5 bites newsletter
A weekly serving of bite-sized insights across business, life, technology, and transformations – built to provoke thought
Issues
Issue 00009 - Excellence Often (actually,ALMOST Always) Creates Tension
As you know I’m reading the book by Michael Erath, the 5 obsessions of elite organizations and I’m loving it…in it he reminds us that Nick Saban once said: “Mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people.” It’s blunt, but boy is it true. Excellence has a way of exposing the gap between those willing to push and those who settle. That gap always creates tension. It’s a reminder of something we explored in our issue 00005 “Know thyself” when I referred to a book my buddy, James Hall, recommended called Beyond High Performance by Jason Jaggard.
Issue 00008 - Look Kids, Big Ben - Escaping Leadership's Roundabouts
Lately, I’ve been feeling unusually energized — not because life is easy (it’s not), but because I’ve been spending more time in my strength areas. The funny thing? This is happening despite encountering situations that are much bigger than me. This week is a particularly busy one for me. Next week, I might be complaining about my energy levels — so if you see me, ask me if I actually did what I needed to do to conserve and protect my energy. I’m giving you permission to hold me accountable.
Issue 00007 - Consistency is Key... and it's a Kindness
We’re all allowed a bad day. But consistency is the only path to good parenting, good relationships, and good business. We don’t have to be the best every day. We just have to be the same us—kind, honest, calm, present. (Shxt, even if we are loud, wild, obnoxious…that even works over unpredictable). Ok, back to it…When people trust our steadiness, they can finally relax. And when they relax, they can flourish.
Issue 00006 - "Built Like That (On Purpose)"
I’ve been loving a book that was recently recommended to me called The Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations by Michael Erath, who was introduced to me a couple years ago by CAMERON HEROLD, and it’s hitting hard. His emphasis on structure, clarity, and people as the lifeblood of great companies has me thinking deeply about what we’re building—and why it works (or doesn’t). It's resonating because much of what Erath teaches goes along with something you hear me say often:
Issue 00005 - Resign Your Position as General Manager of the Universe
When I was trying to change people—or ‘over-control’ a situation—one of my mentors, Joseph Romeo (God rest his soul), used to look me in the eye and say: “Matt, when are you going to resign your position as general manager of the universe?” Short answer? Not 20 years ago when he first tried to get me to see this. But maybe… just maybe… a little more now. (Thanks, Nadine (my wife), my other mentors, and Mel Robbins and her Let Them Theory, for the extra pushes.)
Issue 00004 - Know Thyself
No offense (WARNING - OFFENSE COMING)…but I saw a minivan the other day and this is what I thought about… People say that as you get older, “you stop caring what others think.” I don’t fully buy this synopsis. Here’s what I think really happens is: You start recognizing who you are. You stop shape-shifting for approval. You stop apologizing for your wiring (we’ll get into that word in just a minute). And with that clarity, comes a peace and a comfort in your own skin. Not apathy. Not rebellion. Just permission. To be who you already are — minus the guilt.
Issue 00003 - Rockin', Rollin', and Revealing
A favorite song written by 10 Time CMA Musician of the Year - Mac McAnally and often was performed by his good buddy, Jimmy Buffett I overheard two guys the other day trashing the service at a fast-food restaurant—slow service, low energy, no critical thinking. You know the vibe…and you know all of us have said or at least thought similar negative things…
Issue 00002 - My Team of Pearls
Normally, this is where I’d talk about company building, leadership, or market trends. But this week? The business I’m proudest of is the one Nadine and I started together: our family. It hit me hard during our son 🐥 David Loria's wedding. The speeches. The stories. The dancing. The music.
Issue 00001 – Future and Thinking
B – Business: “Fast Beats Big” A few weeks ago, I joined a Vistage session with economist Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics (now part of Crowe). He and his brother Alan Beaulieu (they kinda look a lot alike) are forecasting a substantial downturn by 2030—possibly the next Great Depression. But here’s where I heard opportunity.
5 Bites - The BLTnT Newsletter - Intro Issue 00000
I’m doing this because most of us are overstuffed with content but still hungry for clarity. Long-form books and podcasts? I love them. But we also need something we can actually finish—before our day gets hijacked or our next meeting kicks off.