Seldi Podcast With Tony Williams

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Yesterday, I listened to a Summit Leader who shared his discovery with me. I recall years ago him saying to me, "I want to make an impact." Leaders like this inspire me because they intentionally fight the battles, trust the process, and find their identity while helping others. They are motivated to remind others of just who they are, which is a wise investment and use of talent. How marvelous it is to see someone discover their identity as a leader!They are overcomers. They are believers who win the victory over the voices in their minds that say they are not enough, and that they will never measure up. The lies we tend to believe about ourselves can hinder us from becoming great leaders. When we discover the power that comes from knowing who we are and to whom we belong, something transformational begins to happen in our thinking. Our thinking confirms the alignment of the person who speaks and declares in the heart. We become victorious warriors who are fearless.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.I recently did an internet search on the topic of "getting a promotion," and the number of articles was overwhelming. The good news is that from ancient times the process for advancement remains the same.All great leaders advanced because of a recurring theme in their lives and careers.It has been said; the proven ways are seen in outcomes of the lives of great leaders. Remember your leaders, who, by their actions, demonstrate their character and choose this approach. The way is always the same. However, only you can walk the path chosen for you alone.Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the ancient paths, which is the good way, and walk therein.Positioned for advancement starts with the attitude of the leader. They believe that stewardship of their abilities, time, talent, and opportunity matters. They diligently prepare and invest themselves in the work and opportunities they have now. They intuitively understand the law of the harvest. You reap what you sow, more tha

Greetings. Summit Leaders.As you begin this season of your journey, be bold, and set grand goals in alignment with the person and leader you envision becoming.Recognize that where you are now is your right place, right time, and the right opportunity.Your identity, how you see yourself will determine the caliber of the goals you set. See yourself through the eyes of faith and set your goals accordingly!When we examine the lives of great leaders, it becomes apparent that they could see what was not yet visible to those they serve and lead.They had vision and faith. It has been said, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."Great leaders can see in others the unique strengths, but not only see those they serve and lead for who they are but whom they will become.Therefore, they rally those they serve and lead with "Let us build. The land is still ours because" and they share the vision.Leading in faith starts in us."Nothing so conclusively prove

"What story are you writing?"Greetings, Summit Leaders.You are writing a story each day in the decisions you make, your way of engaging people, clients, and work opportunities.Our walk each day adds content for the chapters of our journey in life and career. We are also becoming content in the stories of other people's life narratives.Many great leaders continually ask themselves on a moment by moment basis. "What is my motivation as I prepare to engage this person, opportunity, or challenge?" In every encounter, the recurring theme is how we treat people. In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you.Today, I had a conversation with a new Summit Leader who shared his passion for working with children with special needs in a program called "Cast for Kids." He takes a group of kids on a fishing trip and helps them catch their first fish. "I enjoyed seeing their smiles when they caught their first fish." That chapter is entitled "Seeing T

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Many great leaders discover purpose in the process of pursuing their vision. This week we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Many focused on dedicating their time in service to others.Have you discovered your purpose?Who can imagine the impact one man with vision and purpose can make?He is like the man who discovered a treasure hidden in a field. In his excitement, he sold everything he owned to get enoughmoney to buy the field. He is a dreamer, a man of faith, initiative, and influence."I have a dream." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Be encouraged. Dream to persist and Persist to dream.Every day counts in the accomplishment of the vision, plan, and purpose for our lives.I recall spending the first twenty-five years of my career focusing exclusively on making as much money as I could.I gave little thought, nor did anyone suggest I develop a vision, plan, or seek to discover my purpose for life and career. In studying the lives of great leaders, I discovered they treasured

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Are you just starting your new career, or are you far ahead on your career journey?  We are in a life long building process. All great leaders and builders remind themselves of the value of practicing the fundamentals. "Let's do it right. This is for the ages."  ― I. M. Pei Recently, I asked a group of Summit Leaders who are beginning a new career journey to take three critical steps as they start.1. Write out a vision statement.2. List five attributes they currently possess.3. List five attributes they want to cultivate in 2020.One responded, "I had to think about this and be honest with myself."There are only two types of builders. Some build upon a foundation of stone and those who rely upon a foundation of sand. The account of two builders gives us insight regarding outcomes.

Greetings, Summit Leaders. The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. – Helen Keller.In Part 1, we talked about the impact a person can have when they have a vision. Vision empowers us to make wise use of our time, gifts, abilities, and opportunities before us. I shared with you the story of Matthew, the 5th-grade boy who created a vision of becoming an Olympic swimmer through a photo and word of encouragement. He is now in the 9th grade and is an accomplished swimmer in winning swim meets at the local, regional, and competing at the state level. He is focused, dedicated, and disciplined.Recently, I received cards from two Summit Leaders sharing their success and recent promotion to a position of more significant influence and responsibility. They started their career journey almost four years ago and continue to flourish. They have a vision. I recall receiving this note...

