It didn’t take long for my career search to get interesting.

Before I’d even had time to figure out what was next, artificial intelligence had already decided what wasn’t.

Not a person.

Not a hiring manager.

Artificial Intelligence.

Somewhere, a machine looked at more than two decades of founding businesses, building new ventures, leading teams, launching products, negotiating partnerships and acquisitions, serving on for-profit and nonprofit boards, mentoring founders, and…

…essentially concluded, “Nah, we good.“

HR later polished it into, “We’ve decided to move forward with other candidates.“

I must admit, there’s something wonderfully absurd about that.

Charles Darwin argued that nature selects the organisms most fit to survive.

In 2026, we’ve apparently updated the theory.

Natural selection has been outsourced.

I suppose evolution continues.

AI has become an incredibly useful tool in my own work. But when I look back over my career, every meaningful opportunity started with people. A conversation. A relationship. Someone extending trust. Someone saying, “You should meet…”

Which brings me to…

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Where I Do My Best Work

Several people have asked what I’m looking for.

Here’s the simplest answer I know how to give:

I’m looking for opportunities with organizations solving meaningful problems that are ready for their next stage of growth. That’s where I do my best work, creating clarity, building great teams, and helping organizations grow.

For me, meaningful means knowing my time, talents, and effort are helping make people’s lives better.

Over the past sixteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to help organizations across healthcare, technology, AI, legal services, financial services, education, nonprofits, professional sports, and professional services solve very different problems.

While each industry is unique, I’ve found the work of leadership is remarkably consistent. It starts with a clear vision, earning people’s trust, creating clarity about where the organization is headed, building the right team, putting people where they can do their best work, and helping them accomplish together what they couldn’t accomplish alone.

If Someone Comes to Mind

Until now, much of my search has intentionally taken place outside my own network. Partly to get the lay of the land. Partly to sharpen my thinking. And yes, partly to lose a few early rounds to the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots before meeting any actual humans.

I still believe, however, that my next opportunity will begin the same way many of the best opportunities throughout my career have.

With a conversation.

Here’s what I’d ask you to listen for.

If you hear someone say something like…

• “As we’ve grown, it’s getting harder to keep everyone moving in the same direction.”
• “We’re building something important, but we need someone who can bring everything together and help us scale.”
• “I know where we’re going. I just need someone I can trust to help us get there.”

…I’d be grateful if you’d make an introduction.

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A Memorable Conversation

I recently caught up with my friend Patrick Flood, Founder and CEO of Owners in Honor.

As we talked about what comes next for me, I said something that felt obvious.

“I appreciate any ideas, connections, or introductions that come to mind, but of course, ultimately it’s my responsibility to earn my next opportunity.”

Patrick paused for a moment before saying something that’s stuck with me ever since.  

“That’s true. But as a friend, I’d also say it’s my responsibility to help you with that. After all, that’s what friends are supposed to do, right?”

I don’t know why that landed so deeply, but it did.

Maybe because it reminded me that we rarely accomplish meaningful things entirely on our own. It also reminded me that one of the greatest gifts in life is having friends who expect a great deal from themselves and willingly give even more to others.

Thank you, Patrick.

If you have a moment, I’d encourage you to learn more about Owners in Honor. And if someone comes to mind who could help Patrick and his mission, please let me know. I’d be glad to make the introduction.

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What I’m Reading

I just finished Arthur Brooks’ newest book, The Meaning of Your Life.

It couldn’t have come at a better time.

Career transitions have a way of pushing us to ask bigger questions than, “What’s my next job?” They invite us to ask, “What kind of life am I building?”

It’s a thoughtful book about purpose, identity, love, suffering, happiness, and yes, the meaning of one’s life.

Now, the title and description might lead you to believe I’ve taken up burning sage, charging crystals under a full moon, and consulting Juju beads.

I’m pleased to report that none of those things happened.

Instead, I found a thoughtful blend of practical, evidence-based science, life experiences of the author, and the wisdom of great philosophers and the world’s major faith traditions.

While I’m no Oprah, this one’s worth your time.

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Until next time…

Be kind.

And return your shopping cart.