What I'm Up To At The Moment
Dateline: Dallas/ Ft. Worth & Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, January 2026
First, Who I Am & What I Do
Professional executive, leadership, and business coaching - I began doing this work voluntarily in 1997 while working full-time. Mostly, friends or acquaintances would contact me to help with specific situations. From marketing to commission structures for sales teams to succession planning, the work was primarily consulting for free. About 15 years ago, I transitioned into full-time executive and leadership coaching. Today, I'm mainly focused on coaching individuals in city government leadership.
Currently, I'm concentrating on both group coaching and private 1-on-1 coaching. You can learn more by visiting my work website (and podcast), GrowGreat.com. I currently facilitate three cohorts of executives employed by various Texas cities or people who serve city governments. Additionally, I serve various municipalities in Texas.
Here's What I'm Working On Now
One of my podcasts likely brought you here - GrowGreat.com, LeaningTowardWisdom.com, or HotSpringsVillageInsideOut.com.
My podcast topics of passion include leadership, personal development/improvement, and wisdom. And, of course, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas - my favorite place.
I'm attempting to elevate my video skills for the Hot Springs Village Inside Out show. With 26,000 acres of awesomeness, Hot Springs Village has boundless beauty to capture (and share) on video. I also want to grow our YouTube channel for that show: https://www.youtube.com/@hotspringsvillageinsideout
Refining The Yellow Studio 4.0
The Yellow Studio continues to evolve. Mostly, the changes are the result of my desire to improve my workflow. Function over form, but I'd like the form to remain inspirational. The Yellow Studio has always been a place where I could engage my muse. Mostly, that meant a lot of books. And cartoons. Plus a few other works of art (go check out the link to Inside The Yellow Studio).
In recent years, monitors have plagued me. I've tried various monitors and mounts. Years ago, I opted for a dual monitor setup up but it's always frustrated me. I like having my email, calendar, and Messages open on one monitor while using the other for my main work. But shifting my head back and forth isn't much fun.
This month I'm adding a 32" 6K monitor and ditching the monitor arms attached to my desk. I'm going to use the stand that comes with the monitor. I'm craving a cleaner, simpler look. I plan to ditch the 27" monitor and I may keep the 29" widescreen (the one I use for my email, Calendar and Messages). I'm going to see if I want to keep that or not. I think I'll know right away.
I also plan to really step up my cable management game. I have a crank-up (manual) stand-up desk. One power cable will power everything, giving me the chance to have a much cleaner look (at long last).
I invested in the new 13" M4 iPad Pro for both travel and for whiteboard use during Zoom calls. Also for various video recordings. More desk real estate will allow me to use it daily in my workflow. It can also provide an additional screen, if I want (which is why I don't think I'll keep using the 29" widescreen).
Hi-Fi Stereo: Returning To Roots (and one of my first true passions)
My love of hi-fi gear goes back to junior high. First came a love of music, specifically, records. I'm not sure what sparked my fascination with great stereo systems, but if you've never heard a hi-fi system that made your mouth drop open because it was so realistic, then you haven't experienced great hi-fi. I've heard some spectacular systems through the years, but nothing has quite captivated me like some speakers made by a long-distance buddy in South Carolina, The Horns.
About 20 years ago, I bought a pair and invested way too much money because the hi-fi bug had bitten me hard. The speakers were among the least expensive components in the system (less than $ 1,000). I added multiple amps to drive them, each providing a slightly different sound. A modified, tube-output stage, SACD player provided extraordinary vinyl-like sound. It was jaw-droppingly good.
Then, because I didn't have a suitable room to set it up, I sold it all.
Until the lifelong bug returned, prompting me to crave another set of The Horns. Sadly, the architect of The Horns, whose father had made the cabinets, had ceased production due to his father's passing. Armed with some details provided by the architect, I managed to have another buddy (this time one more local) build me a pair. I just received them a few days ago while riding in the cab of an old pickup truck. That's them pictured to the right.
They haven't seen any power yet because I'm still assembling the electronics to drive them. However, I expect to have some much-needed high-end equipment back in my life by Spring. I'm sure I'll update you with more details as time moves along (for those who may be interested). My teenage love affair with stereo gear never left me. Hours spent in listening rooms playing records for shoppers trying to decide whether or what to purchase were some of the most fun a kid (or old man) could have. I'm grateful I worked in hi-fi sales for several years!
I now have three systems: one in the den, one in the bedroom, and this main one, which I'm still assembling. I'm a hi-fi junkie once again.
When I Die
Death is important. But first, there's life.
About 15 years ago, I created a shared Dropbox folder with my wife called "When I Die." I have a working document in that folder outlining what I want to happen when I die. The details aren't important here, but are important for my wife and family. While I'm alive, they matter to me, but I realize that when the realities of that document come to pass, I won't know or care. I'll be somewhere else, far away.
The death of my mother in early April 2024 prompted an update to the document. Every death that impacts me seems to prompt more edits to the document.
Death is too important to ignore. Specifically, our death is important. I know my death will be a reflection of my life, though, so my daily choices matter. How I treat others, behave myself (or fail to), influence others, and serve others - these are the things that matter. How I glorify God will matter because He's who I'll face when this life is over. So, admittedly, I think about my death. It'd be foolish not to.
Check out some of my sermons at In Thy Paths. Better yet, check out some sermons by a much more talented preacher, Kevin Presley (a gospel preacher currently based in LaGrange, GA), at Let The Bible Speak TV. However, first, permit me to introduce you to a lifelong mentor who passed away on February 20, 2019. He was a gospel preacher whom I had known all my life. He served me during some of my most challenging and rewarding moments. His name was Barney Owens. He preached this sermon on April 4, 2010: "And he died."
That about sums it up. What about you? What are you up to? I'd like to know. Contact me here.
