The Weight of Being First

Why I’ve learned to love being an example.

I grew up as the oldest of four. Two younger brothers behind me, watching my every move—copying what I wore, how I talked, what I did. And I hated it. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” my parents would say. “They just want to be like you.” But as a kid? I didn’t want fans. I wanted freedom.

I didn’t have an older sibling to mimic. No footsteps to follow. I had to figure it out solo—what to wear, how to act, who to be. That’s the unseen weight of being first: you have no blueprint.

But now, decades later… I get it. I finally understand what my parents were trying to teach me.

Today, I love being the example. I welcome the responsibility of being watched. I embrace the opportunity to lead—not by telling—but by living.

I want people to see what’s possible:

• A thriving marriage

• Strong, connected relationships with my kids

• A fit and disciplined body

• A focused, growth-minded brain

• A life of purpose-driven wealth

I’ve made it my mission to prove a bold point: You don’t have to choose. You don’t have to sacrifice your family to grow your business. You don’t have to destroy your health to build your wealth. You don’t have to settle for “either/or.”

That’s a lie we’ve been sold. And I take it personally.

Because I am the example that it’s possible to have it all. Not by luck. But by discipline. Focus. And a relentless commitment to what matters most.

So if you feel like you’re walking alone… If you’re forging a path no one in your family has walked before… Let me remind you of something:

You’re not just building a life. You’re building the blueprint. And someday, someone’s going to thank you for being the example.

✅ Forward this to someone who needs to know it’s possible to have it all.

The Vision That Scares You Is the One You Must Pursue

What if the vision that scares you the most... is the one you're meant to pursue?

You know the one. It’s so bold you hesitate to say it out loud. So audacious it feels almost embarrassing to admit. So big, it feels easier to keep it hidden.

I’ve been there. In fact, for years I carried a vision I couldn’t bring myself to speak aloud — not because I didn’t believe in it, but because I knew how much it would demand of me.

When I purchased 5 Bridges Farm, it came with a 12,000 sq ft horse arena. I didn’t buy the property for the arena — I had no real plans for it. When people asked what I’d do with it, I offered vague answers: maybe events, maybe weddings, maybe something cool. But the truth? I had a vision to fill that arena with people. Not for a wedding... but for transformation.

I envisioned a stage. World-class speakers. An electric atmosphere of people committed to leveling up in every area of life — right here in my hometown of Madison, WI. The problem? I’d never hosted an event like this before. I’d attended plenty, but leading one? That was uncharted territory. And that’s where doubt sneaks in. The mind spins. Analysis paralysis sets in.

But I’ve learned something over the years: Clarity comes through action. Growth comes through doing. So I’m not waiting. Not until I feel ready. Not until the fear is gone. Not until someone else goes first.

In 2025, I’m doing it scared. I’m doing it anyway.

On August 6–7, Bridge Builder Live becomes real. Two days of high-impact transformation. Expert speakers hand-picked for their ability to challenge, stretch, and equip you. And it’s all happening at 5 Bridges Farm — a space that was just waiting for a vision big enough to fill it.

Madison deserves this. You deserve this.

Will you be in the room?

Come join me on the farm. Let’s bring this vision to life — together.

Inspire & Impact,

Josh

It Took Losing Everything

Four years ago, everything I thought was my calling came crashing down. What followed wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a reinvention. In that journey, I discovered a deeper purpose: helping high achievers cross the bridges they’re stuck on—spiritually, mentally, relationally, and professionally. This is what I was made to do.

I wish I knew earlier what my true calling was.

Almost four years ago, my life got flipped upside down.

I thought I was living out my calling. I was passionate about the work we were doing, the company I was building, and the people I was leading.

When that was all stripped from me in an instant, I was a lost soul with no direction, no purpose, and certainly no calling.

Or so I thought…

I remember in my prayer time with God, I would say things like, “God, You must have some BIG plan for me to be putting me through this pain.”

It turns out He did. He always does for us.

When I started going through my reinvention and founded Kairos Coaching, I thought I would just focus on leadership coaching—helping leaders and teams grow, as well as helping them come together more as a team.

I went with the name Kairos because, by definition, the moment is now to claim the life we’ve always wanted to lead.

I quickly learned that human development is just one piece of the puzzle. Another piece that most of my clients were struggling with was systems and processes to help them grow.

Enter EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). I chose to get certified in implementing EOS for my clients. We used it at my former company, and I wanted to know it at a deeper level to better help my clients.

