Why Everyone Should Have a Theme Song

and How I Can Help You Write Yours

Music has a way of cutting through the noise and speaking directly to the heart. It can be the anthem that drives you forward, reminding you who you are when life gets tough. For me, that anthem is "Jump Because It's There," the theme song I wrote for JUMP Boise, and now it’s become my personal anthem too. It captures my philosophy on courage and action—two things I believe are essential to living a bold, fulfilling life.

But it got me thinking—why shouldn’t everyone have their own theme song? Better yet, why not help people write one that captures their journey, their courage, and their mission?

Your Theme Song: A Soundtrack to Your Courage

A theme song is more than just music. It’s a reminder of who you are, what you’ve overcome, and what you stand for. Every time I hear the opening notes of my song, it’s like a shot of energy straight to my core. It reminds me of the leaps I’ve taken, the risks I’ve embraced, and the times I moved forward despite being scared out of my mind.

Your theme song can do the same for you. It can be the soundtrack to your life’s most courageous moments. Maybe it's a reflection of your resilience through tough times, or maybe it's a celebration of your achievements and future goals. Either way, it's uniquely yours.

Why I Want to Help You Write Your Own

One of the most exciting things I’ve realized recently is that I can help others craft their own theme song. It doesn’t have to be complex; it just needs to reflect your spirit and give you a sense of power. Writing a theme song is like writing your personal mission statement, except with music. It taps into emotion, motivation, and inspiration in a way that nothing else can.

Imagine having a song that plays in your head whenever you’re facing a challenge—a song that reminds you of your strength, your passion, and your courage. It doesn’t matter if you’re a musician or not; this isn’t about writing the perfect hit single. It’s about capturing your essence in a way that only music can.

How I Can Help You Find Your Theme

Here’s how it works: we’ll talk about your journey, the challenges you've faced, and the dreams you're chasing. Together, we’ll uncover the key moments where you’ve shown courage and strength. From there, we’ll shape those stories into a theme song that’s all about you.

Maybe your theme song is upbeat, filled with energy and excitement. Or maybe it’s a slower, more reflective tune that captures the resilience you’ve shown through tough times. Whatever it is, it will be a song that makes you feel unstoppable every time you hear it.

Why Everyone Needs a Theme Song

Life is full of challenges. Having a theme song is like having a mental and emotional boost right when you need it most. It reminds you of your strengths, your values, and your purpose. When you face moments of doubt, your song can be the push that helps you take that next step.

So, what’s your song? If you don’t know yet, maybe I can help you find it. Let’s work together to write your personal anthem, a song that celebrates your courage and reminds you that you’re capable of anything.

If I’ve learned one thing from writing "Jump Because It’s There," it’s that courage is an action word, and music can move you to take action. Let’s create something that moves you.

Channeling the Greatest

Muhammad Ali’s Blueprint for Building a Courageous Business

I never spent too much time thinking about Muhammad Ali. Sure, I knew he used to go around saying, "I am the greatest!" but I didn't quite understand the significance behind it. That all changed when I discovered that Ali first became famous for declaring himself the greatest six months before he even defeated Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight champion. This wasn’t just confidence—it was vision. Ali understood the power of committing to a bold statement and backing it up with relentless preparation.

Intrigued, I watched The Greatest to catch a glimpse of who Ali really was. I even listened to his comedy album I Am The Greatest, which gave me a new perspective. Sure, we’re not all Muhammad Ali—there was only one—but what if each of us decides that we are the greatest at who we are, and faces the world with that level of belief? It’s uncomfortable, but that’s where the magic of courage lives. Let’s explore how Ali’s approach to life can be the foundation for building a truly courageous company.

Belief in a Purpose Bigger Than Yourself

Muhammad Ali wasn’t just a boxer; he was a man driven by a deep belief in something greater than himself. Whether it was his bold stand against the Vietnam War or his lifelong commitment to his faith, Ali always stuck to his principles, even when the cost was high. As a business leader, it’s essential to define and stand by your company’s purpose. What’s your "why"? Courageous companies know their mission, and they remain dedicated to it even when challenges arise. When employees, customers, and partners see your company’s unwavering commitment to its values, they’ll rally behind you just as people did with Ali.

