happy Sunday friends,

Every day that we are alive, well and breathing is a miracle. In the midst of darkness, gratitude becomes fuel. The replenishment station that keeps us going.

this week, I want you to focus on one thing:

light up the darkness with your brilliance.

“Give me the ball.”

My obsession with sports docs led me straight to Netflix’s Court of Gold. I won’t bore you with every detail, but here’s the gist: the US is waking up to the fact that we’re not the only basketball juggernauts on the planet. The Olympics turned into a stage to ask one simple question—do we still have what it takes? When the New York Times tossed around some huge claims that "this set the standard for sports documentaries in 2025," I had to dig in.

Tbh, it was phenomenal—riveting storytelling, masterful production, and a raw sense of what was at stake. The film captured the very best of who we are in basketball: the brilliance of Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and a whole host of legends. In the nail-biting final game against France, the score was razor-thin. France’s Wemby—a 7’3, 20-year-old phenom—stood as a formidable new challenge. Losing with this team would be like telling the world we’d lost our edge.

With just three minutes left and a mere three-point lead, you could feel doubt creeping in. Then, in that critical moment, Steph Curry stepped up. He looked at Coach Steve Kerr and said, “Coach, let me have the ball.” And then, on the world’s biggest stage, he did what he does best—knocking down four consecutive three-pointers to secure the win. The energy was electric; the whole team and the coaches went absolutely wild.

What struck me most, though, was his take on that moment. He explained, “There’s an appropriate fear of the challenge, but there’s confidence at the same time. You’ve got to engage in positive self-talk, acknowledge the stakes, and own the moment. You can’t let the fear of a missed shot or turnover hold you back—you have to be comfortable with uncertainty and just go for it.”

Elite players understand this. They know exactly what's needed of them and aren’t afraid to step up and shine their light because they deeply trust in it. Lights shine brightest in the dark, and they know the power of embracing the challenge rather than shying away from it. For those of us who know who we are—who’ve put in the work, know who we're becoming and who know our own greatness—these are the moments that demand we show up. Whether it’s in the world, politics, work, business, in relationships, or in a challenge that seems insurmountable, this is our time to step forward and declare, "Give me the ball."

Follow the Leader

Leaders shining bright for a time such as this

📺 "…I’ll take his a** to Red Lobster.” biscuits are back! Damola Adamolekun—a young, dynamic force at the helm of Red Lobster— was on the Breakfast Club this week and was a breath of fresh air. He’s reinventing a classic brand for today’s fast-evolving dining scene. With a refreshing voice, an incredible background, and a bold vision, he’s transforming everything from the menu to customer experience, modernizing operations, and crafting a vibrant, inclusive culture. His leadership is making us want to come back to Red Lobster, and his insights are a call to embrace agility and redefine tradition in a competitive market. Watch here.

📰 Call a thing a thing: Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut is a beacon of clarity. Recently profiled by the NYT, he’s not afraid to call out what he sees—a billionaire takeover of American democracy. After immersing himself in the strategies of the "new right" for three years, he’s armed with insights that prepare him to resist any attempt to undermine our values from Day 1. His forthright message challenges us to step up and let our own light cut through the noise. Read here.

🎧 "Don’t Believe Him:" Ezra Klein’s recent 14-minute episode is a sermon on the power of belief. With unwavering clarity about his role and the strength of his platform, he reminds us to question the narratives fed to us. Klein’s call for less commentary and more actionable solutions is a rallying cry for all of us—an invitation to challenge the status quo, and transform darkness into opportunity. Listen here.

Notes from the GOAT

Divine insights from greatest of all time

We know that our words have the power to ignite brilliance. Just look at the ultimate example—God—who, in the midst of a dark and formless void, simply spoke, “Let there be light,” and transformed everything in an instant (🙏🏾 Gen 1:3)

Before you step into this week—whether you're facing the uncertainties of the world or the grind of your daily job—take a moment to identify one spark within you that can help us.

What light can you shine for us?

Embrace it, use your words to change our atmosphere with the unique brilliance that only you can bring.

sending you so much love wherever you are,

m

What if your light could change the game?