A Coach, a Legend, and a Friend

Green Bay had Vince Lombardi.

Tuscaloosa had Bear Bryant.

Miami had Don Shula.

And in Gaffney, we had Bob Prevatte.

Every town that’s fortunate enough to have a bigger-than-life coach knows what that means. It goes far beyond wins and losses. It’s about leadership, integrity, and the kind of influence that echoes through generations. Coaches like Bob Prevatte don’t just shape athletes, they shape communities. They give big and small towns a deep sense of pride that lasts long after the final whistle.

In Gaffney, Coach Prevatte’s name was part of the town’s identity. He was a coach, a legend, an educator, and a mentor. He led the Indians to five state championships and set a standard of excellence that defined Gaffney football for decades. But what made him truly remarkable wasn’t only what he did on the field, it was who he was once the games were over.

After his coaching career, Coach Prevatte was still a presence you couldn’t miss. You’d see him around town, and you felt something special just being near him. There was always that unmistakable mix of respect and warmth that followed him wherever he went. He had the rare ability to make everyone feel valued, whether you were a former player, a student, or simply someone who respected what he stood for.

This Friday, that admiration comes full circle as Coach Prevatte’s statue finds its new home at Gaffney High School. The statue once stood proudly at Limestone University, where it represented his connection to education and athletics. When Limestone closed earlier this year, many in our community came together to ensure his legacy would continue where it truly began, at Gaffney High.

I want to thank the Cherokee County School District Board of Trustees, Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas White, GHS principal Dr. Eric Blanton, Cody Sossamon, Dennis Fowler, Mayor Lyman Dawkins, City Administrator James Taylor, K.C. Barnhill, and all those who played a role in making this relocation possible. Special thanks go to Sossamon Construction for handling the move and installation with such care and respect. Their work reflects what Coach Prevatte meant to this town: strength, precision, and heart.

As a kid growing up in Gaffney, I looked up to Coach Prevatte with deep admiration. His numerous state championships seemed almost mythical. To me, he was a hero. Later in life, I had the incredible privilege of meeting him, getting to know him, and eventually calling him my friend. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

This statue is more than a memorial. It is a reminder of how one man’s character, discipline, and compassion can lift an entire community. It stands for what Gaffney values most: faith, hard work, loyalty, and love for one another.

Every generation deserves to know who Bob Prevatte was. Every student who walks past that statue should understand that greatness isn’t just about winning games. It is about investing in people. It is about giving your best every single day and inspiring others to do the same.

Coach Prevatte did that. And because of him, Gaffney will always stand a little taller.

Being part of the small team from Limestone that helped secure the gift from Jerry Richardson to create the Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex was an honor. That project included the beautiful statue that now stands at Gaffney High. Earlier this year, helping with the effort to relocate that statue to its new home was just as meaningful. Both moments came from the same place, a deep appreciation and love for Coach Prevatte, a man who gave so much to his players, his school, and his community.

What Move-In Day Taught Me About Leadership in Education

Most people in higher education would probably say their favorite day of the year is graduation day. It is hard to beat that moment when students walk across the stage and families cheer with pride. But for me, my favorite day was always move-in day.

That was the day the campus came alive again. The sidewalks were crowded, the air felt electric, and every corner of campus buzzed with excitement and a little nervous energy. At Limestone University, everyone showed up to help. Faculty, staff, coaches, and even upperclassman students worked together to welcome the new arrivals. We carried boxes, mini fridges, and flat screen TVs, but we were really carrying something much more important. We were helping families feel comfortable, connected, and cared about.

You could see the emotions play out in real time. Parents doing their best to stay composed while their child sets up a dorm room. A mom straightening a pillow one more time. A dad pretending to check his phone so no one sees his eyes watering. Students acting confident, but secretly wondering how this new chapter will go. Beneath all of that, there was always one unspoken question every parent was really asking: Will my child be okay here?

