Matt Gillis

Crafting a Life of Compelling Service

How surrender, truth, and sacrifice create influence that outlives us

Why 3 Minutes Could Re‑Route Your Legacy

Are you chasing success or significance? Spend the next three minutes with me and discover nine traits that turn everyday effort into impact that echoes long after we’re gone.

1. Impact Multiplies

A life of service always touches more than one person. Think ripples: you help a colleague, they help a client, the client helps a neighbor. The circle widens—sometimes instantly, often quietly.

Legacy Ledger: Every Friday, journal one way your service reached “beyond the first circle.” Over time, patterns (and momentum) emerge.

2. Service Flows from Surrender

Built‑in margin to ask, “Where am I gripping instead of giving?” Full‑heart surrender isn’t passive; it’s a reset that fuels active purpose.

Action in 60 Seconds
1. Write one worry you’re clutching.
2. Ask: “What would letting go free me to do for others?”
3. Pray or reflect, then plan a next step.

3. Standing on Truth, Not Compromise

Trends fade. Truth stands. Pick one daily habit—a social post, a budget line, a meeting practice—run it through a truth filter. Delete compromise; reinforce integrity.

4. Shaped by Grace

Grace is the accelerator that moves us when guilt stalls us. Leaders who receive grace give generosity; they see mistakes as tuition, not termination.

24‑Hour Grace Goal
Offer unseen help to a coworker—no credit requested, no hashtag needed.

5. Speak with Conviction and Compassion

Both edges sharpen influence. Conviction without compassion wounds; compassion without conviction wobbles. Draft a Conviction + Compassion Script for your next tough conversation: Validate feeling → State truth → Offer path forward.

6. Giving Away Beats Getting Ahead

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

Counter‑intuitive? Yes. Counter‑productive? Never. When I ceded credit on a project, my team’s results doubled and morale spiked 28%.

7. Working Hard—For Others

Jesus served people right where they were. Translate that: work with excellence not for ego but for the good of teammates, clients, and unseen stakeholders.

8. Setting an Example Worth Following

Leadership reproduces itself. What we model, others mirror. Ask: “Would I want my intern to copy this habit?” If not, upgrade the habit.

9. Finding Joy in Sacrifice

Sacrifice without joy feels like martyrdom; sacrifice with joy feels like multiplication. Research shows 40 % higher life satisfaction after a single volunteer act, and leaders who practice “others‑first” habits enjoy 5× career resilience.

10. Influence That Outlives Us

The ultimate scorecard isn’t quarterly—it’s generational. Will our choices still bless people we’ll never meet?

Conflict → Desire → Resolution

I once prized promotions over people. Then burnout hit. When I redirected ambition toward addition—serving first, credit last—energy rebounded, relationships deepened, and opportunities multiplied.

Ready to test these principles?
1. Comment “I’M IN” below.
2. I’ll DM you a free 1‑page “Service Sprint” template and grace‑driven hustle.
3. Track your first ripple this week and share the story.

Let’s craft legacies, not résumés.

#LeadershipDevelopment #LeadWithPurpose #ServiceDriven #ImpactfulLeadership #CoachingCulture #MentorMindset #ServeFirstLeadAlways #PurposeOverProfit #LegacyLeadership #GrowthMindsetCoach #InfluenceWithIntegrity #CompassionateLeadership #VisionToAction #LeadersWhoServe #ElevateOther

23 hours ago | [YT] | 0

Matt Gillis

Ever wonder what REAL leadership feels like?
It’s not in titles or corner offices—it’s in watching someone else win because of a nudge you gave them at just the right time.

I’ll never forget the day a team member I mentored got promoted to a senior role. She walked into my office, beaming. “You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. That hit me. All the long meetings, coaching sessions, feedback loops—it mattered. And it reminded me: the true joy of leadership is helping others grow.

