JamesSampson
@jamessampson.bsky.social
Business Consultant | C-Suite & Managing Director-Level Leader | Interim Executive for Middle-Market Companies | Manufacturing Champion | Financial, Operational, Organizational Improvement | PE Executive Coaching | Writer
Once upon a time, there was someone who stood at the edge of familiar ground.
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to realize that staying had slowly shifted from intention to inertia….
My latest little Once Upon a Time story on LinkedIn today:
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to realize that staying had slowly shifted from intention to inertia….
My latest little Once Upon a Time story on LinkedIn today:
Once Upon a Time, He Chose Fit Over Familiar
Once upon a time, there was someone who stood at the edge of familiar ground.
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to… ...
Once Upon a Time, He Chose Fit Over Familiar
Once upon a time, there was someone who stood at the edge of familiar ground.
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to r...
www.linkedin.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Once upon a time, there was someone who stood at the edge of familiar ground.
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to realize that staying had slowly shifted from intention to inertia….
My latest little Once Upon a Time story on LinkedIn today:
He had been there long enough to know the view by heart -
long enough to realize that staying had slowly shifted from intention to inertia….
My latest little Once Upon a Time story on LinkedIn today:
First released in 2006, “Christmas Is 4 Ever” by Bootsy Collins remains a truly unique and amazing Christmas album. Highly recommended! Put some funk in your holidays! Give it a listen. Thank me later.
December 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
First released in 2006, “Christmas Is 4 Ever” by Bootsy Collins remains a truly unique and amazing Christmas album. Highly recommended! Put some funk in your holidays! Give it a listen. Thank me later.
You Can Be Busy All Day and Achieve Absolutely Nothing
To escape the trap, use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks by Urgency and Importance.
Most people spend their lives in the "Urgent" quadrants. The most effective leaders live in the "Important" quadrants.
Read more here:
To escape the trap, use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks by Urgency and Importance.
Most people spend their lives in the "Urgent" quadrants. The most effective leaders live in the "Important" quadrants.
Read more here:
You Can Be Busy All Day and Achieve Absolutely Nothing
We’ve all been there: It’s 6:00 PM, you’re exhausted, your calendar was packed, and your inbox is empty - yet you feel like you didn't actua...
You Can Be Busy All Day and Achieve Absolutely Nothing
We’ve all been there: It’s 6:00 PM, you’re exhausted, your calendar was packed, and your inbox is empty - yet you feel like you didn't actually ...
www.linkedin.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
You Can Be Busy All Day and Achieve Absolutely Nothing
To escape the trap, use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks by Urgency and Importance.
Most people spend their lives in the "Urgent" quadrants. The most effective leaders live in the "Important" quadrants.
Read more here:
To escape the trap, use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your tasks by Urgency and Importance.
Most people spend their lives in the "Urgent" quadrants. The most effective leaders live in the "Important" quadrants.
Read more here:
Why does the President of the United States feel compelled to share his every thought and opinion on social media? Doesn’t serving as President keep him sufficiently occupied?
Here’s what classless looks like:
Here’s what classless looks like:
December 15, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Why does the President of the United States feel compelled to share his every thought and opinion on social media? Doesn’t serving as President keep him sufficiently occupied?
Here’s what classless looks like:
Here’s what classless looks like:
It seems like lot of people are frustrated with LinkedIn right now.
The algorithm.
The content.
The feeling that the platform has drifted away from what it “used to be.”
But change is not necessarily a bad thing.
Here’s my LinkedIn post today.
Just my two cents….
The algorithm.
The content.
The feeling that the platform has drifted away from what it “used to be.”
But change is not necessarily a bad thing.
Here’s my LinkedIn post today.
Just my two cents….
My Two Cents: LinkedIn Is Changing - and That Might Not Be a Bad Thing
A lot of people are frustrated with LinkedIn right now.
The algorithm.
The content.
The tone.
The feeling that the platform… | ...
My Two Cents: LinkedIn Is Changing - and That Might Not Be a Bad Thing
A lot of people are frustrated with LinkedIn right now.
The algorithm.
The content.
The tone.
The feeling that the platform has...
www.linkedin.com
December 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
It seems like lot of people are frustrated with LinkedIn right now.
The algorithm.
The content.
The feeling that the platform has drifted away from what it “used to be.”
But change is not necessarily a bad thing.
Here’s my LinkedIn post today.
Just my two cents….
The algorithm.
The content.
The feeling that the platform has drifted away from what it “used to be.”
But change is not necessarily a bad thing.
Here’s my LinkedIn post today.