Greetings, Summit Leaders. "Without vision, people perish. Without vision, people lack discipline. Without vision, people throw off restraint."From ancient times great leaders have emerged to accomplish what seemed to be impossible and impact the world. The common theme in the lives of each of them is that they possessed a vision for their lives.Vision is essential as we move forward with great and perfect faith into a new decade. We have not traveled this path before, so we must be thoughtful and intentional in the actions we take. Great leaders take time to reflect on their journey, investigate principles for life, and assess the outcomes of their application. One of the advantages of walking the life and career journey for four decades is you get a chance to try approaches, test principles, and observe the lives of great leaders and the outcomes of their leadership. We can emulate their examples and see similar results.Many leaders know the importance of vision intuitively. The great leaders wor

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Are you a member of a unified team? How does unity come about?Unity in our work and partnerships with our clients thrive by creating an environment where we can achieve far more excellent results than working alone. "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to..." is a quote that speaks to the power of one mind, one voice and one vision.  It is a beautiful sight to see the brothers and sisters dwelling together in unity! There is no greater joy than to experience the satisfaction of living in harmony, strength, power through accord with loved ones, colleagues, clients, and people we meet on our journey in life and career.Unity is a powerful weapon in conquering new territory and winning the battles of life and the workplace. It starts first in our hearts as leaders when we believe.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Finishing well requires us to do our part. Be a unifying force that transforms and changes things.Here are three suggestions that are tested and proven during the drive to finish strong in crossing the finish line at the end of a year.1. Keep your faith. The focus of faith frees us from fear.2. Take the next step or action. Leading by faith and not by sight.3. Believe that you are here for such a time as this. Expect, anticipate, and prepare for your victory.One of the best pieces of advice I received on my four-decades plus journey in IBM is that if you plant yourself in one place and let your roots grow deep, there is no limit to what God can do.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.What are you most thankful for this day? I am grateful to be here with you on our journey to victory!Practicing gratitude is powerful. It renews and transforms us in our attitude and thinking. Great leaders, throughout history, make this a habit.Recalling and reflecting with gratitude is the winning strategy as we prepare for the best that is yet to come.I practice gratitude when I recall Staley, my IBM colleague, and friend who introduced me to the "Joshua Strategy" on August 27, 2003.While he listened to my challenges, such as established competition and few opportunities that I could see in my only client account,Staley responded with, "You need a kick-butt strategy like Joshua."Staley earned many 100% Clubs and multiple "Golden Circle Awards. The Golden Circle is one of the highest sales awards in our company.Staley's clients loved him. I admire to this day the favor he enjoyed with clients. I listened and applied the advice.Joshua was one of the gre

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Great leaders experience and enjoy the rewards of applying the "3 P's"; patience, perseverance, and practice during their life and career journey.Now is the time to use this principle.How can we experience the benefits?Through the diligent application of the principle, we reap the rewards.Patience:The leadership message is that we do not want to become lazy, but imitate those great leaders before us who through faith and patience, inherited the promised rewards.Leadership requires faith. Great leaders walk by faith and not by sight. Perseverance:Dynamic faith requires that we keep moving forward and not turn back.We not only believe but continue acting on what we believe.The enemy will attempt to defeat us in our thinking by telling us it looks impossible, or the challenge is too high.By shifting our focus to our goals, vision, and purpose, we gain new strength.We encourage each other.Let's not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Change is coming! How can we respond in victory?We are in "Chapter 2" of our conquest. My prayer and belief are that "The latter glory of IBM will be greater than the former glory."Change is underway. Here is a principle to consider as you prepare to take full advantage of this new opportunity.As we grow in our capacity as leaders, we understand that change is always occurring in our lives and careers.The key to victory during change is unwavering faith, commitment, and trust. I love to study the biographies of great leaders.I am in search of leadership principles as I observe their responses to life and career challenges. I then apply these principles and assess, reflect onthe outcomes in my life, and document the events.I began in 1998 journaling and documenting the results. One great leader that I admire deeply is Abraham. His biography is in the book of Genesis.At the peak of his life and successful career, he was called to be part of something new."...le

