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SWAGGER
Institute




Everyone Is Tired. That’s Not the Problem.
Right now, burnout is the default explanation for everything.Missed deadlines. Short tempers. Slipping standards. But exhaustion isn’t the real issue ... Drift is. Drift is what happens when there’s no crisis forcing clarity. When the calendar is full but the work feels blurry. When effort is spread thin instead of aimed. You don’t need more rest days. You need definition. Busy Is Not the Same as Useful Most people aren’t avoiding work. They’re drowning in it. Meetings multip

Derron
Jan 222 min read


The Week That Doesn’t Belong to Anyone (And Why It Matters)
There’s a strange quiet that shows up right after Christmas. The gifts are put away.The calendar hasn’t caught up yet.The new year is close, but not close enough to start making promises. This week doesn’t belong to the holiday rush or the New Year reset.It sits in between. And most people don’t know what to do with it. Some people try to force productivity.Some completely check out. Most feel a low hum of pressure without knowing why. Here’s the truth:This week isn’t for sta
Savannah White
Dec 28, 20251 min read


December: A Month for Leaders to Slow Down and See Their People
December always sneaks up on us. One minute we’re talking about first-quarter goals, and the next we’re juggling year-end reports, holiday events, budgets, travel, and the emotions that come with closing out another year. It’s a month that can feel full and heavy and meaningful all at once. If you lead people in any capacity — a sales team, a department, a company, a nonprofit, a membership organization — this is the month that quietly offers you an opportunity most leaders o

Derron
Dec 11, 20252 min read


The Secret to Stronger Teams: Communicate Like You Mean It
If there’s one skill that separates average teams from exceptional ones, it’s communication.Not talking — communicating. Too often, we confuse the two. Talking fills the air. Communication fills understanding. It bridges personalities, clarifies expectations, and builds trust. It’s the heartbeat of every healthy culture — and the absence of it is what quietly erodes morale, productivity, and loyalty. 1. Communication Isn’t Just What You Say — It’s What They Hear You can have
Savannah White
Oct 27, 20252 min read


When the Pipeline Slows, Your Swagger Matters Most
Let’s be honest—when sales are up, it’s easy to show up with confidence. But what about when things slow down? What about those weeks (or...

Derron
Jul 14, 20252 min read


Turning “No” Into Opportunity: 3 Ways to Handle Sales Objections with Swagger
Let’s be honest—if you’re in sales, objections come with the territory. A "no" isn’t personal. It’s just part of the process. But how you...

Derron
Jun 2, 20252 min read


Donor Obstacles to Giving and How to Overcome Them
I spent time recently looking at a study on donor obstacles. Many of them are obvious, but there were some things I had not thought of...

Krista
Feb 24, 20254 min read


The Mixed Messages for Giving in 2025
The year of 2024 was pretty good for nonprofits! Giving to your organizations was the most it has ever been in history according to...

Krista
Feb 24, 20253 min read


From Customer Concern to Loyal Fan: How to Flip the Script on Challenging Situations
From Customer Concern to Loyal Fan: How to Flip the Script on Challenging Situations

Derron
Feb 3, 20252 min read


New Year Thoughts
The last day of 2024 I woke up with a revelation. I am 54 and I have been talking about getting a little Botox and maybe some BBL with...

Krista
Jan 7, 20252 min read


From Interaction to Impact: How Tailored Service Boosts Customer Loyalty
In today’s crowded marketplace, customer loyalty isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical differentiator between businesses that thrive...

Derron
Dec 29, 20243 min read


Keeping the Joy in Christmas
Years ago, my daughter asked Santa for a Barbie Dream House for Christmas. Toys R Us was in the town where my sister in law was a...

Krista
Dec 9, 20243 min read


Make the Rest of the Year Count
My favorite time of year is “Back to School!” No, I am not in school and all of my children are grown. One of them is in college and one...

Krista
Sep 30, 20243 min read


Progress is Always Better Than Perfection
I have tried to read the entire Bible many times in my life and I finally did it!! Did I have help? YES. The Bible Recap is amazing at...

Krista
Aug 30, 20242 min read


Beautiful Growth out of the Rocky Parts
I took a walk last weekend while I was staying at the lake. I was miserable walking up the steep hill and then I saw this beautiful...

Krista
May 3, 20242 min read


Your Fundraising Projects ARE Your Priorities
As public organizations dip their toe into private fundraising, there is much to learn. Public organizations, such as universities,...

Krista
Apr 19, 20242 min read


Find Your Inner Child and Don’t Lose Her
I recently had the privilege of traveling to the Dominican Republic. What a beautiful place and an all-inclusive resort allows you to...

Krista
Apr 9, 20243 min read


Unexpected Blessings from Disappointment
For Christmas this year Derron got my three daughters and I appointments at a swanky spa! So fun and exciting! Not JUST getting your...

Krista
Feb 5, 20242 min read


Is your heart in it?
While in Florida with my family for the holidays I decided to start running again. My middle daughter invited me to train for the Ky...

Derron
Jan 17, 20244 min read


Coming Out on the Other Side
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! I have so many amazing holiday memories and most years I drag those memories out and...

Krista
Jan 6, 20243 min read


Taking a Breather: Recharging for a New Year
As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to share a thought with all of you – a reminder to take a pause, savor the moment, and...

Derron
Dec 5, 20232 min read


Your Attitude Determines Your Longevity
While in Columbia, SC on business recently, I met a wonderful lady. While I do not recall her name, I cannot forget her style. She was so...

Derron
Dec 1, 20232 min read
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