There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who care deeply about getting better.
I recently had the privilege of sharing some thoughts at igniteEX, put on by the Performance Excellence Network (PEN), a space where leaders across industries come together to live what they teach.
These are people who are committed to improving not just their organizations, but the communities around them.
It reminded me that true leadership is not just about performance. It’s about purpose.
When ideas, tools, and real conversations come together, it creates a space that helps everyone move forward. It takes an incredible amount of professional dedication, leadership, and behind-the-scenes effort to build communities that matter and that continue to ripple outward.
It was an honor to share a message that feels especially relevant right now during a time filled with so much change and uncertainty. May we all have one more ounce of courage to Be Real, to Connect, and to Grow. 🙌
Speaking Adventures
That exact theme of purposeful leadership has been the focal point of my recent speaking adventures.
Around the same time as igniteEX, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon facilitating a three-hour workshop for leaders across Steele County. We covered a lot of ground together, focusing on how to “Get The Right Peeps in the Jeep” and how to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow.
It’s so encouraging to see counties investing in the development of their leaders, looking to maximize their impact in improving, protecting, and growing their communities.
More recently, that momentum carried into a fantastic two days spent speaking at the all-staff meeting for East Central Energy. It is easy to take for granted everything it takes to reliably power and connect thousands of miles of territory across Minnesota and Wisconsin. But the team at ECE shows up every day doing exactly that, while also helping connect nearly 70,000 members through critical fiber internet and related services.
What stood out most to me was that this is not just a utility company. As a member-owned cooperative, there is a genuine sense of purpose around serving people and strengthening communities. You can feel it in the culture, the conversations, and the way employees talk about the members they serve.
Their values of respect, integrity, courage, and humility are not just words on a wall. They genuinely show up in how people lead, collaborate, and care for one another.
Whether opening a major conference, diving deep into an intensive workshop, or connecting with a dedicated utility team, the takeaway remains the same: the future belongs to organizations whose leaders are willing to show up differently and with purpose.
To follow more of my speaking journey, let’s connect on social media! Follow me on LinkedIn or YouTube, or join the conversation on Facebook or TikTok.
Until next time,
Maisha ni safari
(Swahili… Life is a Safari)
Sincerely,
Steve Fredlund
You’ve Got This!Keynotes | Breakouts | Workshops | Retreats
(651) 587-5435 — SteveFredlund.com
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx presenter, and bestselling author of Do the Unright Thing: Memoir of a People Pleaser. After decades as an actuary, executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder—including leading humanitarian efforts in East Africa—Steve discovered that doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to fulfillment or impact.
Drawing from that journey, he developed The Courage Advantage™ philosophy—centered on the everyday courage to move beyond expectation, lead with authenticity, and live in alignment with what truly matters. Through his engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, Steve inspires audiences to find greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in both life and leadership.