Commerce Bank’s Post

An absolute steal of a superb education for 331 years.

Beautiful to the core. Powerful. So many ways to apply this in life and business.

I had to repost again, Rob's original post got me to watch Steve's speech, which then led to to look Steve up more where I found a show on Amazon Prime about Steve Gleason. If you haven’t seen Steve Gleason's acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs, I urge you to put down everything you are doing and listen for a few minutes. His words on courage, fear, fearlessness, and resilience are truly inspiring. They left a profound impact on me, and I believe they will do the same for you. Steve Gleason, a former NFL player, and New Orleans hero, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Doctors gave him two to five years to live. Instead of succumbing to fear or despair, Steve chose to live his life to the fullest. His journey is captured in the Amazon Prime show "Gleason," which I highly recommend. This incredible man documented his experiences through personal video journals for his then-unborn son and shared his adventures and mission to live fully despite his diagnosis. His story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and his character, fortitude, and resilience are truly inspiring. Steve Gleason's journey reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. It is about embracing life with all its challenges and choosing to make every moment count. His mindset and resilience are a beacon of hope and strength for all of us. In a world where we often face our own battles, Steve's story encourages us to look within and find the strength to persevere. It’s a powerful reminder that we can overcome adversity with the right mindset and a resilient spirit. Let Steve Gleason's story inspire you to live boldly, to face your fears head-on, and to never let anything hold you back from living a life full of purpose and passion. As Rob Pallante said, "The word 'courage' doesn't do him justice." Watch his speech, watch the show, and let his journey inspire you to cultivate a champion mindset. Embrace resilience, build character, and live life to its fullest potential. #ChampionMindset #SteveGleason #Inspiration #Resilience #Courage #MindsetMatters #LiveBoldly

I shed tears listening to Steve Gleason’s speech as he received the ESPN ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. His words pierced through the noise of our divided world. Steve said, “Given our interconnectedness, the greatest aspect of our purpose is to generously help, serve, and love others. Do we have the courage to unconditionally love our neighbors, our so-called enemies, and love ourselves?” The answer to his question, tragically, is a resounding NO. Courage is lacking. Emotional intelligence is lacking. Vulnerability is lacking. Love is lacking. And consequently, progress is lacking. In a world where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging should be the cornerstones of our society, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of divisive and selfish decisions. The true essence of these values lies not in acknowledging differences but in embracing and celebrating them. It demands emotional intelligence to understand and empathize with experiences different from our own. It requires the courage to be vulnerable, to admit our flaws, and to commit to growth. Steve’s speech doesn’t contain lofty ideations; it is quite practical. But it requires a decision. A decision to be the person who creates environments where everyone feels they belong. A decision to challenge our biases and stand up against inequity. A decision to educate ourselves mentally and emotionally to listen, learn, and love without conditions. We have the capacity to answer YES to Steve’s question. The question is, are you embodying love, empathy, and vulnerability through your actions? Together, we can elevate, unite, and create a future where everyone truly feels valued, regardless of their values. #DEI #EmotionalIntelligence #Courage #Leadership #Inclusion #Equity #Belonging

perspective is incredibly powerful and humbling.

Trust is not overrated.

What an incredible message about facing fear head on and how we can all work to be more courageous by being vulnerable enough to work together to find solutions. This can be applied to all areas of life. If you are a leader I ask you this: Are you courageous enough to be vulnerable so that you can truly serve those who follow you? People often put leaders on a pedestal. It’s a natural thing to do when you respect someone. However, it often overshadows the many failures that the leader has overcome to get them to their current point in life. Leaders, you have a DUTY to be vulnerable with those that deserve it, but especially with your direct followers. Help them grow from your past struggles and subsequent lessons. Share your wisdom. Share your passion. LEAD the way!

"My view is that the fears and adversities we encounter are our opportunity to accept what is and explore what is on the other side of fear to grow stronger, better, and have peace of mind." - Steve Gleason, New Orleans Saints legend and ALS warrior! What a powerful message. Take just a minute for this one. (video below):

WHY IT MATTERS

Good succession planning in action.