Ryan McKesson

Enterprise Sales Executive

Championing business growth at Presidio, my journey in technology sales has been marked by fostering client relationships and consultative selling. 

My passion is connecting with clients and understanding their unique challenges, enabling tailored solutions ranging from Microsoft technologies to mobile enterprise applications. Beyond just transactions, it's about creating lasting value and empowering clients in Minneapolis and beyond with strategic consulting and innovative IT solutions.

Account Executive

Founded in 1989, Solution Design Group (SDG) in one of the top local IT consulting firms in the Twin Cities area. Our value proposition is simple: OUR PEOPLE and our commitment to building LONG-TERM relationships. SDG has a gold-standard for employing the best and the brightest technical talent available. This allows us to grow our business by being innovative partners to our clients.

 Our culture and business plan is structured around fostering long term relationships with our clients, our great team, and a commitment to responding to the perpetual trends and changes in the information technology industry. It is on this genuine model that SDG has been recognized by The Business Journal as a "Best Places to Work" and "Fast 50" multiple times.

 SDG provides IT Consulting Services and Staff Augmentation in Project Delivery, Microsoft Solutions and Open Source/JAVA application development in the Twin Cities market.


 Specialties: Java, Groovy, .Net, SQL Server Developers (SSIS, SSAS, SSRS) and DBA's, SharePoint, IT Consulting, Staff Augmentation, Project Managers and Business Analysts, Project Management, Business Analysis, Database development, Application Development, and Product Implementation.

I used to hate going to the gym in January. Until I realized that I was the problem...


For years, I would complain about going to the gym in January. 

Too crowded.
Too many New Year's resolutioners. 
Too many people who "won't be here in February."

Then it hit me. I was the problem. 

Not the people showing up nervous. 
Not the ones trying to create new positive habits.
Not the folks choosing to get out of their comfort zones. 

I'd confused consistency with entitlement. 

The gym in January is not filled with people getting in my way. It's filled with people trying to get out of their own way to accomplish their goals. 
Choosing hope.
Choosing to start. 

And it reminded me of something I've known for many years. 

Life is better when you cheer people on. 

So, if you’re beginning something new this year, I’m rooting for you.

And if you’re already one of the regulars, be the reason someone else feels welcome to start.

IT Ambassador, People Connector, Lifelong Learner and Purveyor of all things Positive.

Growing up in Southern California, I had a very different picture of how my career would look...


Yesterday, I spent the entire afternoon on a frozen lake with some of my favorite people in our industry. Colleagues, friends, partners, and even competitors. All coming together to raise money for the fight against cancer.

And today, my children are home from school because it's literally too cold for them to be there. 

None of that would have made my vision board coming out of college. 

But moments like this make me incredibly grateful for how it all turned out. The community we have here in Minnesota is special. And yesterday was a reminder of just how lucky I am to be part of it.

Growing up playing competitive golf has been an asset in my professional career, just not in the ways I ever expected.


The greatest gift golf ever gave me was how I view my competition.

Far less business gets done on a golf course than most people think. Sure, it is a great way to build trust and strengthen relationships. You learn a lot about someone by watching how they handle the frustration that comes with the game.

But in the 20+ years of my sales career, no one has ever bought anything from me because I could hit a 2-iron.

The real gift golf gave me was perspective.

In golf, your competition has zero ability to affect your game.
They cannot tackle you when you are about to hit a shot.

At most, they can only hope that you mess up. And in my experience, the more you wish for your competitors to falter, the better they seem to play.

It took me a long time to realize how valuable these lessons have been to my career.

In sales, cheering against your competition rarely helps. Over time, I have learned far more from respecting and admiring my competition than I ever gained from fearing them.

PS: What lessons from sports or competition have shaped how you show up in your career?

PSS: This embarrassing photo is proof that my love for the game came before my fashion sense.

One of the coolest things I've seen in golf in a long time... 


Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey earned a spot in this weekend's Korn Ferry tournament in the Bahamas. And then he gave it up. 

Not because he couldn't make it. But so that a tour rookie could take his spot and chase their own dreams. 

But what I love most about this is how he withdrew from the event. 

He picked up the phone and called the tournament director himself, specifically to say how much he appreciated the invite, but that he thought it would be more important for a younger guy to get the opportunity instead.

This wasn't about sacrifice. 
It was about stewardship for the next generation. 

In a sport where just getting a chance to compete can be the hardest part, this was an incredible gesture. 

