October Kickoff: Stay Unswerving

What Marcus Aurelius taught me about leadership, plus new events, podcasts, and book updates.

Hey friend,

Every leader hits moments of noise. When opinions are loud, priorities are scattered, and pressure mounts from every angle.

October has reminded me how important it is to return to center. To anchor deeply in purpose. And to lead not from reaction, but from resolve.

As we enter this new season, I’m leaning into the idea of unswerving leadership, a mindset of staying steady and mission-focused, no matter what storms come.

This month’s reflection dives into that mindset, plus updates from the road, new podcast conversations, and what’s ahead.

Thanks for continuing to lead with me. Let’s jump in.

🧭 Leadership Insight of the Month: Unswerving Leadership

In today’s world of constant noise, opinions, expectations, comparisons, it’s easy for leaders to get pulled off course. 

That’s why this line from Marcus Aurelius stopped me in my tracks:

“The tranquility that comes when you stop caring what they say. Or think, or do. Only what you do (Asking is this fair? Is this the right thing to do?) … not to be distracted by their darkness. To run straight for the finish line, unswerving.”

It reminded me that great leadership isn’t reactive, it’s resolute.

We’re not called to chase approval or dodge every critic. We’re called to run straight for the finish line, anchored in our purpose, grounded in our values, and focused on what truly matters.

Here’s how I’ve been putting this into practice:

Detach from the Noise (But Keep Listening to What Matters)

Not every voice deserves your attention. Learn to filter out the opinions that distract and amplify the feedback that helps you grow.

Anchor in Fairness and Integrity

Before any big decision, ask: Is this fair? Is this right? That simple reflection builds credibility and long-term trust.

Resist the Pull of Negativity

It’s easy to spiral when facing resistance or setbacks. The antidote? Refocus on your mission and show your team what optimism looks like.

Visualize and Commit to the Finish Line

Clarity kills distraction. When you know what you're running toward, you’re less likely to get thrown off course.

Lead with Calm Confidence

Stillness isn’t weakness, it’s strength. Make space for reflection and let your steady presence be the anchor your team needs.

So here's your challenge this month:

Where in your leadership have you been swerving?

What do you need to return to… refocus on… or let go of, to run your race with clarity and conviction?

Leadership isn’t about appeasing the crowd. It’s about becoming the kind of person people want to follow, unswerving, clear, and deeply grounded.

🎤 Event Highlight: Leading Through Wellness at the EAP Behavioral Health Conference

On October 2nd, I had the privilege of speaking at the 6th Annual EAP Behavioral Health Conference hosted by the State of Alabama Department of Finance. 

My keynote explored a topic close to my heart: how holistic wellness drives effective leadership.

We walked through the Eight Dimensions of Wellness:

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Social

  • Spiritual

  • Intellectual

  • Financial

  • Environmental

  • Occupational

I opened the session with a powerful, yet simple idea: Everybody leads.

It’s more than a phrase, it’s a transformational mindset. I shared how the greatest barriers to success in most teams are rooted in transactional work, people going through the motions without a sense of ownership or purpose.

But when every team member embraces the idea that they are a leader, and takes personal ownership across these eight dimensions of wellness, it unlocks greater engagement, resilience, and long-term success.

I also reflected on how, in my own leadership journey, focusing on thriving holistically, not just professionally, has helped me lead with more clarity, empathy, and influence. It was an energizing conversation about aligning vision, wellness, and leadership in a way that lifts everyone forward.

🎓 Campus Leadership Highlight

University of Montevallo – MADE Program

At the end of September, I also joined the University of Montevallo’s MADE Program, engaging with emerging leaders on how to lead with clarity, purpose, and ownership early in their careers.

The enthusiasm and thoughtfulness from this next generation of leaders was truly inspiring.

📣 Upcoming Speaking Opportunities 

If you’ll be at any of these, I’d love to connect:

  • October 14, 2025 – DRI Leadership Conference: “Building Your Leadership Influence for Greater Impact” - Chicago, Illinois

  • October 16, 2025 – Memphis Bar Leadership Forum – Memphis, Tennessee

  • November 17, 2025 – Leadership Breakfast, Vestavia Hills, Alabama

  • February 19, 2026 – DRI 2026 Women in the Law Seminar – “Building Your Skills: The Art of Difficult Conversations” – Orlando, Florida

  • March 23, 2026 – “The Beyond the Bottom Line Seminar” – Orlando, Florida

  • March 27, 2026 – “Leadership Excellence to Drive the Healing Process” – The Alabama School of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies Conference, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

🎧 New Podcast Episodes

Check out our latest lineup of guests sharing real stories and timeless leadership wisdom:

Everybody Leads Podcast

  • September 17 – Judge Rubén Castillo, United States District Court for the District Court of Northern Illinois (ret.)

  • October 8 - D Franklin, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Vulcan Materials Company

  • October 22 – Kareem “K.W.O.E.” Wells, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and Level Next recording artist

  • November 5 – 50th Episode Celebration with Jennifer Keller, President and COO, Baker Donelson

Guest Appearances

I’ve had the privilege of joining several great conversations this fall. 

Here are some enjoyable conversations:

  • Get Unstuck & On Target with Mike O’Neill - Listen here

  • Coming Up Clutch with James “J.R.” Reid - Listen here

  • Behind the Human with Marc Champagne - Listen here

  • The Big Table with Coach Michael Burt - Listen here

  • Selling with Love with Jason Marc Campbell - Listen here

  • H3 Leadership with Brad Lomenick - Listen here

  • Lead on Purpose with Simon Fagg - Listen here

  • Show Up As a Leader with Dr. Rosie Ward - Listen here

  • The Rethink Leadership Podcast with Jeremy Blain - Listen here

  • Live with the Famous Dr. Al with Dr. Allen Steven Lycka - Listen here

  • Motivated to Lead with Mark Klingsheim - Listen here

  • Truth, Lies and Work with Leanne Elliott and Al Elliott - Listen here

If you're driving, walking, or looking for inspiration between meetings, these are for you.

📚 Upcoming Book Signing

November 1 – 2:00 p.m. EST

📍 Johnson’s Literary Depot
333 E. Main St., Johnson City, TN

If you're in the area, come by! I’d love to meet you, hear your leadership stories, and sign your copy of Everybody Leads.

✍️ LinkedIn Post of the Month 

Every leader has an aroma.

Some inspire. Some drain.

Your presence isn’t just felt.

It lingers.

Like a scent.

People may forget what you said in that meeting.

But they’ll remember how you made them feel in that room.

And over time?

That becomes your leadership brand.

You don’t need louder words.

You need cleaner energy.

Because energy sets the tone, not titles.

If your team walks away heavy after every call...

It’s time to check your leadership aroma.

(And if you’re building a culture where energy uplifts… I’d love to hear about it.)

📖 Grab Your Copy of Everybody Leads

If you haven’t picked up Everybody Leads yet, then what are you doing?! 

This book is for anyone ready to lead with more purpose, whether you manage a team or simply influence those around you. 

If you’ve already read it, thank you! Leaving a quick review helps others discover the book and join this growing leadership movement.

👣 Keep Leading Forward

As we step into the final stretch of the year, remember:

Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out.

It’s about showing up, unswervingly, consistently, purposefully.

Keep pressing forward.
Stay centered.
And lead like it matters because it does.

Grateful to be on the journey with you,

Tim