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Negotiating Mother’s Day: Not a Hallmark Holiday

Let’s be honest—Mother’s Day isn’t a Hallmark holiday for everyone.

Sure, it’s meant to be a day of celebration—of soft embraces, flowers in bloom, and handwritten cards filled with gratitude. But for many, this day doesn’t feel like a celebration. It feels like a reckoning. A reminder. A wound.

Celebrating Mother’s Day without my own mom is still new to me. After years of watching her slip further and further away—first physically, then mentally, as dementia and Alzheimer’s slowly stole the woman I knew—her absence now feels both quiet and deafening. Even before she passed, I had already started grieving. Losing someone in fragments is its own kind of heartbreak.

I know I’m not alone in that. So many of us carry complicated relationships with the idea of motherhood—whether we’ve lost our mothers, never had the mother we needed, are navigating estrangement, have struggled with infertility or pregnancy loss, or are mothers ourselves, trying to live up to impossible standards while quietly wondering if we’re getting any of it right.

So how do we negotiate a day like this when it doesn’t match the script?

Honor Your Truth

The first and most important step? Allow yourself to feel what you actually feel—not what you think you should feel. Grief. Anger. Relief. Loneliness. Gratitude. All of it is valid. There’s no gold star for pretending everything’s fine. Give yourself permission to show up exactly as you are.

That might mean stepping away from social media for the day (or the weekend). It might mean skipping the family brunch or choosing not to send a card. You get to define what Mother’s Day looks like for you. That’s not selfish—it’s self-honoring.

Reframe the Day

If traditional Mother’s Day celebrations don’t resonate, reframe it. Instead of focusing solely on the mother you’ve lost—or the one you never had—consider expanding your definition of “mothering.” Maybe it’s a mentor who guided you when you needed it most. Maybe it’s a sister-friend who always shows up. Maybe it’s you. Yes, you—mothering yourself with tenderness and care in the way you may have longed for.

Try creating a new ritual: light a candle, write a letter, go for a solo walk, donate to a cause that uplifts women and girls. These simple acts can turn a painful day into a sacred one.

Set Boundaries with Grace

If your relationship with your mother—or your child—is strained, Mother’s Day can dredge up a lot of guilt and emotional landmines. Remember: it’s okay to draw boundaries. In fact, it’s necessary.

You don’t owe anyone your peace.

Set limits on the conversations you’re willing to have. Choose not to engage in forced rituals that leave you feeling depleted. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re doorways to self-respect and healing.

Make Space for Grief and Gratitude

Grief and gratitude are not opposites—they often sit side by side, holding hands. You can miss your mother deeply and still be thankful for what she gave you—or what you’ve learned in her absence. You can resent the pain and still celebrate the love. It’s not a contradiction. It’s what makes us beautifully human.

For me, I miss the sound of my mom’s voice. Her laugh. Her stubbornness. I miss the way she could sometimes read my mind it seemed. But I also hold onto the lessons she passed down—about strength, resilience, and speaking truth, even when it’s hard.

You’re Not Alone

If this day feels heavy, know this: you are not alone. You’re not broken. You’re not bitter. You’re just real. And real is something to be celebrated—especially in a world that so often expects us to gloss over the hard stuff in favor of shiny surface smiles.

So whatever Mother’s Day looks like for you this year—whether it’s joyful, painful, quiet, loud, or some tangled mix of all of the above—I invite you to negotiate it on your own terms. Make space for your truth. Show yourself radical compassion. And remember: there’s power in rewriting the script.

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Advice Entrepreneurship Leadership

Perception is Power: Why How You’re Seen Determines What You Lead

By Shelley Majors, Founder & President, Boardwalk Human Resources Consulting

Perception isn’t about vanity. It’s about influence. It’s about whether people trust you, follow you, or invest in your vision. In business, perception shapes outcomes long before data is analyzed or contracts are signed. It determines who gets the opportunity, who commands the room, and who earns lasting respect.

You can be brilliant. You can be prepared. You can be ethical. But if people don’t perceive that about you? It doesn’t matter. That’s the hard truth.

As C-suite leaders, we tend to prioritize strategy, data, and execution. And yes, those are critical. But perception? It’s often the difference between a leader who inspires action and one who gets left behind. It’s the invisible hand guiding your brand reputation, your employee engagement, your board confidence, and your marketplace relevance.

I’ve spent over two decades advising organizations through mergers, restructures, and culture transformations. And here’s what I’ve learned: The businesses that win are the ones that align reality with perception—intentionally and consistently.