We’re only a week into the new year, and this might already be my favorite sports story of 2026.

I finally broke down and bought my first pair of reading glasses...


It wasn’t that I couldn’t read without them — it’s just far easier with them on.

That’s when I realized I’ve been doing this most of my life.

Making things slightly more difficult so that it felt more earned.

Like making sure my first car had a manual transmission, or waiting until the last minute to finish a college paper.

I’m not afraid of getting older; I’m worried that I’m losing my grit.

The best networking technique in the world isn’t a technique at all.


It’s simply being interested in people.

That’s why the best networkers never make you feel like they are networking.
Because they aren't. They are making connections. 

And real connection starts with curiosity. 

Because those people know that the best way to help you is to get to know you first.

Getting ready to head down to one of my favorite events of the year! Phishapalooza! 

This event is always a great exercise in remembering people's names and identifying them in their winter gear. This one is shaping up to be an even greater challenge on that front. 

But remember folks, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear!

For anyone challenging themselves with change this New Year…


Remember this quote from Robin Sharma, “All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and georgous at the end” 

So if it feels difficult right now, good. You are right on schedule. 

But it’s even more important to know that the next phase is no cake walk either. 

Let this be the year you run into the mess, instead of back into comfort. 

Illustration by VisualHustles

No alternative text description for this image

If you have been following me for a while now, or know me outside of linkedinland, you are probably aware of my love for hospitality. 


But it's not just the industry I'm obsessed with, it's the experience. 

So when Danielle Ottman told me she was going to bring to life an event she had been dreaming about for years. One centered around food, spirits, and the amazing people here in MN who make it magical for all of us. AND it would be raising funds for the ACS Hope Lodge. I had to be a part of it! 

The 1st Annual Taste of Hope event is happening at Orchestra Hall on March 12th. And we cordially invite all of you to experience it with us. 

Tickets are on sale now: https://lnkd.in/gJRyqUcF

We have all heard the saying, “Be kind. Everyone is going through something you know nothing about.”


But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough.

We usually reach for that reminder when someone is struggling, when they’re short, distracted, or clearly having a hard time.

Some of the most positive, supportive, and generous people in your life are also going through things you know nothing about.

They still show up.
They still encourage.
They still make space for others.

Not because life is easy for them, but because they choose to be that person anyway.

Those are the people who are truly special. And the ones worth appreciating out loud.

Know someone in your life that fits this description? 

Do not tag them here. 

Reach out to them directly. 

And then the next time you see them, ask them how they are doing…

As an engineering team, how do you balance responsiveness AND responsibility? 


That was one of the many thought-provoking ideas that Angie Schulke, Matt Lego, Matt Sonnek, and Drew Tabing shared with the Society for Information Management (SIM)- Minnesota Chapter last night. 

When I joined SIM a few years ago, it was to be in these rooms, hearing firsthand how IT leaders solve problems and create positive outcomes for their customers. 

Thank you, Angie and team, for sharing so candidly with all of us. 

Congratulations to Brian Johnson, MBA, for the excellent programming we have lined up for 2026! If last night was any indication of what's to come, we are in for a transformational year with this group. 

PS - If you are interested in getting involved with SIM, please let me know!

A colleague once asked me, "When does imposter syndrome go away?"


My response. "If you're lucky, never."  

By definition, imposter syndrome is the feeling that you somehow snuck through the cracks to end up where you are. That you fooled people, and eventually someone's going to notice. 

But in my experience, success rarely happens by accident.
It happens through action. Through showing up. Through reps, discomfort, mistakes, and consistency over time.

So what's the solution when that voice inevitably shows back up? 
Giving credit where credit is due. To yourself. 

Acknowledge the work you put in. The sacrifices you made. The growth you earned. 

And then reframe the feeling altogether. 

Because imposter syndrome isn’t proof that you don’t belong.
It’s a sign that you’re outside of your comfort zone, and that's where the real growth happens. 

What helps you keep going when imposter syndrome creeps in?

Tim Ferris used to ask the same final question to each and every guest on his podcast…


"If you could have a gigantic billboard with anything on it - what would it say and why?”

Well, this is what mine would say because it perfectly describes my philosophy on business, and on life. (For the record it’s a quote by Harry S. Truman, not my own)

It is also exactly what we are building in our Minneapolis office here with Presidio. 

Between all of the customers, vendors, partners, and yes, even the occasional competitor we work with, it is not about who wins. 

It’s about the outcomes we deliver. 

