Dave Mull

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Category: leadership

  • Don’t Drift in Your First Leadership Role

    Leadership Starts Small

    The first time someone looks to you for direction, it can feel bigger than your title. New leaders often assume they need better answers, stronger presence, or a more polished voice. In reality, what people need most is steadiness, clarity, and someone who pays attention to what matters.

    That is the heart behind Dave Mull. This site is a place for young executives and early-career professionals who want to lead well without losing themselves in the process. Here you will find practical reflections on leadership, culture, faith, family, and intentional living, all grounded in real responsibility and real life.

    Why This Matters

    Ambition is not the problem. Drift is. It happens when success starts shaping your values instead of the other way around. It happens when work crowds out your family, when urgency replaces conviction, or when your calendar reveals a life you never meant to build.

    Don’t drift from what matters most.

    That line is more than a tagline. It is a reminder that leadership is not only about performance. It is also about formation. The habits you build, the people you become, and the priorities you protect will shape your influence long before your résumé does.

    What You Can Expect Here

    • Clear essays on leadership for people carrying real responsibility
    • Honest thoughts on culture, conviction, and decision-making
    • Encouragement for balancing work, faith, and family
    • Practical perspective for building a meaningful life on purpose

    Dave brings more than two decades of experience as a healthcare executive, along with the perspective of a husband, father of three, and writer. The goal is not to impress. The goal is to help you think clearly, lead faithfully, and stay anchored in what matters most.

    A Good Place to Begin

    If you are building a career, leading a team, or trying to live with greater intention, you are in the right place. Start with the blog, subscribe for new essays every Friday, and keep coming back for thoughtful encouragement that meets you where real leadership happens: at work, at home, and in the quiet choices no one else sees.

  • You’re There for a Reason: Don’t Shrink from the Moment

    At some point in your career, you’ll find yourself in a room where your voice could change the course of a conversation, a decision, or even a company’s direction. And in that moment, you’ll be faced with a choice: to speak up or to stay silent.

    This is where many people — even incredibly talented, thoughtful, capable people — shrink.

    We tell ourselves:

    • “I’m not the most senior person here.”

    • “Someone else probably has a better idea.”

    • “I don’t want to rock the boat.”

    But here’s the truth: you’re in the room for a reason.

    You weren’t hired to be invisible. You weren’t given a seat at the table to just nod along. You were brought in because of your experiences, your insight, and your perspective — things no one else in the room has in quite the same way.

    I learned this lesson the hard way.

    I was in a large meeting with several senior leaders — many of them ranked higher than me. The group was deep into a discussion on a topic I knew extremely well. But as the conversation unfolded, what I was hearing didn’t match my experience on the ground. I disagreed — not just a little, but significantly.

    And yet… I said nothing.

    I told myself it wasn’t the right time. That maybe I was missing something. That I’d follow up later.

    After the meeting, I pulled the most senior leader aside and shared my thoughts. His reaction caught me off guard. He wasn’t just disappointed — he was frustrated. He looked at me and said:

    “Dave, you’re in that meeting for a reason. You’re a trusted member of this team. I need you to speak up and share your experience. I can only act on what I know — and I need to hear all points of view.”

    That conversation stuck with me.

    I learned that day that staying silent doesn’t serve anyone — not your team, not your leadership, and not yourself. Your perspective might be exactly what’s needed to make the right decision, avoid a misstep, or spot a blind spot others missed. But it only matters if you share it.

    Your silence might feel safe, but your voice is what makes you valuable.

    There will be moments when speaking up feels risky. But that’s exactly when your voice matters most. Those moments define leadership — and they build trust, respect, and influence over time.

    So the next time you’re tempted to sit back and play small, remind yourself:

    • I’m not here by accident.

    • Playing it safe isn’t what got me this far.

    • This room needs what I have to offer.

    Use your voice. Don’t shrink. You belong.

  • Why Athletes Make GREAT Hires in Business

    Introduction

    Athletes know what it takes to win both on the field and in the workplace. The same mindset that drives success in sports can be a game-changer in business. Whether it’s the ability to set goals, handle pressure, work as part of a team, or understand failure, former athletes bring a unique set of skills that make them some of the best hires in any industry.

