LeadingAge Connecticut’s Post

The TDCJ promotional video featuring Officer Elliot Ruiz sheds light on his career and experiences but also exposes the deep flaws of TDCJ.  While Ruiz’s dedication may be sincere, the video is less about him and more about a system skilled at masking its true nature.  TDCJ avoids discussions of rehabilitation and justice, offering instead propaganda designed to maintain a facade while perpetuating dehumanizing practices.  What is notably absent is any mention of TDCJ’s mission: "to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime."  The incarcerated individuals central to that mission are rendered invisible, reduced to silent props in the background.  This treatment reflects a system uninterested in rehabilitation and focused solely on control.  The only indirect reference to the incarcerated comes when Ruiz says, "No matter what ‘they’ do to me."  Who is “they”?  The video’s ambiguity avoids acknowledging these individuals as human beings deserving dignity and a chance to change.  This “us vs. them” mindset isn’t unique to officers; it’s ingrained in TDCJ’s culture, perpetuating division and undermining meaningful reform. Instead of addressing rehabilitation, the video prioritizes recruitment and retention, focusing on the struggles of staff while ignoring the humanity of the incarcerated.  Ruiz’s story is meant to inspire new recruits, yet it sidesteps the truth of incarceration, erasing the voices and potential of those in TDCJ’s care.  When Ruiz remarks that no one is perfect, he could have tied this sentiment to TDCJ’s role in helping people move beyond their mistakes.  Instead, the video pivots back to his personal narrative, missing an opportunity to humanize the incarcerated and highlight the system’s rehabilitative mission.  This omission feels deliberate; acknowledging the humanity of those incarcerated would mean admitting systemic failures. The video’s focus on the fears of corrections staff such as retirement highlights another imbalance.  While staff concerns are valid, what about the fears of the incarcerated?  Will they see their families again?  Leave prison with hope?  Survive the system?  These voices are silenced, while staff concerns take center stage, reflecting a system designed to prioritize control over compassion.  This video underscores how TDCJ and the corrections industry excel at herding people but fail at helping them.  Images of silent incarcerated individuals walking in the background are a stark reminder of this reality.  Rehabilitation requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, change, and humanity.  Yet, TDCJ’s focus remains on power and control, not transformation.  If TDCJ claims to promote positive change, it must start by recognizing the humanity of those it incarcerates.  Until then, videos like this will remain what they are: propaganda for a broken system.

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip to the Grand Canyon from Scottsdale 🌄 Heading to Scottsdale for the ABI Winter Leadership Conference and have a free day to explore? Why not plan a breathtaking day trip to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Here’s a simple guide to make the most of your adventure: 🚗 Getting There: Drive Time: ~4 hours each way. Route: Take I-17 N to Flagstaff, then Route 64 to the South Rim (the most accessible and scenic area). 🌟 Must-See Stops Along the Way: Sedona: Stop for red rock views or a quick coffee at a local café. Flagstaff: Explore this charming mountain town or grab a bite at a local eatery. 🗺️ Once at the Grand Canyon: Visit the South Rim Visitor Center for maps and tips. Walk the Rim Trail for awe-inspiring views. Take in the sunset at Mather Point or Yavapai Point—truly unforgettable! 📸 Pro Tip: Charge your phone and bring a portable charger—you’ll want to capture every moment. ⏰ Timing Your Trip: Leave Scottsdale by 6:00 AM to maximize your time. Return by 9:00 PM after enjoying the sunset. Want more tips about exploring Arizona or things to do nearby? Comment below or DM us—we’d love to share local insights or connect while you’re in town! #ABIWLC #GrandCanyonTrip #ScottsdaleAdventures #NetworkingWithResolute

Reflecting on the power of organization today, my thoughts went to my 3rd youngest son, Brian. He brings to life the quote, "For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned." - Benjamin Franklin. Brian's talent for organizing not only his tasks, but his surroundings too, is a lesson in the importance of preparation and order. His ability to tackle any project with a clear, organized approach has taught me that being organized is not just about saving time; it's about making room for excellence in execution. Brian's example is a constant reminder that the best way to accomplish anything is to first get organized.

