When I think about the incredible journey of Clayco, one name stands out—Russ Burns. His ability to turn ambitious ideas into reality, lead with compassion, and bring out the best in people has shaped this company in ways I’ll forever be grateful for.
If you're building something bold — a startup, a career, a movement — then you know this already: talent gets you started, but character keeps you in the game. That’s why Mia Hamm’s recent commencement speech at UNC-Chapel Hill hit home. She didn’t talk about winning World Cups. She talked about how to lead, how to last, and how to show up for the people around you when it matters most.
I had a terrific chat with the CEO of The McShane Companies, Molly McShane, at an event for the Urban Land Institute of Chicago (ULI).