Not the Same, and That’s the Point

“If everyone was the same, this world would be boring.” – Barb Stanton

I love this quote from my mom. I use it all the time—whether I’m talking about people, differences, or teams. She told it to me when I was a little boy. I had asked her, “Why are there so many different people in the world?” That was her answer. Simple. True. And it stuck.

Even now, decades later, I think about that moment often—especially when I reflect on teams, leadership, and what makes a group of people work together. That quote, and the spirit behind it, shaped how I view people.

It also makes me think about my dad.

He retired from construction at age 60. I remember thinking how old that was at the time—though now, 60 doesn’t seem so far off. But retirement wasn’t the end of the road for him. It was the start of something new.

He became the Girls Varsity Golf Coach at the high school where I grew up. I’ll be honest—I had my doubts. Here was this tough, quiet guy who had spent his whole life in construction, now stepping into a leadership role with a bunch of teenage girls. Two very different worlds.

And yet—he didn’t just do the job. He thrived. Those teams went on to break every school record. Multiple girls earned scholarships, including some at Division I schools. One of his players qualified for the State tournament multiple years in a row.

How did he do it?

I think it goes back to that quote from my mom. He embraced the differences. He saw each girl as an individual with unique strengths, challenges, and needs. He didn’t try to mold them into something they weren’t—he met them where they were. He gave his time, his presence, and his belief. He made each of them feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness.

He always told them: “If you put in the work and do all the little things, success will happen.”

And he meant it. As a son, I got to watch him up close—mentoring, guiding, building not just a team, but a culture. A program rooted in trust, belief, and relentless attention to the details.

Reflection: Lessons in Leadership Across Generations

This story holds powerful lessons for leaders in any field:

• Mentorship doesn’t require a title—it just takes presence, belief, and care. My dad wasn’t a trained coach. He was a man who knew how to show up, listen, and invest in people.
• Young leaders need more than instruction—they need belief. They rise when someone sees something in them, especially when they’re still figuring it out themselves.
• Leading across generations starts with respect, not assumptions. My dad never tried to be “one of the kids,” but he also never dismissed them. He honored who they were and found ways to connect and lift them up.
• Wisdom has no expiration date. Experience, when shared humbly and patiently, becomes a gift to the next generation. It builds bridges. It shapes futures.

So whether you’re leading a business, coaching a team, mentoring a young employee, or just being there for your own kids—remember this: differences are a strength. Presence is power. And sometimes, the quietest leaders have the deepest impact.

Just ask the girls who played for my dad.