So what does this look like in action?

  • Leadership Presence:
    You may see yourself as transparent, approachable, and supportive. But does your team perceive you that way? If they see you as distant or reactive, trust erodes. People don’t follow titles, they follow how you make them feel. Great leaders take the time to check the perception, not just assume it’s positive.

  • Brand & Reputation:
    You can tell the world that your company values integrity. But if your Glassdoor reviews say otherwise, or your layoffs were handled poorly, the perception tells a different story. And let’s be honest, perception will always speak louder than your press release.

  • Culture & Retention:
    Workplace culture is built on daily interactions, but it’s cemented in how employees perceive those interactions. If your employees feel unseen or unsafe, they will mentally check out long before their resignation hits your inbox. You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge. That starts with understanding how your people see you.

  • Customer Trust:
    Perception drives buying behavior. If a client perceives your team as disorganized or inconsistent, even if it’s only a one-time slip, you may not get a second chance. Perception shapes your bottom line. Period.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

We’re operating in a business climate where trust is currency. Consumers are skeptical. Employees are burned out. Investors are cautious. In that environment, perception becomes your first and sometimes only chance to stand out, connect, and lead.

Managing perception isn’t about spinning the truth. It’s about owning your narrative, staying emotionally intelligent, and being bold enough to ask, “How do others experience me, my leadership, and this organization?”

At Boardwalk Human Resources Consulting, we work with companies to close the gap between internal reality and external perception. We build strategies that align leadership behavior, employee experience, and communication—so organizations can lead with authenticity and impact.

Because perception, when managed with intention and heart, becomes one of your most powerful business assets.

About Shelley Majors
Shelley Majors is the Founder & President of Boardwalk Human Resources Consulting. With more than 25 years of experience, Shelley helps organizations untangle complex HR issues, rebuild cultures, and lead through growth, change, and crisis. She specializes in M&A, private equity, nonprofit, and mid-market transformations—guiding leaders to create lasting impact by aligning their people strategy with their business goals.

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Advice Uncategorized Wealth

Guidance Based on Education & Collaboration: How Richard C. Peck Consulting and The Philanthropy Guy Empower Nonprofits

Nonprofits are an integral part of society, uniting like-minded individuals to make a positive impact. Statistics attest to these organizations’ importance, with 60% of American households giving to causes. Individual contributions account for 64% of donations ($319.04 billion in 2023) while corporate donations amass more than $21 billion, showcasing that there are people who want to help.

But there are two sides to the nonprofit coin; with 1.4% more nonprofits emerging in the US each year leading to more than 1.8 million organizations in the US is heartwarming, the same institutions that are praised for their nobility and dedication grapple with endless financial challenges. For instance, for every 1,000 fundraising emails, nonprofits only raise an average of $90. The implications of these trends are many-faceted, starting with a staggering 68% of organizations planning to cut programs and services in the next one-to-two years. Long-term, consequences are more severe, with 30% of the successful nonprofits (50% of all founded organizations) being forced to close down within a decade.

For Richard “Rick” C. Peck, also known as “The Philanthropy Guy,” the challenges nonprofits are facing are a result of a fragmented industry devoid of outcome-driven collaborative solutions. Drawing from his almost 30 years of experience in philanthropy and financial services, Rick founded Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC and The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, marking his pursuit of redefining the ecosystem’s dynamics and encouraging professionals to come together and enrich nonprofits’ strategies with tailored services.

In the consulting landscape, Rick works with nonprofits trying to raise funds by elevating their existing programs. As The Philanthropy Guy, he focuses on comprehensive education, providing nonprofits, donors, and professional advisors with high-tech tools and fresh ideas to fuel their success. For example, Rick hosts the Money to Give Podcast which broadcasts in over 10 countries, where he educates listeners on how nonprofits can most effectively showcase their mission and vision and raise as much money as possible; how donors and potential donors can make the greatest impact possible in the world; and how professional advisors, including philanthropic advisors, can offer the most up-to-date information and services to their clients. Both Richard C. Peck Consulting and The Philanthropy Guy strive to redefine the industry with cutting-edge solutions, from high-tech tools to fresh ideas, that address nonprofits’ needs in the 21st century.

His efforts have been fueled by witnessing first-hand the struggles nonprofits encounter. “Often, organizations will hire a consultant to help them curate a strategy. But then the contract ends, leaving a nascent institution with high-level advice and no further guidance,” adds Rick. “The plan is just the beginning; what really matters is how you execute it. I realized that to ensure promising strategies aren’t collecting dust on the shelf, nonprofits need support every step of the way.”

