Leadership Happens Behind the Scenes

I've spent my career helping people look and sound their best onstage. It's what we do, and I love every minute of it.

But every so often, the conversations backstage remind me why I love what I do beyond the production itself.

This week, I had the opportunity to spend time with a remarkably successful business leader. Throughout rehearsals and the event, we exchanged ideas, talked through changes, and collaborated to deliver an exceptional experience.

What struck me wasn't his success or the size of his company. It was his humility, his respect for the people around him, and the genuine pride he took in his team.

At one point, I complimented him on his company culture. His people were kind, respectful, collaborative, and an absolute pleasure to work with.

We began talking about something we both believe deeply.

Take care of your people, and they will take care of your business and clients.

He reflected on the days when his company had fewer than 50 employees, when he knew everyone's names, their families, and their children. As the company grew, he missed that closeness.

I understood exactly what he meant.

As entrepreneurs, we work hard to grow our businesses. But growth should never come at the expense of remembering the people who helped us get there.

He shared a story about taking care of the employees who had been with him from the beginning to when the company reached a significant milestone.

I practically lit up.

Because that has been one of my goals since the day I founded The AV Firm.

I want the people who believed in me, who took a chance when the future was uncertain, and who helped turn a vision into a company to share in what we build together.

They aren't simply employees.

They are part of the reason the dream became a reality.

And this week, I was reminded just how fortunate I am to have those people in my corner.

Recently, life required me to step away from my company for several weeks. My leadership team stepped forward, cared for our clients, supported one another, and kept everything moving.

They didn't do it because someone was watching.

They did it because that's who they are.

And that's the culture we've worked so hard to build.

I've always believed leadership is about taking care of those in your care. It's about creating an environment where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to do exceptional work.

It's also about remembering that none of us, regardless of our title, bank account, or accomplishments, gets where we're going alone.

Even the most accomplished leaders step backstage and place their trust in someone else to help them succeed.

That's a responsibility I never take lightly.

As our conversation came to an end, we talked about the possibilities for an even bigger and better event next year. I couldn't help but smile, knowing the team that had worked so hard to deliver this experience had earned that confidence and trust.

And when I shared that enthusiasm with the people who had poured their hearts into the production, their excitement said everything.

That's what success looks like to me.

Not just a flawless show, a growing company, or another milestone.

It's watching the people around you succeed, knowing you helped create the environment that made it possible.

Lead with grace. Treat people with dignity. Remember who helped you get there.

And never forget to take care of those in your care.

AV = Added Value®