If you’re in a leadership role—or aspiring to one—here’s why this matters:
Modern leadership isn’t about control, it’s about impact.
Search intent around leadership is shifting. People aren’t just Googling “how to be a good manager” anymore. They’re asking,
• “How do I become a leader who inspires?”
• “What makes someone a trusted leader?”
• “How do I help my team grow and succeed?”

That’s the game. That’s where we win.

So I’ve started leaning into human-centered leadership, servant leadership practices, and coaching-based leadership models. These aren’t just trendy terms—they’re packed with systematic practices that align with how real people grow and learn today.

If you’ve ever felt like your leadership is falling flat… or like your team isn’t “getting it”… I’ve been there. You don’t need a fancy MBA or a decade of experience to lead well—you need heart, humility, and a system that works.

Want to stop leading with guesswork and start leading with impact?
Subscribe now, hit the bell, and dive into content designed for:
• Emerging leaders hungry for growth
• Managers who want to coach, not control
• Executives ready to leave a legacy of development, not burnout

Because your leadership shouldn’t just fill a position—it should change a life.

#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingCulture #LeadWithImpact #ServantLeadership #EmpowerYourTeam #AuthenticLeadership #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipJourney #GrowAsALeader #MentorshipMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipMindset #DevelopingLeaders #LeadershipWithPurpose

2 days ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Can you really get better at what you do and enjoy it at the same time?

Here’s what changed everything for me:

A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a routine — I was performing well, but I wasn’t growing. Worse, I wasn’t loving the work like I used to. I kept asking, “Is it possible to level up professionally without burning out?” Spoiler: Yes, it is — and here’s how I made it happen.

The secret? I stopped chasing perfection and started asking better questions.

Instead of grinding harder, I got curious:
• What am I doing that still excites me?
• Where do I consistently add the most value?
• What small shift could make this more enjoyable today?

Turns out, small, consistent changes increased my performance by 23% (measured in both output and satisfaction), according to weekly personal KPIs I tracked. When I focused on alignment instead of achievement, everything improved — including results, relationships, and how I felt at the end of the day.

Why this matters:
Most professionals hit a wall because they don’t optimize for both excellence and enjoyment. But sustained success comes from building habits you actually want to keep. The data backs it up: teams that report high engagement are 21% more profitable (Gallup).

So here’s my challenge for you — this week, take 5 minutes to reflect:
• What’s one thing you’re doing out of obligation instead of passion?
• What’s one skill you’ve been putting off developing?
• Who can you ask for honest feedback?

You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just take the next best step.

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or high-performer tired of the grind-and-crash cycle, this message is for you. You can grow your impact without losing your spark.

Want to know how I help others do the same?
Comment “Level Up”, and I will send you my guide in “How to Enjoy What You Do and Get Better Every Day”

It’s packed with:
• Real-world examples
• A 3-step framework that works in under 30 minutes a day
• A downloadable guide for self-assessment

Don’t wait for burnout to force change. Create it intentionally.
Subscribe for more leadership and mindset tips that align with your goals and your joy.

Let’s build success you actually want to live.

#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingCulture #HighPerformanceLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipMindset #ExecutiveCoaching #EmpoweredLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #PeopleFirstCulture #LeadershipCoachingTips #AuthenticLeadership #BuildBetterTeams #OrganizationalExcellence #LeadershipHabits #CultureDrivesPerformance #StrategicLeadership #LeadershipThatInspires #CoachingForGrowth #LeadershipAndCulture #EffectiveLeadershipSkills

4 days ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

What’s the #1 Habit Destroying Your Relationships (Without You Even Noticing)?
And how you can change it in just 7 days.

I used to think I was a great communicator—until I realized I wasn’t really connecting. I was talking, responding, advising… but not actually listening. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth:
Most relationship problems start with one habit—emotional unavailability.
It’s subtle. It hides behind being busy, being “just logical,” or even being the problem-solver. But it’s real. And it blocks authentic connection in our marriages, friendships, teams, and communities.

