Republican Congressman Eric Burlison of Missouri wants to be known as a champion of American manufacturing and the American worker. And rather than visiting a factory and taking pics of real American workers, he used AI instead. “We’re not going to beat China with cheap labor but we can beat them by outproducing them,” Burlison…
This past week, we hosted the Prosper Forum in Amelia Island, Florida. The gathering brought together leaders from across the hospitality industry to share not only strategy and insight, but also wisdom about what it truly means to lead.
A handful of short quotes from the speakers stuck with me. They may sound simple at first, but each carries a depth that every leader—whether in hospitality, law, or any industry—can learn from.
1. “Actions speak louder than words.” – Greg Creed
It’s a cliché, but one that endures because it’s true. Teams don’t follow lofty mission statements or corporate slogans—they follow what leaders do day in and day out.
When a leader takes responsibility, shows respect, and demonstrates consistency, those actions cascade throughout the organization. On the other hand, when there’s a disconnect between what leaders say and what they do, the credibility gap grows fast. The Prosper Forum was a reminder that leadership is never abstract—it’s lived in the small, daily behaviors that set the tone for everyone else.
2. “Do the job that no one else wants to do.” – Greg Creed
This lesson resonates across industries. Leadership is often portrayed as glamorous—big speeches, important meetings, bold strategy. But the reality is that the best leaders are willing to step into the unglamorous tasks too.
When leaders roll up their sleeves—whether it’s cleaning up a mess, tackling a complex compliance issue, or handling a difficult conversation—they send a message: “I’m not above the hard work. I’m with you in it.” That kind of humility builds loyalty and trust, because teams see that leadership isn’t just about giving direction, but also about being part of the grind.
3. “Embrace the detour.” – Greg Creed
Life and business rarely unfold in straight lines. Detours can be frustrating, but they often carry hidden opportunities.
A detour might force a team to slow down and see problems differently. It might lead to a new innovation or a stronger bond among colleagues. Leaders who embrace the detour cultivate resilience—not only in themselves but in their organizations. They show that setbacks are not roadblocks, but stepping stones.
4. “As a high-level executive, your decisions are 50/50.” – Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros
This was one of the most powerful lessons reinforced at the Forum that Christine mention during a panel discussion in the general session. Then, during a webinar I was hosting from the Forum, two stories brought it to life even more for me:
Reggie Stover shared a memory from his time in the Army. While in training, his squad was ambushed. In that moment, he froze. Afterward, his general asked him what he had done wrong. Reggie admitted he had made no decision at all. The general explained that the problem wasn’t whether the decision was “right” or “wrong”—it was that he hadn’t moved forward. Leaders must make decisions, even with imperfect information. Standing still is the greater risk.
Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, echoed this lesson with a story from earlier in his career. He was tasked with choosing between two advertising agencies. Torn between the options, he asked his boss which one he should hire. His boss replied, “If I had to make the decision, I wouldn’t need you.” Josh made the call, it worked out, and later he asked which agency his boss would have chosen. The boss laughed and admitted he would have gone with the other one. The point? Leadership isn’t about finding the perfect choice—it’s about owning the decision and leading forward.
Both stories drive home that high-level leadership is about decisiveness. In reality, most executive decisions are 50/50. The key is to make the call, own it, and keep moving.
5. “So goes the leader, so goes the rest.” – Christine Baone & “Organizations can forget how to win.” – G.J. Hart, Former CEO of Red Robin
These two insights from Christine and G.J. go hand in hand.
Leaders set the tone—if they’re energized, committed, and resilient, their teams will be too. But if they are burned out or disengaged, the organization will reflect that. At the same time, companies can lose their edge when they drift from the fundamentals of discipline, execution, and celebrating wins.
Leaders have to guard against complacency, continually reminding their teams what “winning” looks like. And they must embody the mindset they want to see: sharp, hungry, focused, and optimistic.
Closing Thought
The Prosper Forum was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about theory—it’s about practice. These lessons are deceptively simple: lead with action, humility, resilience, decisiveness, and a contagious example. But simple doesn’t mean easy.
As I left Amelia Island, I kept coming back to one thought: the best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers. They’re the ones who keep moving forward, bringing their teams with them, and teaching organizations how to win again and again.