That is where connection made all the difference. We were not just moving furniture. We were easing fears, one conversation at a time. We took time to listen, to share a laugh, to answer small questions that actually meant a lot. The simplest gestures, a smile, a handshake, or a genuine “we are glad you are here,” helped turn worry into trust.

What I learned over the years is that this kind of connection is not just nice to have. It is strategic. When families feel seen and supported on day one, they are more likely to stay engaged. When students feel that same warmth, they are more likely to stay enrolled. Connection builds confidence, and confidence leads to belonging. That is what truly drives retention.

And this goes far beyond higher education. Whether it is a kindergartner walking into a classroom for the first time or a senior unpacking boxes in a residence hall, the emotions are the same. Parents need reassurance, but what they really want is relationship. They want to know that the people guiding their child’s journey care just as much as they do.

Leadership shows up in those moments. Not behind a desk, but beside a family, carrying a box, sharing a smile, and reminding them that we are all in this together. Move-in day may look like a busy morning of logistics, but it is really the first chapter in a story of trust and belonging. 

And that is what great schools are built on.

Mascot Magic: How School Spirit Builds Brand Connection

Every great school has a story, and sometimes that story has fur, a wagging tail, and a big heart.

It’s easy to think of mascots as just part of game day fun, but they play a much bigger role in shaping a brand’s identity. They influence how people feel about the campus experience, making the brand visible, memorable, and approachable. At Limestone University, “Bernie” the Saint Bernard became one of the most effective ambassadors we ever had.

When I led marketing and communications, we actually had two Bernie suits. One was used for athletics, and another was dedicated to marketing. The marketing version stayed clean and photo-ready for events and campaigns, while the athletic version did the heavy lifting on game days. Both helped us keep the brand consistent and recognizable.

And then there was the real-life Bernie. He just happened to belong to my daughter Ashton’s boyfriend and was every bit as lovable as he was large. "Axel" is a gentle 200-pound giant who thrived on attention, and became a campus favorite at football games, tailgates, lacrosse matchups, and our Christmas events. He often showed up in our marketing photo shoots, too. Wherever he went, he drew smiles and conversations.

Mascots like Bernie do more than fire up a crowd. They create emotion, which is at the core of every strong brand. When a mascot walks in a parade or greets children at a community event, that image stays with people. It turns a name into a story and a story into a connection.

At Limestone, Bernie gave us instant recognition across the Upstate. People might not remember our statistics or rankings, but they always remembered the Saint Bernard. That’s what every school marketer should understand. Your mascot is not just for sideline antics. It is a living, breathing part of your story, an open invitation for people to feel like they belong.

Sometimes, the best marketing doesn’t come from a campaign or a tagline. It comes from a friendly Saint Bernard who just wants to say hello.

Mascots remind us that marketing is never just about visuals or slogans. It is about people, pride, and shared moments that create lasting impressions. A good mascot can capture the heart of a campus and make a brand feel alive. When spirit and storytelling come together, the result is something every audience can feel, an emotional connection that turns simple recognition into genuine loyalty.

Your School’s Brand Lives in the Hallways and Across Campus

A school’s brand doesn’t live in a style guide or sit behind a logo. It lives in the hallways and all across campus. It walks to class, laughs in the cafeteria, and shows up in the way students, teachers, and families treat each other every single day.

People often think of brand as a color palette or a tagline. Those things help because they bring consistency and recognition, but they are not the heartbeat of who you are. A true brand is built through daily experiences, through the energy people feel when they step on campus and the stories they share long after they leave.

When I was Vice President for Communications & Marketing at Limestone University, our team worked hard to strengthen the brand both visually and strategically. But what truly defined Limestone was not the campaigns or the materials we produced. It was the people. Professors staying late to help a student. Coaches who pushed their players but cared even more about their growth. Staff members who treated one another like family. Those moments built more loyalty and pride than any advertisement ever could.

You could feel it when visitors came to campus. They noticed the warmth in conversations and the pride students took in being part of the community. They didn’t just see the university, they experienced it. That is what makes a brand authentic.

