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I started my journey of blogging in 2003 — mostly to capture what I called “transitioning life’s journey”.
In 2023 I took a 3 year break from blogging, but have decided to return to it. I hope you enjoy.
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Rhett Smith 133: Goal Setting, Habits and the “Long Obedience in the Same Direction”
At the beginning of each new year we tend to think about turning the page on the current year, setting some goals, and moving with energy and momentum towards the new year that awaits us. Though there is no magic with the turning of the calendar year, it does offer us a chance to think […]
Marc Payan on Leadership, Facing Challenge and the Lessons That Endurance Teaches Us
It’s hard to know where to begin when describing my friend Marc Payan. Just Google his name and see what comes up. Marc is a leader everywhere he goes, and like few people I have seen before, he inspires and encourages those around him to life a transformed life. That’s the best way I can […]
Rhett Smith 132: Marc Payan on Leadership, Embracing Challenge and the Lessons Endurance Teaches Us
It’s hard to know where to begin when describing my friend Marc Payan. Just Google his name and see what comes up. Marc is a leader everywhere he goes, and like few people I have seen before, he inspires and encourages those around him to life a transformed life. That’s the best way I can […]
Importance of Play and Rest at Home and in Organizations
In this with The SouthCity Group CEO Todd Sandel, we discuss the importance of play and rest within the home and in organizations. If families and leaders continue to press for more and more productivity, without pausing to play and rest — the result most likely will lead to burnout and host of other problems.
Addressing Leadership Drift During Times of Uncertainty
This is a difficult time for many leaders as they are trying to navigate this uncertain time — not only for themselves and their families — but for their organizations as well. In this video, Todd Sandel (The SouthCity Group) and I discuss how leaders can get off course during this time by focusing on […]
Rhett Smith 130: Importance of Play and Rest at Home and in Organizations
Todd Sandel (CEO and Founder of The SouthCity Group) and I discuss the importance of play and rest at home and in organizations. One of the most important things leaders can do is model from top down the importance of play and rest to their teams. Link to Episode 130
Rhett Smith 129: Addressing Leadership Drift During Times of Uncertainty
Todd Sandel (CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group) and I continue our conversation around leadership during this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19. In this episode we address leadership drift due to overworking and trying to prove ourselves worthy of adding value. Link to Episode 129
Rhett Smith 128: Habits, Routines and Tuning In to One Another
In my ongoing conversations with Todd Sandel (CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group), we discuss the difference between personal wellness and productivity. One leads to burnout, while the other can lead to a thriving home and organization. Link to Episode 128
Rhett Smith 127: Productivity, Personal Wellness and Burnout
Todd Sandel (CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group) and I continue our conversation about leadership during this time of uncertainty. In today’s episode we focus on the habits and routines that help leaders and their organizations thrive during this time. As well as talking about what that looks like in the home. Specifically the […]
Rhett Smith 126: “Trimming the Sails”
In this interview I chat with CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group Todd Sandel about how leaders can navigate this time of uncertainty. We discuss the metaphor of trimming the sails and how leaders and their teams can identify and prioritize what is most important during this time. This is critical in organizations and […]
Productivity, Personal Wellness and Burnout
Todd Sandel, the CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group, and I, discuss the difference between productivity and personal wellness. One can lead to burnout, and the other to a thriving organization and relationships. Knowing the difference between the two during this time of COVID-19 is detrimental to leaders of families and organizations.
Habits, Routines and Tuning In to One Another
In this continued series, Todd Sandel, the CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group and I, discuss the needed habits and routines that families and organizations need to thrive during this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19. We also discuss the importance of daily tuning into one another to navigate the day.
“Trimming the Sails”
In this interview, Todd Sandel, the CEO and founder of The SouthCity Group, and I discuss the importance of identifying what is most important for yourself, your relationships, and organizations — during this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19.
Ideas for Leaders in Times of Uncertainty and Stress
Leaders are under a lot of stress these days during the uncertainty of COVID-19. Stress in their own lives. Stress in trying to navigate how to manage and effectively lead those that are around them. Here are a few ideas that I think are helpful for leaders during times such as these (and ongoing). Link […]
Rhett Smith 125: Deeper Dive Into the Movement of Orientation, Disorientation, New Orientation
Yesterday I posted a short video on the movement from orientation to disorientation to new orientation. I first learned it by this name and paradigm by reading Walter Brueggemann’s work, The Message of the Psalms. The movement itself is as old as humanity, and it is a movement that we all go through in our […]
Experimenting with a Rhythm of Work, Play and Rest Each Day — COVID-19
With everyone at home most of the day during quarantine and shelter in place, it can be challenging to find a good daily rhythm. Trying to work, play and rest at the same time, or weave back and forth between them can often cause frustration. Therefore, it’s important to think about experimenting with a daily […]
Partner Communication During High Stress — COVID-19
During times of high stress, like we are facing right now with the COVID-19 quarantine, it is no surprise that conflict is high for many couples. In this video I talk about some specific things you can do to help you navigate the high stress and conflict.
An Exercise to Help Your Thoughts Become Beliefs Become Actions
A lot of people are experiencing things right now (i.e. rest, ceasing of activities, connection, etc.) in ways that they would like to continue on post-COVID-19. But unless these things are talked about, it’s unlikely one would continue them. Instead, it’s our thoughts (especially expressed) that become our beliefs and our beliefs become our actions. […]
Developing Consistent Habits in Times of Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, it is really critical to focus on key habits. It’s these habits that help us stay focused. They help us stay anchored to routine and structure, which are critical to help one navigate times of uncertainty. And right now, in the midst of COVID-19, we are facing some uncertain times. In […]
Leadership in the Age of Anxiety
It’s all quiet in my house. As it probably should. It’s 12:30am and the kids have been asleep for a few hours. Which is a challenge right now amidst COVID-19. Every day since the beginning of Spring Break has felt like a vacation to them, and it continues to feel that way, though they get […]

