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Ever felt that irresistible urge to correct someone? That burning need to prove you're right? You're not alone. In this revealing episode, I share how an unexpected encounter with wildlife laws during a Caribbean cruise reminded me of a powerful leadership lesson: sometimes the wisest choice is simply not to argue.

While celebrating my daughter's graduation with a perfect vacation, my daughter, her bestie, her bestie's mom, and me eagerly anticipated holding sloths and playing with monkeys in Honduras. When our cruise ship head waiter casually mentioned our inability to interact with these animals, my first instinct was disbelief and a desire to prove him wrong, but I settled for thinking I must have misunderstood him. The next day in port, I discovered he was absolutely right – and I was reminded a valuable lesson about humility, influence, and the energy we waste on unnecessary arguments.

Through this experience, I explore three critical leadership principles that can transform both professional and personal relationships. First, embracing curiosity over certainty opens doors that rigid conviction closes. Second, preserving relationships matters more than winning points in most situations. And finally, timing is everything – not every comment requires an immediate response. I share practical strategies including the "pause before you pounce" technique, replacing statements with questions, and exercises to build your "let it go" muscle.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating family dynamics, or simply trying to have more productive conversations, these insights will help you choose your battles wisely. As the penguins in Madagascar wisely advise: "Smile and wave, boys, smile and wave." Leadership isn't about being right in every moment – it's about being effective.

Subscribe, share with someone who might benefit, and join me at www.hollycurby.com to continue our conversation beyond the podcast.

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Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.

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Leadership integrity isn't optional – it's the heartbeat of organizational culture. When a CEO's personal choices make headlines at a Coldplay concert, it reveals a troubling truth: character failures at the top send ripples throughout entire companies.

The evidence speaks volumes. Studies show 80% of employees believe leadership behavior (not words) defines cultural norms, while companies with engaged employees perform up to 202% better than those without. As scripture reminds us, "the student is not above the teacher" – your actions as a leader become the blueprint others follow.

Great leaders shape positive cultures through five key practices: walking in transparency by owning mistakes, protecting healthy boundaries in workplace relationships, leading by example rather than exception, addressing toxic behavior swiftly regardless of performance, and for those of faith, inviting spiritual discernment into decision-making. Each practice creates psychological safety that drives innovation and engagement.

When leaders inevitably stumble, restoration must be the focus. This means honest acknowledgment without spin, protecting those impacted, inviting genuine accountability (not just PR fixes), and starting fresh with authentic humility. Remember - culture isn't just an HR slogan. It's the foundation of trust, retention, and organizational health.

Whether you lead a major corporation, a small team, or simply influence others through your daily interactions, your character creates someone's workplace environment tomorrow. The small integrity choices you make today ripple outward in ways you may never fully see. Let's commit to leading in the light, recognizing that who we are ultimately matters more than what we say.

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Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.

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What does true freedom really mean beyond fireworks, parades, and patriotic speeches? In this powerful episode of Real Freedom, we go beyond the red, white, and blue to explore the deeper meaning of freedom—through the lens of faith, personal liberty, and spiritual transformation.

Join us as we unpack how faith intersects with freedom, challenge cultural norms around Independence Day, and uncover what it means to live freely in today’s world—not just as citizens, but as people of purpose.

Whether you’re wrestling with political tension, seeking spiritual clarity, or simply wondering how to reclaim your personal liberty in a noisy world, this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe and share with someone who’s searching for real freedom—beyond just July 4th.

Support the show

Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.