Welcome to this week’s edition of the Visionary Leader Newsletter. There’s a reason we emphasize vision so often here: vision is everything. As leaders, what we dare to see, what we choose to believe, and what we relentlessly pursue defines our path. It’s the heartbeat of leadership.
And let me tell you something bluntly: if your dreams don’t feel bigger than what you can handle, you’re not dreaming big enough.
Why Dreaming Matters
Dreaming isn’t some fluffy, feel-good exercise—it’s essential. It’s the starting point of strategy, the spark that ignites action, and the fuel that sustains us through the grind. Without it, we stagnate. But let’s get real: when you’re experiencing failure, dreaming feels impossible.
This week, I was in Sioux Falls for the kickoff of our Lead Sioux Falls networking group. The energy was electric, the turnout was incredible, and the effort the other speakers put into making this event impactful was inspiring. It worked, and it was beautiful to see.
As I opened my keynote, I shared something that struck a chord with the audience:
When we’re in the middle of failure, one of the first things we lose is our ability to dream.
Think about it. When life punches you in the gut—when the deal falls through, the project collapses, or the relationships fray—you stop looking forward. You stop believing there’s more ahead. Instead, you’re just trying to survive, gripping onto today and hoping it doesn’t crush you.
I get it. I’ve been there.
But here’s the thing: dreaming isn’t optional for leaders. It’s not some “nice-to-have” feature of success. Dreaming is the engine of hope. And hope? Hope is your fuel for tomorrow.
Why Hope is Non-Negotiable
Let me make this clear: hope doesn’t mean denial. It doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending things aren’t hard. It means believing that the current moment isn’t the final moment. It means having the guts to say:
- There is a tomorrow.
- You will make it.
- You will thrive.
And the sooner you start to see the possibilities, the sooner you’ll find the strength to move toward them. You’ll stop surviving and start leading again.
But here’s the catch: you can’t get there alone. This is why mindset—and the people you choose to surround yourself with—matter more than almost anything else.
My Story: When Dreaming Felt Impossible
I’ve experienced failure so profound it left me humiliated. I’ve been in seasons so tough I couldn’t see past the day in front of me. I know what it’s like to look at your circumstances and think, “This is it. This is all there is.”
Let me tell you: that is a lie.
If you’d told me back in 2017 that in just a few short years I’d be coaching Fortune 500 executives, running three companies, and creating opportunities for others to thrive, I would’ve laughed in disbelief. Back then, I was barely holding on. I couldn’t see the horizon, let alone dream about what was beyond it.
But something changed.
At some point, my dream engine kicked back in. I started asking bigger questions. I got intentional about clarifying what God was calling me to do. I stopped letting my failures define me and started believing in something more.
You can do the same.
You Are Created for Impact
Let me say this bluntly: your current success—or failure—does not define you.
Your revenue numbers don’t define you.
Your titles don’t define you.
Your circumstances—no matter how great or terrible—don’t define you.
What defines you is your heartbeat. You were created for impact. You were designed for influence. But here’s the challenge most leaders face: they stop short.
You’re not dreaming big enough.
Let that sit for a moment.
You think your dreams are bold, but they’re not even close to what you’re capable of.
There’s always bigger. There’s always more. You have untapped potential you haven’t even touched yet. But you’ll never find it if you don’t lean in and start asking the big questions:
- What’s possible for you in the next 3 years?
- What legacy are you building?
- Who do you need to become to get there?
These aren’t easy questions, but they’re the ones that unlock the future you’re meant to create.
Ready to Dream Again?
I want you to know this: you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Sometimes, all it takes to reignite your vision is a conversation—one real, raw, honest conversation about what’s holding you back and where you want to go.
So here’s my offer: schedule a discovery session with me, and I’ll buy the coffee. Together, we’ll dig deep, challenge assumptions, and get clear on the next level for your life and leadership.
This isn’t fluff. It’s practical, actionable, and the first step toward building the future you know you’re meant for.
Dream bigger.
Michael King
If you’d like a virutal coffee connection with me to talk shop or discuss how to take your organization, vision and team to the next level…I am just a click away. Schedule some time here. PS. Coffee is on me.
About Michael King
I’m Michael King, an executive coach dedicated to helping Fortune 500 leaders like you craft clear, focused strategies that drive results. With years of experience guiding high-level executives through the challenges of leadership, team engagement, and effective communication, I’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t. My approach is straightforward, no-nonsense, and always aimed at creating systems that lead to sustained success. If you’re ready to take your leadership and your team’s performance to the next level, let’s schedule a time to chat. Together, we can develop a tailored strategy that aligns your team, amplifies your marketing efforts, and propels your business forward. Click below to book a call with me today!