As I continued to build my clientele, there was a continuous theme that kept popping up.

Extremely high achievers were finding me to help them fix something that was broken. Sometimes that thing was business-related, but even more often, it was the person that had something broken.

Brokenness comes in a lot of forms—health, marriage, spiritual being, financial, etc.

People were finding me to help them cross a bridge that they weren’t able to cross themselves.

My vulnerability in talking about my brokenness and how I got through it became a lighthouse to many others experiencing their own brokenness.

I believe there are 5 bridges we need to cross to get to our Unlived Life, and there is a specific order to the crossing:

• Spiritual

• Internal

• Relationships

• Environment

• Legacy

(You’ll have to pick up my first-ever book due to be released in 2025 to get the full definitions! But if you’ve been reading this newsletter consistently over the past few years, then you’ve seen elements of each bridge we need to cross.)

What I’ve now come to realize as my calling is that I am a Bridge Builder for leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers.

I challenge and inspire people to cross bridges to get to the life they were meant to live—to step into their calling.

The truth is, we all need mentors and coaches to guide us, challenge us, and inspire change in us.

Most of us walk alone with a nagging feeling that we were meant for more, but we cannot put a finger on what that “more” is.

Having traversed many difficult bridges on my own journey, I am now turning my attention to Bridge Building for others.

I want to bridge the gaps between where you are and where you want to be—aka your Unlived Life.

Moving forward, much of our programming will be titled Bridge Builder.

Kairos won’t go away entirely because I do still believe that the time is now, but being that Bridge Builder for others is so true to my soul that it will be used more predominantly.

If you’re looking for that guide, mentor, coach, or program to bring you along on your journey, that is the role I’d love to play in your life. This is my calling.

We only get one shot at this thing called life. I plan to squeeze every bit of juice out of the orange (my life), and I want to help others do the same.

What is your calling, and how are you living it out each and every day?

Inspire & Impact,

Josh Kosnick aka “The Bridge Builder”

Good and Great Are the Enemies of Possible™️

Why Leaders Struggle to Ask for Help—And What to Do About It

Leadership can feel like a lonely road. The higher you climb, the fewer people you feel you can turn to. You’re the one making the decisions, solving the problems, and carrying the weight of responsibility. People look to you for answers, not questions.

Over time, this creates a dangerous mindset: asking for help is a sign of weakness.

But that’s a lie.

The best leaders aren’t the ones who try to do everything alone. They’re the ones who know when to lean on others, seek advice, and surround themselves with people who push them forward. Yet, so many leaders struggle to ask for help. Why?

Captions are auto generated

Play

The Three Biggest Reasons Leaders Won’t Ask for Help

1. The Expectation to Always Have the Answers

From the moment someone steps into a leadership role, the pressure to “figure it out” is constant. Employees, clients, stakeholders—they all expect leaders to have solutions. When problems arise, the default response is to take them on alone rather than risk looking unprepared.

But here’s the reality: no one has all the answers. Even the best leaders rely on trusted advisors, mentors, and peers to help them navigate tough situations.

2. Fear of Losing Authority or Credibility

Many leaders fear that admitting they need help will make them look weak or incapable. They worry about losing the respect of their team or peers.

In reality, the opposite is true. Leaders who are willing to seek guidance and collaborate earn more trust, not less. People follow those who are honest about their challenges and take action to grow. Vulnerability, when paired with confidence and decisiveness, builds credibility, not weakness.

3. Isolation at the Top

As leaders climb the ladder, their circles often shrink. There are fewer people they can confide in—especially within their own organizations. It becomes harder to find a safe space to voice challenges, doubts, or big ideas without feeling judged.

That’s why mastermind groups and peer networks are so powerful. They provide an environment where leaders can openly discuss challenges, receive feedback, and gain insights from those who understand their struggles firsthand.

The Power of a Trusted Peer Network

The most successful leaders don’t do it alone. They build a network of people who challenge their thinking, share experiences, and hold them accountable. They actively seek coaching, mentorship, and peer discussions to sharpen their decision-making and leadership skills.

That’s exactly why we created Bridge Builder Mastermind—a space for high-performing leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow. It’s not about networking. It’s about real conversations, real solutions, and real accountability from people who understand the challenges of leadership at the highest level.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership alone, it’s time to change that. Surround yourself with people who get it.

Let’s talk about how Bridge Builder Mastermind can help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and support.

