Matt Gillis

✨ Happy Monday! ✨
A new week means new opportunities, growth, and progress. How are you preparing yourself to make this week a positive and productive one? Share your plans or mindset below—I’d love to hear! #happymonday

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Feeling grateful and honored to speak to the Accounting & Finance Student Society at Mississippi State University! A room full of bright, ambitious leaders. Truly inspiring to see the future of MSU represented so well. Excited to see all you’ll achieve! #msubulldogs #accountingandfinance ‪@YourStoryYourBank‬

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Struggling to Stay Focused? Here’s the 3-Minute Shift That Changed My Productivity Forever.

I used to wear “busy” like a badge of honor—multiple tabs open, constant notifications, and a to-do list that never ended. Sound familiar? Whether you identify as a focused person or feel constantly distracted, knowing your default setting can be the key to unlocking next-level productivity.

Why it matters?
Because distraction costs us over 2.1 hours every day. That’s more than 10 hours a week—nearly one full workday lost just to lack of focus (according to a UC Irvine study). And for those of us in leadership, business, or project management, that’s unacceptable.

So what did I do?
I stopped trying to become someone I’m not—and instead, I learned how to manage my natural tendencies.

Here’s the simple strategy I use every morning (yes, you can do this in under 3 minutes):
1. Label Your Mode – I ask: Am I in focus mode or reactive mode today?
2. Frame My Top 3 – I write down the three most important outcomes I must accomplish. Not tasks—outcomes.
3. Designate a Distraction Zone – I block out 2x 15-minute windows each day to check emails, texts, or scroll, guilt-free.

The result? I get more done with less stress—and I stop feeling like I’m always behind.

Who this is for:
If you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or creator who feels like they’re constantly starting but rarely finishing… this is for you. Especially if you’ve Googled:
• How to improve focus as a busy professional
• Why can’t I stay productive?
• Morning routine to increase focus

You’re not broken—you’re overloaded. And your brain needs a better system, not more hustle.

Years ago, I missed a critical opportunity simply because I couldn’t stay focused long enough to reply to the email in time. That was a wake-up call. Now, with this strategy, I never miss the things that matter most.

Implement this 3-minute habit for just 5 days, and I promise you’ll feel the shift.

Comment below: Are you more focused or unfocused by nature? And what’s YOUR go-to trick for managing it?

When you manage your focus, you manage your future.

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#LeadershipDevelopment #FocusAndProductivity #MindfulLeadership #CoachingTips #HighPerformanceHabits #SelfLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalGrowthJourney #LeadershipSkills #TimeManagementStrategies #VisionDrivenLeadership #GoalSettingSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopmentCoach #DistractionFreeWork #LeadWithPurpose #GrowthMindsetLeaders #ClarityAndFocus #LeadershipTrainingOnline #MentorshipMatters #IntentionalLeadership

leadership development, how to stay focused, focus tips for leaders, productivity for entrepreneurs, time management strategies, coaching for success, leadership coaching techniques, personal growth mindset, executive coaching tips, focus and discipline, how to lead effectively, mental clarity for leaders, staying productive daily, leadership habits, focus hacks for busy professionals, coaching leadership style, leadership mindset training, improve concentration skills, daily habits of successful leaders, building leadership confidence

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

How to Avoid a $50K Mistake: The #1 Communication Skill Every Leader Needs in 2025

What if I told you that one misunderstood email almost cost a team $50,000?

That’s the price of poor cross-generational and cross-cultural communication—and I’ve witnessed it firsthand.

Hi, I’m Matt Gillis. With 20+ years in executive leadership and team operations, I’ve seen it all: Gen Z interns who won’t speak up, Boomers frustrated by Slack threads, and cross-cultural teams stuck in passive misalignment.

Here’s what was learned the hard way—and how you can avoid this mistake.

Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025:
1. 5 generations are now in the workforce (Traditionalists to Gen Z).
2. 70% of global teams fail due to communication breakdowns.
3. Miscommunication costs organizations an average of $62.4 million per year. (Project.co Study)

Real Talk: What Happened

I had the opportunity of working with a leader who was leading a cross-functional project involving U.S.-based execs, remote developers in India, and a new Gen Z hire.
They assumed everyone was aligned.
They were wrong.

A deliverable got delayed. The messaging missed the mark. A client nearly walked.

When they traced it back, the root cause was simple:
They were using the same words but hearing different meanings.

The Strategic Fix That Changed Everything

They implemented a 3-step framework I now teach:
1. Clarify Expectations with Precision – No assumptions, just clarity.
2. Adapt Communication Styles by Generation – Example: Gen Z thrives with short-form video check-ins.
3. Practice Cultural Intelligence (CQ) – Not just knowing what to say, but how and when to say it.

It didn’t just prevent misfires.
It built trust, boosted productivity by 24%, and aligned them across time zones and values.