On a mission to provide clients with a truly all-encompassing suite of services, Rick created the Independent Philanthropy Advisory Referral (IPAR) Group, a cohort of independent specialists, from grant writers, graphic designers, and database specialists to copywriters and marketers, all of whom serve nonprofits through a collaborative approach. Defying conventional consultancy, IPAR empowers nonprofits to curate their own team of professionals without the need to hire an entire company.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind IPAR, Rick shares: “The philosophy is simple—I know what I’m good at and I know where I need the expertise of others. I’m very transparent about that and never pretend to be someone I’m not. While I’m confident in my fundraising skills, I know that nonprofits would benefit more from another grant writer or another researcher. The nonprofits may not know what they need to know, and it’s our job to fill these knowledge gaps.”

Within only nine months, a group of seven Independent Philanthropy Advisors grew to a division of 35 professionals, with more specialists joining IPAR soon, according to Rick. This method’s benefits are three-fold, empowering advisors, nonprofits, and the industry as a whole. For nonprofits, this à la carte approach offers a robust, cutting-edge system that understands their ever-evolving needs. On the other hand, independent experts are able to maintain their autonomy while being part of a ground-breaking movement, simultaneously enriching the nonprofit sphere with all-encompassing services that fuse the diverse expertise of all members.

Just like many advisors, Rick introduces attainable, digestible solutions for nonprofits to enhance their strategies. For instance, ignited by the upcoming “most giving time of the year” – December, especially around New Year’s Eve – he developed a Ten Things to Consider As You Prepare for Year-End Fundraising presentation. While these tips, from creating a feel-good essence and sending segmented emails to publicly expressing gratitude, are an effective way to magnify fundraising plans and attract donors, they are only a part of a larger conversation, a narrative that the IPAR group addresses with its comprehensive, long-term, all-year-round approach.

The cohort is presently expanding into other niches, including advice for donors and their families as well as facilitating professional advisors to make referrals, promising to provide all parties of the nonprofit arena with the necessary support to thrive. “It’s important to us that we’re not only helping nonprofits receive money but that we are connecting the dots by working with donors so that they know how to make the most impact, and, are also helping professional advisors so that they know how to and where to make referrals,” expands Rick.

Enriching this blueprint are Rick’s other ventures, like the upcoming GiveTrust app designed to match donors and nonprofits, as well as projects in partnership with Daylight Advisors. For example, the Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA), a certificate that offers the skills and connections to confidently support the needs and expectations of families, organizations, and communities, has officially launched, with over 75 learners already enrolled and another 75 due to start next spring. The American College of Financial Services’ Donor-Advised Fund Certificate launches in April 2025, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive training program to learn everything one needs to know about donor-advised funds (DAFs).

“Nonprofits are the pillar of society, sparking unity, selflessness, and a genuine desire to help others. But while their missions are remarkable and promise a true impact in the future, many of these organizations struggle with strategic plans, marketing, and attracting donors,” shares Rick. “There is help available, but individual services address only a part of the issue. IPAR provides nonprofits with what they truly need – a community always available to help and passionate about driving their success together, one collaboration at a time.”

Categories
Advice Taxes Wealth

Wealthy People, Will You Really Be Protected? Rick Peck on Tax Reductions, Thoughtful Giving, & Empty Promises

Exciting promises have been made under the new administration, suggesting a future even more prosperous and rewarding for the wealthy. With lower taxes for households earning at least $450,000 annually, their assets would be more protected and investments safeguarded. Since 1917, taxpayers have been able to access deductions through charitable donations, caring for the well-being of the disadvantaged while nurturing their economic wealth. However, with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) increasing the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for deductions of cash contributions from 50 to 60% in 2017, simultaneously nearly doubling the standard deduction and reducing marginal tax rates, fewer taxpayers have been itemizing and claiming charitable deductions.

With over 25 years of experience in philanthropy and financial services, Richard C. Peck – The Philanthropy Guy – is skeptical, encouraging donors to act now instead of waiting for political winds of change. Amidst uncertainty, he believes that immediate action is the solution, allowing donors to claim full control over their future. “The difference we make in someone’s life is timeless,” he adds. “Giving up on that sense of fulfillment for promises that may not come true seems reckless.”