And while we don’t have a billboard just yet, we put this decal up in our office as our North Star for 2026. 

So, what would your billboard say?

One of the foundational rules of investing also applies to networking: you can’t time the market...


The best relationships don’t come from perfectly timed actions. They come from consistently investing in the people around you. 

A quick check-in.
A coffee with no agenda.
An intro that simply feels helpful.

Most of it doesn’t feel like networking at all, and that’s why it works.
Because just like financial investing, relationships compound. 

Small, consistent interactions build trust and context over time.

It’s far more meaningful to connect with one person a month than to reach out to twelve in January when you need something.

And over time, those small moments turn into something bigger.

So, how are you investing in your network today?

Did you ever dream of being a rockstar, then end up in IT? 


Ok, that one may just be relevant to me. 

But either way, you can join us on stage as we take the CIOs Against Cancer - Minnesota Auction event to The Fillmore this May 7th, 2026!

Thank you to all of the returning sponsors who continue to support this event and make it successful. I can't wait for you to see how this venue will put a spotlight on your brand! 

For any other organizations looking to get involved this year, we have a few sponsorship opportunities left and would love to have you join us. 

For more information, please reach out to Bryce Dominick , Charlie Hieb , or me, and we can fill you in.

Last night's College Football Championship wasn't a comeback story. 
It was a finding-the-right-environment story...


Two different quarterbacks with two very different paths. 
Both given a chance to shine on the biggest stage in their sport. 

Fernando Mendoza was overlooked coming out of high school. He developed quietly, earned his way, and kept improving without the spotlight. Indiana didn't make him a star; it gave him the stage for the rest of us to see it.

Carson Beck had already competed at the highest level. Having dealt with the pressure of expectations and the microscope that comes with a top-tier program. Then came injury and uncertainty.  Miami wasnt a shortcut. It was a second chance. 

The transfer portal isn't perfect, and college sports are far from it right now. But last night wasnt about the portal or the state of college sports. 

It was about two programs that gave everything they had to their teams, communities, and to their sport. And we, the fans, benefited from all of it.

Never ask a question you don't know the answer to...


This may be terrific advice for a trial lawyer, but it's terrible for making connections in the real world. 

Curiosity will get you much farther than leading a witness ever will. 

But make no mistake, it takes  courage to allow a discussion to go in any direction. To abandon your next brilliant response in order to learn more about the person sitting across from you. 

And for the record, I fail at this realization every day. 

But being interested in others is still the best way to make you interesting to them.

Do you have any idea how old you will be by the time you accomplish your goals?


The same age you will be if you don’t. 

So let’s get started…

Today is the first of the month, and it’s good luck to say “Rabbit, Rabbit” before you say anything else.


I’ve known of this superstition for at least 20 years, and I can count on one hand how many times I’ve actually started a month by saying it.

Not because I believe in it (I don’t). I’m not prone to superstitions — and I usually forget.

But this morning I nailed it.

So cheers to a little extra good fortune this month. And wishing you some as well.

Is this the year AI finally bridges the gap between IT and the business?


For decades, we’ve acted like these were opposing sides.

Technology vs. outcomes.
Speed vs. stability.
Innovation vs. risk.

AI changes that.

Not because it’s another tool for IT to manage, but because it forces a different conversation altogether. One that starts with business outcomes and works backward to technology, data, and execution.

In 2026, the winners won’t be the organizations “doing the most AI.”
They’ll be the ones using AI to get aligned with their counterparts and closer to their customers. 

No more “that’s a business problem” or “that’s an IT problem.”
Just shared accountability for results.

When AI is approached this way, it doesn’t take sides. It removes them.

Purpose-Driven Growth Coach | Author, Grow North Thursday | Marketing Advisor | 3x Entrepreneur | Airplane & Sauna Builder

👋 Follow me for weekly thoughts on business growth, personal purpose, and life design. 

🔥 Try my free newsletter Grow North Thursday. Get 1 actionable growth system each week to align profit, purpose, and a meaningful life. 

Award-winning marketing leader with 20 years experience growing B2B technology brands, SaaS startups, and $300M+ legacy businesses.

My purpose is to help others grow in their personal and professional purpose, advancing joy and meaning in individuals and communities, and courageous choices that lead to a fulfilling life.

Personal interests: Experimental aviation, sauna building, lifting heavy weights, meditation, lifestyle design, and attacking cancer. Proud boy mom and partner in projects and dreams with my husband, my life build teammate, Ed.