Want This for Your Team?

If you’re a leader, project manager, or HR professional working with multi-gen or global teams, this applies to you.
Even more if you’re already hearing phrases like:
• “They’re too sensitive.”
• “He’s just old-school.”
• “Why can’t they just say what they mean?”

Try This Today (Takes 10 Minutes):

Next meeting, ask:
“How do you prefer to receive feedback?”
Then, listen for the lens they view the world through. It’s a trust-builder—and a time-saver.

DM me ‘Guide’, and I’ll DM you a free 1-page worksheet to implement this with your team in 7 days.

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

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#LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleFirstLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipMindset #CoachingCulture #TeamAlignment #HighPerformanceTeams #CulturalIntelligence #CrossGenerationalLeadership #LeadershipTips #AuthenticLeadership #InclusiveLeadership

leadership development, executive coaching, effective communication skills, leadership tips, team communication, coaching for leaders, emotional intelligence, cross generational leadership, inclusive leadership, workplace culture, leadership training, how to lead a team, leadership communication, coaching culture, leadership mindset, high performance teams, transformational leadership, people first leadership, cultural intelligence, conflict resolution skills

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Only 12% of organizations that attempt structural change actually sustain it. Why? Because they lead with knowledge, not wisdom.

Years ago, I led a team through a massive operations overhaul. We had data, models, and expert consultants—everything we thought we needed. But six months in, our processes were collapsing under their own complexity. That’s when I realized: knowledge informs change, but wisdom executes it.

Wisdom listens before it acts. It considers culture before structure. It builds trust before process.
That shift in thinking? It saved our company hundreds of hours and reignited buy-in across departments.

Strategic Application:
If you’re a mid- to senior-level leader, here’s how to lead real structural change without the burnout:
1. Start with Why – Not just Simon Sinek-style, but dig deep into the organizational pain points your people actually feel.
2. Qualify before Quantify – Wisdom knows that the right voices matter more than the loudest. Get input from frontline leaders.
3. Use the 70/20/10 Rule – 70% of transformation is cultural, 20% is process, 10% is tools. Reverse that, and you fail.
4. Create Safe Disruption – Wisdom isn’t afraid to challenge systems, but it does so with psychological safety and clarity.
5. Build Adaptive Systems – Codify change into scalable rhythms, not rigid rules.

Data alone doesn’t build high-performing teams. Wise leadership builds resilient organizations that outlast disruption. People follow vision rooted in understanding, not just strategy decks.

You want sustainable change and team alignment—but you’re tired of failed rollouts, disengaged employees, and wasted time. You’re not alone. Most leaders were trained in knowledge management, but few were mentored in wisdom application.

I’ve led operational restructuring at the executive level across banking, education, and nonprofit sectors for 20+ years. What I share isn’t theory—it’s tested leadership wisdom you can apply this quarter.

In the next 30 days, you can increase team clarity, reduce internal resistance, and build change that sticks—with the right wisdom-based approach.

Ready to stop spinning your wheels and lead change that lasts?
Subscribe for weekly wise leadership, or message me “CHANGE” to get my free guide: 5 Steps to Lead Organizational Change Without Losing Your Team.

#LeadershipDevelopment #WiseLeadership #CoachingCulture #OrganizationalExcellence #TransformationalLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #ExecutiveCoaching #ChangeLeadership #CultureMatters #StrategicLeadership #LeadershipMindset #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipWisdom #ModernLeadership #GrowthCulture #LeadershipTips #CoachTheLeader #CultureTransformation #LeadershipJourney #ImpactfulLeadership

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Is This Really That Hard… Or Are You Just Guessing?

I used to stare at projects thinking, “There’s no way I can do that.” Until one day, someone said something that changed everything:

“The only way to find out if the work is simple or doable… is to do it.”

So I did.

And you know what? 7 out of 10 times, the task wasn’t just doable—it was easier than I’d built up in my head.

Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur, a mid-level professional tackling your first major leadership role, or someone switching industries, overthinking is costing you momentum. You’re Googling:
• “Is project management hard to learn?”
• “How to know if I’m qualified for a leadership position?”
• “Can I run a business without experience?”

If that’s you, this post is your sign to stop asking and start testing.

Here’s the 3-step truth I discovered:
1. Start before you’re ready. You’ll never feel ready, and “ready” is often a disguise for fear.
2. Break it down. What looks hard in whole often becomes manageable in parts.
3. Reframe failure. It’s not failure. It’s data. Data you can only get by doing.

When I transitioned from banking operations to leading an entire nonprofit’s financial strategy, I didn’t know every answer. But by diving in, asking better questions, and learning as I went, we improved operational efficiency by 38% in under 6 months.

If you’re someone who…
• Is launching something new (career, role, idea)
• Wants to grow as a leader but feels stuck
• Overthinks and second-guesses their own capability

Then this is for you.