The same truth holds for schools at every level. A school’s brand is not what appears on a brochure or website. It is how parents are greeted in the car line, how teachers encourage curiosity, and how families describe the school to their friends. Every hallway conversation and classroom moment adds to the story that defines the school’s reputation.

Marketing can tell the story, but culture gives the story its meaning. When what you communicate matches what people actually experience, the brand becomes something you don’t have to sell. It speaks for itself.

Your logo might be on the door, but your brand lives in the hallways and on campus every single day. It grows in the laughter between classes, in the encouragement during hard moments, and in the pride that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. That is what people remember. That is what they carry with them. And that is what truly defines who you are.

Always Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

This photo was taken at a bridal shower this past weekend for one of our twin daughters, Grace. That’s her twin sister, Ashton, on the right, who will be her maid of honor next month. No one was happier or celebrated more than Ashton did that day.

This is what true support looks like, pure joy for someone else’s moment.

Whether it’s family or your team at work, encouragement matters. When we lift others up, celebrate their wins, and show genuine excitement for their success, we create an environment where everyone thrives.

Leadership isn’t only about giving direction. It’s also about giving energy, confidence, and belief.

Support works in life, and it works in business.

What Leading Through a Campus Crisis Taught Me About Organizational Resilience

Leadership is often tested in the moments you least expect. Over the years, I’ve learned that true organizational resilience isn’t built during calm times. It’s revealed in the middle of chaos, when emotions run high, information is uncertain, and every word matters.

About a decade ago, while serving as Director of Communications at Limestone University, I faced one of the most difficult moments of my career. One of our students was tragically shot and killed on another campus in a nearby town. He was well respected, well loved, and deeply connected to our campus community. The loss was heartbreaking.

In the hours and days that followed, emotions across campus were raw. Social media filled with questions and criticism. As our communications team tried to navigate the noise, I quickly realized that how we handled those moments would define us far more than the situation itself.

We made a decision early on to lead with honesty and compassion. We were open with the media, even when the questions were tough. We focused on honoring the student’s memory, supporting his family, and caring for our campus community. Every message we shared was guided by two simple ideas: tell the truth and show that we care.

That experience taught me that organizational resilience isn’t just about getting through a crisis, it’s about who you are while you do it. It’s staying grounded in your values when everything feels uncertain. It’s choosing empathy even when the spotlight is uncomfortable. And it’s keeping your team steady and focused when the pressure feels overwhelming.

Our communications office became a model of calm coordination. We worked long hours, aligned every message, and supported one another through some very emotional days. Looking back, I can see that our resilience came from three things:

1. Transparency builds trust. People can handle hard news if they believe you’re being truthful. Avoiding the truth only deepens the wound.
2. Consistency creates stability. When everything feels uncertain, consistent communication provides a sense of order and reliability.
3. Compassion strengthens culture. Facts matter, but feelings matter too. A resilient organization understands that empathy is what helps people heal.

That crisis shaped me as a communicator and as a leader. It reminded me that crisis communication is never just about controlling a narrative. It’s about guiding people through pain and confusion with clarity, care, and courage.

Even now, years later, I still draw from those lessons. Whether I’m facing a big challenge or a small one, I try to communicate openly, stay steady, and never lose sight of humanity. In the hardest moments, organizations reveal who they truly are. And resilience, built on truth, compassion, and consistency, is what carries them forward.

If you ever find yourself leading through a crisis, remember that your calm, your compassion, and your commitment to truth will matter more than any statement you release. People remember how you made them feel. Lead with empathy, communicate with honesty, and trust that resilience will follow.

 

 

A Song and a Moment of Kindness Come Full Circle

Sometimes, a single act of kindness stops you in your tracks and stays with you forever.

It was nearly twenty years ago that we experienced one of those moments, and it came from a country singer I had been a fan of for years. I had no idea at the time that what he did that night would come full circle in such a meaningful way.

