Dave Mull

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Category: success

  • Two Minutes, Ten Years



    I didn’t start doing it as a strategy. I started because I genuinely believe people deserve to know their work is seen. But I’ve watched it do something I didn’t expect.

    It builds something a paycheck can’t.

    Trust doesn’t come from a title. It comes from people knowing you actually see them — not just their output, but them. A specific note takes two minutes to write and remembers a moment for years. I still have people bring up notes I wrote them a decade ago.

    Here’s what I’ve come to believe about leadership: the people who show up for you in the hard seasons aren’t the ones you managed the hardest. They’re the ones you noticed the most.

    Servant leadership gets talked about a lot and practiced a little. It’s not complicated. It’s this: pay attention to people, and tell them what you noticed.

    That’s it. That’s the whole practice.

    If you’re a leader, here’s your nudge. Someone on your team did something this week that deserves more than a Slack emoji. Write them an actual sentence about it.

    It costs you two minutes.

    It might be the thing they remember in ten years.

  • Week 11, random Tuesday


    People sometimes ask about my Ironman races — what the hardest part was.

    They expect me to say the marathon at the end, or the 4am training swims, or the last twenty miles on the bike.

    It’s none of those.

    The hardest part is Tuesday. Some random Tuesday in week eleven of training, when nobody’s watching, the race is months away, and the alarm goes off at 5am in the dark. The whole thing is won or lost right there.

    I’ve been thinking about discipline a lot lately, because I’m watching it show up in my kids.

    My son is chasing college football and now talking about endurance races of his own. My daughters have put thousands of unseen hours into dance and music. Nobody assigned them that work. They caught something, somewhere along the way.

    Here’s what two decades of leading teams, raising kids, and racing long distances have taught me about discipline:

    It’s one muscle. The discipline that gets you out of bed for a training swim is the same muscle that prepares you properly for a big meeting, keeps a promise to your spouse, and closes the laptop when your kid wants to talk. Strengthen it anywhere and it shows up everywhere.

    It compounds quietly. No single 5am alarm matters. The five hundredth one changes who you are.

    And it’s the price of everything you say you want. The career, the health, the marriage, the faith that actually holds under pressure. None of it stays standing without the boring, repeated, unseen work.

    Motivation gets all the attention. Motivation writes the goals in January.

    Discipline is still there on the random Tuesday in week eleven.

    That’s the whole difference.

  • Keep Your Own Score

    Golf has been teaching me things my whole life. I just didn’t always have time to listen.

    Lately, with the kids getting older, I’ve found my way back to the course. And I keep noticing that everything I love about the game is a lesson that works off the course too.

    You keep your own score. Nobody checks your math. The game only means something if you’re honest, and not the honesty that shows up in competition. The kind you practice when it’s just you, your ball, and a bad lie nobody saw.

    You play against yourself. The course doesn’t care what you shot last week. Every round is a fresh test of patience, discipline, and how you respond when a good drive ends up in a divot.

    Some evenings I’ll walk nine with the bag on my back. At 45 it feels like a ruck with a scorecard, and there’s something clarifying about it. Just you, the walk, and the next shot.

    And there’s the adventure of it. A course you’ve never played is a new puzzle every time. New holes, new views, and often new people worth knowing. This game has taken me places I’d never have gone otherwise.

    It reveals people too. Four hours on a course will teach you more about a business partner, a client, or a friend than a year of meetings. How they handle a bad hole. Whether they count every stroke. What they talk about when the conversation goes quiet. Who someone is shows up somewhere between the first tee and the eighteenth green.

    Some of my favorite rounds lately have been with my son. Same course, same game, two generations keeping our own scores.

    A gentleman’s game that demands honesty, rewards patience, keeps you humble, and gives you four hours of real conversation in a world that’s forgotten how.

    That’s not just golf. That’s a pretty good way to live.

  • 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!

