In part 2, they explore the lessons that come from courage, initiative, service, healthy boundaries, and conflict resolution—experiences that shape confidence and long-term leadership potential.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast_category/generations-at-work/?utm_campaign=CSG%20%7C%20MELP&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--x3krPPnRpcIUImtOaVwmy9-ZHG9_9iV06IDb_l_BIE_WQ-BPGWCBCqzzPKvBuVRIrXiWBsVXjxegg0ba4owJAOODQIA&_hsmi=421665914&utm_content=421665914&utm_source=hs_email

Here are some of the major takeaways…
- Leaving Toxic Environments Builds Self-Respect: Young professionals need the courage to recognize unhealthy workplaces and establish healthy boundaries instead of staying trapped in toxic situations.

- Volunteering Develops Empathy and Perspective: Serving without compensation builds humility, emotional intelligence, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of others.

- Side Hustles Build Grit and Initiative: Working beyond a primary job teaches responsibility, ambition, creativity, and the value of personal ownership.

- Learning to Negotiate Builds Confidence: Discussing your value professionally and respectfully helps young professionals develop courage, self-awareness, and communication skills.

- Initiative Sets Leaders Apart: Employers notice people who solve problems before being asked. Seeing needs, thinking ahead, and taking ownership are key leadership behaviors.

- Conflict Resolution Is a Leadership Skill: Avoiding difficult conversations weakens relationships and culture. Learning to address conflict directly and maturely builds trust and credibility over time.

- Experience Builds What Lectures Cannot: Many of the most important leadership qualities—courage, humility, resilience, emotional intelligence, and initiative—are developed through lived experience, not theory alone.

If we want to prepare the next generation for lasting success, we have to do more than teach information. We must intentionally help young professionals develop the experiences, habits, and character that leadership requires.

- Dr. Joe

Effectively lead multi generation teams with the expertise of Dr. Tim Elmore and Executive Coach Susan Davis.

06/02/2026

TED Talk Tuesday: “The trap of win-lose thinking — and how to escape it” - John Mackey

Hey Leaders,

How often do we walk into situations believing that for us to win, someone else has to lose?

In this TED Talk Tuesday, John Mackey challenges a mindset that quietly limits our leadership and relationships every day: win-lose thinking. It is the belief that success is a zero-sum game, where one person’s gain must come at another’s expense.

But great leaders think differently.

Mackey introduces the idea that the most impactful outcomes are not found in competition alone, but in collaboration. When we shift from win-lose to win-win thinking, we begin to see opportunities for shared success, stronger partnerships, and greater long-term value.

This is not just a mindset shift. It is a leadership shift.

Leaders who embrace win-win thinking build trust. They foster innovation. They create environments where people feel valued, not used. And in doing so, they unlock results that are far greater than what competition alone can produce.

A few key insights from this talk:
- Win-lose thinking limits creativity and long-term success.
- Win-win thinking expands possibilities and strengthens relationships.
- Great leaders look for mutual benefit, not just personal gain.
- Sustainable success is built through collaboration, not domination.

Here is your challenge this week.

Think about a current situation where you feel tension or competition. Ask yourself: What would a win-win outcome look like here? Then take one step toward creating that possibility through conversation, empathy, or collaboration.

That is where leadership grows.

John Mackey’s TED Talk, “The trap of win-lose thinking — and how to escape it,” reminds us that leadership is not about beating others. It is about building something better together. When we choose collaboration over competition, we move closer to our mission at Axis Leadership: Better People, Better World.

You can watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_mackey_the_trap_of_win_lose_thinking_and_how_to_escape_it

The best leaders do not just win. They help others win too.

- Dr. Joe

06/01/2026

Motivation Monday: "Success Secrets: A 3-Minute Wake-Up Call"

Hey Leaders,

In this short but powerful video it delivers a no-fluff message about what truly separates success from stagnation. It breaks down:
✅ The difference between “knowing” and “doing”
✅ Why most people fail—not from lack of information, but from lack of action
✅ The secret mindset that high achievers have mastered

This isn’t just motivational—it’s a mirror. Are you applying what you already know?