It was December of 2005, and our twin daughters, Grace and Ashton, were five years old. At the time, I was serving as the Director of the Civic Center of Anderson, where John Berry was performing a special concert. The show was divided into two parts, the first half featuring his country hits and the second half devoted to his Christmas music.

Before the concert began, I spoke with John’s wife, Robin, who was part of the band. I asked if he would be performing “How Much Do You Love Me,” a song that held special meaning in our home. I told her how I often danced with our girls to that song in our living room, how their little faces would light up with joy, their giggles filling the room as we spun and twirled together. She seemed genuinely touched by the story and smiled warmly, but said the song wasn’t part of the set list that night. I thanked her anyway and didn’t think much more about it as the concert began.

Just after John announced intermission and was getting up from his stool in the center of the stage, Robin leaned into her microphone to stop him. She shared our story and how much that song meant to our family, and asked if he might sing it for our daughters. It stopped me in my tracks. My wife, Dawn, and our daughters were seated on the front row, while I was near the back of the arena with members of my staff. 

To our surprise, John looked over, smiled, and said he didn’t think the band that night knew the song, but he would play it anyway. He picked up his acoustic guitar, performed it solo, and dedicated it to our daughters.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.

It was one of the most touching acts of kindness I have ever experienced. And next month, when Grace and I share our father-daughter dance to that same song at her wedding in Charleston, we’ll be remembering that night and the man who turned a simple request into a lifelong memory. Ashton will get her turn in March, but since Grace is getting married first, she gets the John Berry song.

As we think about Grace and her fiancé, Graham, preparing for their big day, it’s hard not to reflect on how quickly the years have passed since that December evening. The little girls who once stood on my feet as we danced in the living room are now stepping into new chapters of their own.

And when that familiar melody begins to play, I know we’ll both be feeling the same mix of pride, love, and gratitude we felt all those years ago, when a simple act of kindness became a memory that would last a lifetime.

Marketing in a Small Pond: How Smaller Schools Can Stand Out Without Big Budgets

If you work in marketing for a smaller school, you already know the challenge. How do you make a big impact with a limited budget? Competing with large universities that have full teams and deep pockets can feel impossible at times.
But the truth is, being small has its advantages.

Smaller or independent schools offer something money cannot buy. They create close communities, strong relationships, and a real sense of belonging that big institutions often struggle to provide. Families today want connection and care more than anything. That is where smaller schools shine.

During my years as the Vice President for Communications & Marketing at Limestone University, I saw this every day. Limestone was not a massive university with endless resources, but what it offered students was something truly special. It was a place where professors knew every student by name, where opportunities felt personal, and where belonging was part of the culture. That kind of environment does more than build strong academics. It helps students grow in confidence, character, and purpose.

I also experienced it as a parent. Our twin daughters, Ashton and Grace, both earned their Bachelor’s and Master of Business degrees in Healthcare Administration from Limestone. They loved the close community, the personal attention, and the support they received from professors and staff. A large university would not have been right for them. Watching them succeed in an environment that fit who they are confirmed what I had always believed. Small schools make a big difference.

In this post, I want to share a few ways smaller schools can use their strengths to stand out, even without big marketing budgets. When you know who you are and tell your story well, you do not need the biggest stage to make people take notice.

Define What Makes You Different

Every school has a story, but not every school tells it well. For smaller schools, the key is to focus on what makes you different. Maybe it is your small class sizes, your welcoming community, or the ability to create programs that truly fit your students. Those are the details families remember.

Start by listening. Ask students and families what they love most about your school. Their words will often describe your brand better than any slogan ever could. Use their stories and testimonials in your marketing. Authentic voices build trust faster than polished taglines.

You do not need to sound like a large university to be effective. In fact, trying to sound that way can make you blend in. The more you embrace what makes your school feel personal and real, the more your message will stand out.

