This past week, I had the privilege of spending several days in Detroit for the Fireproof Performance Summit and the first-ever Fireproof Public Conference. It was a jam-packed week—one filled with new ideas, great conversations, and memorable experiences that will stay with me for years to come.
But as much as it was about learning and growing professionally, it was also about stepping back, reflecting, and reminding myself of the principles that matter most. In this post, I want to share some of the biggest lessons I walked away with—along with practical ways you can take those lessons and put them into action.
Always Be a Learner
No matter how far you’ve come, there’s always something new to learn. That was one of the strongest reminders I received in Detroit.
As leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, it’s tempting to fall into the trap of thinking we’ve “arrived.” We achieve a certain level of success, build a business that grows, or find a rhythm in our careers—and suddenly, the hunger to learn can start to fade.
But the truth is, growth is not a destination—it’s a process. Every stage of your journey requires new skills, new insights, and new ways of thinking. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing.
Action Item:
- Ask yourself: Where in my life or business do I feel “comfortable” right now? That’s often the area where you need to lean back into learning.
- Pick one book, podcast, or conference to engage with this month that stretches you in that area.
The Power of Execution
Conferences are amazing for generating ideas. My notebook from Detroit is filled with takeaways I can’t wait to dive into. But here’s the hard truth: ideas are easy—execution is what matters.
Too often, people come home from events like this and try to overhaul everything at once. They get overwhelmed, nothing sticks, and within a month it’s back to business as usual.
The key is to start small. Pick one or two ideas that resonate most, and put them into practice immediately. Once those become habits, add more. Progress is built step by step, not in a single leap.
Action Item:
- Look at your notes from the last conference, workshop, or training you attended. Circle the top two ideas that would have the biggest impact if implemented.
- Write down one small step you can take this week to bring each of those ideas to life.
Culture Drives Everything
One of the highlights of my week was sharing the stage with my good friend Bill Biggs at the Fireproof Public Conference, where we spoke about the value of culture.
Culture isn’t a buzzword—it’s the engine that drives performance. You can have the best strategies in the world, but if your culture is weak, you’ll never reach your potential. Conversely, if your culture is strong, your people will bring creativity, energy, and commitment that no strategy alone can match.
Bill and I discussed how culture is not something you set once and forget. It’s something you live, nurture, and reinforce daily. And it starts with leadership. People don’t just follow what you say—they follow what you model.
Action Item:
- Ask three people on your team to describe your firm’s culture in their own words. Compare their answers. Do they align with the culture you want to create? If not, it’s time to make intentional changes.
Relationships Are the Real ROI
As much as I learned from the sessions, what I’ll treasure most from Detroit are the relationships. Conferences create a unique space to connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas, and build bonds that extend beyond the event itself.
I met new people who will no doubt play a role in my journey ahead. I also had the chance to deepen connections with peers and mentors who have walked alongside me for years. Those conversations—the ones that happen in hallways, over coffee, or at dinner—often end up being the most impactful.
Business growth is not a solo sport. The people you surround yourself with determine the pace and direction of your growth.
Action Item:
- Identify one new relationship you made recently that you’d like to nurture. Reach out this week with a note, call, or invite to keep the momentum going.
- At the same time, reconnect with one old relationship you’ve let drift. A quick check-in can reignite valuable connections.
Morning Runs & Mindset
One of the ways I stay grounded during busy weeks like this is through my morning routine. In Detroit, I laced up my running shoes each morning and ran along the riverfront, watching the sunrise over the Detroit River.
There’s something about those early miles that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Running clears my mind, centers my focus, and reminds me that consistency is what fuels growth—whether in training or in business.
Those sunrises were symbolic for me. Each day brings a new opportunity. Each day is a chance to start again, to keep moving forward, and to build the life and business you want.
Action Item:
- Find one consistent practice that grounds you each morning—whether it’s running, journaling, meditating, or reading. Start small, but commit to it daily.
Inspiration at the Henry Ford Museum
Another unforgettable part of the week was touring and having dinner at the Henry Ford Museum. To walk through a place so deeply tied to innovation and progress was inspiring.
The museum isn’t just about cars—it’s about ideas, creativity, and the courage to reimagine what’s possible. Sitting down to dinner in that space, surrounded by friends and peers, reminded me that vision is only as powerful as the execution behind it. Ford’s legacy is a testament to that truth: big dreams become reality when paired with relentless action.
Action Item:
- Think about one area of your life or business where you’ve been “dreaming” but not yet acting. Write down the smallest first step you could take this week to move that dream closer to reality.
Key Takeaways from Detroit
When I look back at the week, here’s what stands out most:
- Always be a learner – Growth is a process, not a destination.
- Execution separates dreamers from doers – Start small, but act consistently.
- Culture drives performance – What you model is what your people will multiply.
- Relationships are the real ROI – New and old connections fuel the journey.
- Routines ground you – Morning practices set the tone for the day.
- Innovation requires courage – Vision means nothing without execution.
Moving Forward
I left Detroit with a notebook full of ideas, a heart full of gratitude, and a renewed commitment to keep growing—not just for myself, but for my team, my family, and my community.
The Fireproof Summit and Public Conference reminded me that success isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about showing up every day, learning something new, and executing consistently.
Growth doesn’t happen in the conference room. It happens in the choices we make when we get home. It happens in the conversations we have with our teams, the habits we build into our mornings, and the relationships we choose to nurture.
So as I look ahead, my challenge to you is the same one I’ve given myself: pick one or two things that matter most right now, and execute on them relentlessly. That’s how transformation happens.