    1. The Power of Discipline and Consistency

    Athletes train daily, often sacrificing short-term comfort for long-term success.

    In business, this translates to:

    • A strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
    • The ability to show up and execute, even on tough days.
    • A deep understanding that success is the result of consistent effort over time.

    2. Handling Pressure and Performing Under Stress

    Game-winning shots and high-stakes negotiations have one thing in common : pressure.

    Athletes develop:

    • A high level of composure in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
    • The ability to think strategically and execute under tight deadlines.
    • Resilience in the face of setbacks and failures.

    3. Goal-Setting and Performance Tracking

    Athletes don’t just train, they track progress and make adjustments.

    This mindset applies to:

    • Setting measurable business objectives and staying accountable.
    • Continuously evaluating and optimizing performance.
    • Taking feedback constructively to improve outcomes.

    4. Leadership and Teamwork

    Great teams win championships, and great companies succeed through collaboration.

    Athletes understand:

    • The importance of communication, accountability, and shared success.
    • How to lead by example and push teammates to perform at their best.
    • The necessity of adapting to different roles for the greater good.

    5. Competitiveness and Drive

    Athletes hate losing, but more importantly, they love winning.

    In business, this manifests as:

    • A natural hunger for results and continuous improvement.
    • The ability to push through challenges instead of quitting.
    • A strong focus on both personal and company-wide success.

    Conclusion: Why Companies Should Prioritize Hiring Athletes

    If you’re looking for employees who are disciplined, resilient, and team-oriented, former athletes should be at the top of your list. Their ability to handle pressure, adapt, and work toward goals makes them invaluable in any business setting.

    In my life, I’ve experienced this with myself, coworkers, people I’ve hired, my family and in my community. I’ve personally learned through training for and racing in triathlons while also nurturing a career and being a husband and dad. To do this and achieve my goals, it required discipline, planning, lots of hard work, commitment. It goes beyond “motivation” as that can come and go and really becomes who you are.

    Call to Action:

    Have you worked with or hired former athletes? What strengths have you seen them bring to the workplace? Let’s discuss!

  • Building a Positive Work Culture

    A positive work culture is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful force that can transform a workplace into a hub of productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential components of a positive work culture and dive into the five key themes that contribute to its success.

    1. Trust and Transparency:

    A cornerstone of a positive work culture is trust and transparency. When leaders are open and honest, it builds trust among employees. Transparent communication about company goals, strategies, and decisions fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

    2. Employee Well-Being:

    A positive work culture places a high value on employee well-being. This includes not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Organizations that prioritize wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance create an environment where employees feel cared for and valued.

    3. Recognition and Appreciation:

    Feeling valued and appreciated is a fundamental human need. A positive work culture acknowledges and celebrates employees’ contributions. Regular recognition, whether through shout-outs, awards, or informal expressions of gratitude, boosts morale and motivates employees to perform at their best.

    4. Collaboration and Teamwork:

    A collaborative environment encourages employees to share ideas, work together on projects, and learn from one another. A positive work culture promotes teamwork by breaking down silos, fostering open communication, and providing opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

    5. Growth and Development:

    Employees are more engaged when they see a clear path for their professional growth. A positive work culture invests in employee development through training programs, mentorship, and opportunities to take on new challenges. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the organization’s success by nurturing a skilled and motivated workforce.

    In summary, a positive work culture is an investment that pays dividends in employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall business success. By building trust, valuing well-being, recognizing contributions, promoting collaboration, and nurturing growth, you can create a workplace where employees thrive and look forward to contributing their best. Remember, a positive work culture isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey that requires ongoing commitment and effort from leaders and employees alike.

    The picture on this post is of my team from my prior role/org at Honest Medical Group. I’ve been blessed to lead many awesome teams throughout my career, this was the latest gathering in Nashville. Amazing group of folks!

  • Some Days…

    For this weeks entry I’m doing something a little different. I enjoy doing the blog thing, I enjoy talking about and sharing perspective on leadership. But some days, some weeks It feels more forced than not. This is one of those weeks. I have a topic to discuss and share, I have some insights to put out there but for some reason I’m not feeling it.