Why Data-Driven Businesses Win: Mastering the EOS Data Component

Measure, Track, and Grow with Data-Driven Leadership

Many business owners and leadership teams rely on gut feelings, instinct, and reactionary decision-making. While intuition has its place, making business decisions without data often leads to inconsistency, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. The EOS Data Component provides a framework for businesses to measure what matters, creating clarity and accountability at every level.

When the Data Component is strong, leadership teams operate with objective insights instead of emotions. Numbers reveal trends, highlight opportunities, and expose weaknesses before they become significant problems. Without a data-driven approach, businesses risk making decisions based on perception rather than reality.

What Is the EOS Data Component?

The Data Component is one of the six key components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a business framework designed to help organizations gain clarity, efficiency, and control. This component focuses on defining key measurables that allow leadership teams to track performance objectively.

A strong Data Component enables businesses to:

• Make informed decisions without emotional bias

• Track real-time progress toward goals

• Hold teams accountable for measurable outcomes

• Identify potential problems before they escalate

• Ensure alignment between company vision and execution

When a business builds a solid data foundation, leadership teams move from managing based on assumptions to leading with clarity and confidence.

The Power of a Business Scorecard

At the core of the EOS Data Component is the scorecard. A scorecard is a weekly report that tracks 5-15 critical numbers that indicate the overall health of a business. These numbers act as leading indicators, giving teams early warnings when something is off track and helping them make course corrections before problems escalate.

A well-designed scorecard answers the question: If I could only see a handful of numbers each week to know whether my business is on track, what would they be?

Key Elements of an Effective Scorecard

A strong scorecard should:

• Include 5-15 key measurables that provide a clear picture of business performance

• Be updated weekly for real-time visibility

• Assign ownership to specific team members for accountability

• Track trends over a 13-week period to identify patterns and potential issues

• Be reviewed consistently during leadership meetings

Every leadership team should have a scorecard, and each department should have its own subset of key measurables. By ensuring that every level of the organization is tracking and reviewing the right data, companies can create alignment and drive accountability.

Why Data-Driven Accountability Matters

Many businesses struggle with accountability because performance is measured subjectively. Without clear numbers, leadership teams rely on opinions, vague feedback, or personal preferences when evaluating performance. This lack of clarity creates misalignment, frustration, and inefficiency.

By implementing a scorecard system, businesses can establish objective accountability. When each team member owns a measurable metric, they have a clear understanding of what success looks like. This eliminates confusion, creates a culture of ownership, and ensures that results—not effort—determine performance.

For example, instead of saying, “Sales need to improve,” a well-defined measurable would be: “Generate 20 qualified leads per week.” Instead of saying, “Customer service needs to be better,” a measurable could be: “Achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 90% or higher.”

When performance is quantified, accountability becomes clear, and improvement is measurable.

Spotting Trends with the 13-Week Scorecard

One of the most valuable aspects of a scorecard is its ability to reveal trends over time. EOS recommends tracking each measurable over a rolling 13-week period. This approach helps leadership teams:

• Identify patterns in performance rather than reacting to isolated data points

• See whether numbers are improving, declining, or remaining stagnant

• Spot early warning signs before they become major issues

• Make adjustments based on data-driven insights rather than speculation

For example, if weekly sales calls have declined over the past six weeks, it signals a potential drop in revenue. Instead of waiting until the end of the quarter to react, leadership can proactively address the issue by adjusting strategies, providing training, or reallocating resources.

Moving from Gut Instinct to a Data-Driven Approach

Many business owners resist data-driven decision-making because they are accustomed to relying on experience and intuition. While experience is valuable, intuition alone is not a sustainable strategy for growth. Businesses that fail to track and analyze data often find themselves reacting to problems rather than preventing them.

• Transitioning to a data-driven mindset requires:

• Identifying the right key measurables for the business

• Committing to weekly scorecard reviews

• Holding team members accountable for their numbers

• Making adjustments based on trends and insights

• Creating a culture where decisions are made based on facts, not feelings

Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Data

Even businesses that recognize the importance of data often make mistakes in implementation. Some of the most common issues include:

1. Tracking too many metrics – A scorecard should be focused on the most critical numbers, not overloaded with unnecessary data.

