What if the key to success isn’t about what you achieve, but how much you give back?

In this week’s episode of Outside Insights, I sat down with Mike Smith, a public servant whose inspiring journey proves that leadership is rooted in service.

Currently serving in Delaware’s House of Representatives for the 22nd district, Mike’s approach resonated with me on a deep level. We both believe that true leadership is about solving problems and making a positive impact on those around us. In other words, being a servant leader.

Mike’s journey is rooted in lessons from his grandmother, who taught him that a full, purposeful life is built on giving back. Whether it was raising money for those in need or simply helping out in the community, she instilled the belief that true success comes from service. That same philosophy has guided Mike throughout his career.

Here are a few of the most impactful lessons Mike shared during our conversation, but make sure to listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into his approach to leadership.

Leadership is About Helping People
Mike sees his role in public service as one of servant leadership. To Mike, it’s not about the title or recognition, it’s about solving problems and being there for others. He shared a great story about learning from Congressman Mike Castle, who taught him early on that politics should never get in the way of simply helping people.

Fulfillment Comes from Giving Back
There’s no greater fulfillment than making a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s volunteering or stepping up to lead in your community, giving back is at the heart of living a meaningful life.

Engage with Your Community
Mike encourages everyone to get involved, whether by attending local government sessions or volunteering. Community engagement builds trust and understanding, and it’s a key part of being a servant leader.

Lessons from Sports and Coaching
As an endurance athlete and coach, Mike shared three traits that make a great teammate: dependability, skill, and selflessness. These lessons resonated with me because they apply not just to sports but to leadership and life. It's a reminder that success is about showing up for others, not just for yourself.

Mike’s journey and insights are a powerful reminder that leadership is about serving others, making an impact, and constantly striving to be better. Whether you’re leading a team, working in your community, or just looking to grow personally, these lessons can help you close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode during your next commute for more of Mike’s inspiring stories and practical advice on leadership. For more on servant leadership, you can also check out a past Outside Insights blog on the topic.

I’d love to hear from you. How are you applying the idea of servant leadership in your own life? How have you been impacted by a servant leader in the past? How are you or will you give back to others? Reply and let me know.

Until next time, friends.
Chris

Check out the full blog here!

In life, there are assets and liabilities. An asset is a resource that brings value to others and a liability, on the other hand, is a responsibility or obligation. When it comes to your job, the question is simple: would you rather be an asset or a liability?

We all strive to be assets! But let’s acknowledge that no one is an asset 100% of the time—and that’s okay. There are moments when our performance doesn't meet expectations, and that’s part of the growth process. However, if we want to consistently add value and thrive in our roles, we can take steps to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

How about a real life example? An employee in an analytics role is looking to build a dashboard for key company metrics. To prepare, she takes a free course on the software needed to build the report before the project even gets the green light. The employee loves what she does, she wanted the knowledge anyway. The outcomes helped the organization tie their outcomes to their strategy for employees, board members and even suppliers. She could have waited to be told what to do and when, this would have been good enough. Instead she added value in a visible way to the entire organization!

So, how do you become and stay an asset?

Creating value is at the heart of being an asset. The more value you create in a day, week, or hour, the more you contribute to the success of your team and company. But how do you consistently create value? Here are a few ways:

• Be a problem-solver: Don’t just identify issues—bring forward solutions. This mindset shows initiative and helps your team move forward.
• Engage deeply: Get involved in your work with purpose. When you find meaning in your tasks, you’ll naturally give more.
• Volunteer: Every meeting presents opportunities to step up. Be the person who takes on challenges and drives them to completion.
• Say "Yes": I once met a plant leader who shared that his rise to leadership came because, during the pandemic, he said "yes" when others hesitated. Sometimes, saying yes to new challenges can open doors.

Becoming an asset is a mindset. It's entrepreneurial. And it's a competitive advantage to a leader or business that can cultivate an asset minded culture. And an advantage to an employee that excels at the concept! Being an asset is about engagement and awareness and about understanding the goals and future of your company. Your actions, if asset minded support the company on its journey.

On the latest episode of Outside Insights, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sheila Bravo, president and CEO of DANA (Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement). Sheila’s career journey—from corporate marketing with brands like Vlasic Pickles and Godiva to nonprofit leadership—is all about adaptability, purpose, and lifelong learning. Her story holds valuable lessons for anyone, no matter their field. If you’re searching for inspiration or a reminder that career pivots can lead to more fulfillment, you need to add this episode to your list.

“You never make the plan the way you plan to make the plan.”