  • The Mental Benefits of a Health and Fitness Routine

    In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental well-being is as crucial as physical health. One powerful way to nurture both is through a consistent health and fitness routine. While the physical benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, the mental advantages are equally significant and transformative. Let’s explore how a health and fitness routine can enhance your mental health.

    1. Stress Reduction

    One of the most immediate mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, known as the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a vigorous gym session, or a calming yoga practice, exercise helps reduce levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. This natural reduction in stress can lead to a calmer, more relaxed state of mind.

    2. Improved Mood

    Regular physical activity can significantly boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. Exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is partly because exercise promotes changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. Moreover, exercise can be a powerful way to distract yourself from negative thoughts and break the cycle of negative thinking.

    3. Enhanced Cognitive Function

    Engaging in regular physical activity can improve cognitive function and help protect memory and thinking skills. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can help improve overall brain function. It also stimulates the release of growth factors—chemicals that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells. This can result in better focus, improved memory, and sharper mental acuity.

    4. Better Sleep

    A health and fitness routine can also lead to better sleep patterns. Physical activity increases the time spent in deep sleep, the most physically restorative sleep phase. Getting enough high-quality sleep can help improve mental clarity, mood, and overall well-being. Just be sure to time your exercise right, as exercising too close to bedtime may interfere with your sleep for some people.

    5. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence

    Regular exercise can also improve self-esteem and confidence. As you achieve fitness goals and see improvements in your physical health and appearance, you can gain a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This boost in self-esteem can positively impact various aspects of your life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

    6. Social Interaction

    Many fitness activities provide opportunities for social interaction. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, a sports team, or even just going to the gym, these activities can help you connect with others. Social interaction can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to better mental health.

    7. Resilience to Mental Fatigue

    Regular physical activity can increase your resilience to mental fatigue and improve your overall mental stamina. This means you can better handle the mental demands of daily life and stress, leading to enhanced productivity and a more balanced lifestyle.

    Conclusion

    Incorporating a health and fitness routine into your life can offer profound mental benefits. From reducing stress and improving mood to enhancing cognitive function and boosting self-esteem, the positive effects are extensive. Prioritizing regular physical activity can be a transformative step towards achieving better mental health and overall well-being. As someone who has been on and off during my life regarding a solid fitness routine, I can say with 100% certainty that the periods of time where I made this a priority I was much happier, more productive and less stressed feeling. As a busy executive, husband and father it’s often challenging to find the time. But what I’ve learned is that its really not an option and I want to be around to see my kids grow old and have a very long time to enjoy my marriage with my wife. So, lace up those sneakers, find an activity you love, and start reaping the mental rewards today!

  • 5 Top Areas of Focus for Early Career Success

    Building a Strong Skill Set: 

    Early in your career (would be great to do this your entire career) you should fully embrace the beginners mindset. You will be full of knowledge and confidence coming out of school but there is so much to learn from on the job experience that simply can NOT be learned in school. Seek out folks with experience, ask a lot of questions, listen WAY more than you talk and truly be a sponge. I like to think about it as starting every day, every conversation, every topic with curiousity. Think about why this is important, why is it done this way, how has it evolved over the years, can you think of better or different ways to do it?

    Communication is also a skill if not THE skill that will help you in your career more than any other. Whether it be in emails, hallway conversation, meetings and presentations. The ability to clearly and simply explain your thoughts, ideas, work results, etc. will make or break how your career evolves. I’ve had leaders tell me that they would bring me to meetings or give me projects because of my ability to take complicated topics and explain them in very simple terms. 

    Work on learning more about your role, department, company and industry than others. Sign up for newsletters, go to conferences, become an expert in your field and a person others go to in order to learn what is going on. This is also why it’s important to find a career in an industry that you have interest in, it will make evening, weekend and other reading and studying much easier and more fun if you enjoy it.