2. Failing to assign ownership – Every metric should have a clear owner responsible for its performance.

3. Reviewing data inconsistently – Data should be reviewed weekly, not just during quarterly or annual planning.

4. Ignoring trends – One bad week is not necessarily a problem, but a declining trend over several weeks is a red flag.

5. Not aligning scorecards across departments – Each department should have its own subset of metrics that tie into company-wide objectives.

By avoiding these pitfalls, businesses can ensure their Data Component is strong, actionable, and aligned with their strategic goals.

A well-implemented EOS Data Component transforms the way businesses operate. Instead of making decisions based on assumptions, leaders have the clarity to proactively manage performance, drive accountability, and scale effectively.

A simple test: If you left your business for 30 days, could you track its health on just 5-15 numbers?

If the answer is no, it may be time to strengthen your Data Component.

Data doesn’t eliminate leadership—it enhances it. By tracking and measuring the right numbers, businesses can make better decisions, improve efficiency, and create long-term success.

For organizations looking to implement the EOS framework, the Data Component is not optional—it is essential.

Need help implementing EOS in your business? Let’s talk.

Right People, Right Seats: How the EOS People Component Transforms Your Business

No business succeeds without the right people in the right roles. You can have the best strategy, a strong market position, and ambitious goals, but if your team isn’t aligned, execution will always fall short.

This is where EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helps. One of its core components is People, ensuring businesses build teams that are both culturally and functionally aligned. If you’ve ever dealt with employees who don’t quite fit or roles that seem to lack clear accountability, it’s time to address it with a proven framework.

What Does "Right People, Right Seats" Mean?

This concept, popularized by Jim Collins in Good to Great, is simple but critical.

• Right people are those who fit your company’s core values and contribute to its culture.

• Right seats mean those people are in roles that align with their skills, talents, and strengths.

When both are in place, businesses run smoothly. But when they aren’t, teams struggle with inefficiency, frustration, and disengagement.

How to Identify the Right People

A strong culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally by defining and reinforcing core values—not just as statements on a website, but as behaviors that are lived out daily.

EOS uses a tool called the People Analyzer to assess whether employees truly align with a company’s values. It’s a simple system that helps leaders evaluate if someone consistently embodies the organization’s core principles. This clarity ensures decisions about hiring, firing, and promotions are based on cultural fit rather than just performance.

If someone doesn’t reflect the values of the company, they are not the right person—no matter how skilled they are.

Getting People in the Right Seats

Beyond culture, every person in a business must also be in the right role. Many businesses struggle with this because job titles often define responsibilities loosely, leading to overlapping roles and unclear expectations.

EOS addresses this with the Accountability Chart, which focuses on functions, not titles. Every business, no matter the industry, operates with three core functions:

1. Marketing & Sales – Creating demand and driving revenue

2. Operations – Delivering the product or service

3. Finance/Admin – Managing money, compliance, and internal processes

Each function is broken down into specific, essential roles, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined before assigning individuals to seats. This approach eliminates confusion and ensures that every role in the company is filled by someone who is both capable and accountable.

Fixing People Issues

Once a company begins applying these tools, two common challenges often arise:

• Right Person, Wrong Seat – This happens when someone fits the company culture but struggles in their current role. They may be misaligned with their strengths or responsibilities. The solution is to either find them a better-fitting role or, if no seat exists, make the tough decision to let them go.

• Wrong Person, Right Seat – These are individuals who perform well in their roles but don’t align with company values. They might be a top salesperson who creates tension or a highly skilled leader who ignores company culture. While it can be tempting to keep them, failing to address this issue can cause long-term damage to the team.

Ignoring these misalignments leads to disengagement, turnover, and a fractured culture. Addressing them, while difficult, creates a stronger organization.

Maintaining Alignment Over Time

Building a strong team doesn’t stop with hiring the right people. Alignment requires consistent reinforcement. Successful businesses ensure this by:

• Holding regular check-ins to review fit and performance

• Recognizing and rewarding employees who embody core values

• Conducting quarterly company-wide updates to keep everyone aligned with the broader vision

When the People Component is strong, everything else in the business becomes easier. Productivity improves, leadership stress decreases, and teams work together more effectively toward shared goals.

If your business is struggling with people issues, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to stay stuck. EOS provides a simple, effective framework to build a high-performing, aligned team.

Need help strengthening your team?

Let’s talk!

Is Your Marketing Strategy Clear and Focused—or Scattered and Reactive?

Many businesses fall into the trap of trying to market to everyone, chasing trends, and struggling to differentiate themselves from the competition. The Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS) simplifies marketing by helping businesses focus on what truly works.

