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Regrets and lessons

by Francis J. Kong - May 18, 2025 - 12:00am

If life came with an “undo” button, we’d all be professional time travelers or masters of awkward apology tours. But since it doesn’t, we’re left with decisions, consequences and that...

Will I be replaced?

by Francis J. Kong - May 17, 2025 - 12:00am

An elderly man was taken to the hospital for a circulatory system examination.

Where the wedding ring should be

by Francis J. Kong - May 11, 2025 - 12:00am

Here’s an old story credited to anonymity.

The need to rebrand retirement

by Francis J. Kong - May 10, 2025 - 12:00am

There was a time when turning 50 at work meant receiving a well-rehearsed speech, a gold watch and a polite nudge out the door.

Creating first impressions

by Francis J. Kong - May 4, 2025 - 12:00am

Zig Ziglar, the legendary motivational speaker and author of books, said, “You will not get another chance to establish the first impression.” The statement has continued to resonate with me throughout...

A case for entrepreneurial leadership

by Francis J. Kong - May 3, 2025 - 12:00am

I introduced this case study to students at my leadership seminar more than a year ago to illustrate Taylor Swift’s entrepreneurial leadership approach.

Speak softly and carry a big wit

by Francis J. Kong - April 27, 2025 - 12:00am

An elderly man was on the operation table awaiting a very life-threatening complicated surgery for him, and he insisted that his son-in-law, a renowned surgeon, operate.

A new kind of excellence

by Francis J. Kong - April 26, 2025 - 12:00am

An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel, and came upon a casket containing a mummy, a relatively rare occurrence in Israel, to say the least. After examining it, he called Abe, the curator of the...

The true meaning of Resurrection Sunday

by Francis J. Kong - April 20, 2025 - 12:00am

Do you know that every year thousands of people climb a mountain in the Italian Alps, passing the “stations of the cross” to stand at an outdoor crucifix? One tourist noticed a little trail that led beyond...

Do not be late

by Francis J. Kong - April 13, 2025 - 12:00am

There is just something about time and tardiness, as you will see in the following stories:

AI and marketing

by Francis J. Kong - April 12, 2025 - 12:00am

AI here, AI there, AI everywhere. AI is everywhere—but the real challenges in marketing aren’t about AI.

How to scale leadership development

by Francis J. Kong - April 6, 2025 - 12:00am

A suicide bomber was training his recruits: “Now, listen up, I’ll only do this once.” And that was the end of the story.

Are you assertive or aggressive?

by Francis J. Kong - April 5, 2025 - 12:00am

One morning, a customer approached the counter and said, “Good morning!” I’d love a cappuccino with oat milk, extra hot, please. I appreciate it – thank you!”

Success is not what it seems

by Francis J. Kong - March 30, 2025 - 12:00am

Success.

Covert manipulative leaders

by Francis J. Kong - March 29, 2025 - 12:00am

Leaders are called to inspire, encourage and influence their people. Many in my Level Up Leadership seminars get it.

Feedback is key to learning and improvement

by Francis J. Kong - March 23, 2025 - 12:00am

Some books may have been written years ago, but as I browsed through them, I found that they still make much sense today.

Permission to leave early

by Francis J. Kong - March 22, 2025 - 12:00am

A new employee quickly realized their boss was a control freak – nothing went out without approval.

Some thoughts on public speaking

by Francis J. Kong - March 16, 2025 - 12:00am

“Something feels off about this guy,” I thought as I listened to the speaker/trainer.

We are the world, and the impostor syndrome

by Francis J. Kong - March 15, 2025 - 12:00am

I can’t help but watch the making of the timeless song “We Are the World” again and again.

Those TikTok gurus and career advice

by Francis J. Kong - March 9, 2025 - 12:00am

I can’t help but cringe whenever I see so-called “TikTok gurus” offering career advice that’s nothing more than recycled content from foreign videos – misguided, impractical, and sometimes...

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