The Weights We Carry

“The Weights We Carry”

A Labor Day Reflection for Those Who Carry the Weight

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, I want to offer something different—a short podcast episode, no guest this time, just a moment to pause and reflect.

Earlier this year, I conducted focus groups for the Arizona School Boards Association. What I heard was honest, raw, and heavy: the pressures, frustrations, and quiet determination of school board members and administrators doing their best in a time of immense strain.

But here’s what struck me most: the themes weren’t unique to my home state of Arizona. They weren’t even unique to education. These are the weights carried by public leaders everywhere—mayors, council members, city managers, superintendents, nonprofit directors, and others trying to serve their communities with too little time, too few resources, and more scrutiny than ever.

So I wrote something. A tribute. A reminder. A spoken reflection titled The Weights We Carry—to acknowledge what leadership feels like from the inside, and to remind you: you are not alone.

It’s just 7 minutes long. But if you’re someone who shows up to serve—especially when it’s hard—I hope it lifts your spirit as a new season begins.

Listen now. Or download the text version here.