Birthdays often come with cakes, candles, and well-wishes. But this year, mine came wrapped in something more enduring: love expressed through thought, effort, and symbolism.
My daughters, Lisa and Melyn, went beyond preparing a meal. They created an experience gift that spoke directly to my heart. What they gave me was not just food; it was a reminder of who I am, and more importantly, why I do what I do.
They baked cookies that spelled out the words Mr. Strategy, a nickname I have earned over the years for my work in strategy, leadership, and transformation. But to see it recreated in flour and sugar by my own children was more profound than any professional accolade.
Each letter carried meaning beyond its shape. It was not about sweetness; it was about thoughtfulness. It was not about perfection but about love.
And then, the chessboard cookies. To many, it was just a playful design, but to me, it was a reminder that life, like chess, demands patience, foresight, and courage.
Every move matters, every sacrifice has weight, and every victory is earned. Yet, what my daughters reminded me is that beyond strategy, foresight, and calculated moves, life is also about appreciation, presence, and being celebrated by those who matter most.
The day did not end with cookies only they served me a meal, meat with kalo, a combination prepared with the kind of love that cannot be replicated in any five-star restaurant.
It was not gourmet, but it was priceless. It turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration.
To Lisa and Melyn: thank you for reminding me that family is the ultimate strategy. You made me pause, breathe, and reflect. And to Zachary, Leo, Leah, and Audrey, thank you for the care, laughter, and presence that completed the day.
In leadership and strategy, we often speak of vision, execution, and legacy. But my children reminded me of something far more important: strategy means nothing without family at the center.
As I step into another year of life, I do so with renewed gratitude not just for the opportunities that lie ahead, but for the love, grounding, and strength that my family gives me every single day. That, to me, is the greatest gift of all.
Mr. Strategy