Use Creativity to Stretch Every Dollar

A smaller marketing budget does not have to limit your reach. It simply requires focus and creativity. The best small-school marketing teams do not try to do everything. They pick a few channels and use them well.

Social media is one of your best tools. Share quick, genuine stories that show the heart of your campus. A photo of a teacher celebrating a student, a short video of a team’s big moment, or a post about a graduate doing great things in the community can go a long way. Those stories help people feel your culture.

Consider staging photo shoots with your current students that look organic and natural. Capture moments that show students learning, collaborating, or enjoying campus life. These photos give prospective students and their families a real sense of what it looks like to be part of your school, creating an inviting and relatable view of campus life.

Local partnerships can also make a big difference. Work with nearby businesses, churches, or nonprofits that share your values. Sponsor events, volunteer together, or invite community members to campus. Every time your school shows up in the community, it strengthens your reputation and builds awareness. 

Tell Stories That Build Trust

Families choose schools based on trust. They want to know their child will be supported, challenged, and known. Storytelling helps build that trust.

Tell stories about your students and their journeys from the first day to graduation. Share alumni stories that show how your school helped them succeed. Paint a clear picture of what life at your school feels like and what success looks like afterward.

Another powerful approach is to let parents tell the story too. Consider hosting a Q&A session where current parents talk with parents of potential or newly accepted students. These conversations can be incredibly persuasive because they are real and relatable. Hearing directly from other parents about why they chose your school and how their children are thriving can ease concerns, answer questions, and strengthen a family’s confidence in your community.

Be consistent. Every photo, post, email, and brochure should reflect the same tone and values. When families recognize your voice and sense your sincerity, they begin to trust your brand. And that trust is what drives them to choose your school.

Closing Thoughts

Marketing in a small pond is not about trying to be the biggest fish. It is about knowing who you are and telling that story with confidence and heart. Smaller schools have something powerful that large universities cannot easily match. They create an environment where students feel known, supported, and inspired to grow.

My time at Limestone University, both as a professional and as a parent, reminded me how life-changing that kind of environment can be. Small schools give students the space to belong, the confidence to lead, and the relationships that last a lifetime. When you communicate those qualities clearly and consistently, families will see the difference.

You do not need a huge budget to make a meaningful impact. You just need to tell your story with heart and believe in the value of what makes your school special.

Consider staging photo shoots with your current students that look organic and natural.

Capture moments that show students learning, collaborating, or enjoying campus life. 

Lessons from the Newsroom: How a Journalism Background Can Shape the Way You Craft Brand Stories

I’ve spent years leading creative teams, shaping strategy, and building campaigns that connect people to purpose. During my time as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Limestone University, I got to see just how powerful storytelling can be in shaping an institution’s identity and connecting with the community. But before higher education, my career started in local journalism, and that’s where I learned lessons that still guide how I tell stories today.

At The Gaffney Ledger and later The Cherokee Chronicle, I covered everything from local government and education to community events and sports. Those experiences taught me to really listen, find the human angle, and tell stories that resonate. Whether it was a Friday night football game or a feature on a local leader, I learned that people care about real emotion and experiences, not just facts on a page.

That experience carried over when I joined Limestone. I had the chance to share the University’s story in the very same community I had once reported on, highlighting its growth and impact across Gaffney and the Upstate. Moving from the newsroom to communications and marketing wasn’t a big leap. It was more like a natural next step. The tools changed, but the mission stayed the same: to inform, engage, and inspire through authentic stories.

Clarity Comes First

In journalism, you learn to write for readers, not yourself. Every sentence should count, every story should be easy to follow. In marketing, the same rule applies. If your audience can’t quickly understand who you are and what you stand for, your message gets lost.

Credibility Matters

Reporters build trust by being accurate and fair. The same goes for marketing. People can tell when something is overhyped or not authentic. The best storytelling comes from honesty, real examples, and genuine voices.

