Travis Townsend Jr.

I've been a runner my whole life. When I was growing up I'd always tell athletes in other sports that runners were the toughest. Inevitably they would decry my assertion. Then I'd ask them, "What part of practice do you hate the most?" All of them, to a man and woman would say, "RUNNING!" I'd reinforce the point already made by saying, "and that's what I do all practice 😉😎."

Running a distance race is the perfect example of the path to every life goal. Like this carousel, you start out with all the promise, excitement and energy!

Along the way you will face some challenges though...things that will make you grimace and wince.

Folks will be ahead of you. There will also be people you've surpassed. How well are you really doing?

Well that's up to you to set your pace.

Sometimes the progress is only ever so slight from one step to the next.

Despite the pain, the struggle, and the moments of doubt, if you keep picking them up and putting them down, you will eventually be where you set out to be.

The beginning and end usually look great from social media.

But remember, for all the real players in the game there was some ugly running in between. Keep pushing 💪🏾.

The magic that's unlocked by reading and experiencing books is unparalleled. This past week a great client pinged me about reading and doing Q&A for his new children's book the, Unfunny Bunny, so I jumped at the chance to support two great clients and people. Their talent is matched by their hearts for giving back and being grounded in their roots. Partnering with Kenan regaled the audience of parents and kids to encourage them to persevere and stick to their goals.

The added bonus was being able to take Trinity. The way her eyes and the eyes of the other children in attendance lit up during the reading probably added 5 years to my life! The cherry on the top was catching up with one of my fellow original Urban League leaders from the trenches back in the day, and introducing her to Trinity. You serve the community with people and they are family decades later.

How to say no to pe******ia

Say No to Pe******ia How do you snap out of supporting pedophiles?

As Co-founder of and Leader of its Transactional Practice Division, I have the significant privilege and responsibility (emphasis on responsibility) to drive the success of the firm. I must account for the needs of our ever growing team, their families, the community we operate in, all while ensuring our legal practice is elite in results achieved and client experience, and remains in business beyond these last 16 years, among other things.

That's why I take advantage of every opportunity to learn from other leaders from all backgrounds, not just the legal industry. This week I had the opportunity to hear from not one, but two accomplished leaders in Paul Brown, CEO of Inspire Brands and Former Governor Deal of Georgia. Paul shared some invaluable points about establishing and maintaining a successful company culture while Governor Deal reminded his audience of Georgia leaders to set aside tribal party behavior for honor, decency and doing the right thing for the people we serve.

I know I must never stop developing as a leader so I appreciate being able to learn from those who sit or have sat in the most intense positions.