DTC Academy

09/23/2026

Today is a good day to learn something new, no matter your age.

My grandma learned how to swim at age 80 simply because she wanted to.

I share that story in my book, Doing The Chores, because it is a great reminder that growth does not have an expiration date.

What do you hope to do in your next chapter?

09/22/2026

Want to learn how design thinking can help you get ahead at work?

Not every performance problem is a people problem. Sometimes the work environment, process, or system needs to change.

Design thinking helps you look at the problem differently: understand what people are experiencing, define the real issue, generate possible solutions, and test what actually works.

Learn how to apply design thinking and other practical tools in my Udemy course available at DoingTheChores.com.

Get ahead at work by Doing The Chores.

09/20/2026

Anyone can step into the role of a leader. We all perform the role of a follower at times. The ideal state is when we become collaborators—mutually influencing one another and creating meaningful change. That is leadership.

Talent Development needs to stop using “leader” and “manager” synonymously. Doing so can make the people on the front lines—the ones doing the chores every day—feel inferior.

A leader is a role, not a position.

Management is a position of authority granted by an organization to achieve its business objectives.

A manager can be a leader, but so can the people doing the chores every day.

Learn more in my book, Doing the Chores, available on Amazon or at doingthechores.com.

09/19/2026

Many popular leadership quotes are well-intended. But are they really about leadership, or are they actually about management?

Simon Sinek is a good example. I understand what he is trying to convey, and I respect the intent behind the quote. However, it does not resonate with me because I believe it describes management more than leadership.

Management has a responsibility to create an environment where contributors are respected, supported, and able to succeed.

Leadership is different.

21st-century leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who become collaborators in order to enact meaningful change for their mutual purposes.

And most adults do not want to be “taken care of.” They want to be taken seriously. They want to contribute. They want to collaborate. They want to be part of creating something meaningful together.

That’s Doing The Chores.

That’s Talent Development 2.0.

Learn more at DoingTheChores.com.

09/16/2026

I'm was surprised today for being highlighted via the Association for Talent Development - ATD.

They published my reflection of earning a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and writing my book: Doing The Chores!

https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/from-farm-chores-to-future-ready-leadership

Meet David Elser who earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2019..

09/15/2026

There are so many lessons to be learned and great memories to be made at a small county fair.

Every year back in the early 1980s, my grandparents would buy all 12 of their grandchildren a milkshake and a sausage sandwich at the Williams County Fair in Montpelier, Ohio.

But believe it or not, this isn’t my favorite memory from the fair.

To discover that story along with 21st-century leadership lessons, you’ll have to read my book, Doing The Chores: Creating the Groundwork for Success.

Get a copy via amazon: https://a.co/d/0bzQ5Xzs

And my Children's book: Bee Like a Farmer! https://a.co/d/0anE4VCz

What is your favorite fair memory? 🙂

09/14/2026

Watching the Bellemy Brothers at the Williams County Fair in Montpelier, Ohio! Great show!

I have always loved the fair and mention it in my book: Doing The Chores!

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0bR5F6eQ

09/11/2026

Never Forget. 🇺🇸
September 11, 2001

I took this picture of the Twin Towers in the summer of 2000 while spending three weeks training new supervisors before our new FedEx hub in Woodbridge, New Jersey, opened.

A year later, the world changed forever.

Remembering those we lost, their families, and all who answered the call that day.

God bless. 🙏🇺🇸

09/10/2026

Talent Development has focused on creating more leaders for decades. But how has that worked out for us?

The future of Talent Development is role-centric, not leader-centric.

When individuals learn how to become better collaborators, mutually influence one another, and work together toward meaningful change, they begin to discover what true leadership really is.

Leadership is collaboration in action.

Learn more in my book, Doing the Chores: Creating the Groundwork for Success, available on Amazon.

Visit DoingTheChores.com to learn more.

09/10/2026

We have been trying to create more "leaders" for decades. How's that working out for your organization and team?

Learn more about Talent Development 2.0 and its focus on developing collaborators by reading my latest blog on Substack.

https://doingthechoresacademy.substack.com/p/what-if-your-manager-banned-the-word?r=48gwsg&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true