Kay Coles James is a remarkable figure whose life and career exemplify dedication, faith, and impactful leadership. From humble beginnings in Portsmouth, Virginia, she rose to serve in the White House, lead influential organizations, and establish the Gloucester Institute—a unique platform focused on cultivating future leaders and bridging political divides. In this blog post, we explore her inspiring story, leadership philosophy, and her vision for shaping the next generatio

When you think of transformation, you might picture a major invention, a historic moment, or a bold new policy. But for Don Miller, transformation begins with something deceptively simple: words. For decades, he has shown that the right words, arranged with clarity and purpose, can change not just businesses but lives. Don’s journey has been anything but conventional. He grew up in Houston, Texas, in a home shaped by his mother’s determination and strength after his father le

When we think about what it means to pursue your purpose, few lives capture it better than the story of Wendy Borcherdt. Long before Ronald Reagan became a two-term governor of California and then one of America’s most consequential presidents, Wendy recognized something extraordinary in him. She saw a leader who could speak truth with clarity, connect with everyday people, and stand firm on values that mattered. Her encouragement and tireless work helped launch Reagan onto

One Year of Going Big!: Lessons for Life, Business, and Community Going Big! is more than a podcast title. It is a mindset, a way of living, and a call to action. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of sitting down with leaders, builders, and visionaries who embody what it means to Go Big! in their own walk of life. Their stories, their risks, and their lessons remind us that Going Big! is not reserved for a select few. It is available to all of us, if we are willin

Humble Beginnings in Gdańsk Every great movement begins with a single spark. For President Lech Wałęsa, that spark ignited in the shipyards of Gdańsk, Poland. Working as an electrician, he lived a life that mirrored the struggles of everyday people under Soviet domination. What seemed impossible — challenging the world’s most powerful communist regime — became his calling. Out of small strikes over bread prices, Wałęsa built a movement that grew into Solidarity, a trade union

In the age of overnight success and viral growth, there are still a few stories being written the old way. Stories where the land matters, where the work is quiet, and where the payoff is measured not in scale but in significance. Jim Law, the founder of Linden Vineyards, has been writing that kind of story for over four decades in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Long before the region was taken seriously by the national wine community, Jim saw potential in its hills a