Day 2: Holiday Leadership Lessons - Is your team as ecstatic to see you as Buddy the Elf was to see Santa? Okay.......maybe we can't expect them to jump up and down and scream your name, but we can be a leader that people are excited to be around! What leadership traits can we learn from Santa: 🎅 Santa had a CLEAR MISSION and VISION of spreading joy and he INSPIRED others to do the same. 🎅 Santa's success depended on his elves and his reindeer. He DELEGATED important tasks, EMPOWERED his team, and TRUSTED it would be done. 🎅 Santa shows up every year without fail! He is CONSISTENT in his actions. 🎅 Santa tailors each gift and personalizes each interaction. He UNDERSTANDS the STRENGTHS of his team and places them in the right spot, just like putting Rudolph right up front with his shiny nose. 🎅 Santa is delivering millions of gifts each year, which takes a lot of PLANNING, and ADAPTABILITY so he can handle unforeseen challenges. 🎅 Santa exudes WARMTH, KINDNESS and POSITIVITY, and the elves felt valued and appreciated. Be a leader that fosters a spirit of collaboration, trust, and joy, and maybe someone will be as excited to see you as Buddy the Elf was to see Santa. https://lnkd.in/e98g2zrX

At Truist Leadership Institute, we intentionally craft each experience. Our advisors take a hands-on approach to understand your organization, culture, and needs. Then, they collaborate with you to develop an action plan tailored to your leaders.

Today marks 20 years of McGrathNicol. Discover how we came to be, the projects and events that shaped us and the values that have driven our success: https://lnkd.in/gQVUYXHC

OUR CAPTAINS: LEADING WITH TRADITION, NAVIGATING THE FUTURE #teamRiverAdviceNautic Captains embody the perfect balance between honoring the timeless traditions of river navigation and embracing the innovations that shape the future of our industry. Each Captain brings deep knowledge and experience, rooted in the rich history of European waterways, while also guiding our ships with the latest in navigation technology and modern leadership. This is how we at #RiverAdvice continue to lead—by honoring the navigation traditions of old and boldly charting new courses, one cruise at a time. 🚢 Should you have more questions about #RiverAdvicePeople & Culture, feel free to drop us a line.

A few years ago, on Thanksgiving Eve, I made a defining decision to leave my role at SBG. My parting words were something like "Either I’m the new CEO, or I quit." Some might call that bold; I call it clarity. I knew I had the vision and drive to excel in that role, and I still do. Fast forward to today, I’m working part-time at the commissary on a military installation where I once led the Strategic Experiential Education Lab. Now, my job is to keep aisle 7 fully stocked—the aisle nobody else wants to touch. Within my first month, I earned a cash award, and I’ve seen my coworkers step up their game. That energy fires me up so much I hit the stair machine after work for 2,500 steps almost every day. This experience reinforces what I’ve always believed about leadership: it’s about raising the bar, setting the example, and driving results. I can be tough to manage, but only for those who are content with mediocrity. My boss recently told me, "I like everything you’re doing, but you rub people the wrong way." I take that as a compliment. Leaders don’t coast or make everyone comfortable—they challenge people to grow and perform. Leadership is solving problems, inspiring others to surpass their own limits, and delivering real impact. Whether it’s in the boardroom or aisle 7, I’m here to make a difference.

Grateful to have CalTravel board member Julie Wright with her decades of experience and future-focused insights repping (W)right On Communications, Inc. and leading the organization's Communication Committee! Some fun facts: California remains the 5th largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion last year, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019. California has the largest market share of tourism in the nation. The new travel-spending record generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue by visitors in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000. #Hospitality #Tourism #PublicRelations

LINKED! No matter the size of your company, one thing is true for all.... Your success depends on the support of others. With this in mind I was proud to create "The Link Award," recognizing teamwork within the Mooresville Parks & Recreation Department. With seven divisions and over 70 employees, our group is large and spread out. Each day offers unique challenges for all. However the commonality is that we each depend on each other for the overall success of our individual goals, as well as department goals. This is THE LINK that connects us all. Each recipient has demonstrated this teamwork by supporting another person NOT in their own division. And each recipient is tasked with choosing the next award winner, with the caveat that it has to be someone outside their daily division circle who helps them achieve their goals. Recognizing and rewarding teamwork is a small way to unify your staff and remind them that all our successes are LINKED! We connect each persons photo to the next utilizing carbineers, to signify this link, the connection we all share one to the other. (and yes, faces have been covered to protect the innocent..lol) #teamwork #reward #recognition