The "lone hero" is a myth; bravery is supported by a network. Courageous individuals actively seek help, relying on four distinct categories of support: moral ("I've got your back"), informational ("here's what you need to know"), resource-based, and appraisal-based feedback.

Many people list "family" as a core value, but this is a misnomer. A true core value is a behavioral principle (e.g., "always be there") that applies across all domains of your life—work, friendships, and family. Family is a top priority where you apply your values, not the value itself.

Steve Garrity's battle with cancer instilled a profound sense of empathy. He applies this to leadership by focusing on developing his team for their own success, even if it means they eventually leave. This "paying it forward" mindset is a direct result of the support he received during his illness, turning personal adversity into a professional strength.

The ability to be vulnerable and authentic as a leader often isn't a sudden "aha" moment. It is the cumulative result of navigating significant professional failures and profound personal challenges. These events strip away ego and force a re-evaluation of priorities, leading to genuine empathy.

During his cancer treatment, Steve Garrity learned that the most meaningful support came from friends who were simply present, even without conversation. One friend drove him to chemo during a fight, demonstrating that showing up is more powerful than finding the perfect words. This is a crucial lesson for leaders and colleagues supporting someone through hardship.

Instead of searching for the perfect words, which don't exist, it's more effective to be honest about your uncertainty. Simply say "I'm here for you" and then offer a practical, authentic act of support based on your own skills and passions, like cooking a meal or walking their dog.

When eulogized, a person's career accomplishments are footnotes. The core of their legacy is their character—how they behaved and treated others—and their service. This reality should inform how we prioritize our daily actions, focusing on behavior over status or material success.

Morality is not a static trait you possess but a state you achieve through action. Engaging in pro-social behavior shapes your identity as a moral person, creating a virtuous cycle where action precedes and builds character, which can then inspire others.

Empathy, defined as merely feeling another's pain, is overrated and can lead to inaction. Effective leadership requires compassion: understanding a problem, feeling a connection, identifying a solution, and having the courage to implement it, even when it's difficult or unpopular.