My Core Values:
-Service & Integrity
-Growth & Curiosity
-Connection & Understanding
-Wellbeing & Health
-Courage & Creative Freedom

LET'S CONNECT.

I love working with smart and interesting people from all walks of life.

If you have an idea for a collaboration, want to jam out on a podcast, or hire me, then let's chat.

Colleen Kranz💡

I’ve started and stopped writing this post more times than I can count.
 
I live in Minnesota. I love this state. And like many of you, my heart is just breaking from what's been unfolding here.
 
Some days it's so overwhelming, I’m not quite sure what to say without adding to the noise.
 
So instead of rushing to comment, I slowed down.
 
I tried to pay attention to what was happening in me, in my own body. The sadness and tension I was feeling... and that all too familiar urge to react quickly.
 
When things feel out of control, my instinct is to do more. Read more. Post more. Think harder. Try to solve something that isn’t simple.
 
I think the most honest thing I can offer today is this:
 
Being thoughtful is a form of leadership too.
 
Not every moment calls for a hot take. Maybe some call for steadiness or listening. For choosing and being accountable for how we show up in the small, human ways that are actually within our control.
 
Here’s what that’s looked like for me this week:
 
-Getting quiet before forming an opinion
-Listening without planning my response
-Taking breaks from social media and the news
-Asking myself where my energy is actually helpful and taking action
 
I’m choosing care over certainty. I'm prioritizing staying as grounded as I can.

Because real change starts with people who are regulated enough to think clearly, compassionate enough to listen deeply, and humble enough to keep learning.

Purpose-Led Growth Architect | Advisor to Entrepreneurs Building Profitable, Sustainable Businesses | Author of Grow North Thursday | 3x Entrepreneur & Builder of Communities, Airplanes & Saunas

I’m really honored to be featured in Jill Konrath’s new book, Pivotal Moments.

My chapter is called “The Moment I Stopped Pretending.”

It tells the story of a moment in 2020 when everything I had been holding together finally cracked, and I realized I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

What I appreciate most about this book is that it isn’t about reinvention for show or dramatic turning points. It’s about the silent, uncomfortable moments that change the direction of your life when you actually pay attention to them.

Jill brings together 29 stories from people who hit those moments and chose a different way forward. The throughline isn’t perfection or certainty. It’s honesty.

I’m grateful to Jill for creating space for these stories and for the care she brings to the work she puts into the world.

If you’re in a season of questioning, recalibrating, or simply noticing that something needs to change, this book is worth your time.

January is National Mentoring Month. And it feels like a good moment to say this out loud.
 
Very few businesses grow in a healthy, sustainable way without guidance.
 
Not tactics.
Not hacks.
Guidance.
 
Almost every meaningful shift I’ve seen in a business was accelerated by someone outside the day-to-day.
 
Someone who could see what the founder couldn’t while they were deep in the work.
Someone who asked better questions.
Someone who challenged assumptions.
Someone who helped reconnect growth decisions to values, not just numbers.
 
Mentorship isn’t about being told what to do.
 
It’s about being supported while you figure out what actually makes sense for you, your business, and the life you want that business to support.
 
The longer I do this work, the more clearly I see this pattern.
 
Sustainable growth is rarely built alone.

And burnout often shows up when we try to carry everything ourselves.
 
So today, I’m grateful for the mentors who helped me slow down, zoom out, and make better decisions. Jenny Jefferds, Laura Krafka, Andy Dulka, Jeff Mader, Jennie Tollefson to name a few of many...

And I’m just as grateful for the chance to be that person for others.

If you're frustrated this week, don't waste it.


A lot of us are carrying extra anxiety right now. Emotions that don't neatly resolve. 

That frustration is very real and shared.

But frustration is also energy.

It's the signal that something matters and something isn't working yet.

Use that energy to write.
To move your body.
To think differently about a hard problem.
To paint. To sing. To build.
To gather people.
To make it very clear what someone means to you, if you've never told them before.
To make real what's been on your heart.

You don't have to eliminate frustration.

You just have to decide what you'll turn it into.

What will you create this week?

A while back, my empowerment coach Kate asked me a question I wasn’t expecting.

“Who’s actually steering the ship right now. You, or your saboteur?”

We all have internal habits of thinking or reacting that can sometimes run the show, especially under pressure. Positive Intelligence calls them Saboteurs.