At the heart of EOS’s Marketing Strategy are four essential questions. Answering these questions creates clarity, alignment, and a stronger, more effective approach to attracting and converting customers.

1️⃣ Who is Your Target Market?

If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. The most successful businesses know exactly who they serve best.

• Who benefits most from what you offer?

• Where are they located?

• What are their biggest challenges and pain points?

• What motivates them to make decisions?

Clearly defining your ideal customer allows you to focus your marketing, streamline your messaging, and eliminate wasted effort. Instead of casting a wide net, you’ll attract the right customers—the ones who truly need and value what you do.

2️⃣ What Are Your Three Uniques?

What makes you different and better than your competition? In EOS, we identify three unique qualities that set your business apart. These could be:

• Your approach or methodology

• Your company culture or customer experience

• A specialized product or service offering

Many businesses share one or two of their uniques with competitors, but having at least one truly unique differentiator makes you stand out. This clarity helps your marketing team craft a message that resonates, builds trust, and makes choosing you an easy decision.

3️⃣ Do You Have a Proven Process?

Customers need confidence in your ability to deliver. That’s where a Proven Process comes in.

A Proven Process is a simple, visual representation of how you serve your customers. It gives them a clear picture of the steps involved, the outcomes they can expect, and why working with you is a smooth, reliable experience.

For example, a construction company might outline:

1. Consultation – Understanding client needs

2. Design & Planning – Creating blueprints

3. Execution – Managing the project timeline

4. Final Walkthrough – Ensuring satisfaction

A well-defined Proven Process reassures prospects, aligns your team, and makes your messaging stronger.

4️⃣ Do You Offer a Guarantee?

A strong guarantee helps remove risk for your customers, making it easier for them to choose you over the competition.

Not every business has (or needs) a guarantee, but if you can confidently promise a specific result, it can be a powerful marketing tool.

For example:

• An EOS Implementer® guarantee: If you don’t find value in our session, you don’t pay.

• A home services company guarantee: We’ll be on time, or your service is free.

Guarantees show confidence in your offering and build immediate trust with potential customers.

Bringing It All Together

When you have clear answers to these four questions, your marketing becomes focused, consistent, and effective. Your team knows:

✅ Who to target

✅ What to say

✅ How to differentiate

✅ How to build trust

Instead of throwing money at random marketing tactics, you’ll have a clear strategy that drives real results.

Is Your Marketing Strategy Working?

If your marketing feels scattered, unclear, or ineffective, we can help. EOS gives businesses the tools to create clarity, alignment, and a proven strategy for growth.

📩 Contact us today or visit the link in our bio to learn more about refining your marketing strategy with EOS.

8 Questions Every Leader MUST Answer

Learn about the 8 essential questions every leader must address to clarify their core values, focus, and goals.

Clarity and alignment are the cornerstones of high-performing organizations. Yet, many leaders struggle to unite their teams under a cohesive vision. Without a clear direction, even the most innovative businesses risk stagnation or inefficiency. This is where the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS) shines.

In this article, we explore the Vision Component® of EOS, a transformative framework designed to help leaders articulate, share, and execute their vision with precision and impact.

The EOS Model

EOS is a proven business operating system that provides structure, tools, and processes to help organizations thrive. It focuses on strengthening six key components: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. These components work in harmony to address the root causes of organizational challenges, replacing chaos with clarity and progress.

Among these, the Vision Component lays the foundation by aligning the entire organization with its core purpose and long-term goals.

The Vision Component: Starting at the Top

Vision begins with leadership. It’s about ensuring that every individual in your organization is 100% aligned on two key questions:

1. Where are we going?

2. How will we get there?

By answering these questions, leaders create clarity, purpose, and direction. This alignment doesn’t just happen; it requires deliberate effort using the Vision/Traction Organizer® (V/TO®)—a simple yet powerful tool that captures your organization's essence in a two-page document.

The 8 Questions Framework

The Vision Component relies on eight essential questions to crystallize and align your team’s focus:

1. What are your Core Values? Core values define your organization’s DNA. They guide hiring, firing, promotions, and the culture you nurture. Importantly, core values must reflect who you truly are, not who you aspire to be.

2. What is your Core Focus? Also known as your "sweet spot," this question helps you hone in on what you do best and love doing. It keeps your organization laser-focused, avoiding distractions that dilute your impact.

