Three years ago, in a prescient moment, my sister snapped a picture of me sitting in front of a simple but powerful quote: Don’t forget to play. It was the perfect backdrop for a decision that would change my life – saying goodbye to opportunities with the biggest paychecks of my career to pursue a fuller, more meaningful life.Play

At the time, I promised myself two things: I’d pour my heart into my entrepreneurial adventure, and I’d have fun doing it. Quickly, I discovered that my version of success wasn’t just about hitting goals – it was about striking a balance. Success became about creating memories, finding purpose in my work, and making a positive impact on my community.

As I embraced this shift, the word play began to mean so much more. It symbolized creativity, freedom, laughter, and flexibility—all the things that make life and work fulfilling.

But life, as it often does, reminded me that it’s not all play. Over the past 13 months, I experienced losses: my mother-in-law, a beloved nephew, and two cherished pets. Even while carrying on with smiles and gratitude for the love we shared, the ache of these losses was heavy. I learned that play also needs rest, reflection, and time to heal.

The Power of Choice

This journey has taught me that we always have a choice. In psychology, a sense of agency – the feeling that we are in control of our actions and their consequences – is central to living a fulfilling life. Whether in our personal lives or our careers, we hold the power to decide when to press play, pause, rewind, or even record.

For professionals, this agency can redefine success. Imagine approaching leadership not as a grind but as a joyful opportunity to empower others. Picture a workplace where creativity and collaboration thrive because people feel energized instead of drained.

In 2025, I’m pressing play again – this time by launching a newsletter to share what I’ve learned about leadership, fulfillment, and balance. These short pieces are meant for busy professionals who want to lead with purpose while creating space for joy.

Leadership with Joy

Having spent fulfilling years as both a restaurateur and a corporate executive, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t have to drain your soul. Work can be filled with meaning, creativity, and even laughter – if we choose to make it so.

That’s why I’m dedicated to coaching leaders who want to build workplaces that are more engaged and vibrant. By helping leaders find fulfillment, I hope to create ripple effects that improve not only their lives but also the lives of those they lead.

Remember, you always have a choice.

• Don’t forget to press play.
• Don’t forget to pause when you need to recharge.
• Don’t forget to rewind to reflect on lessons learned.
• Don’t forget to record the memories that matter.
• And most importantly, don’t forget to live.

* The views and opinions expressed in this content are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization I am affiliated with.