    So instead, let’s talk about how normal that is? How as an introvert it takes a lot of energy to put yourself out there. To show up as a leader the way your team, family, friends and others need you and deserve from you. At the same time, when I get into this “not feeling it” mode I do a lot of thinking, 2nd guessing, questioning myself and challenging where I am in life.

    I get deep into what is my true purpose, what is it that I‘m passionate about? Why is it so freaking hard to answer that question and figure this out? Why do I feel at 42 years old that I haven’t figured any of this out and that I really need to? Why does it pull me down into a rabbit hole of sorts that usually ends in me just moving on or getting distracted by something else?

    I’ve tried a lot of things, I’ve tried hobbies, blogging, podcasting and jobs. I’ve done Ironman’s, great jobs, bought nice cars, bought nice watches, moved homes, been in and out of church and a deeper relationship with Jesus. At the end of the day some days, I just haven’t been able to feel like I was on the right track consistently, kick the feeling that I was meant for more or at least something else, that I am supposed to be doing more with life.

    But then, it hits me, these feelings, these weeks are 100% normal and the best leaders, the most successful people work through them and come out the other side even better. Sometimes it’s a motivational video, quote, chat with a friend, family member, mentor or team mate that wakes you up. Reminds you of all the impact you’ve already made and for me I’m back in the game. Motivated and ready to go.

    I trust that I’ll figure it out, that I’m on the right path and that by being curious about life and experiences, I will find my way. That being the best husband, dad, brother, son, friend, team member, leader and more that I can be will lead me to the place I’m meant to go. It’s a journey and I want to enjoy every step and twist and turn along the way. I’m extremely grateful for my life!

    I put this out there this week because I’d love to hear from you and if/how you think about life? Do you go through these times, have these thoughts? Have you figured it out? Reach out because I’d love to hear about it.

    Dave

  • 5 Steps for Effective Goal Setting

    Goal setting is a great way to push us towards success and achievement. As a leader, mastering goal setting is important for both personal growth and organizational success. In this post, we will explore five essential steps for effective goal setting, providing you with valuable insights to set and achieve meaningful goals.

    1. Clarity is Key:

    The first step in goal setting is clarity and don’t over complicate it. Clearly define what you want to achieve and why it matters. Make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). The more specific, the easier it becomes to develop a focused plan.

    2. Align Goals with Vision and Values:

    Ensure your goals align with your vision and values. Your goals should reflect the long-term aspirations of yourself, team or organization. When your goals are in harmony with your purpose and values, they become a source of inspiration, motivating you and your team to persevere through challenges.

    3. Break it Down:

    Breaking down bigger goals into smaller, manageable milestones is a game-changer. It gives you a clear roadmap for progress. Each milestone achieved brings a sense of accomplishment, keeping you and your team motivated to take the next step.

    4. Monitor Progress and Celebrate Success:

    Tracking progress is essential for goal achievement. Regularly review your milestones and adjust your plan if necessary. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team. Positive reinforcement keeps motivation high and creates a culture of achievement.

    5. Learn from Setbacks:

    Recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the goal-setting journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, treat setbacks as valuable learning experiences and CELEBRATE them as well. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use this newfound knowledge to make informed decisions moving forward. If you aren’t failing along the way, there is a chance you aren’t pushing the boundaries enough.

    In summary, effective goal setting is the compass that guides us towards our desired destination. By ensuring clarity, alignment with vision and values, breaking down goals, monitoring progress, celebrating success, and learning from setbacks, you set yourself and your team up for resounding success. Embrace the power of goal setting, and witness how each milestone achieved brings you closer to your aspirations and dreams.

  • Leading Through Change

    It’s often said that change is the only constant in business and in life. It’s an inevitable and in the realm of leadership, it’s even more pronounced. As a leader, your ability to navigate through change with resilience is crucial for the success of your team and organization. In this post, we will explore strategies for leading through change, empowering your team, and embracing transformation as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

    1. Embrace Change as an Unavoidable and Welcome Reality:

    The first step in leading through change is acknowledging that it’s a natural part of progress. Embrace change as an inevitable reality and communicate this to your team. By setting the tone and mindset that change is an opportunity for growth, you instill confidence and readiness for what lies ahead.

    2. Communicate Openly and Transparently:

    During times of change, open and transparent communication is critical. Keep your team informed about the reasons for change, its potential impact, and the targeted outcomes. Address concerns and questions promptly, and encourage open dialogue to foster a sense of trust and understanding.