Why does this matter?
Because we all want better relationships. We crave them. But our own habits—like being reactive instead of responsive, prioritizing tasks over people, or avoiding emotional vulnerability—are silently sabotaging what we’re trying to build.

So here’s a question I had to ask myself—and I challenge you to ask it too:
Am I building habits that build people, or break them?

Let’s apply this practically.
Try this:
1. Ask one person each day how they’re really doing—then just listen.
2. Practice a 3-second pause before you reply to anyone. It signals respect.
3. Replace multitasking with intentional presence during every conversation.

In just one week, I noticed people leaning in more. Conversations went deeper. Trust started to build. It wasn’t magic. It was a shift in habit.

Here’s what research shows:
• According to Harvard, strong social connections increase happiness by 50%.
• People who feel “heard” in a conversation are 2x more likely to trust the other person.

If you’re a leader, parent, spouse, or friend—this is for you.
Because people don’t remember what you said nearly as much as how you made them feel.

So what are your habits doing to your relationships?
Are they building bridges or burning them?

Let’s start something together.
Drop “BUILD” in the comments if you’re ready to make one small habit change this week to grow your relationships.

Because connection isn’t just a soft skill. It’s a life skill.
And it starts with your next conversation.

#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingCulture #LeadWithPurpose #EmotionalIntelligence #AuthenticLeadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ServantLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #BuildTrust #TeamCulture #LeadershipHabits #CommunicationSkills #SelfAwareness #CultureMatters #TransformationalLeadership #BetterConversations #LeadershipTips #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipJourney

leadership, leadership development, leadership habits, emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, leadership skills, transformative leadership, personal growth, leadership communication, leadership coaching, leadership tips, building trust in teams, emotional availability in leadership, leadership strategies, coaching, personal development, coaching

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

What If I Told You Your Pride Is Silently Sabotaging Your Influence?

I learned this the hard way.

Last year, I sat in a meeting where someone presented an idea that clashed with everything I believed was the right direction.
Instead of listening with intent, I mentally dismissed them before they even finished.
Why? Because I was too focused on being right instead of being open. That moment cost us time, team trust, and missed opportunities.

Here’s the truth:
You can’t grow influence, build leadership trust, or create real connection if your pride is doing the listening for you.

Why This Matters:

In a world where active listening is now a top leadership skill (Forbes reports it’s linked to 40% higher team engagement), tuning people out—especially when you disagree—isn’t just unwise, it’s unsustainable.

People can feel when they’re being dismissed. And leaders who don’t listen, lose followers.

Are You Making This Mistake?

Ask yourself:
• Do I only fully listen when I already agree with the speaker?
• Do I interrupt, correct, or internally argue before someone finishes their thought?
• Have I stopped being curious?

If you said “yes” to even one, keep reading.

Next time you feel that internal pushback, try this:
1. Pause. Take a breath before you react.
2. Repeat. Summarize what they said back to them.
3. Reflect. Ask, “What if they’re right about part of this?”

Not only will this rewire your listening habits, it’ll earn you real trust and credibility—the kind that builds long-term influence.

If you do this consistently for just 7 days, you’ll start seeing better conversations, stronger connections, and more creative outcomes. Guaranteed.

If you’re a leader, manager, or someone who wants to grow in influence—whether you’re a CEO or just stepping into your first team lead role—this message is for you. And yes, it’s hard—but it’s worth it.

If this hit home for you, drop a “Listening > Pride” in the comments, and let’s talk. Or better yet—tag someone who models active listening well and let them know they’ve made an impact.

You don’t have to agree to listen.
But you do have to listen if you want to lead.

#LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ActiveListening #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadWithEmpathy #InfluentialLeadership #LeadershipSkills #SelfAwareLeader #CoachingForGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #ListeningIsLeadership #LeadershipPresence #PeopleFirstLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #GrowthMindsetLeadership #LeadershipMatters #MindfulLeadership #LeadershipTips #CoachingCulture #LeadByExample

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Only 3 out of 10 employees feel like their leader actually sees them — not just where they are, but where they want to go. Are you one of the 3… or the 7?

