Advice You Didn't Ask For

Andre

Leadership isn't about having a title or position. And, you know, that's a misconception we all fall into at some point. We think, "Oh, I’ll lead when I get promoted," or "Once I get that managerial badge, then I can make a difference." But the truth is, leadership starts right where you are. It's a mindset, not a designation.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, I—I totally get that. It's such a liberating concept, right? That you don't have to wait on anyone to give you permission to lead. It’s freeing, but also kinda intimidating.

Andre

Exactly, Eric. But what’s powerful about this idea is that it calls on us to take responsibility for our impact—whether it's on one person or an entire system. Leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about showing up, speaking up, and stepping up, no matter your role. Remember, the most influential leaders often don’t come with official titles. Parents, teachers, community members—they lead by the way they live.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. Leadership isn’t waiting for the “right” moment, it’s—it's finding the right attitude. Actually, let me--let me tell you about this time when I was working as an intern at my first newsroom.

Andre

Please, go on.

Eric Marquette

Okay, so there was this breaking news situation—a total circus. The editor-in-chief and a bunch of reporters were out in the field, and back at the office? Chaos. The phones were ringing. The computer system crashed. Nobody knew where the key interviews were filed. And, uh, I was just this kid fetching coffee and fact-checking.

Andre

I can see where this is going...

Eric Marquette

Right? So I stepped up. I started organizing the files, jotted down who was handling what, rerouted the phones so the producer could focus on getting the studio live. I didn’t think of it as “leading.” I was just solving problems in the moment. But afterward? One of the senior reporters looked at me and said, “That was leadership.”

Andre

And that right there is the essence of it! You didn’t need someone to dub you "leader." You saw what had to be done and acted. Too often, we tie leadership to external validation, but what’s key is inner accountability. You leading in that crisis—

Eric Marquette

—Wasn't about the title, yeah.

Andre

Exactly. It was about taking responsibility for what mattered. Leadership is found in showing up prepared, standing by your principles, and caring—when apathy is the easier option. That’s what makes someone worth following.

Eric Marquette

And it’s kind of amazing, isn’t it? It means anyone has the potential to lead. You don’t have to wait for someone to hand it to you. You just... decide.

Andre

Yes, anyone can lead, but here’s the challenge. Leadership isn't always glamorous. Sometimes it’s quietly holding things together when no one’s looking. It’s being the calm in the storm, as you were in that newsroom. True leadership is about the responsibility you carry, not the recognition you get.

Eric Marquette

Okay, Andre, but let’s get real for a second. You’ve been working in HR and leadership development for years—what’s the most unexpected example of leadership you’ve witnessed?

Andre

Oh, I’ve seen so many, Eric. But one that really stuck with me? It’s not flashy or corporate. I’ll share it quickly. There was this janitor who worked—

Eric Marquette

A janitor? Wow, Andre, I can’t wait to hear more about that. But, you know, hearing these stories reminds me of how much leadership also depends on staying connected with people, doesn’t it? Calling your team, showing up for others, and keeping those bonds alive—it can be tough in a world where we're all so busy.

Andre

You're right, Eric. It isn’t easy. But, you know, when life gets overwhelming—and it will—leaning on your people is what keeps you grounded. I mean, think back to the hardest moments in your life. Who did you call on?

Eric Marquette

Oh, that’s so true. I I think about times when I felt completely stuck, and it was always those close few—my parents, maybe a friend—who pulled me out of that mental fog. But honestly, I’ve also been that person who waits too long to pick up the phone. It’s like... I don’t want to bother anyone, you know?

Andre

I understand that. We all feel like that sometimes. But here’s the thing—relationships aren’t sustained just by grand gestures. It’s in the small, consistent moments. Actually, let me share a story.

Eric Marquette

Please do, I’m all ears.

Andre

Alright, so years ago, I was going through a particularly rough patch—work wasn’t clicking, personal life felt stagnant. I was, you know, questioning a lot about my purpose. And then, out of the blue, a former student called me. This was a kid I hadn’t spoken to in years. I didn’t even know they had my number!

Eric Marquette

No way. What’d they want?

Andre

They just wanted to thank me. They said something I had said in a seminar years ago had stuck with them and guided them through a difficult decision. And you know what? That call—it completely shifted my mindset. I realized that even when I felt like I wasn’t making an impact, my actions had ripple effects. It reminded me why I do what I do.

Eric Marquette

Wow, that’s powerful. And it’s kind of humbling too, right?

