19/03/2026
I've had a lot of people influence how I think about business.
But one lesson stands out above the rest came a really odd source.
It came from my high school football coach, Coach Monroe.
He used to say two things that stuck with me:
"People don't care what you know until they know that you care."
And:
"People won't remember what you said or what you taught them. But they will remember how you made them feel."
That second one changed everything for me.
It's shaped how I treat team members, clients, and everyone I work with.
Because in 10 years any conversation we have. They won't remember the exact words I said or the specific advice I gave.
But they will remember how I made them feel.
Did they feel valued? Understood? Respected?
That's what sticks.
I'm not perfect at this. And I've had my fair share of conversations I wish I could redo .
But I try to think through it often: .How do I want people to feel after working with me?
It's helped me hire great teammates. It's helped me work with amazing clients. And it's built lasting relationships.
Even when clients leave, they still refer business. When teammates move on, some come back and ask to work together again.
Not because of what I taught them. But because they enjoyed the experience.
I've worked in places where I felt undervalued. Where I felt bad just being there.
And honestly? That's the only thing I remember from those experiences. Not the work. Not the projects. Just the feeling.
So I try not to create that for other people.
Make people feel respected. Show them they're valued. Be intentional about what you're building together.
That's what lasts.