Watch now and drop a comment: What’s one truth from this video that challenged you—or called you out? Be honest. Growth starts with self-awareness.

- Dr. Joe

P.S. Better People. Better World.

05/29/2026

Book Feature Friday – Fans First by Jesse Cole - "Why Fans First?" - Week 1

Hello Leaders,

As we begin our journey through Fans First by Jesse Cole, we start with the foundational principle that transformed an ordinary
baseball team into a national phenomenon.

At first glance, the Savannah Bananas look like a baseball success story. Stadiums are sold out. Millions follow them online. Fans travel across the country to attend games. Yet Jesse Cole argues that their success was never really about baseball.

It was about people.

One of the most powerful lessons in this book is that extraordinary organizations are built when leaders intentionally focus on
creating value and memorable experiences for the people they serve.

Many organizations become consumed with revenue goals, growth targets, productivity metrics, and competition. While those things matter, Jesse Cole suggests that they are outcomes—not starting points.

The starting point is people.

The question every leader must ask is:
"How can we serve people so well that they never want to leave?"

The Savannah Bananas did not grow because they had the best players. They grew because they became obsessed with creating experiences people would never forget.

This lesson applies far beyond sports.

As leaders, we often focus on improving systems, processes, and performance. But sometimes the greatest opportunity lies in improving the experience of the people around us.

Think about your workplace.
Think about your customers.
Think about your employees.
Think about your family.

How do people feel when they interact with you?
Do they feel valued?
Do they feel appreciated?
Do they feel seen?

People rarely become loyal because of a product alone. They become loyal because of how they are treated.
This is where leadership begins.

Great leaders understand that influence is earned through service. Trust is earned through consistency. Loyalty is earned through care.

When people genuinely believe that you have their best interests at heart, they become more than customers, employees, or followers.

They become fans.

As we reflect on this first lesson, consider the difference between meeting expectations and exceeding them.

Most organizations aim to satisfy people.

Exceptional organizations aim to delight them.

The difference is what transforms ordinary experiences into unforgettable ones.

Leadership Challenge
This week, identify one person you serve regularly—an employee, customer, colleague, family member, or friend.

Ask yourself:
"What is one unexpected thing I could do to make their experience better?"

Then take action.

Discussion Question
What organization, leader, or business has created such a positive experience for you that you became a lifelong fan?
What did they do differently?

Remember:
Success is often the byproduct of service. When leaders put people first, growth follows.

At Axis Leadership, we call this: Better People, Better World.

– Dr. Joe

05/28/2026

Thinkers Thursday: "5 Questions Leaders Should Ask Before Turning to Fractional Work" - Harvard Business Review

Hey Leaders,

Just because you can bring in outside expertise… doesn’t mean you should. At least, not without clarity.

Fractional talent is growing fast. It offers flexibility, speed, and access to high-level expertise. But this HBR article reminds us: if leaders aren’t clear on the why, the role, and the expectations, fractional support can create more confusion than value.

It’s not just about filling a gap. It’s about leading with intention.

Here’s what stands out:

- What problem are you really solving?
If the need isn’t clearly defined, even the best external talent will struggle to deliver impact.

- Is this a capability gap or a capacity issue?
Know whether you need expertise, bandwidth, or both, because the solution changes.

- How will this role integrate with your team?
Fractional leaders can’t operate in isolation. Alignment and communication are critical.

- Who owns the outcome?
Clarity around accountability prevents confusion and protects results.

- What does success look like and how will you measure it?
Without defined outcomes, it’s hard to know if the investment is working.

Here’s the leadership truth: Bringing in help doesn’t replace leadership, it requires even more of it.

At Axis Leadership, we believe strong leaders don’t just add resources, they create clarity, alignment, and accountability so every role drives real impact.

Better People. Better World.

🔗 Download and read more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1essrcJpLKoNUmDTNtsq7TP5Ilgt1wAeQ/view?usp=drivesdk

💬 Let’s discuss: Have you used fractional talent in your organization? What made it successful or challenging?