    Networking and Relationships: 

    Behind your ability to communicate, this will prove to be the next most important thing to do as you set off on your career. I’ve often heard that getting a job is all about who you know but I think that is 100% wrong, getting a job, a promotion or at least a door opened is VERY much about WHO KNOWS YOU. This is something that takes some time and you have to be very purposeful about it.  Early in your career it can be hard especially if you are in a remote or field job.

    A few tips below:

    • Learn the org chart and who/what areas really run the show.
    • Make sure to meet these folks. Hallway chats, skip level 1 on 1s, meet and greet intros. Ask for introductions.
    • When you start to have these encounters, make sure you ask about them. You have to be interested to be interesting. Learn about their career journey, learn what makes them tick, learn about their hobbies and other interests. Learn about things at work they think could be different and think about how you can help solve that. Thank them for their time and be proactive about building from there.
    • Look for mentoring opportunities but make sure you dont’ waste peoples time. Lots of leaders are at a point in their career they enjoy giving back and a way to do that is to nurture a young colleague. BUT they are also very busy, so when approaching this topic, make sure to frame out what the relationship would look like. Maybe that is a 30 minute discussion once a month or once a quarter.  And line out what that conversation would include, 3 ares of focus and feedback.

    Always remember to be grateful and show gratitude.  Relationships should be 2 way beneficial and they usually only work when you are a person they enjoy spending some time with.

    Work-Life Balance: 

    This will not be popular with many in the current environment but work-life balance is a farce, it’s especially a farce in the early stages of your career. When you are in the 20s and early 30s, doing something you enjoy for work, no kids, probably no wife, you should be working your ass off. Be present, available, someone others can rely on. Don’t let anyone lie to you, corporate career growth is a COMPETITION and the lions eat the lambs. Once you become more established, build your brand (talked about later) and start a family it’s important to start pulling back and approaching your priorities differently but our life is full of different seasons.  Early in your career it’s GET AFTER IT season.

    Also, most jobs have seasons even during the year. So as you do advance and start those later seasons of your career, there will still be some busy times, some important things to tackle. During those times, you may end up working more but you’ll have built the muscle around your priorities to be present and take advantage of all the time you can devote to your non work hours.

    This will also very greatly based on your goals. What level do you want to go to, how much income do you really want, what kind of personal life do you desire, is your spouse also driven?  All of this matters and is part of this equation.

    Financial Literacy and Management:

    I think of this in 2 ways for young professionals. 1 being that of personal financial literacy and 2 being for the business/industry you work in.

    From a personal perspective this is critical. Pick up some books, watch some YouTube videos and study personal finance (I dont’ care what your career is this matters to everyone). Learn about compound interest, learn about investing, learn about different asset classes and diversification. Learn as much as you can. At the same time, learn about your companies 401k or pension program. Take the free training most offer through their fiduciary partner. Make sure you understand it and seek some help if you need to. This is an important part of your compensation and your future, take it serious!!!

    From a professional standpoint. Every single job at every single company impacts performance in some way shape or form and therefor the financials. Learn how your company makes money, learn the levers that impact how that performance goes. You may not think this matters but it very much matters, if your job doesn’t help the company perform at some point your job will go away. Learn what drives growth, what drives sales, what drives retention, what drives performance of the product, etc. You will become more and more valuable to your employer and in the market the better you know these things.

    Developing a Personal Brand: 

    Everything we just talked about above will impact your personal brand. How skillful are you, how connected are you, how well liked are you, how committed are you, how dependable are you, how much do you know and understand the business, how much are you willing to take on outside of your normal job, are a person who embraces creativity and innovation?  The answer to all of these things builds the foundation of your personal brand. Think about your personal brand as what people think when they think about you? When your name is mentioned in a room or sitting in a leaders head, what do they think, what is said? Your brand is present even when you aren’t. Build it, nurture it, embrace it and celebrate it while you sell it.

    In summary, these are the areas I’ve come to learn through experience and my own studies that matter in regards to career growth and success in corporate America. I hope you enjoyed the post, please drop me a note and let me know what you think.

  • 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.