I take a brief break from my usual posting to dedicate today to my brother...John Kambel. I write this to let him and others know how special he is to me, personally and professionally. If you haven't met him, yet, you have missed out.
Some of the most influential people in our lives don’t wear titles or hold positions — they simply lead by being who they are. For me, that person has always been my big brother.
From as far back as I can remember, he set the pace. Everything turned into a competition — from pickup games in the backyard to who could finish chores faster. He was older, stronger, and usually one step ahead, but instead of getting discouraged, I learned to chase him. That drive to keep up turned into a drive to improve. Without realizing it, he taught me one of life’s earliest lessons: if you want to grow, surround yourself with people who challenge you.
Losing to him was a regular part of my childhood. It never felt good — but it always fueled me. I learned how to handle frustration, how to work harder, and how to turn disappointment into motivation. He never let me quit, and I didn’t always appreciate that then. But now I see those moments as the foundation of my resilience.
As we got older, the dynamic changed. The competition faded, but the lessons deepened. He became a quiet source of perspective — the person I could call when life didn’t go as planned. Sometimes he’d offer advice; other times he’d just listen. Either way, I always walked away grounded. His confidence in me, even when I doubted myself, reminded me to stay steady and trust the process.
Looking back, I realize that his influence goes far beyond childhood memories. My brother taught me how to show up, how to compete with purpose, and how to carry myself with integrity. He showed me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most talented — it’s about consistency, accountability, and character.
Having a big brother means you always have someone ahead of you — not clearing the path, but showing what’s possible. He’s been my first role model, my quiet motivator, and one of my greatest teachers.
Lesson: Leadership often starts at home. Sometimes the person who shapes your work ethic, values, and mindset isn’t a coach or a boss — it’s the big brother who’s been pushing, challenging, and believing in you all along.
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