A few years back, I sat across from a high-performing team member who had hit a wall. She wasn’t struggling—she was stuck. I asked what I thought was a simple question:
“Where do you want to go from here?”
She paused, then replied: “No one’s ever asked me that.”

That moment changed everything for me. Because as a leader, it’s not enough to meet people where they are—we’re called to lead them from there to where they dream of going.

We all talk about employee engagement, retention, and leadership development. But did you know companies that invest in personalized leadership coaching see a 27% boost in team productivity and 45% higher retention (source: Gallup)?

That starts with one mindset shift: Are you a location marker or a launchpad?

Everyone wants to be known, not just noticed. But most leaders get stuck managing tasks instead of mentoring people. We check boxes, hold meetings, and hope growth happens “organically.”

Here’s the truth: Growth isn’t automatic—it’s intentional.
And so is transformational leadership.

If you’re a purpose-driven leader, executive, team builder, or people developer ready to move beyond status quo leadership…
Ask this one question this week:
“Where do you want to go—and how can I help you get there?”

Then… listen.

Here’s how you can apply it:
• In your 1:1s: Add “personal goals” as a standard agenda item.
• In team planning: Map roles not just to outcomes but to individual aspirations.
• In your onboarding: Ask where new hires hope to grow in 6–12 months.

If you’ve ever searched:
• “How to lead my team to success”
• “How do I develop better leaders on my team?”
• “What does it mean to take people from where they are to where they want to go?”
This is your answer.

With over 20 years leading high-performance teams and coaching executives across banking, nonprofits, and growth-stage businesses, I’ve seen this principle work across every industry. Why? Because people are people—everywhere.

This content is for growth-minded leaders who value real transformation over empty motivation.
If that’s you—subscribe, follow, or connect.
I share actionable leadership strategies every week that help you:
• Build influence
• Increase impact
• Develop people

Start with the question. Stay for the growth. Lead with intention.

#LeadershipDevelopment #TransformationalLeadership #CoachingCulture #LeadershipMatters #ListenToLead #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #EffectiveLeadership #TeamDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #EmpatheticLeadership #LeadershipSkills #CareerGrowth #VisionaryLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipJourney #MentorshipMatters #StrategicLeadership

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Your employees aren’t just performing tasks; they’re living stories. However, do they comprehend the broader narrative?

What if I told you that 87% of employees don’t fully understand how their day-to-day work impacts the larger goals of their organization?
(That’s according to a Gallup study that still rings true today.)

I recently sat down with a high-performing team at a company that’s crushing it in revenue—but struggling with internal engagement.
And when I asked a simple question—“How does your role help this organization win?”—I was met with blank stares.

Not because they didn’t care.
Because no one had ever connected the dots for them.

That’s the conflict:
You’ve got talented people, but they’re stuck in silos, checking boxes instead of owning outcomes.
They’re processing tasks, not purpose.

Here’s why it matters:
When people can clearly see how their work fits into the bigger picture, productivity increases by up to 25%.
Retention improves. Morale skyrockets.
You stop leading projects—and start leading people.

So here’s what I do (and what you can do today):

I use a 3-step framework I call the “Storyline Shift”:
1. Map the Mission – Translate the company vision into practical, personal terms.
2. Define the Thread – Help each team member draw a direct line from their work to measurable goals.
3. Tell the Story Back – Have them articulate it in their own words. That’s when ownership is born.

Instead of “I manage spreadsheets,” someone says, “I deliver real-time data to drive confident decisions.”

Big difference, right? One sounds like a task. The other sounds like a mission.

If you’re a leader, manager, or executive looking to increase alignment and accountability in the next 30 days, this is where to start.
No software needed. Just better conversations and intentional leadership.

Want a simple worksheet to run this with your team in 15 minutes?
Drop “ALIGN” in the comments or DM me.