This cautiousness is especially crucial given who these promises are made by, with the new administration not having the best track record of keeping political promises. Moreover, renewing the existing policy on lower taxes and exemptions will cost approximately $4.4 trillion. With volatility on the horizon, itemizing assets and trusting in what you know, not what you want to believe, is essential.

“What will you do when your tax is in flux in 2025? If the law stays the same, and you don’t prepare ahead of time, will you truly be prepared for the consequences?” he muses. “You don’t get rich by being complacent, so why should you do that now? Work with what you know, with what’s in front of you now, and get your ducks in a row with your trusted advisors before it’s too late.”

Experts support Rick’s philosophy. For instance, Sara Barba, a renowned lobbyist and Principal at Integer, LLC, a go-to firm for navigating federal policy impacting philanthropy, said in one of her LinkedIn posts: “Gone are the days of nonprofit resources being sacred. The tax-exempt sector is quite literally on the menu now. Proposals to tap charities and other nonprofits to reduce budget shortfalls in tax reform are coming from all angles. It’s such an important time for nonprofits to advocate for themselves in DC. Otherwise, the important work being done in communities will be significantly disrupted.”

To donate thoughtfully, donors must gather a trusted team of specialists who know the industry’s ins and outs and can not only react but predict outcomes. Rick, leveraging his extensive experience, offers educational resources that illuminate this landscape. In his annually updated 10 Common Charitable Giving Mistakes Made by Donors, ‘Fail to Update Your Plan & Have a Substantive Conversation’ is highlighted as a crucial mistake that leads to missed opportunities. To avoid that, the Philanthropy Guy advises paying attention to life transformations, reviewing plans when laws change, and paying attention to asset changes. In light of the recent news, forward-thinking donors should be ready for potential changes while anticipating the worst-case scenarios and – most importantly – working with what’s available and certain now.

As a new year enters from the generosity of the holiday season, humanity can’t forget about the darkness that never sleeps. The housing crisis has taken its toll, homelessness rates are rising, and people continue to struggle. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits are the ones dedicated to helping those who suffer and addressing root causes – the same organizations that will pay the price if charitable giving reduces. Painting that image, Rick asks one question, “Does that make you uncomfortable?”

“It doesn’t have to be a world where being financially sound competes with being philanthropic. In a perfect universe, they merge seamlessly, with nonprofits propelled by regular streams of money and donors rewarded for their societal contributions in many ways, including financial” concludes Rick. “The only thing we know is that the future is uncertain. But there are steps that can be taken to prepare yourself for the unknown: meet with your wealth advisor, accountant, attorney, business valuation specialist, and philanthropic advisor. Get the team together and prepare for all possible outcomes. If you just sit back and wait for change to happen, you’ll be stuck in the storm – a storm that, if you take action early enough, may be avoided through the power of giving.”

Categories
Advice Uncategorized Wealth

Giving Choices That Go Beyond Trends: Richard C. Peck on Donor Predictions for 2025 & Making the Biggest Impact

Giving Choices That Go Beyond Trends: Richard C. Peck on Donor Predictions for 2025 & Making the Biggest Impact

Richard C. Peck suggests a new approach for 2025, one centered on compatible matches and supporting causes that matter to the giver.

By Jon Stojan
Published Apr 14, 2025

Charitable giving has witnessed paramount transformations over the years. What hasn’t changed, however, is the field’s purpose: to leverage altruism for the betterment of humanity. With philanthropy’s impact becoming more evident, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the total amount of donations in 2023 exceeded $550 billion in the United States, up over $50 billion from the previous year. Of that, a significant 67% can be attributed to individuals, including high-net-worth families, who are consistently seeking savvy and convenient ways to improve the world while enhancing their financial situations. To give these individuals the confidence to donate strategically, Richard (Rick) C. Peck, known as The Philanthropy Guy, muses 2024 donor trends while offering a unique outlook for 2025.

When it comes to the most popular sectors, religion (32%) continues to top the charts, followed by education (16%), human services (12%), grantmaking foundations (11%), and health (9%). The largest increase was witnessed in environmental and animal organizations, with the 7.2% surge demonstrating society’s rising climate change awareness.

The year’s largest donations offer an insight into the 2025 landscape, with Michael Bloomberg and Ruth Gottesman donating $1 billion each to Johns Hopkins University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, respectively. With $716.4 million donated to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Warren Buffett’s donation further solidifies the trend of supporting education and research institutions.