Andre

Very much so. That one call reminded me that staying connected isn’t just about what we get—it’s about what we give. Sometimes being there for someone else is exactly what we need for ourselves.

Eric Marquette

And what about the "learn slowly" part of this? Like, forgiving fast—that makes sense—but why take your time learning? Why not just move on?

Andre

Ah, here’s why. Forgiving quickly—it clears your heart, you know? It frees you from bitterness. But learning? That’s about growth. That takes time. It’s about sitting with the discomfort, asking yourself questions like, “What does this teach me about my boundaries? What does it reveal about my choices?” Quick forgiveness, slow understanding. That’s where resilience comes from.

Eric Marquette

I like that. Quick forgiveness, slow understanding. It’s a rhythm, almost.

Andre

Exactly. And when you combine that with staying connected to your people, you create a powerful support system—for them and for yourself. It’s how we heal and grow without growing bitter or isolated. That’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Eric Marquette

You know, Andre, I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said—quick forgiveness, slow understanding. It’s such a profound rhythm for growth. And speaking of intriguing ideas, this concept of spiritual flossing—you've got me curious. I mean, I get the literal part—take care of your teeth, no argument there. But the spiritual aspect? What’s the deeper meaning behind that?

Andre

It’s about making space, Eric. You know, just like flossing removes what doesn’t belong in your teeth, spiritual flossing clears out what doesn’t belong in your mind or heart. Resentments, comparisons, negativity—it all builds up over time, and if we don’t clear it out regularly, it starts to affect how we live, how we make decisions, how we treat people.

Eric Marquette

So it’s like decluttering, but for your soul?

Andre

Exactly. And it has to be a daily practice. You can’t just decide to "floss" once a year and expect everything to stay clean. Reflecting, forgiving, journaling, meditating—whatever keeps you grounded and clear. That’s your floss.

Eric Marquette

I like that. It’s not just about the big moments of self-care, but the little, consistent ones. And honestly? That might be harder for people to commit to because, let’s face it, routines aren’t glamorous.

Andre

Absolutely. But here’s where glamour can trip us up. It’s the difference between being impressive and being impactful. A lot of us spend so much energy trying to impress—collecting titles, awards, followers—but impact? That’s about the quiet ways you make a difference, the lives you touch, the systems you improve.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, I feel like we’ve all been caught in that trap—chasing validation, right? But what does chasing impact over impressiveness look like in real terms?

Andre

Let me give you an example. A few years ago, I worked with an organization that used to be hyper-focused on recognition. Everything revolved around awards—the Employee of the Month, flashy plaques, the whole nine yards. But the funny thing? Turnover was high, morale was low, and people weren’t collaborating.

Eric Marquette

Too much competition, huh?

Andre

Exactly. It created a culture of “me” instead of “we.” So, with some leadership changes, they shifted focus. Instead of individual recognition, they started celebrating team milestones, shared wins, and collective impact. And you know what? Productivity shot up. Retention improved. Because people weren’t just working for trophies—they were working for each other.

Eric Marquette

That’s such a powerful shift. It’s about connection over clout, yeah?

Andre

Absolutely. And that ties into the idea of chasing excellence over success. Success is fleeting—it’s shaped by trends, external validation, and often depends on who’s watching. But excellence? That’s a commitment to growth, integrity, showing up fully, and doing your best even when no one sees.

Eric Marquette

Kind of like building a foundation that won’t crumble, no matter what?

Andre

Exactly, Eric. When you chase excellence, success has no choice but to follow—because you’ve built something it can trust. And that’s the legacy you want to leave, both personally and professionally.

Eric Marquette

I love that. This whole idea of clearing what doesn’t serve you, focusing on team impact, and chasing excellence—it all comes down to being intentional, doesn’t it?

Andre

It does. Intentionality is the thread that connects everything. Whether it’s flossing—literally or spiritually—choosing impact over applause, or pursuing excellence instead of quick wins, it’s about living with purpose. And when you do that? You don’t just grow—you help others grow alongside you.

Eric Marquette

Andre, this has been such a great conversation. I feel like I’ve got a lot to think about—and maybe floss a bit more.

Andre

That’s the goal, Eric. And to everyone listening—remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present, grounded, and intentional in how you show up every day. Be clear, be kind, and, yes, floss.

Eric Marquette

And on that note, thanks for spending time with us today. Andre, you’ve inspired me yet again. Any final words?

Andre

Just this: chase excellence, clean your teeth—and your soul—and call your people. And if you do that, you’re building a life not just worth living, but worth sharing.

Eric Marquette

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you next time!