    3. Provide Clarity of Purpose:

    Amidst change, your team may feel uncertain or anxious. Provide clarity of purpose by articulating a vision and the desired end goals. When team members understand the purpose behind the change, they are more likely to rally together and commit to the shared objectives.

    4. Empower Your Team:

    Empower your team members to participate in the change process. Encourage them to share their ideas, and concerns. By involving them in decision-making and problem-solving, you instill a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation.

    5. Lead by Example:

    As a leader, your behavior and response to change set the tone for your team. Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude. When your team sees you embracing change with confidence, they are more likely to follow suit and navigate through transitions with a sense of optimism.

    6. Support During Transition:

    Change can bring about challenges, so be prepared to support your team members during the transition. Offer resources, training, or mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the new environment. Be attentive to their emotional needs, offering encouragement and reassurance throughout the process.

    7. Learn from Setbacks and Celebrate Progress:

    Leading through change may encounter setbacks, and that’s normal. Use setbacks as learning opportunities and encourage your team to do the same. Celebrate progress, even if it’s small, and acknowledge the efforts made along the way. Recognize and appreciate the adaptability and resilience displayed by your team members.

    In summary, leading through change is a challenging yet essential aspect of effective leadership. By embracing change as an opportunity for growth, communicating openly, providing clarity of purpose, empowering your team, leading by example, offering support, and celebrating progress, you can navigate through transformations successfully. Remember, a positive and adaptable leadership approach fosters a culture where change is embraced, innovation thrives, and your team rises to new heights of success.

  • Nurturing Growth: Strategies for Developing Your Team

    As a leader, one of your most important responsibilities is developing your team members. Investing in their growth not only benefits them individually but also contributes to the overall success of your organization. In this blog post, we will explore strategies for nurturing the development of your team and creating a thriving and high-performing organization.

    1. Identify Individual Strengths and Areas for Growth:

    To effectively develop your team members, start by identifying their strengths and areas for growth. Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and have open discussions about their career aspirations. This helps you build development plans that align with their unique talents and interests.

    2. Provide Opportunities for Learning and Skill Development:

    Support and share learning opportunities to help your team members enhance their skills and knowledge. This could include workshops, training programs, conferences, online courses, or mentoring sessions. Encourage them to seek out new assignments or projects that stretch their capabilities and promote continuous learning.

    3. Foster a Culture of Feedback and Coaching:

    Create a culture where feedback is valued and constructive coaching is encouraged. Regularly provide feedback to your team members, highlighting their strengths and offering guidance on areas for improvement. Encourage peer-to-peer feedback and empower team members to support each other’s growth. By embracing feedback as a tool for development, you create an environment of continuous improvement.

    4. Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration:

    Promote cross-functional collaboration to broaden your team members’ perspectives and skill sets. Encourage them to work on projects or initiatives with colleagues from different areas of expertise. This collaboration fosters teamwork, facilitates knowledge sharing, and enables individuals to develop new skills and expand their professional networks.

    5. Support Professional Development Goals:

    Engage in open discussions with your team members about their career aspirations and professional development goals. Understand their long-term goals and provide support to help them achieve their goals. This could include offering mentorship, connecting them with relevant networks, or providing opportunities for advancement within the organization.

    6. Empower Ownership and Autonomy:

    Empower your team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions autonomously. Provide them with clear expectations and guidelines, but also trust their judgment and allow them to take initiative. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership, accountability, and innovation, enabling individuals to grow and excel.

    7. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements:

    Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your team members. Recognize their efforts, whether big or small, and express appreciation for their contributions. Celebrating together boosts morale, motivates individuals, and reinforces a culture of growth and recognition.

    In Summary, developing your team members is a key aspect of effective leadership. By identifying individual strengths, providing learning opportunities, fostering a culture of feedback, encouraging collaboration, supporting professional goals, empowering ownership, and recognizing achievements, you create an environment that nurtures growth and drives success. Remember, investing in your team’s development not only benefits them but also strengthens the overall capabilities and resilience of your organization. So commit to their growth and watch your team flourish!