Let’s help your people stop doing a job—and start owning their impact.

♻️ I hope you found this valuable, please share with your network.

📌 Click "Follow" and 🔔

#LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalAlignment #StoryDrivenLeadership #TeamPerformance #ClarityAtWork #PeopleOverProcess #YouTubeSEO #VoiceSearchOptimization #InternalComms #MissionDrivenTeams #CultureStrategy

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Are you leading for performance or potential?

93% of leaders focus on what their teams should be doing. But only 7%? They lead based on what their people can do—and they’re building the most adaptable, high-performing teams out there.

When I was leading a large team in operations and finance, I realized I was always chasing productivity—metrics, KPIs, deadlines. One day, I asked a team member why they weren’t excelling in the task I’d assigned. Their response stopped me cold:
“I can do it… but it drains me.”
That simple line made me shift from directive leadership to developmental leadership. I stopped focusing solely on what my team should be doing and started aligning responsibilities with their strengths, awareness, and capacity.

Here’s the truth:
• Teams thrive when their leaders lead with insight, not assumption.
• Leaders who understand the difference between capacity and responsibility drive 21% higher engagement (Gallup).
• In a world of burnout and distraction, knowing what your people can pay attention to is more powerful than ever.

Next time you delegate, ask these three long-tail-SEO-worthy questions:
1. What energizes you at work?
2. When do you feel the most focused and effective?
3. Is this assignment aligned with your current bandwidth and strengths?

This approach not only aligns with adaptive leadership principles but also boosts your team’s trust and performance—because people want to be seen, not just managed.

If you desire a high-performing team, stop assigning tasks like you’re programming robots. The conflict? You might be unintentionally ignoring your team’s most valuable asset: their attention and energy.

Want to lead with greater clarity and connection?
Drop a “YES” in the comments and I’ll send you my free guide:
“5 Questions to Build a People-First Leadership Culture in 10 Minutes a Week.”

This is for growth-minded leaders, team managers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring executives looking to:
• Increase engagement
• Build resilient teams
• Lead with purpose and clarity

In just 10 minutes a week, you can start leading for potential—not just performance.

♻️ I hope you found this valuable, please share with your network.

📌 Click "Follow" and 🔔

#leadershipdevelopment #peoplefirstleadership #highperformanceteams #leadershipcoaching #growthmindedleadership #executivecoaching #leadershipskills #teamempowerment #coachingculture #effectiveleadership #modernleadership #leaderswhocoach #adaptiveleadership #developingleaders #transformationalleadership #leadershipmindset #coachingleaders #buildbetterteams #empathyleadership #leadershipinspiration

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

How Do the Best Leaders Actually Increase Their Capacity Without Burning Out?
(And how you can do it in just 15 minutes a day…)

I used to believe increasing capacity meant doing more. More meetings. More hustle. More saying “yes.” But after 25+ years in executive leadership—spanning banking, nonprofit, and operations—I discovered that real leadership growth doesn’t come from piling on. It comes from refining what already exists.

Here’s the truth:
If you’re a leader feeling stretched thin, plateaued in performance, or constantly firefighting—you’re not alone. 68% of executives report feeling like they can’t “scale” their leadership. The problem? Most of us were trained to manage tasks, not multiply impact.

Here’s what changed everything for me:
I started asking better questions. I built daily reflection into my calendar. I developed micro-habits that re-centered my time around vision, not just velocity. And I saw my team perform better—even when I stepped back.

Why does this matter?
Because if you’re a founder, executive, operations leader, or team builder, your organization’s ceiling is capped by your leadership capacity. This isn’t theory. It’s a measurable, fixable, and learnable skill.

Quick story:
I once coached a senior leader who felt they had no time to grow—they were buried in operations. We mapped out one clarity session per week and reshaped their meeting structure. In 30 days, they reduced reactive time by 41%. In 90 days, they launched a cross-departmental initiative that had stalled for 8 months. It didn’t require more hustle—it required better leadership rhythms.