Just my two cents….
After blowing a late 14-point lead, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said something worth listening to:
“The coaches have done everything they can do. This is a player-driven team now. Until they start holding each other accountable, it’s not going to get right.”
That applies beyond football:
“The coaches have done everything they can do. This is a player-driven team now. Until they start holding each other accountable, it’s not going to get right.”
That applies beyond football:
One Minute Insight: Leadership Has Limits. Accountability Can’t.
This week on Thursday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a game they never should have let get away from them. And it… | ...
One Minute Insight: Leadership Has Limits. Accountability Can’t.
This week on Thursday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a game they never should have let get away from them. And it was...
www.linkedin.com
December 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
After blowing a late 14-point lead, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said something worth listening to:
“The coaches have done everything they can do. This is a player-driven team now. Until they start holding each other accountable, it’s not going to get right.”
That applies beyond football:
“The coaches have done everything they can do. This is a player-driven team now. Until they start holding each other accountable, it’s not going to get right.”
That applies beyond football:
Mindfulness Challenge: See if you can "catch" the complaining voice in your head today.
Recognize it not as you, but as the voice of the ego - just a thought. The liberation is realizing you are the awareness observing it.
#Mindfulness #EckhartTolle #InnerPeace #SelfAwareness
Recognize it not as you, but as the voice of the ego - just a thought. The liberation is realizing you are the awareness observing it.
#Mindfulness #EckhartTolle #InnerPeace #SelfAwareness
December 12, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Mindfulness Challenge: See if you can "catch" the complaining voice in your head today.
Recognize it not as you, but as the voice of the ego - just a thought. The liberation is realizing you are the awareness observing it.
#Mindfulness #EckhartTolle #InnerPeace #SelfAwareness
Recognize it not as you, but as the voice of the ego - just a thought. The liberation is realizing you are the awareness observing it.
#Mindfulness #EckhartTolle #InnerPeace #SelfAwareness
Quick Thought: You can’t ‘optimize’ your way out of exhaustion.
It’s no surprise so many people feel worn down right now.
But here’s the part we often forget:
Exhaustion isn’t a productivity problem.
It’s a capacity problem.
For a bit more, click and read my LinkedIn post:
It’s no surprise so many people feel worn down right now.
But here’s the part we often forget:
Exhaustion isn’t a productivity problem.
It’s a capacity problem.
For a bit more, click and read my LinkedIn post:
Quick Thought: You can’t ‘optimize’ your way out of exhaustion.
This time of year has a way of stretching people thin.
Year-end targets.
Holiday expectations.
Pressure to finish strong while… | Jam...
Quick Thought: You can’t ‘optimize’ your way out of exhaustion.
This time of year has a way of stretching people thin.
Year-end targets.
Holiday expectations.
Pressure to finish strong while alread...
www.linkedin.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Quick Thought: You can’t ‘optimize’ your way out of exhaustion.
It’s no surprise so many people feel worn down right now.
But here’s the part we often forget:
Exhaustion isn’t a productivity problem.
It’s a capacity problem.
For a bit more, click and read my LinkedIn post:
It’s no surprise so many people feel worn down right now.
But here’s the part we often forget:
Exhaustion isn’t a productivity problem.
It’s a capacity problem.
For a bit more, click and read my LinkedIn post:
In a sit-down interview with Politico published on Tuesday, President Donald Trump declared the U.S. economy is strong and holds an "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus" (A+++++) grade under his leadership despite inheriting a "mess" from the Biden administration.
How would you rate the current economy?
How would you rate the current economy?
December 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
In a sit-down interview with Politico published on Tuesday, President Donald Trump declared the U.S. economy is strong and holds an "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus" (A+++++) grade under his leadership despite inheriting a "mess" from the Biden administration.
How would you rate the current economy?
How would you rate the current economy?
Random Thoughts: Mid-December Perspective, Resilience & Hope
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
So here are a few random thoughts for anyone who needs a moment to breathe, reset, and remember what matters two weeks before Christmas:
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
So here are a few random thoughts for anyone who needs a moment to breathe, reset, and remember what matters two weeks before Christmas:
Random Thoughts: Mid-December Perspective, Resilience & Hope
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
Stress is high, patience is low, and everyone I...
Random Thoughts: Mid-December Perspective, Resilience & Hope
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
Stress is high, patience is low, and everyone I tal...
www.linkedin.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Random Thoughts: Mid-December Perspective, Resilience & Hope
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
So here are a few random thoughts for anyone who needs a moment to breathe, reset, and remember what matters two weeks before Christmas:
Every December, we try to finish strong - but maybe finishing whole is the real goal.