3. What is your 10-Year Target? This is your long-term, big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG). Whether it’s a 5-year or 30-year horizon, this target inspires your team and provides a rallying point for their efforts.

4. What is your Marketing Strategy? Who is your ideal customer? What are your three uniques—those characteristics that make you stand out? This section aligns your sales and marketing teams with a unified approach.

5. What is your 3-Year Picture? Visualizing success is powerful. This section outlines key milestones for the next three years, helping your team see a tangible future.

6. What is your 1-Year Plan? Translate your vision into actionable, measurable goals for the next 12 months. Clarity here ensures everyone knows what winning looks like this year.

7. What are your Quarterly Rocks? Break the one-year plan into 90-day priorities. This approach leverages the brain’s natural preference for sprints over marathons, keeping your team engaged and accountable.

8. What is your Issues List? Every organization has challenges. Documenting these issues creates transparency and ensures they’re addressed systematically, rather than repeatedly firefighting the same problems.

Shared By All (SBA): A Best Practice for Leaders

Answering the 8 Questions is only the first step. For the vision to truly take root, it must be shared by all. This means:

• Conducting quarterly all-hands meetings to communicate progress and reiterate the vision.

• Empowering every team member to internalize and align their roles with the broader goals.
  

When your entire organization rows in the same direction, incredible things happen.

Alignment accelerates growth, builds trust, and amplifies impact.

Practical Tools for Vision Alignment

EOS provides a range of tools to operationalize your vision. Two notable examples include:

• The Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO): This concise document captures the 8 Questions and serves as your strategic north star.

• Level 10 Meetings™: These weekly check-ins keep your team on track, ensuring consistent communication and accountability.
  

By using these tools, leaders can bring their vision to life in a way that’s actionable and sustainable.

Why the Vision Component Matters

Vision without execution is hallucination. The Vision Component ensures your organization isn’t just dreaming big—it’s actively pursuing and achieving its goals. Whether you're scaling a startup or revitalizing a legacy business, this component equips your team with the clarity and alignment needed to excel.

Your Next Step

Ready to transform your organization with the EOS Vision Component? Start by answering the 8 Questions with your leadership team. Download the V/TO template to get started or schedule a 90-Minute Meeting with a Professional EOS Implementer® to explore how EOS can work for you.

👉 Download the V/TO

👉 Schedule a 90-Minute Meeting

When your vision is clear, and your team is aligned, the possibilities are endless.

Let’s build a business that thrives today and inspires tomorrow!

The Importance of Prioritizing Relationships for a Fulfilling Life

Relationships are the fruit of life. They bring meaning, joy, and purpose to everything we do. If we’re not winning at home, then what’s the point of it all?

Prioritizing relationships isn’t just another item on your to-do list—it’s the item. You don’t simply "find" time for the people who matter; you create it. Because, let’s face it, the life you want is built on the relationships you choose to nurture and protect.

But here’s the reality: anxiety often creeps in when we focus too much on the future and not enough on the present. And true success? It isn’t about financial wins or accolades. It’s about the people who will still stand beside you when all the trophies and plaques are gone.

Lessons From My Journey

Early in my career, like many of you, I was hyper-focused on building wealth and climbing the professional ladder. I sacrificed the very relationships that brought meaning to my life—my friends, my spouse, even my time with my kids.

I missed moments. First steps, home runs, dance recitals. I was there in spirit but absent in presence. The guilt? It’s something you carry, knowing those moments are gone forever.

But here’s the good news: I caught myself in time. I reoriented my life to put relationships first, and I’ve never looked back.

How to Prioritize What Matters Most

1. Put Your “Want Tos” Before Your “Have Tos” Schedule the things you want to do—your kid’s soccer game, date night with your spouse, your morning workout—before you fill your calendar with “have tos.” Why? Because we always find a way to get the “must-dos” done, no matter what. But if you don’t block time for the things that truly matter, those “musts” will consume your life.

2. Set Boundaries That Protect Relationships Boundaries aren’t just a buzzword; they’re a lifeline. If work constantly overrides family, you risk strained relationships—or worse, losing them altogether. Look at your calendar. Does it reflect your values? For me, my kids’ events and family time go into my schedule before anything else. That’s non-negotiable.

3. Be Present Where Your Feet Are It’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s a discipline. Being present means putting the phone away, silencing the mental noise, and fully engaging with the people in front of you. Whether it’s your spouse, your kids, or even yourself, give them your undivided attention.

