As the year comes to a close, Meditations on Leadership pauses its usual rhythm for a special end-of-year Ask Me Anything episode.

In this holiday mailbag, Don responds to thoughtful listener questions about what defines a leader, what he loves most about leading, and one often-overlooked skill that matters deeply in leadership, teams, families, and organizations. Through personal reflection and lived experience, this episode explores accountability, awakening potential, and the quiet moments that shape how we show up for others.

A fitting reflection as we close one year and prepare to begin another, because the journey of leadership always begins within.

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If something in today’s episode spoke to you, I hope you’ll subscribe and continue the journey with me — because leadership begins within.