People Make the Story

Covering sports and community news taught me to look past the stats and headlines. The stories that stick are about people -- their challenges, their victories, their passion. At Limestone, that meant sharing stories about students, alumni, and faculty in ways that truly reflected their experiences. Those are the stories that connect with people and bring an institution to life.

Curiosity Drives Creativity

A good reporter is always asking questions, and curiosity does the same for marketers. Digging into your audience, exploring new ways to communicate, and paying attention to what resonates keeps storytelling fresh and meaningful.

The Story Never Really Ends

In the newsroom, the story keeps unfolding with every edition. The same is true for brands. Limestone’s story wasn’t a single campaign or press release. It was a living narrative about growth, innovation, and impact. The best marketing keeps that story going, always finding new ways to connect with people.

From the newsroom to the university, I’ve learned that storytelling is both an art and a responsibility. Whether it’s covering a championship win, a new academic program, or a student success story, the goal is the same: tell it with purpose, tell it with heart, and tell it well.

A Lesson in Leadership from a Championship Team

Every now and then, a simple moment reveals a powerful lesson about leadership. That happened for me on January 28, 2016, when the Limestone University men’s lacrosse team visited the South Carolina State House in celebration of the Saints' 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship win over Le Moyne.

The team’s visit was a proud moment for everyone connected to Limestone. They were recognized with official resolutions passed by both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the Senate. The team had the honor of meeting Governor Henry McMaster, along with Senator Harvey Peeler, Representative Steve Moss, Representative Dennis Moss, and other dignitaries who wanted to congratulate the players and celebrate their achievement.

The team was led by head coach J.B. Clarke, who captured three of Limestone’s five total national championships during his time as head coach of the Saints. Clarke, who also won national titles at Limestone in 2014 and 2017, is now the head coach at the University of Tampa, continuing to build winning programs rooted in discipline and culture.

After the recognition ceremonies, we hosted a catered meal for the players and staff in one of the State House’s historic rooms. As everyone began lining up for food, I noticed something that surprised me. Coach Clarke told the freshmen to go first, followed by the sophomores, then the juniors, and finally the seniors. I remember thinking that the seniors, having earned their championship rings and their leadership roles, would surely go first.

But that was not the case.

After everyone was served, including the last senior and the final staff member, Coach Clarke calmly told the team they could begin eating. That was when I realized what was happening. The freshmen, sophomores, and juniors had all been served first, but none of them had touched their food. 

They knew to wait.

The seniors and staff were served last, and that was simply the way the team always did it. It was a quiet tradition that honored the seniors and the people who had helped guide them. As a staff member, I had not known that until that moment.

It was a small gesture, but it carried a powerful message. The younger players served first not because they were more important, but because the team’s culture valued respect, patience, and shared discipline. No one eats until everyone is served. The seniors and staff go last, not out of obligation, but as a way to recognize their leadership and sacrifice.

That moment taught me something lasting about leadership. It is not always about going first, being recognized, or taking the spotlight. Sometimes it is about setting a standard, teaching respect, and showing that true leadership serves others before serving itself.

That day, surrounded by the echoes of history in the State House, I saw that the lessons of championship teams reach far beyond the scoreboard. They are found in the quiet, disciplined actions that reflect character, unity, and the kind of leadership that endures.

Several of the Saints players lined up for their catered meal at the S.C. State House in January of 2016.

Limestone's 2015 National Championship team on the steps of the South Carolina State House in January of 2016.

From left to right: Rep. Dennis Moss, head coach J.B. Clarke, Rep. Gary Clary, and Rep. Steve Moss pose for a photo during the Saints' catered lunch at the S.C. State House on Jan. 28, 2016.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster with the Limestone men's lacrosse team during their 2016 State House visit.

Sen. Harvey Peeler chats with head coach J.B. Clarke on the State House steps.

Turning Stakeholders into Ambassadors: Practical Steps for Building Authentic Engagement

When people think about marketing, the first thought is usually about budgets, ads, or campaigns. In higher education, though, some of the most powerful marketing doesn't cost a dime. It comes from authentic engagement that turns stakeholders into ambassadors. And because that engagement is organic, it is also the most effective kind of promotion you can get.

