Seven Simple (Work) Truths That Keep Showing Up

Starting a new job is a wild mix of learning, adapting, and figuring out where to board the moving train. Five months in, I’ve picked up some lessons—some new, some just good reminders—about leadership, culture, and how big organizations get things done. What would you add to the list?

1. A Strong Culture is a Competitive Advantage

You can’t fake real passion for customers. When an organization genuinely cares, it shows—in the way people talk about their work, in the pride they take in doing it well. That kind of culture isn’t easy to build, but when it’s there, it’s the foundation for everything else.

2. Leadership is Something You Earn Every Day

Being a leader—whether as a company or as an individual—isn’t just about past success. The best organizations don’t rest on their reputation; they keep proving, day after day, why they deserve their place. That takes a mix of confidence, humility, and a willingness to push forward when it’s easier to stand still.

3. Change is Hard—Even When Everyone Wants It

Even the best ideas take time to take root. Legacy systems, long-standing processes, and competing priorities make change more of a slow dance than a sprint. But momentum builds when people are open to new ideas and willing to experiment. (Also, persistence helps)

4. Great Ideas Are Everywhere— Turning Them Into Action is the Trick

Some of the smartest, most insightful ideas I’ve heard throughout my career have come from quick hallway chats or casual one-on-one video connections. People know what’s needed at different levels of the business. The challenge is translating that knowledge into action. The more an organization can bridge that gap, the more impact it can make.

5. Risk vs. Reward: The Eternal Tug-of-War

Most companies want to innovate, move fast, and take smart risks—but let’s be real, that’s easier said than done. Caution has its place, but too much hesitation can lead to missed opportunities. Conversely, hasty action can create self-inflicted damage. The trick is knowing when to double-check your footing and when to take the leap.

6. Being Proactive is Almost Always a Good Idea

So many challenges aren’t surprises—they’re slow-moving trains that we see coming. The best teams don’t just react when things happen; they prepare people for change long before it arrives. That kind of foresight makes all the difference.

7. Silos Are Real, But So Are Solutions

The bigger the organization, the more tempting it is to stay in your lane. But the best work happens when people step outside their bubbles, bring different perspectives together, and build something great. Adam Grant , in a recent social post, said "You don't have to stay in your lane. You do need to check your blind spots before changing lanes." I love that. Making collaboration feel easy is where the magic happens. Finding willing partners is the best accelerant

At any stage of one’s lifecycle with a company, it can be helpful to take stock of the lessons you’re observing. What recent reminders or truths have you encountered?