They’re the automatic thoughts behind things like:

• urgency that isn’t actually urgent
• overcommitting when you’re already stretched
• people-pleasing disguised as being “helpful”
• perfectionism that slows everything down

As leaders and entrepreneurs, these patterns often look responsible or driven on the surface. But over time, they drain energy, blur boundaries, and make work heavier than it needs to be.

When I saw my own patterns called out like that, I was like... well yah, of course! 

(Pleaser and Hyper-Achiever here.)

But clearly knowing these saboteurs changes how I lead my week, my decisions, and my energy.

In tomorrow's Grow North Thursday newsletter, I’m sharing what saboteurs actually are, how to recognize when they’re running your day, and one small way to work with them instead of fighting yourself.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more clarity and calm than you’re currently experiencing, this one’s for you.

👉 https://lnkd.in/gkpjFiyN


📸 image cred: Secret Beach (yes, that's what it's called) in Brookings, Oregon. A beautiful and secluded hike to one of the best outlooks and beaches in the state.

I’ve been using a simple filter lately before saying yes to new work, ideas, or opportunities.
 
It takes about 5 minutes. And it’s saved me from a lot of unnecessary stress.
 
I write the opportunity at the top of a page. Then I answer these three questions, honestly:
 
1. Does this move the business forward in the next 90 days? Yes or no. No storytelling.
2. What does this cost me in energy? Low, medium, or high. Time is one thing. Energy is the real constraint.
3. If I say yes to this, what am I implicitly saying no to? Rest. Focus. Family. Another project. Momentum.
 
If the answers don’t line up with the season I’m in, it’s a no. Even if it’s a “good” opportunity.
 
This has helped me protect profit and well-being. And it’s made my growth feel more intentional instead of reactive.
 
Sharing in case it’s useful for you too.


p.s. can you name this falls?

I found this sign in a small pizza joint in Troutdale, Oregon.


So many of us are wired for growth. Progress. What’s freaking next.

And somewhere along the way, enjoying the journey starts to feel… optional. Or worse, irresponsible.

Like if you’re not pushing, striving, or sacrificing, you’re doing it wrong.

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

If the journey is miserable, the destination rarely fixes that.

Purpose isn’t something you arrive at once you hit a goal. It’s something you practice while you’re building.

And sustainable growth, the kind that supports real profit, impact, and wellbeing, requires enough margin to breathe, reflect, and stay curious.

Not hustle-yourself-into-the-ground energy. Long-game energy.

So maybe this is the reminder today:
 
You can care deeply about growth AND enjoy the process. You can build something meaningful WITHOUT burning yourself out. You don’t have to earn rest by suffering first.
 
The journey is the work. ✌️

Last week, I attended the funeral of a longtime community leader and my dad’s best friend.
 
There was sadness, yes, but it was also incredibly inspiring to sit in a packed middle school auditorium listening to story after story about how he spent a lifetime showing up for others. Deep roots in the community. Service over decades.
 
The room was full in a way that surprised me. Not just family and church members, but law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and people who clearly knew each other through hard moments. You could feel the shared history.
 
Sitting there gave me a lot of perspective on feelings I’ve been grappling with this week.
 
I live in Minnesota. What’s happening here carries weight, and that weight feels closer after honoring such an incredible and inspiring life lived in service to others.
 
I’ve noticed how that’s been showing up in my work. The plans and conversations still matter. But there’s a lot weighing on people right now, and pretending otherwise doesn’t feel honest.
 
So I’ve been staying connected, inspired by the way he lived.
 
I’ve been reaching out to friends, clients, and past collaborators without an agenda. Just because we’re humans first, and I genuinely don’t know how everyone is doing or what they’re carrying this week.
 
I don’t want heaviness to take over my days. I also don’t want to look away. What feels possible for me right now is doing the work I know how to do with more care. Showing up as myself instead of trying to power through or disappear.
 
Reaching out in small ways feels like one way I can honor him by showing up for the people around me, the way he did for so many years.

It’s impossible to be a life-changing presence to some without being a total joke to others.  

Criticism is proportional to impact.  

Mark Manson said this last year, and it really resonated with me.   

Because no matter what you do...  

You'll be judged for taking action. 
You'll be ignored for doing nothing. 
You'll be criticized for winning. 
You'll be doubted when you fail.  

I learned this first-hand 

• Building an airplane and growing Good Plane Living on YouTube 
• Launching Catapult North and writing online
• Starting Saunable mobile wood-fire saunas

So what do we do?  

We do the thing anyway.  

If you're waiting for the approval, you'll end up stuck, sitting on ideas, avoiding risk, and playing small.  