Greetings, Summit Leaders.When I first joined IBM, I recall being filled with excitement by the fact that I was now a member of one of the best companies on the planet. Can you imagine a country boy like me who had never traveled outside of my home town more than a dozen times, including my first trip to college? Now, I find myself here with an opportunity to examine my journey and the journeys of great leaders. I am fascinated by the biographies of great leaders. I look for principles, insights that help shape my perspective and gain understanding regarding the impact and purpose of my life.One of my most significant discoveries revealed is that you and I are called to lead. We are destined to make an impact through how we live and what we not only believe but also what we practice in our daily lives as leaders.Great leaders manifest three essential qualities to accomplishing "good-success." They are disciplined, have a burning desire, and fully dedicated to moving ahead on their life and career jo

Greetings, Summit Leaders.You have a personal pathway to becoming and achieving all you were created to accomplish. Great leaders recognize this and are intentional in acquiring wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.Wisdom serves as a trustworthy guide in the many decisions we face on our journey. Understanding helps us to make the right choices. A new group of Summit Leaders named their cohort "Sixth Sense." Wisdom is similar to a spiritual sixth sense, which enables us to assess circumstances, understand people, and make the right decisions in life.It is considered to be one of the most critical qualities one can possess.A wise leader once said, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."In the first part of my career, say the first twenty-five years, I focused on knowledge with the belief that the more I knew, the more successful I could become. I dedicated myself to this but lacked wisdom and insight to make critical decisions.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.I am encouraged and grateful to be associated with leaders that exhibit endurance. Leaders who influence us possess endurance. Do not grow weary in doing good. You will receive a reward if you do not give up.Endurance requires that we lay aside anything that hinders us on our journey.Today, I listened to three Summit Leaders sharing experiences requiring perseverance.Two are runners and one a rock climber. The three words that unified their experiences were commitment, perseverance, and desire.Commitment produces dedication. Then we become single-minded and determined to move forward in spite of challenges.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.October is an excellent time of year to prepare for even greater things ahead for you on your journey.Also, the changes in nature, announce the coming of something new. Can you sense something big is underway in your life right now? Expecting, anticipating, and preparing for your "breakthrough" is exciting!The priority of a leader during this time is the development and shaping of her character while they wait.They use the time of waiting as an opportunity to assess their progress and where they are focusing their thinking.Leaders continually remind themselves of the purpose, vision, and destiny for their lives.They put doing what is right above their desires and plans.They seek to wholeheartedly serve where they are until the right time comes for the open door of blessing.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Be encouraged. You are moving toward a great destiny. Pause and think about this.In the last two episodes, we focused on the first and second passages on our journey to becoming a member of "A Tradition of Winners!." Each milestone, when completed, positions us to become a member of the distinct group; "A Tradition of Winners."Fervent StartFocused HeartFaithful CompletionA Fervent Start gives vision, excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism for the journey. A Focused Heart empowers us with assurance, boldness, courage, and confidence to persevere and not give up on our goals and vision when faced with challenges. Today, let's focus on the third milestone, which is a Faithful Completion. Many great leaders display these qualities as they intentionally commit themselves to their calling in life. They discover that through doing the right things, such as serving others first, their callings find them. They devote themselves to fulfilling their calling and destiny.

Greetings, Summit Leaders.Last week we identified three distinct passages on the journey to being included as a member of "A Tradition of Winners." Each milestone, when completed, positions you to become a member of the distinct group; "A Tradition of Winners."Fervent StartFocused HeartFaithful CompletionA Fervent Start gives vision, excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism for the journey. A Focused Heart empowers us with assurance, boldness, courage, and confidence to persevere and not give up on our goals and vision when faced with challenges. Our heart is the center of our character; it includes our mind, will, and emotions. Wisdom says, "guard your heart above all else because out of it will come the issues of life." Our mind determines our attitude, perspective, and success in life. As a man or woman thinks in their heart, so they are. "If you do not believe, you surely shall not last." The life of every winner passes two vital tests.The Motivation of the Heart.The

Congratulations! You are nominated to join "A Tradition of Winners!"Everyone desires to be a winner in life and career. Even at an early age, we begin focusing on winning and continue through life on a quest for winning. We are fortunate to have many great leaders who through their outstanding lives, provide examples we can follow. Since such a cloud of witnesses surrounds us, let us run with patience the race set before us by fixing our eyes on the goal."What is it that you want to be when you grow up?" is a question we hear from others who wish to stimulate our thinking about the future. Remember your leaders who spoke the truth to you about your life, consider the outcome of their ways and imitate their faith as you go.Take pains with these things, be absorbed in them, so that your progress is evident to all.In thinking about the lives of great leaders, we see three distinct passages on their journey to being included as a member of "A Tradition of Winners." Each milestone, wh