For decades, culture did not matter. Or rather, we behaved as if it did not matter. I stupidly did, especially in the early days of Contegix. Culture was the invisible hand shaping organizations while leadership focused on strategy, revenue, and operations. We wrote mission statements and framed core values on lobby walls, then wondered whyContinue reading “What Culture Taught Us About AI Governance”
Author Archives: Matthew E. Porter
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: The Priority Dilemma
It is January 13th. Four days ago was Quitter’s Day. You may not have heard of it by name, but you have felt it. Strava, the fitness tracking company, coined the term in 2019 after analyzing millions of users and discovering a pattern: by the second Friday of January, 80% of people who made NewContinue reading “Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: The Priority Dilemma”
Living Longer, Living Uncertain: The Mental Health Paradox of Modern Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
This blog post has probably been the most difficult to draft. It runs the risk of being misinterpreted as a personal cry for help. (It is not, and I love you for caring.) It risks sounding judgmental. (It is not, and I am here to help whether we are now friends or soon to beContinue reading “Living Longer, Living Uncertain: The Mental Health Paradox of Modern Multiple Sclerosis Treatment”
Eleven Years: What MS Has Taught Me About Time, Probability, and Purpose
Eleven years with MS has taught me that life is rarely good or bad in itself. It is uncertain, often answered only with “maybe.” Within that uncertainty, I have found clarity: to guard my time, honor my priorities, and live our family mission of Mostest.
Measuring Relationships: Walk, Bike, Car, or Plane?
The author reflects on the value of mentorship and understanding relationships through a transportation analogy. Relationships can be categorized by the willingness to help, from walking to flying, revealing emotional investment and priorities. This framework aids in navigating connections, fostering intentionality in nurturing those that truly matter.
The Real Source of Confidence: Why Power Over Yourself Comes First
Confidence is a topic I never envisioned writing about, considering my previous struggle with it. My insights are personal reflections rather than expert advice, emerging from my journey. For years, I masked my insecurities with quick wit, leaving a party early, or, regrettably, by going on the offensive. However, in the past few years, aContinue reading “The Real Source of Confidence: Why Power Over Yourself Comes First”
Uncertainty Is Not the Enemy
Research shows that people often underestimate their resilience and overestimate the impact of uncertainty on well-being. While fear of the unknown, such as with multiple sclerosis, is common, uncertainty is a constant in life. Embracing this reality allows for better decision-making and adaptability, fostering resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability.
The Silent Resignation of A-Players
A-Players are self-motivated individuals who consistently drive results and seek growth. When paired with C-Players, they may initially perform well but eventually downshift due to the lack of accountability from leadership. This leads to self-doubt, resentment, and the likelihood of leaving. Leaders must address performance issues to retain top talent.
Conflict Avoidance? Nope, It Is Actually Ignorance & It Damages Relationships
In the past few weeks, the topic of avoiding conflict has come up more than once with people I coach or advise. Different people. Different contexts. Same theme. I am taking this as a sign to write about it—for myself, for those I work with, and especially for my kids one day. This is oneContinue reading “Conflict Avoidance? Nope, It Is Actually Ignorance & It Damages Relationships”
How A Lawsuit Forced Me To Be A Better Leader (and Less of a Dick-tator)
A lawsuit in 2012 prompted a shift from micromanagement to empowerment, highlighting the importance of trusting team members and focusing on strategic vision. This painful experience led to personal growth, improved leadership, and stronger organizational dynamics, ultimately fostering innovation and autonomy.