​​Sheila didn’t always envision herself in the nonprofit sector. For years, she thrived in high-powered corporate roles, leading well-known brands and traveling the world. But behind the scenes, something was missing.

The long hours and constant travel meant Sheila was away from her family more than she wanted to be. “I wasn’t around much… the success was there, but the fulfillment wasn’t,” she reflected. The work that once energized her had become routine, and she began to feel disconnected from her purpose.

Sound familiar? It definitely did for me when talking with Sheila. I often reflect on the long hours I would spend locked in my office while my growing family made memories without me. Eventually, something had to give and I had to make a change. Sheila did, too.

She craved something deeper, a career that aligned not only with her professional skills but with her personal values. So, she made the bold decision to walk away from corporate America and seek work with greater meaning.

Nonprofit leadership wasn’t part of Sheila’s original plan, but it turned out to be exactly where she needed to be.

Meet DANA. The secret sauce behind nonprofits.

During our conversation, Sheila highlighted the tough realities nonprofits face: rising costs, staff turnover, and funding that isn’t keeping up with inflation. DANA, under Sheila’s leadership, is helping nonprofits navigate these hurdles. They provide essential training, consulting, and strategy to help organizations operate more efficiently. Their standout initiative is a nonprofit accelerator that helps smaller organizations, especially those serving marginalized communities, scale their impact. Sheila calls DANA the “secret sauce” behind nonprofits, focused on empowering them for long-term success.

Check out the episode on Youtube and learn more about Sheila on Placers website, here!

Our daily choices craft your life’s story — what will today’s chapter be?

I have a long list of goals, life ambitions, projects, and tasks I want to accomplish. I bet you do too. No matter the goals someone has already achieved, it’s human nature to crave more — to want to be better. That’s why everyone I speak with has at least one goal or idea that haunts them — a nagging sense that they just can’t find the time to do it all. Sound familiar?

The answer to doing and achieving more is actually pretty simple — perhaps annoyingly simple: Live intentionally.

Let’s look at an example. One of the most cherished parts of my day are the mornings and that’s because of the sacred morning routine I have carefully established for myself.

For most of my early working years, I sprinted out the door, putting on my tie at stoplights, and skipped breakfast entirely unless a meeting demanded it. While a younger me thought I was saving time and being incredibly efficient by rushing through my mornings, the fact was I was killing my mind and body — and I sure as hell wasn’t more productive because of it. I wasn’t living with intention.

Fast forward to the day we brought two Aussie puppies home. Just what my life of chaos needed, right? The two perfect cherries on top. Turns out, their presence in the home was just what I needed.

During the first few weeks, I kept the same old routine; the only difference was that my two wide-eyed and yapping puppies chased me around the house, adding to the morning dysfunction as I frantically looked for my tie and jacket. They knew I wouldn’t be home for hours and their puppy dog eyes instilled a new level of guilt in me — what’s a guy to do?

I begin waking up early to spend time walking Ziggy and Gracie. It wasn’t just for them; it was for me, too, I soon discovered. I started to appreciate the quiet space before the day’s chaos. It became more than a habit — it was a ritual. I learned to savor my coffee, move my body, plan my day, and enjoy the morning before everything else took over.

I love my mornings now. I walk the dogs, meditate, plan, and sip my first cup of coffee long before the younger me would have even thought about waking up. Yes, I get more done, but it’s not just about productivity. It’s like defragmenting my mind, resetting for whatever the day might bring. For me, it’s carving out intentional time so that I can bring my best self into the rest of the day.

While curating a morning routine is one way I live intentionally, I’m able to identify other ways by taking the time to review my progress towards my goals and holding myself accountable.

Read the full blog here: https://myplacers.com/building-better-days-impacts-simple-intentions

I believe the best ideas come from listening to people who see things differently. If everyone at the table thinks the same way, you’re not innovating—you’re just reinforcing the status quo. The spirit of this idea was a prominent topic in the latest episode of Outside Insights all about effective change management.

I had the pleasure of sitting down virtually with Miriam Dicks, the dynamic Founder and CEO of 180 Management Group. Miriam is the kind of leader who gets right to the heart of what makes organizations tick—and what holds them back. With over 20 years of experience, her firm helps businesses and nonprofits navigate change and achieve high performance by addressing the root causes that impact culture and operations. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone dreaming of their own venture, Miriam’s insights on change, culture, and personal growth are for anyone ready to take their next big step.

