Your November Leadership Fuel & Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude, rest, and rhythms of renewal, plus a tribute to a legendary leader and a heartfelt thank-you for being part of this journey.

Hey friend,

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve been reflecting on the many things I’m grateful for, this community included.

Whether you’ve read the book, tuned into a podcast episode, shared a message, or just offered encouragement along the way, thank you! Your support means the world, and I don’t take it for granted.

This season is a reminder that leadership is fueled not just by drive, but by gratitude, rest, and the relationships we nurture along the way.

In this month’s round-up newsletter, I’m sharing reflections on building intentional rest into your rhythm, honoring the legacy of a leader who led with integrity, and highlighting recent events and episodes that reminded me what meaningful leadership really looks like.

Let’s dive in.

🧭 Leadership Insight of the Month

A Paradox of Leadership: Laboring to Build Rest and Solitude

Leadership often feels like a relentless sprint.

Packed with meetings, travel, decisions, and demands. 

But one of the most counterintuitive truths I’ve learned is this: the best leaders labor to build rest.

Yes, rest takes effort. Intentionally creating space for solitude, stillness, and renewal isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.

When I’ve been consistent in this practice, I’ve noticed:

  • Clarity in decision-making – Solitude gives you the margin to think deeply and avoid reactive choices.

  • Renewed energy and focus – Rest fuels resilience and creativity.

  • Greater strategic thinking – The big-picture vision often emerges in quiet, not chaos.

Here’s how to start:

  • Schedule it like a meeting – Block off time and honor it.

  • Know its purpose – Use it for reflection, journaling, or even a walk.

  • Guard it relentlessly – Protect it like your most important work.

  • Start small – Even 30 minutes a week can make a difference.

Building rhythms of renewal is not about doing less, it’s about leading better. 

In the quiet, we recover our clarity and restore our energy to keep showing up with purpose.

🕊 Remembering Senator Howard H. Baker Jr.

This month marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Senator Howard H. Baker Jr., a milestone that offers a moment to pause and reflect on the life of one of our nation’s most respected statesmen.

Known as the “Great Conciliator,” Senator Baker’s leadership was grounded in integrity, humility, and an unwavering belief in the power of respectful dialogue. 

At a time when civility often feels in short supply, his example stands as a powerful reminder that principled leadership and bipartisan collaboration are not only possible, they’re essential.

Senator Baker’s influence reached far beyond his home state of Tennessee or his years in the U.S. Senate. 

He embodied a style of leadership that was firm yet fair, strong yet gracious. His steady hand during pivotal national moments, and his reputation for bringing people together, left an indelible mark on American governance.

Personally, I’ve long looked to Senator Baker’s legacy as a blueprint for how to lead with both clarity and compassion. 

In this season of gratitude, I’m especially thankful for his life, his example, and the leadership lessons he left behind.

May we all strive to lead with the same quiet strength and enduring vision.

📍 Event Highlight: Vestavia Leadership Lunch

On November 17th, I spoke at the Vestavia Leadership Lunch about Building Leadership Impact for Greater Influence.

We focused on the importance of daily disciplines that shape long-term success, simple habits like:

  • Reading to stretch your thinking

  • Exercise to stay energized

  • Sleep to lead from a place of health

  • Writing notes of gratitude to stay grounded

  • Daily reflection to lead with clarity

Small steps, done consistently, become the building blocks of high-impact leadership.

🎙️ New on the Everybody Leads Podcast

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

  • November 19 – Jon Acuff/Clay Scroggins discussion “Everybody Leads”

  • December 10 – Everybody Leads Podcast Year-in-Review

Tune in on your favorite podcast app for honest, inspiring conversations with leaders who are making a difference.

🎧 New Podcast Feature: The Unlock Moment

I recently joined Dr. Gary Crotaz on The Unlock Moment for a powerful conversation about discovering your “unlock moment” as a leader, when clarity, confidence, and calling align.

🎤 Upcoming Speaking Opportunities

  • 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

  • April 20, 2026 - LMA Annual Meeting Quick Start Program - “Leading Transformation” and “Everybody Leads” - New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re attending any of these events, I’d love to connect!

📚 Grab Your Copy of Everybody Leads

Whether you're a CEO, team lead, or someone quietly influencing behind the scenes, Everybody Leads is for you.

✔ Quick, practical chapters
✔ Real leadership stories
✔ Encouragement for everyday influence

It will make a great holiday gift for the leader in your family.

📝 Top LinkedIn Post of the Month 

“They’re going to figure out you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Yep. That voice still creeps in even when you’re the CEO.

I recently joined The Learn-It-All Podcast with Damon Lembi to talk about imposter syndrome, leadership, and how to flip the script in your head. Because here’s the truth:

You can lead and still wrestle with doubt.

What matters is what you do next.

The key?

- Flip the soundtrack

- Focus on what’s true

- Keep leading anyway

This episode hits home for any leader (or aspiring one) who's ever thought, “Am I really cut out for this?” Spoiler alert: You are.

👉 Read the full LinkedIn post here

Grateful for You

As we pause for Thanksgiving, I just want to say thank you again for following along, for leading with purpose, and for being a part of this journey.

Let’s finish the year strong, with clarity, consistency, and gratitude at the center.

With appreciation,

Tim