We all struggle with taking a break because there is so much to do, even though we know the wisdom of the adage: the work will still be here tomorrow.

Working with so many leaders globally, I’ve learned that even when expectations are obvious, the words used to explain them are not necessarily clear to everyone.

We all make mistakes. There are those who blame everyone else, and those who take all the blame, even if they didn’t do it.

I’ve had conversations with leaders around the world — many of whom seem to be confused about two things:

You don’t have to own something to lead it.

You don’t need to lead something to own it.

The most successful entrepreneurs and leaders around the globe are always investing in themselves via time, interactions, reading books, and exploring new ideas and thoughts.

One thing I know for sure is that if we keep doing what we do, we will move forward — but if we want to grow, we must reflect.

One of the programs I run while working with leaders around the world is about resiliency.

I’ve never been one to say what you’d like to hear. I’ve always been the one who says what you need to hear. I’m accustomed to being uncomfortable all the time — being who I am, where I grew up, and where I continue to live, can sometimes be challenging.

We all struggle with taking a break because there is so much to do, even though we know the wisdom of the adage, the work will still be here tomorrow.

By now most of you know that for the last 30 years I’ve been in the business space — starting, growing, consulting, and advising at every level from entrepreneurs with a startup idea, to Presidents or Governors on policy and program development for their local communities.

I’ve been fortunate to work with many leaders who have compassion and empathy for their people and customers, their communities, and beyond. I’ve also occasionally worked with a few that have no compassion or empathy towards others.

Look around globally, and unfortunately you will see many great examples of bad leadership. Just holding a title doesn’t impart success as a leader.

To me, it seems that leaders that have compassion or empathy are disappearing from the world stage, with very few exceptions.

Many of you don’t know the full story behind the work that I do, but only a few know how I got here. I share this today because our professionalism and personal lives always somewhat overlap.

The last thing an entrepreneur needs is to live in a fantasy that has no checks or balances.

For many years I paid no attention to what, how, or when I said what I said. I was careful, but didn’t totally understand or appreciate the insights I had gained in working with thousands of entrepreneurs around the globe.

In business we’ve learned that urgency is key, especially in responding to customer needs or wants. But another key for the leader is the longevity of the business, and where it needs to go. Sometimes the results of the tactics you are using and what you may gain at the time do not add up to the big vision you seek.

Are you building a job for yourself, or building a company?

The difference between the two is simple:

Building a job is networking to find gigs for yourself, just so you can get paid.

Building a company is looking for jobs or gigs for the entire team to get paid, not just me.

Through my journey as an entrepreneur, immigrant, stateless refugee, and even homeless at one time, I learned that sometimes you’re on top, and sometimes you’re on the bottom. And often, it feels like it is never going to end — no matter which side of the scale you’re on.

“Someone may hold a position that entitles them to “lead” people, but that doesn’t mean that they are a leader within the community. They may have POWER over the community, but that’s not the same as being a true leader.”

“People who are there when you need them to keep your business moving forward positively.”

“Accepting responsibility may seem something we all do, but the reality is that most people don’t actually do it.”

“While most people may take notes on what is being discussed in a meeting, leaders take notes and then take action.” -Faris Alami