1. Change Management: It’s All About the People

During our conversation, Miriam emphasized that change management isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s fundamentally about managing, and supporting, people. Projects and initiatives often fail when they don’t properly account for the human element. Successful change management brings people along on the journey, ensuring that changes “stick” and are sustainable.

2. Culture is the Apex Predator

“Culture eats strategy for lunch.” as the saying goes. Miriam deeply believes in the importance of culture in making or breaking strategic initiatives. If an organization’s culture is unhealthy or resistant to change, even the best-laid plans can fail.

3. The Challenge of Founder’s Syndrome

Although culture is the “apex predator”, there is something that can tank it: Founder’s Syndrome. A major organizational challenge is what Miriam calls “founder’s syndrome.” This occurs when a founder’s personality and vision dominate the organization’s culture, limiting diverse perspectives and stifling growth. To counter this, Miriam advocates for inclusive strategic planning that incorporates diverse voices and experiences.

4. Diverse Perspectives Lead to Stronger Strategies

Plans crafted by just a few individuals are often unrealistic or lack practicality. Miriam suggests that involving a range of voices—from employees to external stakeholders—ensures a more grounded and realistic strategy. This approach also increases buy-in and commitment from those who have to execute the plan.

5. Continuous Learning for Sustainable Success

Those familiar with Outside Insights know I believe knowledge is power. Miriam does, too. No matter your profession, continuous education is essential and Miriam stresses the importance of staying ahead of trends through certifications, learning programs, and engaging with thought leadership. I challenge you to take this a step further and also consider folks in your network you could act as a mentor in a new area.

6. It’s Nothing Personal

Toward the end of our conversation Miriam shared a valuable mindset for entrepreneurs: understand that the ebbs and flows of business are not personal. External factors will always affect business, it’s how you respond to them that defines your success.

While Miriam offers a fresh perspective on change management that is grounded in practical experience and strategic insight, her insights aren’t just for CEOs or managers—they’re for anyone who wants to make a difference, challenge the status quo, and build something that truly lasts. If you’re ready to think differently about change and the power of diverse ideas, be sure to check out the full episode of Outside Insights here during your next commute.

Until next time

I officially started my business 23 years ago — the morning of September 11, 2001.

Of course, history and our lives changed forever that day. It was certainly a challenging start for the business, but challenges have been a constant companion throughout my journey.

Today, I’m known as the guy who started a business from one dollar and scaled it to mid-market size without partners or investors. I bootstrapped it so that it could truly be my company. I’ve guided my business through thick and thin, through four recessions, 9/11, a pandemic, a fire, and even a flood (my building caught fire during the Super Bowl in the early 2010s). Through it all, we’ve adapted and evolved, always focusing on human resources, always maintaining a consultative approach, and always prioritizing culture.

Over the years, I’ve learned countless lessons, personally and professionally. Here are the 23 that stand out most as I reflect on 23 years in business:

1. Challenges are workout sessions: Entrepreneurs face challenges every day. These aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities to grow, get better, and solve problems.
2. The path and the goal are separate: Goals will change as you evolve, and that’s okay. You derive the most value along the way, as long as you stay true to yourself and know your values.
3. Play the long game: Business is an ultramarathon, not a sprint. Good things and bad things will happen along the way. Keep your eye on the prize.
4. Build your support system: Starting a business requires a strong support system. My wife and extended family of entrepreneurs supported me while knowing I had to learn on my own, even if it hurt.
5. Leverage change: Change is one of your most important assets. Markets, situations, customers, employees — everything changes. Embrace it.
6. Understand the phases of business: If you’re blessed to make it through the first few years, you’ll go through distinct phases — finding your market, building a small team, creating your first management team, and scaling processes and technology. Understanding this complexity and how you communicate as a business matters.
7. Accept team evolution: The people who join you early for the entrepreneurial experience may be replaced as you grow with those who seek stability and scale.
8. Be willing to work for free: Starting a business is hard. Be prepared to work for free to prove your idea. I did this for many months.
9. Scaling is about small experiments: Scaling a business is a series of small experiments. Try things, learn, and either fail or succeed quickly, then repeat.
10. Build a caring culture: I learned that I could build a culture where people truly care about each other and our community. Today, my business’ culture is the most important element to our success. Cue lesson #11.
11. Culture matters as much as strategy: Culture really does matter. A good strategy will only get you so far if you don’t have a strong culture to back it up.

To get the rest of the list click here.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Placers, Opposite the Crowd, or Outside Insights community these past 23 years. Your support has been invaluable.

