Celebrate what’s right with the world!

03.10.19

In a world littered with negativity, bad or sad news, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong.

We challenge you to focus on what’s right…by changing your perspective.

Dewitt Jones – a National Geographic photographer – shares his perspective on vision, perception, and possibility.

Do the following activity:

Take out your phone.
Navigate to your photos.
Make time to really browse and look at them – pause & reflect.
If you’re with others, proceed to share & discuss the following questions.

Who or what is in the photos?

In Dewitt’s words, “What’s here to celebrate?” Faces of your children, grandchildren. Furry family. Everyday moments. Great memories of relaxing or adventurous vacations.

How do those photos make you feel?

Thankful? Appreciated? Loved? Choose that state – choose that possibility going forward today.

Change your lens

Dewitt’s philosophy centers around how our vision controls our perception, and our perception becomes our reality.

In a world littered with negativity, bad or sad news, he encourages us all to make time to focus on the light vs. the dark. Focus on the what’s right vs. what’s wrong.

The result?

Reframe. See your ordinary world through a different lens and be grateful!

Fill up with beauty and possibility.
Connect.
Be compassionate.
Embrace life.
Uncover & connect with your passion.
Fill yourself with energy, then lift each other up.

Watch Dewitt’s 2018 TEDx talk here:

Small Reminder in Servant Leadership: Sometimes It’s Just a Yellow Tomato

A short seasonal reflection on the small things that help great cultures thrive

As summer is in full swing, I’ve been thinking about how easily we can jump to conclusions when people don’t respond, communicate, or behave the way we expect.

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do as servant-leaders is slow down, become curious, and make sure we truly understand what we’re seeing before we react.

An experience on our balcony garden reminded me of this lesson in a humorous and memorable way.

…

Remembering the Roots: Honoring Servant Leadership’s Origins

Every year, organizations recognize leaders for accomplishments like revenue growth, innovation, market share, or operational excellence.

But the Ann McGee-Cooper Spirit of Servant-Leadership Award celebrates something different. It asks a question that goes beyond results: “Who did this person help become their best self?”

Presented by Sophia Partners to Dr. Richard Kyte at Viterbo University’s Conference on Servant Leadership on June 25, 2026, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the award reminds us that the greatest measure of leadership isn’t found in a title or a résumé.

It’s found in the lives we’ve influenced, the people we’ve empowered, and the communities we’ve helped strengthen.

…

Board Bios: Meet Mason Gravelle

A Fond du Lac native and nonprofit leader, Mason Gravelle believes thriving communities are built through collaboration, shared leadership, and meaningful relationships.

As the Philanthropy Director at the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, Mason works closely with community partners, donors, and organizational leadership to translate shared values into measurable, difference-making impact.

He recently celebrated his eighth anniversary at SSM Health where he began his career in Marketing before transitioning to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation.

With experience collaborating closely with executive leaders, Mason brings a strong understanding of board governance, strategic planning, and the importance of aligning mission, values, and decision-making to the Sophia Board of Directors, which he joined as of June 2026. …