Taking a Stand, No Matter the Cost

Ali’s courage wasn’t limited to the boxing ring. One of the most powerful examples of his bravery was his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. This decision cost him his heavyweight title and could have ended his career. But Ali stood firm, willing to sacrifice everything for what he believed was right. In business, there are moments when you’ll be called to make tough, sometimes unpopular decisions. Courageous companies are willing to lead on the issues that matter to them, even if it means taking a stand alone. Whether you’re advocating for your customers, pushing for industry change, or defending the rights of your employees, real leadership requires bravery.

Resilience Through the Highs and Lows

Ali’s journey wasn’t always one of triumph. Stripped of his title, banned from boxing, and financially strained, Ali faced some of the toughest times in his career. But what made him great was his resilience. He never gave up. He came back stronger, reclaiming his title and securing his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time. As a business leader, you will face setbacks. Markets shift, competition heats up, and internal challenges arise. But a courageous company doesn’t buckle under pressure. Instead, it views these challenges as opportunities to grow, adapt, and emerge stronger. Resilience is the cornerstone of long-term success.

Innovation and Fearless Reinvention

Ali was known for his unique, unorthodox boxing style. He famously said, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," which described his light-footed, agile approach. Ali’s willingness to break from tradition set him apart from his competitors. For businesses, innovation is key to staying relevant and ahead of the curve. Courageous companies aren’t afraid to disrupt the status quo or reinvent themselves when necessary. They embrace bold, creative strategies that differentiate them from the competition. Just as Ali’s style made him legendary, your company’s innovation can be what sets you apart.

The Authentic Power of Being True to Yourself

If there’s one thing that defined Muhammad Ali, it was his authenticity. He was unapologetically himself—charismatic, bold, and fearless. And that’s what people loved about him. Courageous companies embrace this same level of authenticity. They know who they are, and they don’t pretend to be something else. They communicate openly with their teams, their customers, and their partners. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is what creates loyal relationships. People want to follow a leader and work for a company that’s real, not one hiding behind a corporate mask.

The Courage to Be the Greatest at What You Do

Muhammad Ali didn’t just declare he was the greatest—he showed the world why he was through his actions, his resilience, and his unwavering belief in himself. For businesses, the lesson is clear: true greatness comes from having the courage to take bold stands, remain resilient through adversity, innovate fearlessly, and be unapologetically authentic.

You may not be Muhammad Ali, but you can be the greatest at what you do. Building a courageous company starts with that belief. So, are you ready to step into the ring?

Join us on the journey to greatness. Book a call with us and let’s start building your courageous company today.

The Hidden Importance of Potholing

A Lesson in Construction Safety

As someone outside the construction industry, you might not be familiar with "potholing." This critical process involves digging small holes to precisely locate underground utilities before major excavation begins. It might seem trivial, but potholing can prevent utility strikes, which can cause severe injuries, project delays, and costly repairs.

Take Kana Subsurface Engineering, led by Erick Castro, as an example. They prioritize potholing to avoid these risks. This proactive approach embodies a culture of courage—ensuring safety, quality, and community well-being. Their commitment highlights how seemingly small steps can make a significant impact in construction projects.

In industries where hidden dangers lurk beneath the surface, fostering a culture of courage isn't just beneficial—it's essential. By embracing potholing, Kana Subsurface Engineering sets a standard for safety and reliability that others should follow.

For more information on potholing and Kana's approach, visit Kana Subsurface Engineering.

Tim Cook’s Top Five Fears

and How a Culture of Courage Can Address Them

In the high-stakes world of technology and innovation, few names carry as much weight as Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc. Known for steering the tech giant through turbulent times and maintaining its position at the forefront of innovation, Cook's leadership is often under the microscope. Despite his success, Cook faces significant fears, as all leaders do. Here are the top five fears Tim Cook might contend with and how fostering a culture of courage at Apple can help mitigate these concerns.

1. Sustaining Innovation Amidst Intense Competition

Fear: As the leader of one of the world's most innovative companies, Cook must continuously drive Apple to outpace competitors like Google, Samsung, and emerging tech startups. The fear of falling behind in innovation is ever-present.

