5 bites newsletter
A weekly serving of bite-sized insights across business, life, technology, and transformations – built to provoke thought
Issues
Issue 00017 - Are You Interested?
As I often say, I’m a very fortunate guy — blessed with great relationships, mentors, coaches, and family. One of those coaches is Kevin Schnieders (whom I respect) of EDSI. In one of our first meetings, I told him I wanted to become a better listener. He smiled and said, “You’re already in the training program — your BLTnT podcast is where you’re strengthening that muscle.” It was great advice that I didn't see myself, but I’ll admit I still catch myself worrying about coming off as a non-listener… or worse — a Braggy McBragsalot! We all know Braggy McBragsalot — that person who can turn any topic into a personal highlight reel.
Issue 00016 - Radical Stewardship (vs. Ownershup)
I’m writing this on the heels of The BLTNT Podcast Episode #38 with Doug Mans , the CEO of Mans Lumber & Home. In that episode, I was reminded once again of what a good steward looks like…notice I didn’t say owner? Ownership requires equity. Stewardship requires dedication, deep respect, a focus on legacy, and humility. Both ownership and stewardship both are meaningless without service…and specifically a servant mindset. Doug and other BLTnT guests are amazing stewards…who happen to be owners.
Issue 00015 - Knowing vs. Doing
Disclaimer: I cannot stand when I ask someone, “How are you?” and they say, “Busy… I’m sooooo busy!” We all are! So this is my disclaimer that I’m not saying I’m any busier than anyone else. And I’m not complaining—if anything, I’m catching myself and calling myself out. So, here we go...
Issue 00014 - Know Your Role, Break the Mold
Bite 1: Shut Your Hole and Know Your Role Blunt? Yes. True? Absolutely. Thank you to Nick DeMiro of MAYCO —he’s the guy who shared this one with me. Sometimes the most important contribution isn’t talking—it’s executing your part with focus and humility. Teams thrive when people embrace their roles and let others shine in theirs.
Issue 00013 - I Think You Can
A while back, I was upset about something going on that had the propensity to affect my business— and when I say upset, I mean really upset like f-word inducing upset — and I was sharing it with my mentor Robert Holland. He looked at me and said words I’ll never forget: “You’re hurting, and I want to help that stop because I love you.” WHOA was that just full-on acknowledgment, empathy, and love??? At the time, I didn’t know what that Jedi maneuver was, but holy Han Solo, it worked — it disarmed the me in the moment completely.
Issue 00012 - I Think You Can
We all know The Little Engine That Could—“I think I can, I think I can.” But what about when we don’t think we can? That’s where the voices around us matter most. We need someone to say “I think you can”…and we need to trust their trust just enough to make the first move. That one move can change the entire trajectory of a life.
Issue 00011 - Who's On Your Theme?
That’s not a typo. You probably thought I was about to ask, "Who's on your team?" But this week, I'm leveling up. Let’s talk about the Theme behind the team—the throughline, the backdrop, the compass. [INTERRUPTION: you know I like side bars…so a quick thank you to my buddy Scott Schoeneberger for teaching me about “through lines”…if I over use the term, blame him…I never knew what it meant until recently…just kidding, I love you buddy, thanks for always teaching me something new.]
Issue 00010 - AI AI Oh...
Old MacDonald had a farm… and today’s executives have an AI farm. But not every “animal” is the same. Most leaders are working with Generative AI (GenAI) — powerful but limited. Emerging quickly is Agentic AI — systems that can take initiative. And still further out is General AI (AGI) — the wildcard of AI’s future.
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.