Celebrating Milestones and Embracing New Beginnings

By: Ryan DuBois

This past week has been one of joyous celebration and reflective moments. I had the honor of witnessing a significant milestone—my youngest daughter's graduation from the University of North Georgia. With her degree in biology, she joins the ranks of the mere 7% of the world that holds a bachelor’s degree. Her accomplishment underscores the hard work and determination required to complete such a demanding five-year program.

During the commencement, we were inspired by keynote speaker Kevin Paul Scott , whose words resonated deeply with both the graduates and their families. Scott, an acclaimed author and speaker, focuses on the transformative power of choice and the profound impact of service-oriented leadership.

From his book, The Lens of Leadership, he shares:

"What you see depends not only on what you look at, but also, on where you look from."

This perspective is a powerful reminder to view challenges and opportunities from multiple angles.

Inspirations from Esteemed Commencement Speeches:

·??????? Steve Jobs at Stanford University (2005) taught us that:

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

·??????? Oprah Winfrey at Harvard University (2013) highlighted the importance of authenticity with:

"You will find true success and happiness if you have only one goal, there really is only one, and that is this: to fulfill the highest, most truthful expression of yourself as a human being."

·??????? J.K. Rowling at Harvard University (2008) spoke on the benefits of failure:

"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default."

?Key Insights from Kevin Paul Scott:

·??????? Choice is Everything: Our decisions shape our paths, and choosing our responses to challenges is crucial.

·??????? Serve to Lead:

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

True leadership derives from selflessly serving others, a timely reminder for our new graduates as they step into the world.

·??????? Appreciate the Journey: As Scott eloquently puts it, the journey is as important as the destination. It's essential to savor and cherish the moments that matter.

Reflecting on these principles, I am reminded of the importance of pausing to celebrate achievements and reconnect with loved ones. Following the ceremony, we took a retreat into the serene woods of North Georgia—a perfect way to recharge and contemplate the future.

As we all continue to navigate the complexities of life, let us take inspiration from this week’s events to be beacons in our worlds, leading with purpose and compassion. Let's hold onto the moments that bring us joy and use them as fuel for our ongoing journeys.

Have a great week!

Coach Ryan DuBois

Essential Reads for Graduates (or all of us): Leadership and Personal Growth

As our graduates embark on their journeys beyond college, here are some transformative books that offer wisdom and guidance to navigate this new chapter:

• "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" by Admiral William H. McRaven

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

Small disciplines can have a ripple effect that not only improves your life but also the world around you.

• "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now" by Meg Jay Quote:

"Twenty-somethings who don’t feel anxious and incompetent at work are usually overconfident or underemployed."

Embrace challenges and the discomfort of stepping up, as they are opportunities for growth and proving your mettle.

• "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg

"Leadership belongs to those who take it."

Leadership is about stepping forward and making the decision to lead, especially for women in environments where their leadership might not be a traditional norm.

• "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink

"The secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world."

True motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose; align your career and life around these factors to unleash greater fulfillment and success.

• "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown

"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."

Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness, as it paves the way for more genuine connections and opportunities.

These books are not just guides but companions that will encourage our graduates to think deeply, act boldly, and lead with heart. Let’s inspire them to grab the helm of their lives with both hands and steer toward their dreams with courage and conviction.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence

Coach Ryan DuBois