Here's what to ask yourself this week: 

→ What impact do I actually want to have? 
→ Am I letting fear of criticism stop me? 
→ Why do I care so much?  

Your challenge: 
Do the thing. Something meaningful to you. And let the critics do what they do best.  

📌 What have you held back on lately? Drop it below. ↓

Most founders don’t resist change because they’re stubborn.

They resist it because they’re trying to leap too far, too fast.

I’ve been sitting with an idea lately that helped me make sense of what I see in coaching conversations all the time.

People don’t move forward in one clean decision. They move forward through a series of micro-beliefs.

What do I mean by micro-beliefs?

We often talk about change as if it’s a single moment.

“I decided to pivot.”
“I decided to raise my prices.”
“I decided to do things differently.”

But that’s not how it usually works.

Before any visible change, there’s usually a sequence happening underneath. Small internal shifts that sound more like this:

“Something isn’t working the way it used to.”
“I’m not the only one struggling with this.”
“There might be another way to do this.”
“That way might actually fit me.”
“I’m willing to try one small step.”

Each one is a micro-belief. Miss one, and everything feels forced after that.

Tomorrow’s Grow North Thursday newsletter breaks this down step by step, including how to identify the exact micro-belief that’s keeping you stuck.

If change has felt harder than it should, this will help.

👉 Get it here: https://lnkd.in/gkpjFiyN

There are seasons where speed is the wrong strategy for you.


I have spikes on my winter boots.

But the ice this week was so bad I had to crawl on hands and knees to take Luna out in the morning. 

It was that perfect moment where fog and rain from the night had frozen into a glass-like layer over everything.

(If you live in MN or WI, you know that moment.)

We got there, one inch at a time.

Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond your control, you don’t need more force. You need a different pace.

I wasn't crawling because I lacked motivation. I was craling because it was the safest way to make progress that day.

In work and life, pushing harder in the wrong season is careless.

The real work is learning how to keep moving forward without breaking yourself.

What season are you in right now?

Jill Konrath published a story I am so lit up about. Let me tell you about it...

 
It’s a powerful example of what I think of as the purpose economy in action.
 
Here’s the short version.
 
For years, Bruce Stephan and his family vacationed in Mexico and got to know a man named Pato, who worked long hours at a resort to support his family. At one point, he was commuting three hours a day just to earn enough to get by.
 
But Pato had a bigger vision.
 
He grew up around honey farming and saw both the struggle and the potential in his village. His goal wasn’t just to make more money. It was to help his community thrive, preserve Mayan traditions, and create a sustainable future for the people around him.
 
So he did something brave.
 
He worked. He saved. He reinvested everything.
 
Over time, Pato built a honey business that now supports over 100 local beekeepers, removes intermediaries, teaches sustainable practices, and provides real livelihoods for families in his region. The business now sells both inside and outside of Mexico.
 
One person. One clear purpose. A ripple effect that changed an entire community.
 
What I loved most was his mantra through all of it:
 
“I don’t care. I will do it. I am ready.”
 
This is the purpose economy.
 
Not growth at all costs. Not scale for the sake of scale.
 
It’s building something meaningful that creates value beyond yourself.
 
So here’s the question for today:
 
What do you want your work to make possible for others?

Are you solving the problem, or just reacting to the pain?  


I heard this question a few years ago, and it really changed the way I work.

I have built most of my career by leaning into the doing. 

Act. Test. Learn. Adjust.

That bias toward action has served me really well. I’m comfortable experimenting my way forward.

But more than once, I've realized I was moving in the wrong direction because I didn't spend enough time clearly defining the problem up front.

Now I use a simple 10-minute writing exercise to help me aim my action better.

When I do this, the problem gets clearer, and the next action becomes far more effective.

Tomorrow in my newsletter, I'm breaking down this simple writing exercise. If you'd like to join us, check out the link in my bio.

Most of us don’t have a time problem. We have a yes problem.

 
We slowly give our best energy to things that don’t actually matter:
 
• meetings with no outcome
• obligations we’ve outgrown
• emotional spirals we never question
• busywork that looks productive or feels good
 
None of it feels dangerous in the moment.
 
But over time, it erodes focus, health, and joy.
 
One of the most powerful growth moves you can make isn’t adding more.

It’s getting ruthless about what doesn’t deserve access to you.
 
A question I come back to often:
 
“If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?”
 
Clarity creates space.
 
And space is where meaningful work and a good life actually live.

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