Never underestimate the power of storytelling. It's a skill, and it can make an impact. Just ask my daughter and a puppy named Beau.
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Are we in the moment and do we take inventory of all our blessings and what we have surrounding us? Roy T. Bennett once wrote, “Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more?” We have much to be grateful for, if only we stop and be mindful of it. The story of the farmer and real estate transaction makes the point perfectly.
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Ambition. Enthusiasm. Humility. These qualities will take you places. Oh, and becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. Mary Ann Fox is exhibit-A. The Iowa State University Cyclone majoring in ag engineering is serving as an Iowa FFA officer and Iowa State Fair queen… simultaneously.
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Leaders are inquisitive… lifelong learners who always relish knowing the “why.” Fortunately, there’s no shortage of things to know and learn, including traditions and celebrations observed over the holidays. Here are a few things you just might not know about Christmas!
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After a nearly 50-year career behind the mic, Van goes off mic to share the origins of the 2:45 a.m. prayer, what’s on his to-do list, the best advice he ever received, what he misses least about co-hosting weekday broadcast beginning at 4:59 a.m. and words of advice for students starting college this fall.
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Never assume. A simple order of ice cream placed by a youngster reminds us why.
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This appears to be a simple table and lamp. It's not. It's the manifestation of a lesson learned.
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Reporting news and sports isn’t for the faint of heart these days. Vitriol abounds and exchanges of opinions and ideas can get heated… quickly. Yet WHO 13’s Keith Murphy demonstrates daily — whether on air or social media — that wading into controversial subjects can be done with civility and grace.
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This is what’s left of the hoe I used to walk beans while growing up on the farm near West Bend. It continues to inspire me 30 years after I last used it to keep the bean fields clean.
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As we address social civility and race relations and reaffirm the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, an achievement shared by long-time University of Iowa football Coach Hayden Fry remains particularly pertinent.
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A positive attitude combined with sheer grit and determination are the real deal when it comes to making the best of difficult situations (we’re thinking a pandemic qualifies). Lindsey Foss, owner of Real Deals Ankeny, is a shining example. She and her team celebrate their 2nd anniversary July 18.
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America is being tested. At a time when words can be difficult to come by, Des Moines University President and CEO Dr. Angela Walker Franklin says what’s on our hearts.
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The works of art depicted on The Freedom Rock by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen are inspiring. So, too, is their creator. If the
Freedom Rock could speak, Bubba was asked, what would it say? “That’s easy,” replies Bubba, “that
someone gave their tomorrows for your today.” (Photo by Joseph L. Murphy)
Building and sustaining teams of dedicated professionals who love and excel at what they do and attract customers for life defines every successful business. It’s not an easy to do. Yet Drew Harden, president and co-founder of
Blue Compass, makes it look that way.
I’m convinced the world would be a much better place if more families gardened. If that sounds overly simplistic and naïve, don’t take my word for it. Grab a shovel and seed and get to growing one this spring. Then, in no time flat, be prepared to harvest the bountiful benefits and blessings (not to mention great food!) it offers all year long!
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It’s Babe Ruth Day (April 27) and the date seems especially poignant this year with the absence of baseball due to ongoing concerns about Covid-19 (despite the fact that spring is here, the grass is greening and the days are growing warmer and longer!).
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I’m 1/3 news junkie, 1/3 communicator and 1/3 public relations practitioner. I’m also discerning of all news during times of great turmoil. Steel yourself against the unrelenting bad news by following four simple steps.
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Iowa Hawkeyes’ great Chuck Long isn’t one for sitting still. Last fall, the executive director of the Iowa Sports Foundation accepted an invitation from long-time friend Jonathan Hayes to serve as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks. One of eight teams to take the field Feb. 8 for the XFL’s inaugural season, St. Louis bolted to a 3-2 record while the league enjoyed a loyal fan base and solid TV viewership. But on March 12, an outbreak of covid-19 forced the league to suspend the remainder of its 10-game schedule. Ever the eternal optimist, Long says the XFL’s fan-friendly approach, quality play and willingness to try new things make for a great future for the upstart league.
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Winners have a presence. A spark. Enthusiasm you can sense from a distance. Confidence. An ability to help others channel their very best – and achieve results. Drake University women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk is all that. And more. She’s built a culture of excellence in leading the program to the top of the Missouri Valley Conference and among the nation’s best. And she’s done it be stressing the importance of culture, ownership, passion and perspective.
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