Follow the Leader (But Not Too Closely)

Now that we've passed election day, my peers and colleagues should not be surprised to hear that I'm taking inspiration in finding my place in a changing landscape from classic country music. The title of this post comes from the Johnny Russell hit "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer". If you're not familiar with the song, make sure to check it out (below) before reading the rest of this post.  It's certainly a strange time to be a diverse business professional working on LGBTQ+ business research in a state that often feels like it's stuck in a time warp. I've heard rude comments, snide remarks, and been exposed to outright hostility. "Why don't you just move to a blue state?" is a common refrain among people in my community. My answer is simple: Florida is my home. This is where my family (by blood and chosen) is, where my friends are, and where I've spent a long time building my life. This is a place with a rich history, a

As someone who grew up under complex circumstances, I have long prided myself on an ability to maintain the delicate balances necessary for being an adult.  At some point (for legal reasons: after 21), my motto for approaching stress became, "I don't do [blank] because it might disrupt my careful homeostasis created by caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and melatonin".  While some people don't understand the logic of this statement, many of my peers and colleagues have the nuance to know why I respond to stress in this way. Or in the words of John Mulaney, "What is someone gonna do to me that's worse than what I would do to myself?" However, sometimes, my good intentions turn out to be possible compulsions once I can reflect on decisions I've made with little thought. Such as when I purchased a case (or two) of one of my favorite energy drinks at a discount store. A place I usually go to find niche products that I can't find elsewhere in Pensacola. At

As an ambitious graduate student researcher with a passion for community service and strategic management, this blog is a space where I’ll be sharing insights, research, and reflections from my academic and professional journey. With a strong foundation in business administration, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, my goal is to explore key topics that shape the world of business today, including innovative fundraising, relationship building, and creative problem-solving.  Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop effective strategies that drive positive outcomes, from leading nonprofit initiatives to delivering top-notch customer service. My research interests focus on the intersection of business ethics, leadership, and community impact, and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference through collaboration and analytical rigor.  Whether you’re a fellow business researcher, professional, or someone passionate about leadership and social good, I invite you