Culture of Courage Solution: Encouraging a culture of courage means empowering employees to take calculated risks and think outside the box. By fostering an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback, Apple can sustain its innovative edge. Courageous teams are more likely to experiment with groundbreaking ideas and push the boundaries of what's possible.

2. Managing Supply Chain Disruptions

Fear: The complexity of Apple's global supply chain leaves it vulnerable to disruptions, whether due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or pandemics. Cook fears these disruptions could impact production timelines and product availability.

Culture of Courage Solution: A culture of courage involves proactive problem-solving and adaptability. By encouraging teams to anticipate potential disruptions and develop robust contingency plans, Apple can mitigate risks. Open communication and cross-functional collaboration can ensure rapid response and recovery from supply chain challenges.

3. Maintaining Data Privacy and Security

Fear: In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, Cook fears compromising the privacy and security of Apple's users. Any lapse could damage the company's reputation and erode customer trust.

Culture of Courage Solution: Promoting a culture of courage means instilling a sense of responsibility and vigilance across all levels of the organization. Encouraging employees to voice concerns about potential vulnerabilities and invest in cutting-edge security measures can help safeguard user data. A courageous culture also supports continuous learning and improvement in cybersecurity practices.

4. Navigating Regulatory Challenges

Fear: With increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide, Cook fears potential legal battles and regulatory changes that could impact Apple's operations and business model.

Culture of Courage Solution: A courageous culture embraces transparency and ethical practices. By fostering open dialogue with regulators and proactively addressing compliance issues, Apple can navigate the regulatory landscape more effectively. Empowering legal and compliance teams to act courageously and ethically ensures that Apple stays ahead of potential regulatory challenges.

5. Sustaining Organizational Culture Amid Growth

Fear: As Apple continues to grow and expand its global footprint, Cook fears that the company's unique culture might dilute, leading to disengaged employees and reduced innovation.

Culture of Courage Solution: Maintaining a culture of courage requires a deliberate effort to instill core values and principles consistently across the organization. By encouraging leadership at all levels to model courageous behavior, Apple can preserve its culture. Regularly reinforcing the importance of collaboration, respect, and risk-taking ensures that Apple's culture remains vibrant and cohesive, even as the company scales.

final thoughts

Tim Cook's leadership is a testament to the power of courage in navigating complex challenges. By fostering a culture of courage, Apple can address these fears head-on, ensuring sustained innovation, resilience in supply chain management, robust data security, effective regulatory compliance, and a strong organizational culture. In today's dynamic business landscape, a culture of courage is not just an asset—it's a necessity.

Yes, No, and Maybe

an All of the Above approach to Crafting a Courageous and Innovative Workplace Culture

Creating a culture of courage in the workplace involves fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up, take risks, and innovate without fear of retribution. This can be approached through a strategy that encompasses "yes," "no," and "maybe" responses, ensuring that the culture does not devolve into one of mere compliance or agreement but instead promotes genuine courage and critical thinking.

Yes: Encouraging Initiative and Innovation

• Empowerment: Encourage employees to take the initiative and pursue new ideas. By saying "yes" to innovative proposals and giving them the green light, you signal that the organization values creativity and proactive problem-solving.

• Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment where employees feel safe to take calculated risks. Provide the necessary resources and backing for them to explore new opportunities.

• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and reward employees who show courage and innovation. This can be through public recognition, bonuses, or career advancement opportunities.

No: Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Standards

• Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines and boundaries within which employees can operate. This ensures that while innovation is encouraged, it remains aligned with the company's goals and values.

• Constructive Feedback: Use "no" as a tool for constructive feedback. When an idea doesn't align with strategic goals or lacks feasibility, provide clear, actionable feedback that helps employees refine and improve their proposals.

• Accountability: Hold employees accountable for their actions and decisions. This reinforces the idea that while taking risks is encouraged, it must be done responsibly and with consideration of potential impacts.

Maybe: Encouraging Critical Thinking and Dialogue

• Open Dialogue: Promote open dialogue and debate within the organization. Encourage employees to question assumptions and consider multiple perspectives before making decisions.

• Pilot Programs: Use "maybe" as an opportunity to test new ideas on a small scale. Pilot programs allow for experimentation without committing to full-scale implementation, providing valuable insights and minimizing risks.

