Everything I learned about being a leader by training my puppy

Everything I learned about being a leader by training my puppy 🐶 

10 years ago I gave this speech👆.

At 26 years old, with a team of 200, I wasn’t necessarily the best leader.

I went to training, read books, and asked for advice from more experienced managers.

Among the advice was to pay attention to what’s happening day-to-day life because you learn leadership lessons everyday.

Around the same time I just got my bulldog Brody and I was having a tough time training him.

Over time, we developed a relationship based not only on trust, but also accountability. 

Self-accountability. 

What I came to understand was training Brody was all about MY behavior, not his.

This fundamentally changed how I viewed my role as a people-leader.

See, leadership is about YOUR behavior — it’s about the actions you take, the empathy you display, and what you choose to acknowledge, recognize, and reward. 

People respond to leaders who are consistent, communicate clearly, and help them continuously get better. 

10 years on, the leadership lessons still hold — sharing here for emerging or struggling leaders.

Lesson 1: Set clear ground rules and performance expectations.

You only get one first impression and it’s hard to turn a ship already in motion. 

Lesson 2: Own the entire experience

Bell-to-bell and even after hours; if you don’t care, they won’t care.

Lesson 3: Performance gaps vs. performance problems

Knowing the difference makes the difference. Gaps stem from a breakdown in systems or process, while problems occur an employee is not feeling connected to the company, their work, their colleagues, or you (their leader).

Lesson 4: Adapt quickly and set the pace

People want to win, but the game is constantly changing. You have to stay agile and adjust, but if you get too far ahead of your team you will lose. Bring them along.

Lesson 5: Motivation is great, enthusiasm is better

Motivation is driven by external stimuli, while enthusiasm comes from within—think of enthusiasm as motivation + innovation + creativity and harnessing it is a huge unlock 

Lesson 6: These are building blocks of high performing teams

Update: I found the video!

Watch a younger and more handsome version of me tell the story: