From the desk of Karl Bimshas

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Hi Reader,

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Let’s call it a “catch-up” year.

57 Varieties of Success

Recently, I was challenged to spend some time reviewing past success, big and small. For no particular reason, other than it’s my 57th birthday, here is a non-inclusive, non-prioritized, random list of 57 assorted business milestones, personal leadership accomplishments, creative output, and other moments of pride I’ve had so far.

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1. At the age of 8, I began making Regular 8mm movies with themes and plots.

2. Won the Bike-a-thon to benefit Muscular Dystrophy at age 9. Highest pledge amounts and longest distance (26 miles).

3. At 15, I directed my first multiple-camera in-studio show.

4. My banking career began with shoveling snow from the sidewalks, followed by roles in janitorial, mailroom, customer service, teller, and Branch Operations Specialist.

5. My poetry was submitted to the high school “Rag” without my prior knowledge, and I received rave reviews from girls I liked.

6. Wrote my first screenplay, Snapshots, at 17.

7. First front-page photo on The Westwood News.

8. Second front-page photo, 10 years later in The Boston Globe (both weather-related).

9. Successfully published letters to the editor in The Needham Times, The Boston Globe, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and Boston Magazine.

10. “Best in Class” Television Production Book selected for final project.

11. Became the youngest student nominated for Best Director at the 7th Annual Evvy’s.

12. Second nomination for Best Director.

13. Served as co-head writer of the 9th Annual Evvy Awards Show.

14. A script left behind in college was used for a student film.

15. Earned a B.A. in Mass Communications (TV Production) with a Minor in Creative Writing from Emerson College.

16 Completed a cross-country move with no home or job prospects.

17. Having an East Coast wedding on one Saturday and a West Coast wedding a week later, and experiencing 22 successful years of a 24-year marriage.

18. Father of two who don’t mind spending time with me, both with college degrees and a good head on their shoulders.

19. Manager at a Fortune 500 document and technology company.

20. Secured successful contract renewals with several key firms, largely due to the quality of staff I lead.

21. Local and Regional Eagles Club recipient for exceeding People, Process, and Profit Management.

22. The time I had to report the successful resolution of a horrible problem to an older, intimidating bear of a man with a fierce reputation who brushed it off and said, “I knew if you were handling it, it would work out fine.”

23. Designed and provided “Supporting Legal Services” training nationally.

24. Fought like hell and succeeded in getting women on my team better compensation.

25. Having more than one associate I’d been forced to lay off or fire, thank me for showing care and dignity.

26. The time I was an extra in The Corpse Had a Familiar Face with Elizabeth Montgomery.

27. Earned an M.S. in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

28. Director of Business Development at a $20 million regional technology infrastructure firm.

29. Doing a ropes program with a former gang member, strung over 100 feet in the air together, and talking him through his fear of heights.

30. The indescribable feeling I get each time I learn a book or guide I wrote is shared within an entire enterprise.

31. Asked to provide keynote speeches on leadership.

32. The odd privilege of flying up to the Bay Area just for lunch — and once, just to fire someone.

33. Salvaged vulnerable contacts with better communication and tight project management.

34. At 40, founded Karl Bimshas Consulting.

35. Having loyal clients for over 10 and 15 years in partnership.

36. Created the Leadership Guidance System that includes the concept of Leadership Drift as a real leadership danger, the Leadership Continuum™ Model as a non-hierarchical framework, Leadership Canon as a principles-alignment tool, and the Effective Leadership Integrity Index (ELII) with 15 KPIs.

37. Published the weekly Reflections on Leadership newsletter across several platforms for 10+ years.

38. Host of the Reflections on Leadership Podcast.

39. Was a member of the Children’s Holiday Magic Board of Directors.

40. Created thought leadership that connects leadership integrity with resistance to authoritarianism.

41. Produced content that serves as marketing, education, and legacy.

42. The Manage Better Lead Well Series (4 works): 132 Leadership Tips, How to Fix Your Whine at Work, Quick Ways to Be a Good Leader, Don’t Be the A-Hole on the Team.

43. The Leadership Essay Books (5 works): Essays On: Anti-Authoritarian Leadership, An Unusual Year, So, I’ve Been Thinking, So, I’ve Been Thinking Some More, Think Again.

44. Leadership Books and Guides (18 works): Navigation Chaos, Reclaiming Your Time, 30 Principles for Your Leadership Tool Box, How to Stay When You Want to Quit, GIVE A DAMN!, Perspectives, Mind Map Workbook, The Sales Management Monthly Briefing, How to Deal With Change, Lead on Purpose, Strengthen Your Leadership Without Becoming a Jerk, Welcome to Leadership, Disposable Journal, Leaders Don’t Shrug, Kevin Turtle Decides to Have a Great Year, Go Get It!, Write Advice, Pushing Back the Ocean.

45. Novels & Fiction (5 works): A Habit of Smoldering, More Pepper, Less Salt, He Loves It When She Smiles, Three Blinks and a Sigh, Caffeinated Romance.

46. Have written over 30 songs.

47. Co-founded SparkLab Summit.

48. The one day I touched the Atlantic Ocean in the morning and the Pacific Ocean in the evening.

49. Authored too many eulogies and obituaries, but honored to have been asked and delivered.

50. Is there a better success felt than having a cat come to you when summoned?

51. Sustained friendships at the 40, 30, 20, and 10-year mark.

52. Assisting several immigrants in achieving citizenship and attending their naturalization ceremonies.

53. I redefined leadership success by making accountability non-negotiable, elevating love, and framing success around clarity, confidence, and control.

54. I helped discouraged and transitioning professionals — including mid-level managers, women leaders, and first-generation Americans — regain confidence and own their authority.

55. I’ve developed client-centric programs, delivered candid coaching, and sustained long-term, trusted relationships.

56. I’ve navigated challenges with integrity, balancing perspectives, challenging complacency, and proving that leadership without accountability is unacceptable.

57. I am happy to have reached 57 years.

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Keep advancing confidently in the direction of your dreams, and help others along the way.

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-Karl

Karl Bimshas

Leadership Systems Architect | Author

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KARL BIMSHAS CONSULTING

No Accountability. No Leadership.

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