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Labor Day is a reminder that it was unions and the blood of many workers that led to the creation of the 40-hour workweek, the ban on child labor, the introduction of pensions, overtime pay, safety regulations on the job, and much more. Without unions, the bosses might still have us all working 14 hour…
The vast majority of Americans continue to approve of labor unions, a Gallup poll reveals. Gallup reports: “As Americans prepare to celebrate Labor Day, 68% of U.S. adults approve of labor unions, essentially unchanged from last year’s reading. This is the fifth consecutive year that approval of organized labor has been in the 67% to 71%…
The following article by Harold Meyerson appeared in The American Prospect. The National Labor Relations Act—that pillar of American democracy that gives workers the right to bargain collectively with their employers—was enacted 90 years ago this summer. Its constitutionality was upheld two years later by the Supreme Court, and no successful challenge to its constitutionality…
The president has widened his attack on federal worker unions just days before Labor Day. GovExec.com reports: “President Trump on Thursday signed a new executive order targeting unions at more than half a dozen agencies, again under the auspices of national security. The edict, which was published within minutes of Trump’s proclamation marking Monday’s Labor…
Imagine standing at a cash register for eight hours, day after day, without a single chance to sit. Or clocking in and realizing you won’t be paid for the last hour you worked. For decades, corporations treated these issues as minor complaints. But California workers fought back — and won millions. This blog covers the landmark seating and wage-hour cases that reshaped workplace rights. From CVS’s Supreme Court showdown to Walmart’s $65 million bombshell, these are stories of dignity, health, and the law. Case 1: Kilby v. CVS (2016 Supreme Court Decision) CVS cashiers and customer reps stocked shelves, bagged groceries, cleaned counters — and rang up sales. Most tasks could have been done sitting. But CVS forbade it. The California Supreme Court ruled in 2016 that employers must examine each specific task: If a job reasonably permits sitting, seats must be provided. Employers cannot argue “the overall job requires standing” as an excuse. This case set the legal foundation for every settlement that followed. Case 2: Bank of America – $15 Million Settlement Tellers across California stood behind counters, even when processing paperwork or waiting on customers. The work could be done seated, but chairs were denied. After years of litigation, Bank of America paid $15 million. Three named plaintiffs received $25,000 each. Workers collectively received millions in payouts. BofA had to implement a new seating policy and inform employees of their rights. As one teller put it: “We weren’t asking for luxury. We just wanted chairs.” Case 3: Safeway – $12 Million Settlement Cashier Eva Sharp led a class action spanning nearly eight years. She and thousands of Safeway cashiers stood long shifts without stools, despite registers allowing seating. The 2019 settlement totaled $12 million: Eva received ~$14,000. 30,000+ cashiers split about $1.8 million. Safeway promised to supply seating for two years. It was a small fortune for many minimum-wage workers — and proof persistence pays off. Case 4: Target – $9 Million Settlement Target’s bright red stores carried a dark reality: over 90,000 cashiers in California were denied seating. The company agreed to pay $9 million, with roughly $3.9 million in attorney fees. Though workers’ individual payouts were modest, the scale was enormous — showing how widespread the issue was. Case 5: Walmart – $65 Million Bombshell The largest seating case ever. Nearly 100,000 Walmart cashiers joined forces after years of standing at registers. Walmart agreed to pay $65 million in 2018. Individual payouts reached $25,000 per worker. Walmart changed practices nationwide. It wasn’t just a California win. It set off a national conversation: do workers deserve dignity at the register? The answer was clear. Case 6: AutoZone (Meda v. AutoZone, 2022) AutoZone claimed it “provided seats.” In reality, two chairs were tucked away in management areas, far from the registers. Workers didn’t even know they could sit. The court ruled that “mere availability” isn’t enough. Seats must be accessible at the workstation. Workers must be informed they’re allowed to sit. This case clarified that employers can’t just check a box — they must genuinely make seating available. Case 7: Ralphs (LaFace v. Ralphs, 2022) In a rare loss for workers, Ralphs argued its cashiers never had downtime. Courts agreed, ruling that constant customer flow meant no obligation to provide seating. The case also confirmed that PAGA seating claims are bench trials (decided by judges, not juries). This showed the law isn’t automatic — context matters. Broader Impact These cases changed more than policy. They changed lives: Health: Less back pain, fewer leg injuries. Dignity: Workers finally treated like humans, not props. Financial Relief: Payouts gave families breathing room. And beyond California, they inspired other states and employers to review seating rules voluntarily. Conclusion From CVS to Walmart, workers proved one truth: when they stand together, they win the right to sit. At WRCA, we fight to keep this momentum going. 
Join WRCA today. Subscribe, share, and support workers’ rights.
A former union leader is now the prime minister of a European country. EuroNews reports: “Lithuania’s parliament elected a former labour union leader and relative political newcomer as the country’s new prime minister on Tuesday, weeks after her predecessor resigned following investigations into his business dealings. Lawmakers approved Inga Ruginienė as the new head of government…
Labor Day is around the corner and that means parades, a salute to labor successes, and, of course, picnics! Support good union jobs this Labor Day with our exclusive shopping guide above and use your wallet to support a better economy for workers. Happy Labor Day from all of us at Labor 411 Hot Dogs,…
Feature Films “On the Waterfront” (1954) “The Molly Maguires” (1970) “Norma Rae” (1979) “Matewan” (1987) “Bread and Roses” (2000) “North Country” (2005) “Made in Dagenham” (2010) Documentaries “Native Land” (1942) “American Factory” (2019) “Roger & Me” (1989) “Harlan County U.S.A.” (1976) “The Willmar 8” (1982) “At the River I Stand” (1993) “Miles of Smiles: Years…