I was recently in a conversation about the future of higher education when I asked a blunt question to an employee in the space:
“What does your university need to do to make sure it doesn’t become a gravestone in a graveyard?”
The answer came immediately. “We need the right leader as our next President.”
She went on to explain why. “The rising cost of professors, AI coming at us like a freight train, and pressure from parents to have incredible facilities. If that’s not enough, complacency that needs to be challenged, hard decisions that have to be made, all surrounded by a vision people can rally around.”
She was right. The right leader was required and could help change everything.
And at the same time, I couldn’t help but think about the weight of that expectation. How much pressure do we place on one person when we say that out loud?
However, the best leaders don’t shy away from that responsibility. They just understand it differently.
One leader can change everything, but one leader can’t do everything.
You have probably felt the weight of leadership. You have stared career-altering decisions in the face. You have taken over a role where the team is beat down and disengaged.
If so, know you are the key, but not the key to unlock every door.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
Founder of LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
P.S. A genuine thank you to everyone who purchased The Optimistic Outlook Book and tagged me or texted me when it arrived. It means more to me than you know. We have copies available if you’re interested in a team purchase.
This Week’s Poll Question
Anyone who answers this poll is entered to win a free copy of the Optimistic Outlook!
Which leadership challenge feels heaviest right now?
Last week’s results: How strongly does a leader’s charisma affect whether you buy into their vision? (14,475 subscribers)
Very strongly (48%)
Somewhat (26%)
A little (18%)
Not much (8%)
The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 1300+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.
Your Growth and Goals Exercise for 2026 (Podcast)
Most people rush into goal-setting without slowing down long enough to recognize the life they've already lived. In this episode, John walks through the updated 2026 Growth and Goals exercise, a reflective framework he uses with coaching clients and leadership teams to help them honor their growth and set intentional direction for the year ahead. Through a personal story and a guided, question-by-question walkthrough, this episode invites you to slow down, look honestly at how far you've come, and then define goals that actually matter.
Listen straight through, pause and jot down your answers as you go, or download the exercise and work through it on your own.
Take More Initiative (Video)
When people have to tell you what to do and how to do it, you aren't living up to your end of the bargain.
The best teams and organizations are filled with team members at every level of take initiative. Who see a problem, have a passion, and take initiative.
Which begs the question: how could your career change, and how could your organization change, if every person took more initiative to solve problems rather than complain about them?
Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:
Proven Programs to Help Employees Develop Leadership Skills: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
One-on-One Executive Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
The Engaged and Inspired Audience: John is now booking 2026. John’s two new keynotes, “The Teamwork Advantage” and “Your Next Level of Leadership,” have been a hit for organizations. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here.
