James Forten's life is a shining example of courage and commitment, a reminder that each of us can be the unsung heroes of our time. Born free in Philadelphia in 1766, he stood up for justice even when the odds were stacked against him. As a young teen, he fought in the Revolutionary War and never gave in, even when captured by the British. He endured harsh conditions on a notorious prison ship but never lost hope. After the war, he became a successful sailmaker and a passionate opponent of slavery, using his resources to support the anti-slavery movement. He founded newspapers, organized protests, and provided a haven for Black sailors. James Forten's life shows us that ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. So, let his story inspire you to be the unsung hero of our day, to stand up for what's right, and make a difference in the world.
Do you want to learn more about what you can do to...
I encourage YOU to employ what I call "Harmonic Leadership," which is a really evocative name. Let's explore the core philosophy behind that title and what it means to lead harmonically?
This is a concept I chose very intentionally. For too long, we’ve associated leadership with a single, loud voice—a soloist. But the most successful, innovative, and resilient teams don't operate like a solo act; they operate like a symphony or a great jazz ensemble.
Harmonic Leadership is built on a simple but profound idea: a leader's primary role is not to be the best player, but to create an environment where every musician (person) can play their best, together. It’s not about everyone hitting the same note—that's unison, not harmony. Harmony is when different, diverse notes combine to create a sound that's richer and more beautiful than any single note (person) could be on its own.
So, to lead harmonically means you are focused on tuning the team. You’re listening to the dynamics, blending ...