So here are a few random thoughts for anyone who needs a moment to breathe, reset, and remember what matters two weeks before Christmas:
One Minute Insight: The Real Foundation of Culture
A great culture isn’t always positive.
It’s dependable.
Positive cultures come and go.
Consistent cultures last.
People don’t need cheerleaders.
They need leaders they can trust - every time, not just the good times.
My LinkedIn post today:
A great culture isn’t always positive.
It’s dependable.
Positive cultures come and go.
Consistent cultures last.
People don’t need cheerleaders.
They need leaders they can trust - every time, not just the good times.
My LinkedIn post today:
#oneminuteinsight #culture #leadership | James Sampson
One Minute Insight: Culture Isn’t a Mood - It’s a Standard
A young manager once asked me, “How do you build a positive culture?”
I told him: “Wrong question.”
Some days won’t be positive.
Some deci...
www.linkedin.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
One Minute Insight: The Real Foundation of Culture
A great culture isn’t always positive.
It’s dependable.
Positive cultures come and go.
Consistent cultures last.
People don’t need cheerleaders.
They need leaders they can trust - every time, not just the good times.
My LinkedIn post today:
A great culture isn’t always positive.
It’s dependable.
Positive cultures come and go.
Consistent cultures last.
People don’t need cheerleaders.
They need leaders they can trust - every time, not just the good times.
My LinkedIn post today:
That “free” rewards program you've signed up for - the one that pretends to reward your loyalty - isn't really free.
They are collecting data and tracking you. Data has become the real profit center. Loyalty programs are simply the friendliest on-ramp.
Click and read My Two Cents:
They are collecting data and tracking you. Data has become the real profit center. Loyalty programs are simply the friendliest on-ramp.
Click and read My Two Cents:
My Two Cents:
The Loyalty Program Illusion
I’ve earned millions of miles and points over the years - and yet, every reward feels more expensive than the last.
Here’s the pattern I’ve watched… | Jam...
My Two Cents:
The Loyalty Program Illusion
I’ve earned millions of miles and points over the years - and yet, every reward feels more expensive than the last.
Here’s the pattern I’ve watched unfold...
www.linkedin.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
That “free” rewards program you've signed up for - the one that pretends to reward your loyalty - isn't really free.
They are collecting data and tracking you. Data has become the real profit center. Loyalty programs are simply the friendliest on-ramp.
Click and read My Two Cents:
They are collecting data and tracking you. Data has become the real profit center. Loyalty programs are simply the friendliest on-ramp.
Click and read My Two Cents:
Two simple words.
“I’m sorry.”
Real leaders aren’t afraid of those words.
Neither are parents, teachers, supervisors, employees - or partners.
Say the words when they’re needed.
Mean them when you say them.
And watch what happens.
“I’m sorry.”
Real leaders aren’t afraid of those words.
Neither are parents, teachers, supervisors, employees - or partners.
Say the words when they’re needed.
Mean them when you say them.
And watch what happens.
Two simple words: “I’m sorry.”
Funny how they get harder to say as we get older.
And even harder as we get more successful.
So we avoid them.
We soften them.
We replace them with polished phrases… ...
Two simple words: “I’m sorry.”
Funny how they get harder to say as we get older.
And even harder as we get more successful.
So we avoid them.
We soften them.
We replace them with polished phrases t...
www.linkedin.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Two simple words.
“I’m sorry.”
Real leaders aren’t afraid of those words.
Neither are parents, teachers, supervisors, employees - or partners.
Say the words when they’re needed.
Mean them when you say them.
And watch what happens.
“I’m sorry.”
Real leaders aren’t afraid of those words.
Neither are parents, teachers, supervisors, employees - or partners.
Say the words when they’re needed.
Mean them when you say them.
And watch what happens.
As the clock ticks down on 2025, the tendency for many is to coast. I get it.
But the best professionals know that the real work - the work that builds momentum - is often done in these final weeks.
Here are my "random thoughts" on how to finish 2025 strong and start 2026 faster and smarter.
But the best professionals know that the real work - the work that builds momentum - is often done in these final weeks.
Here are my "random thoughts" on how to finish 2025 strong and start 2026 faster and smarter.
Finishing 2025 Strong & Starting 2026 Smarter & Faster: A Few Random Thoughts
As 2025 winds down, the tendency is to coast. But true professionals know the real work - the work that build...
Finishing 2025 Strong & Starting 2026 Smarter & Faster: A Few Random Thoughts
As 2025 winds down, the tendency is to coast. But true professionals know the real work - the work that builds moment...
www.linkedin.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
As the clock ticks down on 2025, the tendency for many is to coast. I get it.
