Bullshit is something I've never really had much time for.
I keep it real. I remain honest with who I am, my weaknesses, my gaps, and my views on life and work — and I expect the people around me to act the same way.
I have been known to be a corporate guy who toes the line, so people who have seen me from a distance have thought I was this straight-edged guy who only spoke in corporate jargon. But one happy hour with me and it's obvious I have no problem letting the truth fly.
I used to get in trouble as a leader because I would share all of the things with my team that I wasn't supposed to share. I would share interview feedback, peer review data, and insights on announcements — and I would always ensure they were aware of big changes that were upcoming. If that got me in trouble, then so be it. I knew it was better to be transparent with my people than to keep them in the dark on dumb stuff that didn't matter.
I keep it real, and I want people around me to keep it real. Don't try and sell me some story that you don't believe, and don't try to pull the wool over my eyes on something I can see right through.
At this point in my career, all I want to do is spend my time with people who have that same genuine approach as I do. I want to be around those who find value in reality, the truth, and being real with who they are. If you want to try and paint a picture that isn't true or accurate, then I'm out.
Life is too short to spend it with people who don't align with our values. Business is too hard to try and do it with people who don't support our vision.
And that's the thing about keeping it real — it's not just about calling out the BS. It's about building trust. When you're honest with people, even when the truth is hard to hear, they respect you for it. They know they can rely on you to be upfront and consistent. That kind of trust is priceless, whether it's in your personal life or your career.
Transparency doesn't mean being reckless or unfiltered just for the sake of it. It means having the courage to say what needs to be said and the integrity to stand behind it. Sure, it can ruffle feathers. It might even make some people uncomfortable. But I'd rather deal with the fallout of honesty than waste my energy trying to keep up appearances or manage a façade.
I've found that when you lead with authenticity, you attract the right people — those who value your perspective, respect your boundaries, and share your vision. These are the people who will challenge you in the right ways, who will help you grow, and who will stand by you when things get tough.
On the flip side, being real also means knowing when to walk away. If someone can't handle the truth or insists on playing games, that's a clear sign they don't belong in your circle. Life and work are hard enough without dragging along people who thrive on pretense or manipulation.
At the end of the day, keeping it real is a mantra. It's about choosing integrity over ease, trust over convenience, and truth over appearances. It might not always be the smoothest path, but it's the only one worth taking. Because when you live and work authentically, you're free to be yourself — and there's no greater success than that.