In the next 24 hours, pick one thing you’ve been putting off—big or small. Don’t plan it. Start it. See if it’s actually hard… or just unfamiliar.

Trust this: You’ll never know what’s doable until you do it.

Let me know what you choose—I’ll cheer you on. Or better yet, share your first 3 steps in the comments to inspire someone else.

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

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#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingCulture #LeadWithPurpose #MentorshipMatters #EmpowerYourTeam #ServantLeadership #GrowthMindset #LeadershipCoach #CultureWins #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipSkills #OrganizationalCulture #TeamLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BuildBetterLeaders #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipTips #LeadershipExcellence #LeadershipMindset

5 months ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

Want to Be a Great Leader? Start Here — Before You Waste 3 Years on the Wrong Path.

Most people think leadership is about titles, charisma, or just being the loudest voice in the room. I did too—until I failed hard trying to lead without clarity, consistency, or commitment.

The truth? Leadership is a process. Not a promotion.

I’ve spent over 20 years in senior roles—from banking to nonprofit leadership—and here’s what I’ve learned:

You don’t become a leader. You build into one.

That takes time, mentorship, and repetition. It takes knowing how to ask better questions, set vision, build trust, and navigate conflict. You won’t find that in a weekend seminar—but you can start building it today.

Why does this matter?

Because 70% of employees say they’d rather have a new manager than a raise. Poor leadership is costing your company money, your team morale, and your future influence.

But here’s the good news: you can reverse that—starting in 30 days.

I’ve coached dozens of young professionals, project managers, and executives who wanted to level up fast. We didn’t chase hacks. We focused on process:
• Asking the right questions
• Building consistent habits
• Practicing humble accountability
• Leading up, not just down

Want a simple framework to follow? I’ve created a free 5-step guide called “The Leadership Flywheel”—designed to help aspiring leaders develop core skills, build credibility, and lead with impact.

You’ll learn:
• How to lead without a title (yes, really)
• What 95% of new leaders miss about trust
• The ONE habit that separates respected leaders from forgotten ones

Who’s this for?
You’re in the right place if you’re:
• A new team lead, aspiring manager, or small business owner
• Someone who wants to grow influence without playing office politics
• Tired of quick fixes and ready to build something that lasts

Want real leadership growth in just 30 days?

Drop me a DM with “LEAD” to get the framework now. Let’s stop chasing leadership trends and start building lasting influence—one committed step at a time.

#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingCulture #LeadershipMindset #LeadWithPurpose #ExecutiveCoaching #PeopleFirstLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipJourney #CultureMatters #TeamCulture #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipTips #NextGenLeaders #LeadershipSkills #CoachingForSuccess #LeadershipCoaching #BusinessCulture #ModernLeadership #LeadershipIsInfluence

5 months ago | [YT] | 1

Matt Gillis

How to Leave Every Place Better Than You Found It: The 1 Small Habit That Builds Massive Trust in 30 Days

Have you ever walked away from a job, a relationship, or even a simple meeting — and wondered, Did I leave it better than I found it?
Most people don’t think about it. But the top 1% of leaders, mentors, and change-makers do.

When I was 19, I worked in a small-town gas station. It wasn’t fancy — sticky counters, deli, regular customers. Most people just clocked in and clocked out. But one afternoon, a regular customer said something that stuck with me forever:
“It always feels a little better when you’re here.”
That day, I realized: Your influence is bigger than you think. Even in tiny, messy places, you leave a mark.

Here’s the conflict:
Most people only invest energy where they think it “matters” — big projects, promotions, public wins.
But real leadership isn’t what you do when everyone is watching. It’s how you show up when nobody is.

By simply committing to leave every room, relationship, and project better than you found it, you instantly:
• Build credibility (trust isn’t claimed — it’s earned)
• Set yourself apart from 99% of people who don’t follow through
• Open doors to unseen opportunities because people trust you with more

According to a Harvard Business Review study, leaders who consistently improve their environments are 60% more likely to be promoted within 12 months.
(And that’s before they even ask.)

If you practice this small habit for just 30 days, you’ll notice:
• Higher quality relationships
• Faster promotions or project ownership
• A personal reputation for reliability and excellence

Clear Expectations:
You don’t have to change the world overnight.
Just ask yourself once a day:
“How can I leave this better than I found it?”
(And then act — even if it’s something small, like picking up after a meeting or encouraging someone.)

If you’re someone who wants to be trusted with more, seen as a leader, or build a legacy — this simple daily habit is for you.
But if you’re looking for quick hacks without real investment, this isn’t your path.

Start today. Comment below with one way you’ll leave something better before the day ends.
If you want even more ways to stand out as a trusted leader, subscribe and hit the bell — we’re just getting started.

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5 months ago | [YT] | 1

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

5 months 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

5 months ago | [YT] | 1