But the best professionals know that the real work - the work that builds momentum - is often done in these final weeks.
Here are my "random thoughts" on how to finish 2025 strong and start 2026 faster and smarter.
But the best professionals know that the real work - the work that builds momentum - is often done in these final weeks.
Here are my "random thoughts" on how to finish 2025 strong and start 2026 faster and smarter.
Have you ever heard of the Counterclockwise Study conducted by Dr. Ellen Langer in 1979?
This mind-body connection research is fascinating and really worth your time, I promise.
Read about it in my LinkedIn post today:
This mind-body connection research is fascinating and really worth your time, I promise.
Read about it in my LinkedIn post today:
#mindset #counterclockwisestudy | James Sampson
The Mind–Body Connection: A Lesson from the “Counterclockwise Study”
Most people underestimate one thing that has more impact on their health, performance, and aging than any diet or exercise progra...
www.linkedin.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Have you ever heard of the Counterclockwise Study conducted by Dr. Ellen Langer in 1979?
This mind-body connection research is fascinating and really worth your time, I promise.
Read about it in my LinkedIn post today:
This mind-body connection research is fascinating and really worth your time, I promise.
Read about it in my LinkedIn post today:
I first read these thoughtful words by the poet Elayne Griffin Baker and found myself nodding like a bobblehead.
They made me think.
I find myself going back to read them again and again.
I’m still thinking about them.
Read them yourself and tell me what you think.
They made me think.
I find myself going back to read them again and again.
I’m still thinking about them.
Read them yourself and tell me what you think.
December 3, 2025 at 5:16 AM
I first read these thoughtful words by the poet Elayne Griffin Baker and found myself nodding like a bobblehead.
They made me think.
I find myself going back to read them again and again.
I’m still thinking about them.
Read them yourself and tell me what you think.
They made me think.
I find myself going back to read them again and again.
I’m still thinking about them.
Read them yourself and tell me what you think.
One last thought: generosity doesn’t need to be big or loud to matter.
Even a small act of giving has a way of shifting your day - and sometimes someone else’s.
If today simply reminds us to stay generous in the weeks ahead, that’s a win.
#givingtuesday
#makeadifference
Even a small act of giving has a way of shifting your day - and sometimes someone else’s.
If today simply reminds us to stay generous in the weeks ahead, that’s a win.
#givingtuesday
#makeadifference
December 2, 2025 at 1:48 PM
One last thought: generosity doesn’t need to be big or loud to matter.
Even a small act of giving has a way of shifting your day - and sometimes someone else’s.
If today simply reminds us to stay generous in the weeks ahead, that’s a win.
#givingtuesday
#makeadifference
Even a small act of giving has a way of shifting your day - and sometimes someone else’s.
If today simply reminds us to stay generous in the weeks ahead, that’s a win.
#givingtuesday
#makeadifference
If you were sitting on Santa’s lap this year, what’s the one thing you’d ask him for?
I still believe in Santa - in the spirit of possibility, generosity, imagination.
But I’ve also lived long enough to know he isn’t bringing me the one thing I want most.
Here’s how you can prepare for 2026:
I still believe in Santa - in the spirit of possibility, generosity, imagination.
But I’ve also lived long enough to know he isn’t bringing me the one thing I want most.
Here’s how you can prepare for 2026:
My Two Cents — December 1, 2025
Black Friday has come and gone.
Small Business Saturday is already behind us, too.
And today is Cyber Monday - the day we’re all supposed to chase incredible… | James...
My Two Cents — December 1, 2025
Black Friday has come and gone.
Small Business Saturday is already behind us, too.
And today is Cyber Monday - the day we’re all supposed to chase incredible “deals.”...
www.linkedin.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:20 PM
If you were sitting on Santa’s lap this year, what’s the one thing you’d ask him for?
I still believe in Santa - in the spirit of possibility, generosity, imagination.
But I’ve also lived long enough to know he isn’t bringing me the one thing I want most.
Here’s how you can prepare for 2026:
I still believe in Santa - in the spirit of possibility, generosity, imagination.
But I’ve also lived long enough to know he isn’t bringing me the one thing I want most.
Here’s how you can prepare for 2026:
It’s the first game on the #NFL Thanksgiving Day menu: the Green Bay Packers (+3) at the Detroit Lions (-3)
Who wins?
Final score?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Who wins?
Final score?
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
It’s the first game on the #NFL Thanksgiving Day menu: the Green Bay Packers (+3) at the Detroit Lions (-3)
Who wins?
