100 Day Reflections...

Today is? my 100th day as CEO at TinkRworks, and I wanted to share some vulnerable reflections on the journey so far. Here is my “Top 10 List’ (in no particular order) and I hope it is helpful to other leaders…

1. Autonomy can be equally exhilarating, scary and intimidating at the same time. Up until this point, there was always another layer of oversight. Of course we have a board, but as they say the buck does stop on your desk. Ultimately you must have extreme ownership of the outcomes. The responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity for impact.
2. Being CEO is incredibly hard work. As JJ Watt famously said, “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased. And rent is due every day.” Although I’ve witnessed the hard work of CEOs from the sidelines, being ‘in the chair’ is a whole different ball game. The relentless pursuit of success is a daily commitment. There are no days off.
3. Imposter Syndrome is real and can be a formidable adversary. It’s the nagging doubt about one’s abilities despite evidence to the contrary. For me, it has meant sometimes questioning if I’m truly qualified for this role. The key for me is to acknowledge these feelings and keep pushing forward with confidence. I am here for a reason.
4. Leadership is leadership, and isn’t confined to a title, we have all heard this. As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Whether you’re a CEO or in any other role, true leadership is about trying to do the right thing consistently. It’s the small, daily actions that compound over time to create significant impact.
5. Effective communication is paramount. Clear, transparent communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Keeping the lines of communication open helps build trust, align goals, and ensure everyone is on the same page. I have not been perfect here, but we are getting better. Effective communication is the backbone of any business. It’s the oil that keeps everything running smoothly.
6. Mastery is different than leadership, but they are interconnected. It has been awhile since I was close to STEAM, probably my Clear Creek ISD and AWS days. I have been in continuous learning and curiosity mode the past 100 days. Leadership, on the other hand, demands empathy, listening, and understanding diverse perspectives. It’s about balancing expertise with humility and openness. Never stop learning!
7. "The team, the team, the team" was famously said by the legendary Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler. I am blessed to have an amazing team at TInkRworks. Leaning into their strengths, fostering their growth, and sometimes simply getting out of their way has been important early on. A great team amplifies what’s possible, and they collectively drive our success. I am proud we have retained 100% of the team that was in place when I started.
8. I will always be a coach. I have spent my entire life coaching. Coaching is a fundamental aspect of any CEO’s role. It’s about empowering the team, giving them agency, and enabling them to thrive. By coaching others, we not only enhance their capabilities but also improve our own leadership. Always pay it forward with the team and leave something that will last.
9. Change is inevitable, especially during leadership transitions. Being adaptable and open to new ideas while bringing in some of your own is crucial. It’s also important to recognize that people naturally resist change. Effective leadership involves guiding and supporting the team through transitions. As Steve Jobs said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” Listen to all points of view but also be willing to take action.
10. Taking care of yourself is critical. This is not just your physical, but mental health.? I’ve been working as I started this role on building consistent habits, going to the gym, journaling, reading, etc. The goal is to manage stress, keep focus and maintain energy. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Prioritizing self-care ensures that I can lead with energy and clarity. I am a work in progress.

Here’s to the next 100 days of learning, I hope this helps someone in my network!