Think about your own institution. You already have alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members who care about your story. The key is to make them feel included. When they feel like they belong, they naturally want to celebrate and share. That is how ordinary stakeholders become extraordinary ambassadors.

From Stakeholders to Ambassadors
An ambassador is more than just a supporter. An ambassador is someone who proudly shares your story because it is also their story. The shift from stakeholder to ambassador often happens when people feel seen and valued. If they see themselves reflected in your messaging, they feel like they are part of something bigger. And when that happens, they want others to see it too.

Proof in Growth
This approach works. At one university where I worked, focusing on authentic engagement grew the Facebook community from 3,000 followers to more than 15,000 in a short period of time. Instagram also saw major growth. That did not come from big ad buys. It came from creating the kind of content that people wanted to share because they felt connected to it. It was free, it was organic, and it was powerful.

How to Make it Happen

1. Listen First. Pay attention to what matters to your stakeholders. Ask what they want to see and what makes them proud.

2. Celebrate Their Role. Share alumni success stories, highlight current students, and thank families who support them.

3. Give Them Something to Share. Create posts, photos, and videos that people want to repost because it reflects their pride.

4. Know Your Audience. Alumni may respond to tradition and legacy. Students may respond to energy and innovation. Families may look for a sense of belonging. Tailor your story so it hits home with each group.

5. Make Room for Participation. Invite comments, ask questions, and give people chances to add their voice.

Why Buy-In Matters
When people buy into your story, they go beyond liking a post. They become proud advocates who share your message with their networks. That kind of word of mouth is more valuable than any advertisement because it is authentic. And again, it is free.

The Big Picture
Turning stakeholders into ambassadors isn't complicated. It comes down to being genuine, building real connections, and telling your story in a way that resonates. When that happens, stakeholders do not just listen, they step forward and help carry the story into their own circles. The result is a ripple effect of authentic advocacy that no marketing budget can buy. And when your community becomes your storytellers, your message reaches farther, lasts longer, and makes a greater impact than you could ever achieve alone.

The Hidden Factor in Career Success: Finding Your Cultural Match

When it comes to choosing a job, many of us focus on salary, benefits, or the prestige of the title. Those things matter, of course, but they don’t necessarily keep you engaged, growing, or genuinely satisfied over time. What really makes a difference is cultural fit, and that can be much harder to define or predict.

In a couple of my previous roles, I saw just how much culture can shape a job. At times, the environment, the people, and the shared purpose made the role feel like a perfect match. Then leadership would change, priorities would shift, and suddenly the same role didn’t feel right anymore. Later, a new leader might bring back the qualities that first drew me in, making the role feel right again, only for another leadership change to take it away once more.

It was a rollercoaster, moving from the perfect fit to a mismatch and back again, all depending on the culture shaped by leadership. That experience showed me just how closely our engagement and satisfaction at work are tied to the environment around us.

Accepting a job that doesn’t feel like a fit from the start is one thing. Stepping into a role that feels perfect, only to watch the culture evolve in unexpected ways, is another. When an organization drifts away from the culture that first attracted its top talent, it’s no surprise that people leave. Sometimes, the culture moves so far from its core identity that the organization itself can’t sustain it, and eventually, it closes.

So, what do you do? Stay and hope things improve, or take the leap and look for the next right opportunity? There’s no single answer. Sometimes patience and perseverance pay off. Other times, moving on opens the door to something that’s a better fit for the person you’ve become. The key is being honest about what matters most at work. A healthy culture and a supportive environment can transform a role into something energizing, motivating, and truly fulfilling.

The real magic happens when you find the right culture, where your efforts, dedication, and contributions are genuinely recognized and valued. In that kind of environment, work stops feeling like a series of tasks and becomes a place where you can grow, contribute, and feel connected to the impact you are making.