Cheers,

Chris

Imagine transforming recycled tires into a thriving footwear business, then pivoting to reduce homelessness and run for governor. Sounds impossible, right? Not for Matt Meyer, this week’s Outside Insights guest. I had the privilege of speaking with Meyer to explore his approach to leadership, the impactful initiatives he's been part of, and his vision for Delaware's future.

Matt's desire to make a positive impact was strong even before his teaching and political career, starting with a move to Kenya. After serving as a diplomat in Iraq, where he was embedded with the army, Matt returned to the U.S. and—you wouldn’t have guessed it—began teaching sixth and seventh-grade math.

During his time as a teacher, he became dissatisfied with the state's education system. Driven by a desire to create meaningful change, Meyer decided to run for office. Despite initial skepticism from his family and the challenge of facing a well-established incumbent, his grassroots campaign led to an unexpected victory. This experience underscored his belief in community-driven initiatives and the power of perseverance—both popular topics here at Outside Insights.

Matt's desire to make a positive impact was strong even before his teaching and political career and started with a move to Kenya. There, he co-founded a footwear company that created sandals from recycled tires. This venture provided employment and economic opportunities in one of Nairobi's poorest neighborhoods and the challenges and successes of this endeavor gave him a unique perspective on economic development.

Today, as the chief executive of New Castle County, Delaware’s largest county, Matt Meyer oversees essential services such as law enforcement, emergency response, libraries, parks, and affordable housing. His leadership focuses on practical solutions that directly impact people’s lives over political rhetoric.

“We don’t make promises, we make plans, and then our job is to turn those plans into real progress.” – Matt Meyer

Meyer’s vision for Delaware as governor is focused on three key areas: improving education, healthcare, and housing. Drawing on his background as a teacher, he aims to elevate Delaware’s education system. In healthcare, he seeks to make services more accessible and effective, inspired by his wife’s experience as an emergency room physician. Additionally, he plans to tackle the state’s affordable housing shortage to ensure more Delawareans have stable homes.

To learn more about Matt’s journey and vision for Delaware, listen to the full podcast episode here. For more inspiring stories and actionable insights, tune into the Outside Insights podcast. You never know who our next guest will be!

Until next time friends,

Chris

Let’s face it: life is a series of decisions. From something as simple as what we eat for breakfast to major career moves, we make thousands of choices each day (between 33,000–35,000!). Some are automatic, handled by our subconscious to keep us sane, while others require careful consideration and come with their fair share of anxiety. Reflecting on our decisions — big and small — can reveal patterns that shape our lives. Perhaps it’s patterns of overspending on impulse buys, avoiding crucial conversations or choosing the path of least resistance. If these patterns sound familiar to you, it’s time to go back to the basics and consider how we’re making decisions.

There are many decision-making models out there. Charlie Munger’s are a personal favorite of mine — you can learn more about them here. In fact, I mentioned his book in my last post on closing your gap through reading. Another favorite is the Almanack of Naval Ravikant. Each offers a toolkit to broaden our understanding and improve our choices.

Longtime readers will be familiar with See, Think, Act — a decision-making model that has been coined and passed down through generations of Burkhards.

It’s a simple yet effective approach to closing gaps by making better-informed choices. The key lies in gathering the right information (See) and thoroughly analyzing it (Think) before taking action (Act). It sounds straightforward, but in a fast-paced world where speed often trumps thoroughness, it’s easier said than done. Deadlines loom, pressures mount, and action often feels more urgent than reflection. In fact, at times it feels like the world wants us to be busy — more on that you can check out Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.

Yet, my experience tells me that slowing down to gather insights pays off in the long run. It’s about making fewer, better decisions rather than rushing into ones you may regret later. I challenge you to remember and use See, Think, Act when you’re faced with your next small or big decision.

Mastering See, Think, Act is like honing any skill — it takes practice. By adopting this approach, you empower yourself to navigate decisions with confidence and clarity. Whether in a tense staff meeting or facing a significant purchase decision, taking a moment to gather facts and consider implications can lead to more satisfying outcomes.

Remember, closing your gap isn’t an overnight feat. It’s a gradual process of learning, adapting, and improving. Next time you find yourself in a pivotal moment — at work, at home, or anywhere in between — try applying See, Think, Act.

Ask questions, seek more information, and after you’ve done that — trust your gut. Over time, you’ll find your decision-making and problem-solving skills sharpen, and you’ll move closer to the life you envision.

So, here’s to closing gaps, making informed choices, and embracing the journey ahead with confidence (most of the time).

Until next time, friends.

Chris