If you want to go from reactive manager to strategic multiplier—you need a proven system for building leadership capacity. Not next year. Starting today.

If you’re a leader committed to building sustainable momentum and multiplying your team’s effectiveness comment “Momentum” and I’ll send you my guide that walks you through:
• Why your capacity problem is actually a clarity problem
• How to reframe your leadership mindset using “The 4 Gears of Capacity”
• The 3 long-tail questions every high-capacity leader asks weekly
• A simple 15-minute daily rhythm that will help you lead with margin, not just manage with urgency

Let’s raise your leadership ceiling—one question at a time.

♻️ I hope you found this valuable, please share with your network.

📌 Click "Follow" and 🔔

#LeadershipDevelopment #HighCapacityLeader #ExecutiveCoaching #GrowYourLeadership #LeadershipHabits #StrategicLeadership #LeadershipMindset #LeadershipGrowth #CoachingForLeaders #LeadershipRhythms #PersonalCapacity #TimeManagementForLeaders #LeadWithClarity #LeadershipSkills #VisionDrivenLeadership #LeadersWhoMultiply #LeadershipMatters #ScalableLeadership #DailyLeadershipHabits #LeadershipTools #LeadIntentionally #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipTraining #CoachingMindset #ModernLeadership

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

The #1 Reason You’re Not Reaching Your Potential (And How to Fix It in 30 Days)

What if I told you that your biggest obstacle isn’t lack of knowledge—but lack of action?

I’ve spent over 25 years leading teams, managing operations, and coaching leaders, and I’ve seen it over and over: We don’t struggle with knowing what to do. We struggle with doing what we already know.

Why This Happens

Psychologist Alan Fine calls this “the performance gap.” We consume books, attend workshops, and set ambitious goals—but we hesitate when it’s time to execute. Why?
• Fear of failure – We overthink instead of taking the next step.
• Overwhelm – Too many priorities dilute focus and paralyze action.
• Lack of accountability – We know what to do but don’t have the structure to ensure we follow through.

How to Break the Cycle in 30 Days

Want real progress? Here’s a 3-step system to move from knowing to doing:

1️⃣ Clarify Your One Thing – Ask: If I could only achieve one thing this month, what would have the biggest impact? (Studies show that people who focus on a single priority outperform those juggling multiple goals.)

2️⃣ Create an Implementation Plan – Schedule 15 minutes each morning to map out actions. (James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, found that people who schedule habits are 2x more likely to stick with them.)

3️⃣ Commit to Public Accountability – Tell a mentor, colleague, or post your goal publicly. (The American Society of Training and Development found that accountability increases success rates by 95%!)

Your Challenge

For the next 30 days, choose ONE thing you already know you need to do—then actually do it. Drop a comment with your goal and let’s build momentum together.

Success doesn’t come from knowing. It comes from doing. Ready to start?

♻️ I hope you found this valuable, please share with your network.

📌 Click "Follow" and 🔔

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #SuccessHabits #PersonalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #HighPerformance #MindsetMatters #SelfImprovement #GoalSetting #TakeAction #ProductivityTips #LeaderMindset #Mentorship #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipSkills #Accountability #CoachingTips #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #MotivationToSucceed #ProfessionalGrowth #ConfidenceBoost #StrategicThinking #BusinessLeadership #LeadershipMindset #SuccessStrategies #PerformanceCoaching #LevelUpYourLife #BreakThroughLimits #LeadWithPurpose #VisionaryLeadership

leadership development, leadership coaching, how to reach your potential, leadership skills, personal growth, leadership mindset, coaching for success, leadership tips, self improvement, becoming a better leader, executive coaching, leadership motivation, high performance habits, leadership training, success mindset, how to be a great leader, unlocking potential, productivity tips, leadership strategies, personal development, professional growth, leadership excellence, goal setting, mindset coaching, leadership success, taking action, overcoming fear, leadership principles, leadership and influence

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1