The Things That Truly Last

When my business was taken away—along with the accolades, the money, and the position—all that remained were my relationships. Those were the people who stood by me, loved me, and reminded me of what really matters.

You’ve probably heard it before: “You’ve never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse.” The truth is, you can’t take the trophies, titles, or money with you. But the legacy you leave in the lives of others? That lives on.

Your relationships are the foundation of that legacy. They’re the threads that weave meaning into your life and the lives of those you love.

Take Action Today

If I audited your calendar, would I see evidence that you’re prioritizing your relationships? Would I see time blocked for your family, your faith, your personal growth?

You have the power to create the life and relationships you want. Success is not about the size of your bank account or the title on your business card—it’s about the people who will be there for you when all else fades.

So, what are you waiting for? Be intentional. Be present. Set boundaries. And most importantly, make time for the people who matter most.

Because at the end of the day, relationships aren’t just a bridge—they’re the path to a meaningful life.

From Good to Great: Elevate Your Practice at the Spring 2025 Rhino Boot Camp

Leadership isn’t built in books or through lectures—it’s forged in the fire of experience, action, and connection. That’s exactly what the Rhino Boot Camp is all about.

From April 9–11, 2025, at the incredible Five Bridges Farms, we’re bringing together financial advisors who are hungry for growth. This isn’t just another event where you take notes and go home. This is an immersive, experiential learning opportunity designed to challenge you, inspire you, and equip you with the tools to lead at a deeper level.

What Makes This Different?

Michael Brownlow and I have spent decades in the financial services industry. We’ve learned that success isn’t about knowing more—it’s about doing more with what you already know. At Rhino Boot Camp, we take a head, heart, and hands approach to leadership:

• Head: Sharpen your strategies and gain clarity on your goals.

• Heart: Deepen your connection with yourself and your clients.

• Hands: Take actionable steps to implement what you learn.

This camp is for those who are serious about breaking through barriers and stepping into the leader they’re meant to be.

What You’ll Experience

Imagine this:

• Waking up to the serenity of Five Bridges Farms, surrounded by fellow advisors who are just as driven as you are.

• Engaging in workshops and activities that push you to think differently about your business and leadership.

• Walking away with clear, actionable strategies to transform your practice—and your life.

This isn’t just professional development. It’s personal growth. It’s about doing the work on yourself so you can show up better for yourself, your team, and your clients.

Ready to Join Us?

If this speaks to you, I want to see you there. This camp is limited to a select group of participants because we’re keeping it intimate, focused, and impactful.

📅 Dates: April 9–11, 2025 📍 Location: Five Bridges Farms

Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t wait. Register now at rhino.joshkosnick.com.

Let’s do this together. Let’s step into the leaders we were born to be.

See you in April,

Josh Kosnick

Create Core Memories That Last A Lifetime

We hear the term “core memory” tossed around frequently nowadays (especially if you’re a parent and have seen Pixar’s Inside Out), but what does it actually mean?

Core memories are a set of five or so memories that are considered to be the most important in a person’s life. They are so significant that they can immediately shape a person’s personality, behaviors, and sense of self.

With that definition being so powerful, why aren’t we thinking about creating them more often?

Now, some core memories are something that we cannot plan for, and not all of them are good.

I have a couple of core memories that I wish I could permanently erase from my mind, but they’re there and have shaped me into who I am today.

For the positive creation side of core memories, I believe that we can be far more intentional about creating them.

At the end of each summer, we created a special tradition for our kids, but it has also become very special for mom and dad.

Our kids found this movie a few years ago called Yes Day. It’s a cute movie with a bunch of bad ideas.

As you might imagine, the premise was that the parents had to say “yes” to everything the kids asked for that day, or else there would be a consequence. It was essentially a bet between the mother and daughter.

Of course, they had the idea that we should replicate the idea. At first, I was a hard pass because of the bad ideas in the movie.

The timing of this idea was the year 2020, and I know you all remember what was happening then.

I felt terrible that our kids had their worlds shut down by our government.

I caved and said yes to Yes Day! But I caved with guardrails.

The guardrails we set up were as follows…

1. Geographic – we should remain in one city or area to maximize the day.

2. Experiences overspending – This day is about having experiences together as a family, NOT spending money (we gave each kid a $100 budget for expenditure).

