Great Teams International

04/22/2026

I am so proud to be part of this Toastmasters club, based in Alabama, but with members in many states and internationally. It has been a significant part of my growth journey as a speaker and leader.

V.A. Voices, based out of Birmingham is Smedley Distinguished, the highest level in Toastmasters. With exceptional leadership and robust, motivated participation, this is a highlight of my week. We attract the best of the best!

Join us on Zoom Tuesday afternoons - see webpage for link.

Congratulations VA Voices Toastmasters #651363 — District 77 Club of the Month (April 2026)! 🏅

R.I.S.E. highlight:
⭐ Pillar: Inspire
✅ What they did:
• Welcomed 9 new members and powered major learning momentum with 5 Level 1 + 4 Level 4 Pathways completions
• Demonstrated strong leadership discipline with 100% officer training completion and dues submitted ahead of deadline
💡 Best practice: Host a “signature meeting” with a memorable framework. VA Voices featured guest speaker Fursey Gotuaco and the “5G Network of Toastmasters” (Goals, Gratitude, Growth, Greatness, Global) to energize members and reinforce excellence,
Winners receive digital badge/certificate + $25 TI voucher + District spotlight opportunities. Want to be next? Nominations open again on the 1st. 🏅

04/10/2026

Speak Better is a way to help people say what they really mean. Great Teams thrive when people can communicate more clearly.

01/06/2026

This is a great idea!!

One Day. All Out. Fully in.

Northwest Youth Corps is proud to join The Reset — a national movement launching in 2026 to help young people live healthier, more connected lives through time outdoors and balanced digital habits.

On January 24, 2026, hundreds of thousands of young people, and those who care for them, will take ​The Reset Pledge: a commitment to step away from screens and contribute to a collective goal of 10 million+ hours of real-world connection. ​

Why This Matters:
Today’s youth face mounting pressures, often without the tools or space to thrive. The Reset isn’t anti-technology—it’s pro-balance. It’s about reclaiming time for what matters: real connection, nature, and mental well-being.

Click our link in the comments to learn more about Outward Bound USA's mission!

07/07/2025

This is a small high school for "highly independent" learners, most of whom traditional high schools just didn't work. Here they found a place to engage, bring out their best selves and were prepared for what comes after graduation. Watching these young people grow up during their time at the school is one of the reasons I've stayed on the Advisory Board and am a rabid fan. The staff is phenomenal as well.

04/01/2025

This book is a must-read. Huge thanks to Thomas Fuller for capturing the bigger picture, which truly resonates with me.

It beautifully shows that being deaf is not a deficiency, but a gift—one that can give a football team an unexpected advantage. It’s a powerful reminder to embrace and respect our differences.

On a personal note, my father spent most of his career in administration at CSDR. It’s heartwarming to see this continues to be a place where deaf kids can thrive.

It shows what happens when people truly belong and feel valued.

03/25/2025

Great breakfast, wonderful bakery, best filled condiments at the table so you don't have to ask for anything. Julie at Abilities Diner and Bakery thinks of everything. All that and she hires people with disabilities. Everything is first class. Word is starting to get out and pretty soon this place will be hard to get a seat. This is the best place to get great food and support a good cause.

12/16/2024

What’s with the newest members of the workforce, Gen Z?

According to my mentor, Perry Holley of Maxwell Leadership, managing others isn’t high on their list of aspirations. I’m learning a lot from Perry, who compiled these key insights to help employers better engage Gen Z and other younger generations.

It’s all about purpose, flexibility, and growth. More on how to best work with the newest entries to the workforce coming soon!

.

09/23/2024

Today is my birthday and these were the guesses of my age in a class of 10-13 year olds in Leon, Spain this morning.

In looking at the numbers, it’s interesting to think about the perception of a person when a number is attached to them.

Each person’s age is just a number, right?

09/19/2024

You just never know….
checking into an albergue in northern Spain, town population of 200, was an exceptional man, Manu. His boss, shown, thinks so too. I could tell his service was not typical and 58 questions later, it came out he speaks 4 Indian dialects, Spanish, English and was the Director of Finance for Marriott Vacation Club in Spain for decades. The next person he checked in just thought he was some guy that worked in a small rural hostel.

09/15/2024

Yep, I’m getting a lesson in the reality of how heavy unnecessary things become when you continue to carry them.

Walking 100+ miles so far on the Camino has put this in a new perspective- between the things I accidently left and those I need to shed, my load is lighter and I feel better.

OK, I did have to replace the hairbrush!

Our desire as human beings is to keep score. But if you're a leader, it's inevitable that someone will hurt you -- and then, you have a choice. You can carry that baggage today and tomorrow, or you can let it go. Easier said than done, right? John Maxwell shares how in his and Chris Hodges' brand-new book, Jesus: The High Road Leader. Pre-order your copy today: https://store.maxwellleadership.com/products/jesus-the-high-road-leader