When selecting nonprofits, 84% of donors prioritized local organizations in their communities, expressing interest in bettering the environment that surrounds them. Conversely, most contributors supported two to three causes annually, choosing organizations that aligned with their most pressing concerns. While observing trends can be invaluable for knowing which sectors and nonprofits will benefit the “public good” the most, Rick encourages donors to ask: What do these trends really mean, and is there only one definition of the public good?

As he explains, while donating to underserved communities and starving children in developing countries will undeniably make an impact, that might not be the best route for a donor focused on local infrastructure development or financial literacy. These decisions are also shaped by real-time global developments, pushing some causes into the spotlight. For instance, with the rising wealth of women (with $30 trillion expected to be transferred over the next decade) and the growing interest Gen Z has in philanthropy, the next few years may see an influx of donations allocated to gender equity, human rights, and environmental causes.

Drawing from his more than 30 years of experience as an independent philanthropy advisor working with nonprofits, donors, potential donors, and professional advisors, Rick recognizes the factors that make donors question which path to take – ultimately, often resulting in following trends. “Trust and reputation are key in philanthropy. Everyone wants to see the underdogs succeed, yet very few take the leap of faith and support them financially,” he reflects. “Consequently, the big players continue to dominate and thrive while grassroots institutions fight to stay afloat and fulfill their equally important objectives.”

To combat this “herd mentality” from a psychological standpoint, Rick believes that donors must determine what matters to them and direct their money into these areas. On the other hand, he recognizes that smaller organizations may lack the necessary support due to a lack of experience or poor marketing strategies. Bridging these gaps on both ends, Rick designed GiveTrust, a platform connecting nonprofits and donors based on a shared vision and aligning values.

“Some organizations aren’t representing themselves as effectively as large nonprofits are, which lowers donors’ confidence in them. GiveTrust provides that guidance for institutions while giving them more exposure and opening donors’ eyes to the vast sea of possibilities they don’t want to miss out on,” stresses Rick. “As a contributor, you want to know what’s the best horse to bet on, and GiveTrust lets you know what to expect from every nonprofit, especially the ones without sophisticated and catchy branding.”

GiveTrust also alleviates the pain points of generational wealth families, helping them navigate donations by identifying common ground and offering communication guidance. With research showing that regular family meetings remain the most effective wealth transfer planning strategy, with an 81% success rate, GiveTrust lends itself as a tool that sparks shared responsibility while honoring individual preferences. Among a kaleidoscope of other questions, Rick believes that identifying who you are as a family (what values drive you, where you want to see your impact, etc.), what the right gift vehicle is for your giving, and how you create grants is what gets the money moving in the right direction.

As the last component of The Philanthropy Guy’s winning recipe, he encourages donors to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations not only with their families but also with their advisors. To raise awareness on the most crucial topics, Rick recently spoke at an event on January 28th, 2025.

“Communication is how you make it all work: advisors will get more money under management, donors and families will be more satisfied, and nonprofits will get the support they need to sustain operations,” shares Rick with an optimistic message for 2025. “While trends dictate donor behavior for a reason, the most important thing to remember is that you can choose to finance what you believe will benefit the public good, make your own market impact, and fulfill your unique vision of philanthropy.”

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Leadership

Fighting for Impact: How Eliot Marshall is Redefining Success, One Step at a Time

When you first meet Eliot Marshall, his physical presence commands attention—standing 6’2”, a former UFC fighter who once cut from 230 lbs. to 205 for competition, he’s every bit the warrior you’d expect from a champion martial artist. But what strikes you more than his stature or accolades is his humility, his introspection, and his mission: to help every individual he encounters find their power, harness it, and give it back to the world.

Eliot joined me on C-Suite Success to unpack what success really means, not in the currency of trophies or titles, but in the currency of personal growth, resilience, and transformation. As someone who has spent her career working with top executive leaders across industries, I often say: real success is defined not by metrics others give you, but by the impact you’re creating and the disruption you’re willing to own. Eliot is the embodiment of that principle.

 

Redefining Success Beyond the Spotlight

When I asked Eliot when he first understood what success meant to him, his honesty was refreshing. “At first, it was money and fame,” he admitted, reflecting on his days as a professional MMA fighter. “But I’ve moved on to John Wooden’s definition: success is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you did your best to become the best you’re capable of becoming.”

That shift — from external validation to internal alignment — is a journey many high performers wrestle with. Eliot’s transformation didn’t happen in the octagon, but in the quiet, daily rituals that now define his mornings: waking up early, reading, journaling, meditating, and exercising before the chaos of life kicks in. “If I can take care of me first,” he said, “then I can show up for others.”

That’s not just good advice; it’s a masterclass in sustainable leadership.

