The Leader's Edge: August 2025

Hey friend,

The road’s been nonstop lately, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

From firm offices across the Southeast to conference stages and podcast studios, this past month has been full of meaningful conversations about what it really means to lead. 

No matter your title. No matter your past. Everybody Leads.

If you’ve picked up the book already, thank you! 

Your encouragement has meant the world. 

If you found something helpful inside, would you take a moment to leave an honest review on Amazon? Reviews and ratings really do move the needle in helping new readers discover the message.

Still need a copy for yourself or your team? 

The hardcover is available now:
👉 Buy Everybody Leads on Amazon

Over the weekend, I had the honor of speaking at The Oaks in Southern California at the “Dreaming Up What’s Next” conference. 

I shared one of my favorite stories about ripping off the rearview mirror, and we gave every attendee one to take home as a reminder. 

We have to learn from past mistakes, but then we need to let go of what’s behind. Focus forward.

Let’s dive into this month’s momentum:

Leadership Insight of the Month

Throw Out the Rearview Mirror

One of the most powerful symbols I carry into every new season is a $15 rearview mirror I bought online. 

I don’t use it to look back, I use it to remind myself not to. 

When I find myself stuck in regret or self-doubt, I physically pick it up… and toss it in the trash.

Here’s the truth: your leadership future can’t grow if your mindset is stuck in rewind.

Whether it’s a deal that fell through, a presentation that flopped, or a conversation you wish you’d handled differently, we all have “rearview moments.” 

But when we stay there, replaying the what-ifs and should-haves, we stall our own progress.

At The Oaks, I shared the story of a racecar driver who rips off his rearview mirror and throws it out the window, declaring, “What’s behind me is not important.” 

That’s the kind of resilience we need in leadership, own the lesson, drop the baggage, and keep moving.

So this month, take inventory. 

What rearview mirror are you still holding on to? 

What’s one story you’re ready to let go of?

Toss it. Lead forward.

Leadership Insight #2

What’s Your Plan?

Back in college, I ran for a campus leadership role with no experience and little name recognition. 

But I had one bold question on my campaign poster (thank you, Tina Turner): 

“What’s your plan?”

That simple question didn’t just win me the election, it’s guided my leadership ever since.

Because here’s the deal: ideas are exciting, and vision is inspiring, but leadership lives in execution. 

A clear plan gives your team direction. It turns abstract goals into shared action. 

And when your plan includes others, when it invites their strengths, ideas, and buy-in, you’re not just leading, you’re building real momentum.

So what’s your plan this month? 

Don’t just rally people around your passion, show them the path.

📘Quote from Everybody Leads

“Everybody Leads isn’t a series of steps. It’s a roadmap for better leading yourself and others.”

🎧 Recent Podcast Features

This past month, I’ve had the privilege of joining several incredible hosts to share the heart behind Everybody Leads, and how everyday influence can transform how we lead at home, at work, and in the world:

• LIVE NOW: Motivated to Lead with Mark Klingsheim
   🎥 Watch here →
  

• Just Released This Week: Coming Up Clutch Podcast with James “J.R.” Reid
  A powerful conversation about courage, connection, and calling. Listen here.
  

• Also Out Now:

  • Behind the Human with Marc Champagne: exploring mindset, reflection, and the deeper layers of leadership. Listen here.
    

  • The Big Table with Coach Michael Burt: talking confidence, culture, and what it really takes to lead with impact. Listen here.
    

• Coming Soon:

Interviews with Simon Fagg and Gina Gardiner are on the way, packed with insight on positive change, and the power of intentional leadership.

If one of these resonates, give it a listen, and feel free to share it with a colleague or team. These conversations are made to spark something.

📍 Upcoming In-Person Book Signings

Come say hello, grab a copy of Everybody Leads, and let’s talk leadership in real life. I’d love to see you at one of these special events:

📚 You’re invited to a live in-person event in Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN

📖 Jackson, MS — Lemuria Books
📅 Thursday, August 14
📍 lemuriabooks.com
🕔 5:00 PM: Book Signing
🗣 5:30 PM: Author Reading + Q&A

📖 Memphis, TN — novel. bookstore
📅 Saturday, August 23 @ 2:00 PM CDT
📍 novel. bookstore, Memphis, TN
🔗 RSVP to save your spot here

Whether you lead a team of five, a classroom of 30, a household of 4… or just yourself, this book is for you.

Let’s talk leadership, life, and how everyday actions create extraordinary impact.

Bring a friend, grab a book, and let’s connect.

LinkedIn Post of the Month 

Tuesday, July 22, was one of those unforgettable, joy-filled days.

After months (okay, years) of dreaming, writing, editing, and a few too many coffee-fueled nights…

Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters is officially launched into the world!

We spent the evening at an amazing book signing at The Alabama Booksmith.

I’m overflowing with gratitude, for every friend, colleague, client, and family member who has supported this vision from Day 1.

You showed up.

You cheered loud.

You even ate custom cookies with my logo on them (now that’s leadership in action).

This book isn’t just about theory.

It’s about you, your ability to lead right where you are, no fancy title required.

Whether you manage teams or mentor one person, you have influence that matters.

♻ Repost on LinkedIn here

📘 Order Everybody Leads Today (for yourself or a friend)

Already reading? I’d love for you to leave a review, it helps others discover and grow from the message.

Thanks for Reading!

Here’s your reminder this month:

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction.

Let’s keep showing up and leading forward, together.

With gratitude,

Tim