  • The power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

    Emotional intelligence is like having a secret weapon in leadership! It’s not just about being smart, but also about understanding and managing our emotions and how others feel. In this post, we’ll explore how emotional intelligence can make leaders even more awesome, creating a positive and successful team environment.

    1. Knowing Yourself:

    Great leaders know themselves really well. They understand their emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. By knowing themselves, they can make better decisions and be true to who they are.

    2. Keeping Calm:

    Leaders who are good at emotional intelligence can stay calm even when things get stressful. They don’t let their emotions take over and make everyone else nervous. By staying calm, they help everyone feel more relaxed and focused.

    3. Understanding Others:

    Leaders with emotional intelligence can understand how others feel. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and show empathy. This helps them build strong relationships and support their team members.

    4. Great Communication:

    Leaders who are good at emotional intelligence are also great communicators. They know how to listen well and speak kindly. They can adjust their words to fit different situations and make everyone feel heard and valued.

    5. Bouncing Back:

    Emotionally intelligent leaders help their team bounce back from tough times. They provide support and encouragement, helping everyone stay motivated and positive. By building resilience, they create a team that can handle anything.

    6. Smart Decision-Making:

    Leaders with emotional intelligence make decisions with both their head and their heart. They think about how their decisions will affect others and make choices that are best for everyone. This helps create a happy and successful team.

    In summary, emotional intelligence is like having a special skill in leadership. By understanding yourself, staying calm, understanding others, communicating well, building resilience, and making smart decisions, leaders can become even more effective. So embrace the power of emotional intelligence and watch your leadership skills grow!

  • 7 Strategies for Effective Decision-Making as a Leader

    The ability to make decisions effectively is an important skill for leaders and leadership teams. The choices you make have a lasting impact on your teams, organization and success overall. This is something many if not everyone deals with at times and for many reason. It’s HARD!!! In this post, I’ll share 7 strategies that can help you be more effective as you navigate challenges situations.

    1. Gather Relevant Information:

    To make informed decisions, gather as much relevant information as you can. Identify key factors, gather data, seek applicable opinions, and consider multiple perspectives. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic view of the situation and supports decision-making based on accurate and reliable information. But be careful here, it’s easy to get analysis paralysis and get into a constant loop in this phase and never get out. Let’s just say don’t let “perfect” get in the way of “good enough”.

    2. Define Clear Objectives:

    Clearly define the objectives you want to achieve through your decision. Establish the outcome you aim for and the goals that need to be met. Defining clear objectives provides focus during the decision-making process and helps assess potential options against these objectives. This should include a timeline for the decision. Making sure things like this are time boxed, helps to ensure proper focus and stops things from dragging out.

    3. Evaluate Alternatives:

    Consider multiple alternatives or options before making a decision. Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming within your team. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option, considering factors such as feasibility, risks, and potential impact. This evaluation process allows you to make a more balanced and informed decision.

    4. Seek Input and Collaboration:

    Involve key stakeholders and seek input from team members who may have valuable insights or expertise where it’s applicable. Encourage open dialogue and create a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are heard and considered. This collaborative approach increases the chances of making well-rounded decisions.

    5. Assess Risks and Mitigation Strategies:

    Identify potential risks associated with each option and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact. Consider the short-term and long-term consequences of your decision and evaluate the risk-reward trade-offs. This analysis allows you to make decisions with a clear understanding of the associated risks.

    6. Use Decision-Making Models or Frameworks:

    Utilize decision-making models or frameworks that provide a systematic approach. Examples include SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or decision matrix approach. These models help structure your thought process, consider relevant factors, and make more objective choices.

    7. Trust Your Intuition:

    Balance data and analysis with your intuition. Trust your gut instincts, especially when faced with time-sensitive decisions or limited information. However, always strive to balance intuition with rational thinking and evidence-based decision-making.

    In summary, effective decision-making is a crucial skill for leaders and takes time to get really good at it. For new leaders, embrace a learning and growth mindset, know that you will be wrong and learn from those and don‘t be afraid of them. By gathering relevant information, defining clear objectives, evaluating alternatives, seeking input and collaboration, assessing risks, using decision-making models, and trusting your intuition, you can make well-informed decisions that drive success. Continuously honing these strategies will enhance your leadership abilities and lead to better outcomes for your team and organization.