Final score?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Who wins?
Final score?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or just cozying up at home, I'm sending all the good vibes. What are you most grateful for today?
Who wins today’s NFL games?
Who ya got?
Share below! 👇
#Thanksgiving
#NFLFootball
#Community
Who wins today’s NFL games?
Who ya got?
Share below! 👇
#Thanksgiving
#NFLFootball
#Community
November 27, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or just cozying up at home, I'm sending all the good vibes. What are you most grateful for today?
Who wins today’s NFL games?
Who ya got?
Share below! 👇
#Thanksgiving
#NFLFootball
#Community
Who wins today’s NFL games?
Who ya got?
Share below! 👇
#Thanksgiving
#NFLFootball
#Community
My LinkedIn post today is a “Once Upon a Time” fairytale for Thanksgiving.
I like to think it’s a small reminder of what Thanksgiving is meant to be… and why it still matters.
If you get a moment, give it a look. I hope you enjoy its message.
Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving.
I like to think it’s a small reminder of what Thanksgiving is meant to be… and why it still matters.
If you get a moment, give it a look. I hope you enjoy its message.
Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Once Upon a Time: A Story for Thanksgiving
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Goldenfield, the people shared a tradition older than memory itself:
The Great Harvest Table.
Every year, after the… |...
Once Upon a Time: A Story for Thanksgiving
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Goldenfield, the people shared a tradition older than memory itself:
The Great Harvest Table.
Every year, after the cr...
www.linkedin.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:33 PM
My LinkedIn post today is a “Once Upon a Time” fairytale for Thanksgiving.
I like to think it’s a small reminder of what Thanksgiving is meant to be… and why it still matters.
If you get a moment, give it a look. I hope you enjoy its message.
Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving.
I like to think it’s a small reminder of what Thanksgiving is meant to be… and why it still matters.
If you get a moment, give it a look. I hope you enjoy its message.
Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving carries its own kind of magic: a mix of gratitude, honesty, reflection, and hope that reminds us how connected we really are.
It’s my favorite holiday.
For several reasons.
Here’s My Two Cents on why Thanksgiving still matters. Give it a read if you get a minute….
It’s my favorite holiday.
For several reasons.
Here’s My Two Cents on why Thanksgiving still matters. Give it a read if you get a minute….
My Two Cents on Why Thanksgiving Still Matters…
Thanksgiving is more than a date on the calendar. It’s that rare moment in a fast-moving year when the world seems to exhale - just long enough for us…...
My Two Cents on Why Thanksgiving Still Matters…
Thanksgiving is more than a date on the calendar. It’s that rare moment in a fast-moving year when the world seems to exhale - just long enough for us ...
www.linkedin.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Thanksgiving carries its own kind of magic: a mix of gratitude, honesty, reflection, and hope that reminds us how connected we really are.
It’s my favorite holiday.
For several reasons.
Here’s My Two Cents on why Thanksgiving still matters. Give it a read if you get a minute….
It’s my favorite holiday.
For several reasons.
Here’s My Two Cents on why Thanksgiving still matters. Give it a read if you get a minute….
The secret to success is falling in love with the system, not the goal. Focus on the habits, and success will follow. A great reminder! 👇
#Motivation
#Discipline
#Motivation
#Discipline
November 22, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The secret to success is falling in love with the system, not the goal. Focus on the habits, and success will follow. A great reminder! 👇
#Motivation
#Discipline
#Motivation
#Discipline
Someone sent me this image in a text today.
WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED RIGHT NOW?
It’s a great question, right?
What would your answer be - in just one word?
Me? I’m torn between “Empathy” and “Tolerance”.
But given just one word, I’ll go with “Empathy”.
You?
#oneword
#worldneeds
WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED RIGHT NOW?
It’s a great question, right?
What would your answer be - in just one word?
Me? I’m torn between “Empathy” and “Tolerance”.
But given just one word, I’ll go with “Empathy”.
You?
#oneword
#worldneeds
November 21, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Someone sent me this image in a text today.
WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED RIGHT NOW?
It’s a great question, right?
What would your answer be - in just one word?
Me? I’m torn between “Empathy” and “Tolerance”.
But given just one word, I’ll go with “Empathy”.
You?
#oneword
#worldneeds
WHAT DOES THE WORLD NEED RIGHT NOW?
It’s a great question, right?
What would your answer be - in just one word?
Me? I’m torn between “Empathy” and “Tolerance”.
But given just one word, I’ll go with “Empathy”.
You?
#oneword
#worldneeds