The ice felt different that day.
I was twelve years old, lacing up my skates in a locker room filled with the scent of sweat and determination. I had built a reputation on my hockey team—not just for my ability to score, but for something else. I had an instinct that set me apart: sometimes, protecting your team matters more than following convention.
I didn’t know it at the time, but this instinct—to challenge norms and defend those who couldn’t defend themselves—would shape my journey far beyond sports. From competition to business, I discovered that real leadership isn’t just about skill or strategy. It’s about standing up when it counts.
The Power of Unconventional Paths
Growing up as the youngest of five children, I had to fight to be included. When you’re the smallest and last picked for the team, you learn a critical skill: how to turn disadvantage into strength. You find unconventional ways to succeed where traditional approaches fail you.
This lesson carried over into every aspect of my life. Success didn’t come from doing things the way others expected—it came from adapting, challenging, and rewriting the playbook when necessary.
A Pivotal Shift
Just as my path seemed clear, life had other plans. A sudden change forced me to walk away from a sport I loved, leaving behind the identity I had built. But instead of seeing it as an end, I saw it as a beginning.
A new environment. A different game. Another opportunity to prove that the principles of resilience, adaptability, and leadership could apply anywhere.
The Origins of a New Leadership Approach
Looking back, these early experiences formed the foundation of what I now call the Enforcer Leadership Model—a way of thinking about leadership that goes beyond titles or authority. It’s about creating the right conditions for success, knowing when to defend, when to set boundaries, and when to challenge the status quo.
These ideas are at the core of my upcoming book, where I share stories and lessons from my journey.
For now, I’ll leave you with this: Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about creating the conditions for people to succeed—even when that means breaking convention.
Stay tuned.