Hi Reader,

Several years ago, I volunteered for something and I didn't realize the impact it would have on me.

I was at church and noticed the youth center building was a mess. That's no surprise since about 100 teenagers regularly occupied the building. Teens are not exactly known for being concerned with tidiness.

I asked Frank, the church's facilities manager if he needed help cleaning the youth center.

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Frank was in charge of maintaining all the grounds on the church's five-acre campus. Frank was a staff of one.

Therefore, Frank relied heavily on church members like me to help him. When I asked if I could help him clean up the youth center, the look on his face said it all. Before he uttered one word, I said:

"Frank, I'll be here Saturday morning and I'll clean up the youth center building." Frank simply said "thank you," bear-hugged me, and moved on with his never-ending list of things that needed his attention on the campus.

I showed up Saturday morning at 9am and got to work. Frank met me and gave me the supplies I needed: a pale of soapy water, a mop, a broom, and a dust mop.

Over the next three hours, I mopped the entire floor of the youth center building. I organized chairs and tables. I threw several items into the dishwasher. I removed stains on sections of the stage that needed to be removed. Finally, I dusted the windows.

During this eventful morning in the youth center building, I didn't listen to music or podcasts. I just focused on doing the work.

I did some reflecting. I asked myself why I was doing this. Initially, I thought my answer was to help Frank. After all, he was a one-man facilities manager. There is some truth to this.

As I reflected deeper on this question, I realized my answer was bigger than helping Frank.

I realized that I recognized a need and was compelled to step up and meet the need.

The only person on the planet that knew I was doing this cleanup was Frank. So, I received no recognition (not that I sought it).

I simply knew I had to step up and own it.

The look on Frank's face when he came back about noon and saw how much cleaner and organized the building was the only reward I needed. His reaction gave me a deep sense of fulfillment.

I didn't know it then, but I had committed an act of leadership.

This week in episode 220 I explain how any of us can be a leader in everyday life without being given a title or role.

Let's do this...

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Where You Can Listen To This Week's Episode:

Listen on Apple​

Listen on Spotify​

Listen on Overcast​

Listen on our Website​

Watch on YouTube​

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Unleashing Leadership Opportunities in Your Everyday Life

​Episode 220 is an 'On My Mind' episode about leadership. Not the conventional meaning of leadership. In this episode I unpack how leadership isn’t about a position or a title—it’s about influence. It’s about how you show up, how you inspire others, and how you take responsibility for making a difference.

You can lead anywhere—at work, in your family, or in your community.

💡Leading At work – You don’t need to be a manager to be a leader. When you take initiative, support others, and bring a positive attitude, you’re leading.

💡 Leading At home – Families need leadership too. Whether you’re a parent, a sibling, or a relative, or a dear friend of a family, you can lead through encouragement, connection, and accountability.

💡 Leading In your community – Leadership isn’t about prestige; it’s about service. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply bringing people together—these are all acts of leadership.

As we move through the decades, our values evolve, and our self-awareness deepens. Life prepares us to lead in ways we couldn’t before. With experience and wisdom, we’re in a unique position to lead with authenticity and purpose.

My challenge to you: Where can you lead today? What opportunities to lead are right in front of you? Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about stepping up, right where you are.

Tune in to episode 220 to discover where you can lead today.

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Leadership Doesn’t Require a Title

When I speak or write about my Fulfillment-Centric Leadership™ Framework, I talk about it in the context of organizations, admittedly in traditional leadership. However, its principles apply to every area of life. Whether you’re at work, at home, in your community, at an event, or among friends, you have opportunities to lead every day.

Let’s explore what leadership can look like in real-life scenarios.

Leadership at Work (Even Without a Title)

You don’t need “manager” or “director” in your job title to be a leader. True leadership at work isn’t about scope of authority—it’s about impact. It’s about the person who:

• Steps up to solve a problem instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
• Supports and encourages a struggling coworker.
• Shares ideas that improve the team’s performance.
• Leads by example with integrity, reliability, and a positive attitude.
• Contributes to a healthy, positive culture where people can thrive.

Leadership in Your Family

Leadership doesn’t stop when you leave the workplace. In your family, you have an incredible opportunity to lead through love, patience, and example. Parents, of course, are leaders by default. But even if you’re not a parent, you can lead by:

• Supporting a family member through a challenge.
• Creating a culture of encouragement and gratitude at home.
• Being the one who keeps the family connected—whether that’s through holiday traditions or simply checking in regularly.
• Organizing family events to show your passion for maintaining a connection with loved ones.
• Holding someone accountable when a situation calls for it.

Leadership in Your Community

Every community needs leaders—not just the ones with official titles but the ones who step up to make things better. You might not run for office or chair a committee, but leadership can look like:

• Volunteering your time and skills.
• Speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.
• Being a mentor to someone younger or less experienced.
• Organizing an event or initiative that brings people together.

Leadership Is About How You Show Up

Ultimately, leadership is a mindset. It’s not about waiting for a title or permission—it’s about recognizing the influence you already have and using it to make a difference.

• It’s taking action, not waiting for someone else to step up.
• It’s inspiring others through your actions and attitude.
• It’s taking responsibility for the energy you create in any environment.

Leadership Potential in Midlife: The Power of Experience and Growth

Midlife is a season of reflection, but it’s also a season of action. With decades of experience under our belt, we have a stronger sense of what truly matters. We’ve learned from successes and failures. We’ve developed resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex situations. These attributes position us to lead—not necessarily from a title or position, but from a place of wisdom, service, and authenticity.

So, where can you lead today?

Where in your life do you see opportunities to lead, even if you don’t have a leadership title?

This is an excerpt. Read the entire article here.

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Questions to ponder from episode #220.

In what ways does Bernie suggest individuals can demonstrate leadership in their work environment without holding a managerial title?

How might Bernie's ideas about leadership in families redefine the roles of family members in fostering a positive family environment?

Bernie speaks about community leadership. What are some ways you can envision yourself contributing as a leader within your community?

What role does self-awareness play in Bernie's view of leadership, and why is it crucial for developing leadership potential?

How does Bernie suggest that the experiences gained in midlife uniquely equip individuals for leadership roles?

If any of these questions resonate, tune into episode 220.

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Products & Services I Use/Endorse

In this section, I'm promoting other people's products or services I either use or have used and choose to recommend. The links to these products are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase from them.

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Video Humor of the Week!

Reader, let's laugh a little! We can all use a little more laughter in our lives.

This week's comedic break features Roman Murray explaining the perks of growing old (sort of)...😎

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Stay fulfilled,
Bernie Borges
Host, Midlife Fulfilled Podcast | Fulfillment Architect

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