 

Success is an Inside Job

What struck me most was Eliot’s emphasis on progress over perfection. He doesn’t chase yesterday’s wins; he wakes up each day with one goal: to be a little more skillful than the day before. That mindset, the relentless pursuit of growth, is a hallmark of every elite leader I’ve worked with. But Eliot makes it deeply personal. “Did I help someone today?” he asked. “Did I move them an inch forward?”

And it’s not about big gestures. In his world, even an inch can mean the difference between self-doubt and self-belief.

 

Learning from the Least Expected

Here’s where the story took a very unexpected and surprising turn. Despite his size, background, and experience, the athlete who has taught Eliot the most is a young, female student he began training when she was just sixteen. “She’s brilliant, athletic—and didn’t believe in herself,” Eliot shared.

That dynamic challenged him in ways he didn’t expect. She saw the world differently. She responded differently. And in learning how to lead her, he had to stretch himself. “It made me better everywhere,” he said—better with his employees, his students, even with his own children.

That is what the best leaders do. They grow by growing others.

 

Confidence: The Ultimate Performance Enhancer

I had to smile when Eliot said, “In the sports world, everyone talks about performance-enhancing drugs. But the best one? Confidence and belief.” It’s true. Confidence is what allows you to walk into a boardroom — or a fight — and own the moment. It’s what lets you take a risk, share your voice, and keep showing up when the world says no.

Our C-SUITE NETWORK ™ Chairman, Jeffrey Hayzlett, would call that “walking with swagger.” Eliot calls it believing in yourself enough to help others do the same.

 

Disruption Meets Impact

If you define success as disruption and impact, as I do, then Eliot Marshall is definitely succeeding. He’s not just teaching people how to fight—he’s helping them fight for their best lives.

With seven martial arts schools across Denver, Eliot’s classes attract 80 students a night. That’s disruption. But the impact? That’s in the transformation. “Most of them will never get in a real fight,” he said. “But what they’re learning is how to face hard things, how to work together—even when it feels like you’re trying to destroy each other.”

That paradox, learning how to fight with care, is profound. It’s emotional resilience training disguised as martial arts.

“When you leave the mat,” he said, “you just tend to do your life better.”

 

The Long Game of Becoming

Perhaps the most powerful insight Eliot offered was about the long game. In martial arts, as in business and leadership, mastery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes five years just to get decent. “It’s this journey of constantly not being successful,” Eliot said. “But going toward it each day.”

And isn’t that the truth for all of us?

Success isn’t a destination. It’s a practice. A set of choices. A daily commitment to show up, improve, and give back.

Eliot Marshall doesn’t just wear a black belt—he lives the principles that earned it.

He’s not fighting for fame anymore. He’s fighting for impact. And in doing so, he’s helping thousands find the power they didn’t know they had.

Now that is C-Suite Success.

 

Listen to the full interview with Eliot on C-Suite Radio or watch it on C-Suite TV.

Categories
Books Growth Leadership

Confidence, Truth, and the Real Opposite of Love

When we talk about confidence in branding or in life, we often confuse it with bravado — loud declarations, polished messaging, or the illusion of certainty.

But confidence isn’t performance. Confidence is the byproduct of truth. And truth, at its core, is an act of self-love.

I dig into this in a chapter (in Selling the Truth) called, “A Lie is a Wish Your Heart Makes”:

“A lie is a wish your heart makes. It’s a wish that something were true, so you say it, but it isn’t. The lie may seem harmless or even helpful, but it grows.”

That’s the risk. A seemingly harmless lie to ourselves becomes the foundation for disconnection — from our voice, our values, and our audience. And without alignment, confidence crumbles.

When we’re grounded in what’s real, we stop performing. We start connecting.

That’s confidence. That’s brand. That’s love.

And I’m on a mission of Positronics.

In Isaac Asimov’s Robot series, positronic brains gave robots the ability to reason, evolve, and live by core ethical laws. These brains weren’t just about logic — they were about wiring in care, restraint, and purpose.

The secret to positronics, I contend, is self-love.Without it, our “logic” turns into defense mechanisms.

Because if we want a peaceful world, we have to stop abusing ourselves. “Hate” isn’t the opposite of love — that’s a myth. Hate is just fear externalized. Fear is a response to cruelty. Cruelty is a cycle of abuse. Abuse is rooted in fear. And on it goes.

So how do we break the cycle?

We stop lying to ourselves. We stop performing. We stop self-sabotaging in the name of success.

