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

Hey Leaders, Are we preparing people for the future, or just repeating systems from the past? In this TED Talk Tuesday, Aylon Samouha challenges us to rethink how we approach learning, growth, and development. While his focus is on education, the message extends far beyond the classroom. It speaks directly to how we develop people in organizations, teams, and leadership environments. His central idea is clear. The world is changing faster than our systems, and if we want better outcomes, we must be willing to redesign the way we develop people. Traditional models often prioritize information over application, compliance over creativity, and structure over adaptability. But growth does not happen in rigid systems. It happens when people are challenged, engaged, and given the opportunity to think, solve, and lead. For leaders, this is a call to action. We are not just managing tasks. We are developing people. And if our approach to development is outdated, our results will be too. A few key insights from this talk: - Growth requires active engagement, not passive participation. - People develop faster when they are solving real problems. - Adaptability is more valuable than memorization. - Environments shape behavior, and leaders shape environments. Here is your challenge this week. Look at how you are developing your team. Are you simply giving information, or are you creating opportunities for growth? Identify one way you can shift from telling to engaging, from directing to developing. That is where real leadership impact begins. Aylon Samouha’s TED Talk, “Schools urgently need a redesign. Here’s how,” reminds us that better systems create better people. And when we commit to developing people in meaningful ways, we move closer to our mission at Axis Leadership: Better People, Better World. You can watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/aylon_samouha_schools_urgently_need_a_redesign_here_s_how

Good morning, everyone, This week’s Leadership Latte episode is especially personal for me as my wife, Felicia, and I recently celebrated our youngest son Nathan graduating from college. Moments like these remind us just how quickly the parenting journey moves and how important it is to be intentional with the time we have. In this lesson, I reflect on three guiding principles that shaped our approach to parenting: • Showing unconditional love • Being a good example • Creating special memories Parenting is one of the greatest leadership responsibilities we will ever have. Whether you’re raising children, mentoring young people, teaching students, coaching athletes, or simply influencing the next generation, your presence and example matter more than you may realize. My hope is that this week’s message encourages you to pause, reflect, and make the most of the opportunities you have to positively shape young lives. Thank you for continuing this journey with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts after you listen to today’s lesson. Until next time, keep leading, keep loving, and keep growing! Dr. Joe

Hey Leaders, What if the people around you are far more capable than your current system allows them to show? In this TED Talk Tuesday, Trish Millines Dziko challenges a limiting belief that has shaped education and, in many ways, the workplace: that only a few people are truly “gifted.” Instead, she makes a compelling case that genius is far more widespread but often goes unrecognized because of the environments we create. Her message is clear. Potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not. When people are placed in environments that expect little, they often deliver little. But when they are challenged, supported, and believed in, something powerful begins to happen. Confidence grows. Performance rises. Possibility expands. For leaders, this is a critical shift. Your role is not just to evaluate talent. It is to develop it. It is to create a culture where people are seen, challenged, and given the opportunity to rise beyond what they thought was possible. A few key insights from this talk: - Genius is not rare, but it is often overlooked. - Expectations shape performance more than we realizes. - Opportunity and environment unlock potential. - Belief in people can change their trajectory. Here is your challenge this week. Identify someone on your team who may be underestimated or underdeveloped. Instead of focusing on current performance, ask yourself: What potential do I see in them? Then take one intentional step to challenge, support, and invest in their growth. That is where transformation begins. Trish Millines Dziko’s TED Talk, “How we can unlock every student’s genius,” reminds us that leadership is about seeing what others cannot yet see in themselves. When we develop people with intention and belief, we move closer to our mission at Axis Leadership: Better People, Better World. You can watch it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/trish_millines_dziko_how_we_can_unlock_every_student_s_genius

This week, we conclude our journey through John Maxwell’s Everyone Communicates, Few Connect with the fifth and final connecting practice: “Connectors Live What They Communicate.” In this episode, we explore the power of authenticity, integrity, and alignment between our words and actions. Leadership is not just about what we say — it’s about how we live. People are inspired by leaders whose actions reinforce their message. As Maxwell reminds us: “You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.” In Episode 67, we discuss: ☕ Why credibility is the currency of leadership ☕ How consistency builds trust and influence☕ The importance of accountability and transparency☕ Why authentic leadership creates lasting connection This episode also includes a personal reflection from my time serving as Cadet Wing Commander at the United States Air Force Academy and the lessons I learned about leading by example under pressure. 🎧 Be sure to listen, reflect, and share your biggest takeaway inside the community. 📲 IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you haven’t already done so, download the Skool app and turn ON your notifications so you never miss new Leadership Latte episodes, leadership resources, announcements, and community discussions. Pour. Sip. Reflect. Lead. Dr. Joe