Today I’m starting a series of articles inspired by the 2025 Kinsmen Summit. The speakers and topics were rich, and each one poured into the men who were present in the room. My hope is to distill some of the wisdom that was shared so we can all benefit from the work and preparation of these leaders.

Too many times in life, I’ve learned the lesson: don’t judge a book by its cover. But recently, I unlocked a deeper way of seeing both people and situations by tweaking that old saying just a bit.

I love when I see someone pursuing a big mission or dream. There’s something about it that transcends the norm—especially when it comes at a cost. These are the people who truly inspire us, the ones we remember long after they’re gone.

Some people call it "wearing a lot of hats." It’s a common phrase, especially when you're involved in a mix of work, relationships, and community efforts. But this week, as I reflected on the range of roles I stepped into, it hit me: it’s not just about wearing many hats—it’s about wearing hats that fit.

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Recently, a dear friend of mine experienced this firsthand. Without warning, he received a call from his boss and was let go from a job he believed was secure. While the personal details of his situation remain private, this moment was a fast reminder of how quickly life can change.

Identity is the foundation of everything we do in this life. Knowing who we truly are is a pursuit that seems simple on the surface but is difficult to tackle in reality. When someone asks, "Tell me a little about yourself," the most common answers revolve around what we do for a living, where we grew up, what school we attended, and maybe a few hobbies.