We sell the truth. To ourselves, first.

Then we go out and change the world with it.

YES! to purpose-driven bravery,

Hersh


👉 Selling the Truth: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is available now at SellingTheTruthBook.com

To learn more about my work and this stuff, visit YESBRANDBuilders.com

Categories
Leadership Technology

Embracing AI: What Every C-Suite Leader Needs to Know Now

Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming – it’s already reshaping how we lead, plan, and grow. For C-suite executives, the question is no longer if AI matters, but how to embrace it strategically, ethically, and competitively. Those who integrate AI early and intentionally will create more agile, data-informed, and scalable businesses, while others risk falling behind.

AI Is a Strategic Imperative, Not Just a Tech Tool
AI is not the domain of IT alone. Forward-thinking executives integrate AI into business strategy, workforce planning, marketing, and decision-making to drive smarter, faster outcomes. It can identify patterns humans can’t see, surface new revenue opportunities, and uncover inefficiencies that drain margins.

Executive Use Cases with Real Impact
AI can optimize nearly every function of a business. In HR and talent management, it enables predictive hiring models, sentiment analysis, and AI-based engagement surveys. In finance, it supports risk modeling, forecasting, and automated expense reconciliation. For customer service, AI enhances responsiveness through chatbots, natural language processing, and personalized experiences. In operations, it provides tools for predictive maintenance, inventory planning, and workflow automation. Companies that embed AI into these workflows experience faster decision-making, better customer satisfaction, and increased profitability.

Governance, Ethics, and Responsible Leadership
With great power comes great responsibility. Executives must ensure AI aligns with company values, eliminates bias, and supports data security. Ethical AI frameworks should include commitments to data transparency, human oversight, accountability and auditability, and bias mitigation. C-suite leaders must be actively involved in AI governance to prevent unintended consequences and build long-term stakeholder trust.

Lead the Culture Shift
AI adoption isn’t just about tools, it’s about mindset. Leaders must demystify AI for their teams, encourage experimentation and innovation, offer reskilling and upskilling programs, and communicate clearly about what AI will and will not replace. When employees understand that AI is a tool to empower, not replace them, resistance drops and engagement grows.

What AI Can Do for Your Company
Embracing AI can unlock multiple competitive advantages. It enables efficiency gains by automating repetitive tasks and allowing talent to focus on more strategic work. It accelerates innovation, using tools like generative AI to develop ideas, marketing content, and designs. It provides deeper insights by harnessing real-time analytics, empowering leaders to make better decisions across departments. AI also supports scalability by enabling organizations to expand processes without a direct increase in headcount. Finally, it empowers employees by eliminating low-value tasks, reducing burnout, and increasing job satisfaction. In short, AI can enhance every aspect of your business, from culture to cash flow.

How Boardwalk Can Help
At Boardwalk Human Resources Consulting, we guide executive teams through practical AI adoption with a focus on leadership, ethical implementation, and workforce readiness. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, we help align AI strategy with business impact. We work with organizations to develop AI-ready leadership teams, build change management strategies for AI transformation, design training that prepares your workforce to work alongside AI, and audit your culture for AI readiness.

AI won’t replace leadership, but leaders who ignore it may fall behind. Embrace the shift. Lead the future.

Categories
Culture Entrepreneurship Leadership

Turning Vision into Legacy: A Conversation with Marcia Mintz on C-Suite Success

On C-Suite Success, we have the honor of sitting down with remarkable leaders who aren’t just driving growth—they’re shaping legacies. My recent conversation with Marcia Mintz, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, was a powerful reminder of what happens when you bring business acumen and heart-led leadership together.

Marcia is not your average nonprofit executive. With a background that spans senior leadership roles in banking, healthcare, and philanthropy, she brings a sharp strategic lens to everything she touches. And yet, what stands out most about Marcia is not just her ability to drive impact at scale—but how she does it. With intention. With grit. With an unshakable belief in the power of people, purpose, and performance.

During our conversation, Marcia shared the journey that led her to lead one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the country. Serving more than 16,000 youth across 30+ clubs, her team delivers not just after-school programs—but life-changing opportunities. And she runs it like a business. Because it is one.

Marcia understands that creating long-term, sustainable community impact requires more than heart—it requires operational excellence, strong financial stewardship, and a leadership model that inspires growth from the inside out. Under her direction, the organization has expanded its footprint, strengthened its brand, and become a model for others across the nation.

But here’s where the real magic lies: Marcia doesn’t just build programs. She builds people. That’s what true C-Suite success looks like.