- Dr. Joe

05/27/2026

Wisdom Wednesday: "What Your Dream Team Should Look Like" - Maxwell Leadership Podcast Episode

Hey Leaders,

Myth: Leaders need to be balanced. Fact: Together, you and your team can be balanced. In this week’s episode, John Maxwell reveals why the dream team isn’t about perfection in individuals, but about creating collective balance through diversity of skills, passion, and perspective.

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dig into high-level strategy for building a team where everyone’s strengths thrive and the leader’s vision multiplies.

Key takeaways:
- A balanced team is built on diverse strengths—no single leader can or should do it all alone.
- Exceptional leaders replace assumptions with curiosity, listening and learning from their team before leading.
- The most successful teams are intentionally shaped through shared values, growth, and a genuine commitment to multiplying each other’s impact.

Click here to listen and watch. https://youtu.be/NfnJIY9A-3c?si=0_7tnUo3wMmfCUiK

The BONUS resource for this episode is the What Your Dream Team Should Look Like Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching.

Click here to download the bonus resource. https://drive.google.com/file/d/15E9_7fuxLA7aPZg93CS6yCdFzHi69dLY/view?usp=sharing

- Dr. Joe

References: Get the 21 Laws of Leadership online course for 20% o...

05/26/2026

TED Talk Tuesday: “How to Turn Off Work Anxiety During Your Free Time” - Dr. Wendy Suzuki

Hey Leaders,

Have you ever received an email that instantly made your heart race?

Maybe it was vague. Maybe it was unexpected. Maybe it simply triggered stress before you even had time to process it.
Most people see anxiety as something negative that should be avoided at all costs. But in this TED Talk, Dr. Wendy Suzuki challenges us to think differently. She explains that anxiety is not the enemy. In fact, anxiety was designed to protect us. The problem is not anxiety itself. The problem is when the volume gets turned up too high.

One of the most powerful leadership lessons from this talk is that self-awareness and emotional regulation are leadership skills.

Dr. Suzuki shares two practical tools for lowering anxiety in real time:
First, breathing. Simple, deep breathing activates the calming part of our nervous system and helps us move out of fight-or-flight mode.

Second, movement. Walking, stretching, dancing, exercising, or even a few minutes of physical activity can immediately shift our mental and emotional state because movement releases mood-boosting neurochemicals in the brain.

As leaders, this matters because anxiety affects decision-making, communication, empathy, and how we show up for others.

When we learn how to manage anxiety instead of being controlled by it, we become more thoughtful, more creative, and more effective in our leadership.

One statement from this TED Talk stands out clearly: Your anxiety can actually strengthen your empathy for others.

That is powerful.
The next time stress shows up: Pause. Breathe. Move. Listen to what your anxiety may be trying to tell you.
Then respond with clarity instead of panic.

You can watch the full TED Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_suzuki_how_to_calm_your_anxiety_from_a_neuroscientist?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Remember, the best leaders are not those who never feel pressure. They are the ones who learn how to lead through it.

Better People, Better World.

- Dr. Joe

What if you could transform your anxiety into something you can actually use during your work day? Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki shares two evidence-based activities -- breathing and movement -- that can soothe your nervous system and fuel creativity and connection.

05/26/2026

This past week was another powerful reminder that leadership is not confined to boardrooms, classrooms, or stages; it lives in every opportunity we have to serve and add value to people.

On Wednesday, May 20th, Dr. Joe traveled to Columbus, Georgia to conduct a leadership offsite presentation for the U.S. District Bankruptcy Court. The session focused on personal and professional growth, leadership development, and equipping people with the mindset and tools necessary to lead effectively in their careers and everyday lives.

Then on Memorial Day, May 25th, Dr. Joe was honored to serve as keynote speaker at the Carlyle House in Macon, Georgia, where residents, families, and staff gathered to remember and honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. The message centered on gratitude, service, sacrifice, and the responsibility we all share to preserve the values they fought to protect.

Whether speaking to professionals in the courtroom or honoring veterans and families in a retirement community, Dr. Joe remains committed to going wherever called upon to encourage, develop, and serve our valued citizens. Because true leadership involves showing up, serving others, and leaving people better than you found them.

05/25/2026

We celebrate the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Thank you.