When I think about this quote, I think about how leaders show up—especially in interview rooms. Are you positioning yourself as a commander, someone ready to think, lead, and operate at the enterprise level? Or are you showing up as a soldier, a strong executor, tactical, loyal, and safe?

When the job market shrinks, every leader competing for the same role brings results. But the ones who position themselves as critical to an organization’s future strategy create an undeniable distinction—and emerge as the winning candidate.

As the fall season begins, it reminds me to reflect back on the year.  How have I changed?  How have I grown?  Have I been purposeful in my direction?  Destiny is one of those words that stirs both wonder and skepticism. Some believe destiny is etched in stone, predetermined, an unchangeable script that life forces us to follow. Others see destiny as the intersection of preparation and opportunity—a dynamic path shaped by the decisions we make every day.