3. No ruining Mom & Dad’s stuff – you’ll understand this better if you watch the movie.

4. Each kid gets a pick on an activity or experience of their choice – in our instance, we have four kids, so they each get a pick.

5. Mom & Dad get one pick in an experience we want with the kids.

This day was a home run—so much so that it has become an annual tradition for our family as one last hoorah to summer before they go back to school.

Our kids look forward to it, and so do we!

We’ve created some amazing experiences together as a family.

We only get so many days and years with our kids. I want to maximize every chance I get to be an example for them and create fond memories that will last their lifetimes.

Feel free to replicate this idea or create your own core memories for your loved ones.

The idea here is for you to become hyper-cognizant of the fleeting time we have here on this earth.

Your most cherished relationships deserve time, attention, and love!

Be the example that you wish you had when you were growing up.

Be the example you wish your parents exhibited in a healthy marriage.

Be the example you wish you had in a boss.

Your intention and your actions matter more than you’ll ever know!

What core memories are you making with your most important relationships? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Inspire & Impact,

Josh

How a Tough Coach Changed My Life Forever

Once upon a time (all great stories begin this way, right?!) there was this 17-year-old boy who was arrogant but insecure. He was driven but had no aim. He was smart but barely getting by in classes. He was fiercely independent but also an extremely loyal friend. He was a part of the “in-crowd” but never felt like he was his true self in that crowd. He tried hard to get approval from others, especially his father, but never felt like anything he did was “good enough.”

The area where he could shine and be his authentic self was in athletics. He was naturally gifted at picking up any sport and being, at the very least, proficient, and in some sports, he really excelled.

Would it surprise you to know that I’m describing myself? Like many teenagers, I was lost and trying to find my way in this world.

I am thrilled to invite you to Rhino Boot Camp on September 26th and 27th!

Are you a dedicated financial advisor ready to overcome challenges and reclaim your personal goals?

Secure your spot now for this exclusive event, limited to 16 attendees.

Join us for hands-on workshops, exhilarating challenges, and premier networking at Five Bridges Farm.

Register today by visiting joshkosnick.com/rhino!

One of the sports I really excelled in was football. I love the sport. It is both mentally and physically demanding. It brings out the best in teamwork, fierce competition, athleticism, and toughness. I had all of those things.

My senior year, they fired our longtime head coach and replaced him with a new head coach from a smaller school that had a really good record. We were excited for a change and a chance to win more games.

That being said, this new head coach was a tyrant (and not in the good kind of way like a Saban or Belichick). He was demeaning and uninspiring.

This is a picture of me from that fateful senior year of high school. It was our last home game. I’m smiling through the pain and so should you!

But we had talent and a will to win. In fact, despite his ways, our senior class led Verona Area High School to its first winning record in many years.

This head coach beat down my confidence in ways that I’ve never experienced before. It was crippling at times. He made me insecure in ways I’ve never felt before. So much so, I never told my parents about it because I was embarrassed.

Remember, athletics was my one space where I felt like I could be my true self and where I typically excelled. As he beat me down, I became a lesser version of myself.

Here’s the important takeaway that I want you all to learn…even poor leaders, coaches, and parents have something to teach us. That lesson could be that you want to do everything the exact opposite of how they did it!

That coach berated, demeaned me, and made me feel less than. I have never done that to someone I lead. He did, however, teach me perhaps one of the most valuable lessons in my life…inadvertently.

Because he beat my confidence down so badly, I learned that no one was responsible for how I felt about myself outside of me. That epiphany was life-changing! I began to work on myself and my own confidence internally. I began to build my own self-confidence, self-worth, and it eventually led to self-efficacy.

It has been a long process, but what I’ve become is unbreakable. As long as I have faith in God and know what He thinks about me, I don’t need anything else. I am virtually unoffendable. The reason I say virtually is because I’m sure that I still have something deep down that might cause a trigger. You can call me any name in the book. You can accuse me of anything. You can hate me. You can talk behind my back. None of it will affect how I feel about me. I continue to build myself daily (as should you!).

It is a lifelong journey of self-discovery. That self-discovery is one of life’s greatest journeys!

I hope that this inspires you today to take action even when you’re in pain. Take action to work on your inner being daily. Read up on what God thinks about you. I truly believe you’ll be amazed at how much you are truly loved and accepted by our Creator! You were beautifully and individually made.

And remember, even poor leaders have something to teach you.

Make sure you extract the lessons no matter what seat or season of life you’re in.

Inspire & Impact

Josh