• Collaborative Decision-Making: Foster a culture of collaborative decision-making where diverse opinions are valued. This can involve cross-functional teams or committees that assess and refine ideas collectively.

Balancing All of the Above

To avoid creating a culture of yes men, it's crucial to balance these approaches:

• Leadership Role: Leaders should model courageous behavior by being open to feedback, admitting mistakes, and demonstrating a willingness to take calculated risks.

• Training and Development: Provide training and development programs that equip employees with the skills to think critically, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions.

• Cultural Integration: Integrate the principles of courage into the organization's culture through regular communication, storytelling, and alignment with the company's mission and values.

By embracing a balanced approach of "yes," "no," and "maybe," organizations can cultivate a culture of courage that encourages innovation, maintains high standards, and fosters critical thinking without succumbing to the pitfalls of a yes-man culture.

The Cost of Neglecting Courage

Lessons from the OceanGate Submersible Tragedy

In a world where technological advancements often push the boundaries of human capability, the tragic implosion of OceanGate's Titan submersible serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of fostering a culture of courage and accountability. This incident, which claimed the lives of five individuals, highlights significant ethical and leadership failures within OceanGate that contributed to the disaster.

Ignored Warnings and Overlooked Safety Concerns

Years before the Titan’s catastrophic failure, numerous safety warnings were raised by industry experts, former employees, and even external organizations. In 2018, the Marine Technology Society sent a letter to OceanGate expressing unanimous concern over the submersible's experimental approach. They warned that this could result in severe consequences, including catastrophic failures.

David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former director of marine operations, also raised alarms about visible flaws in the sub's carbon fiber hull and other critical safety issues. His insistence on addressing these concerns through rigorous testing and third-party evaluations was met with dismissal and ultimately led to his termination.

Leadership and Ethical Failures

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush’s reaction to these concerns exemplifies a failure in leadership. Rush reportedly felt "personally insulted" by safety warnings and accused critics of trying to hinder innovation. This defensive stance was reflected in the company’s decision to bypass third-party safety evaluations, which are standard practice in the industry to ensure the safety and reliability of such high-risk ventures.

The reluctance to engage with external safety validations and the dismissal of internal safety concerns indicate a deep-rooted issue within OceanGate’s organizational culture. Instead of fostering an environment where transparency, accountability, and the well-being of employees and clients are prioritized, the company seemed to value rapid advancement and financial gain over essential safety protocols.

The Importance of a Culture of Courage

The OceanGate tragedy underscores the vital role of a courageous culture in organizational success and safety. A culture of courage involves more than just innovation; it requires leaders to listen to and address concerns, prioritize ethical standards, and ensure that all actions are taken with a clear understanding of their potential impact on human lives.

In high-risk industries, the consequences of neglecting such a culture can be devastating. The implosion of the Titan submersible serves as a grim reminder that pushing boundaries without adequate safety measures can lead to tragic outcomes. It is a lesson that other organizations must heed to avoid similar fates.

Moving Forward

To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial for organizations to:

1. Prioritize Safety Over Speed: Innovations should not come at the cost of safety. Adequate time and resources must be allocated to ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed.

2. Foster Transparent Communication: Encouraging open and honest communication within the organization can help identify potential issues before they escalate into crises.

3. Engage Third-Party Evaluations: Independent evaluations by external experts can provide unbiased assessments of safety and reliability, ensuring that all potential risks are adequately addressed.

4. Cultivate Ethical Leadership: Leaders must set the tone for the organization by valuing ethical considerations and the well-being of all stakeholders over short-term gains.

The OceanGate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for courage in leadership. By learning from these failures, other organizations can reinforce the principles that underpin responsible innovation and ensure that progress does not come at the expense of safety.

References:

• Wired. (2023). OceanGate sub likely destroyed by "catastrophic implosion"

• The Independent. (2023). Inside OceanGate’s history of safety issues

• The Independent. (2023). OceanGate CEO said he was ‘personally insulted’ by ‘baseless cries’ about Titanic sub’s deadly safety flaws

• Penn State University. (2023). Analyzing the Ethics and Leadership Failures: OceanGate’s Submersible Misadventure

By reflecting on these lessons, businesses can strive to build a future where innovation and safety go hand in hand, ensuring the well-being of all involved.