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We Are Having a Workforce Moment
The workforce challenge is no longer just a recruiting issue. It is a leadership, retention, development, productivity, and clarity issue. The Moment Leaders Are In In many of the conversations I am having with business owners and hiring leaders, one idea has been on my mind: leaders rarely get to wait for perfect information. They have to pause for…
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Are We Misreading This Moment in the Labor Market?
It’s been a little while since my last post, and in that time I’ve sat down with a LOT of business leaders across our market. Different industries, different sizes, different challenges — but one message keeps popping up: “Mike, hiring feels better than it did last year.” And honestly… they’re not wrong. The urgency feels lower. Open roles don’t feel as desperate. In many cases, application flow…
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My One Word For 2026: Momentum
It’s that time of year again—for our family and for our team at Express—when we choose our One Word. If you’ve followed my blog or LinkedIn articles over the years, you know this has become an important annual rhythm for me. I enjoy this exercise because it forces reflection on where we’ve been, what we’ve…
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Turning Compliance Into A Competitive Edge
Are Shifting Rules Putting Your Business at Risk? If you’re like me, you feel like the rules are changing faster than you can keep up. In today’s unpredictable business environment, regulations seem to change as quickly as the markets do. Labor laws, data compliance, privacy standards, and tax policies are constantly evolving—and as leaders, we…
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AI in the Workplace: Adapt, Evolve and Lead
The rise of artificial intelligence isn’t a distant future, it’s already reshaping how we work, hire, and grow. Just this summer, I used ChatGPT to help plan our trip out West. It turned out to be one of our best vacations. My wife was impressed with the itinerary and thought I had done it all…
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Are You Optimizing Your Workforce?
In today’s labor market, talent is scarce, competition is fierce, and the cost of hiring is higher than ever. Businesses that fail to adapt are facing a harsh reality: reduced productivity, stunted growth, high turnover, and a widening skills gap. Many organizations are discovering that they simply don’t have employees with the skills they need…
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Leading with Impact: Essential Traits for Effective Leadership
Leadership is not just about titles or positions; it’s about influencing others and making a positive impact. As John C. Maxwell aptly puts it, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” The best leaders don’t just direct; they inspire, guide, and empower those around them. In today’s…
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The Power of Agile Adaptability
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, organizations must be agile to thrive. Agile adaptability is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical capability that enables businesses to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger. With a new President leading our country, evolving regulations, supply chain challenges, and economic unpredictability, it’s clear that agility is more critical than…
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How To Be The Type Of Leader You’d Want To Work For
In today’s world, where uncertainty and challenges are the norm, leaders are currently struggling with how to manage the challenges of our times. From global conflicts and economic instability to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and climate change, the need for empathy and compassion in leadership has never been greater. Reflecting on the leaders…
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What’s Your One Word for the New Year?
It’s that time of year again when my family and my team at Express sit down to choose our “One Word” for the year ahead. If you’ve followed my articles or blog, you know this is a tradition I’ve embraced for several years. I like the exercise because it forces you to really look ahead…