As she said so powerfully during the interview: “If you build an incredible team and culture, the mission takes care of itself. Your people will innovate, deliver, and exceed expectations—because they believe in what they’re doing.”

Marcia’s leadership style is a masterclass in alignment—aligning mission with metrics, strategy with service, and vision with values. And it’s paying off. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley is not only growing its reach but deepening its impact in the lives of the young people it serves. Their programs in education, leadership development, and workforce readiness are helping students graduate with purpose—and positioning them to become the next generation of business and civic leaders.

One of the most inspiring takeaways from our discussion was Marcia’s ability to navigate between sectors. She spoke candidly about what leaders in the private sector can learn from the nonprofit world—and vice versa. Her message was clear: no matter what industry you’re in, your success depends on your ability to create clarity, rally your people, and deliver value that endures.

She’s living proof that leading with a profit-for-purpose mindset doesn’t just work in business—it’s how we create lasting transformation in our communities.

At C-SUITE NETWORK™, we talk often about how our members are rewriting the rules of what leadership looks like. Marcia Mintz embodies that. She is the authority in her vertical. She dominates her industry—not through ego or power plays—but by lifting others, forging strategic alliances, and holding herself and her team to the highest standard of excellence.

And let’s be honest—being a woman in leadership still comes with unique challenges. Marcia doesn’t shy away from those realities. She’s created a culture of accountability, equity, and empowerment—especially for young women of color who are often left out of the leadership conversation. She’s not just opening doors—she’s breaking them down.

This is what C-Suite Success: Stories of Impact & Influence is all about. It’s about amplifying leaders who are not only building incredible organizations but doing it in a way that transforms the world around them. It’s about showcasing the leaders who are turning vision into action and action into legacy.

Marcia is one of those leaders.

As we wrapped up the interview, I was left with a deep sense of hope. Because when leaders like her step up, show up, and bring all of who they are to the table, we all rise.

To those watching on C-Suite TV, I encourage you: Don’t just grow your business. Grow your leadership. Grow your people. And grow your impact.

Because that’s how we create a legacy that matters.

Catch the full interview on C-Suite Success and hear Marcia Mintz’s powerful insights on leading through transformation, scaling for good, and building a future we can all be proud of.

Categories
Case Studies Geopolitics and History Leadership

The Day America Became the World’s Conscience

The Day America Became the World’s Conscience

There was no parade.
There was no grand ceremony, no voice from heaven, no banner that unfurled declaring a new era.

The day America became the world’s conscience was not a moment of triumph.
It was a moment of unbearable grief.

It was the day the gates of Buchenwald swung open, and American soldiers — farm boys from Iowa, factory hands from Pittsburgh, sons of immigrants from Brooklyn — walked into the unspeakable.

It was the day the air of Europe reeked of death, and the myth of Western civilization lay shattered amidst the broken bodies and hollow eyes.

It was the day when generals hardened by the blood of a thousand battles wept openly, not for fallen comrades, but for strangers whose humanity had been stripped from them while the world watched and bartered and delayed.

It was the day when America, young and imperfect, realized that survival alone was not enough.

That neutrality was not virtue.
That victory was not glory.
That power demanded conscience, or it would become the next tyrant in new clothes.

America had not sought this role.
It had bickered, resisted, pleaded for neutrality.
It had built walls of oceans and imagined itself immune.

But conscience is not a matter of election.
It is a matter of revelation.

When the truth is finally seen — when the pit of human cruelty yawns open and you recognize it for what it is — you either step forward, or you betray not only others, but yourself.

On that day, amid the stench of a liberated death camp, amid the smoldering ruins of a broken continent, America’s destiny pivoted.

It was no longer just the Republic of Jefferson and Lincoln.
It was no longer just the refuge of the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

It became the reluctant guardian of ideals too important to leave in European hands alone.

Freedom.
Human dignity.
The sacred worth of every single life.

It would fail at times.
It would stumble, sometimes grievously, sometimes arrogantly.

It became, whether it wished to or not, the outer conscience of a wounded world — the voice that must remember when others wish to forget, act when others tremble, carry hope even when it is heavy.

From that day through to this very time, America carried not just its own dreams, but the broken dreams of others, relied upon as a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, also advantage taken by most.

Defeating Nazi-ism was and is not America’s glory.t was America’s burden.

It remains so today.

And it will remain so until the world no longer needs a conscience borrowed from another—

until humanity itself, fully awake, carries it together.