I’ve been diving deep into Elon Musk’s leadership style lately, and it’s been a real eye-opener. Musk’s unconventional methods might seem extreme, but there’s a lot we can learn from his approach, especially when it comes to driving impact and innovation. Here’s how I’m applying some of his principles to our mission.

When I reflect on the founding of Man Up and Go, I’m reminded of a powerful moment in my life that shifted my perspective and ignited my passion for this mission. While I never imagined myself in the realm of adoption or foster care, a series of events and divine interventions led me to this crucial work.

When I look back on the journey of Man Up and Go, it’s clear that the evolution of our mission and vision has been a deeply collaborative and transformative process. In case we haven’t met, I’m Jeff Ford, and as the CEO of this organization, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team to refine our purpose and strategy, guided by insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek and deeply rooted in our Christian faith.

Looking back on the journey of Man Up and Go over the past decade, I’m amazed at how much we’ve grown and evolved. As the CEO of this nonprofit, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and guiding our transformation. When we first launched Man Up and Go in 2014, it was driven by a profound sense of purpose and urgency. A friend and I had just returned from a transformative trip to Africa, and we were on fire with ideas. We knew we needed to act on our experiences and make a difference. This was also the year we decided to climb Kilimanjaro—a symbol of our commitment to reaching new heights in both personal and organizational goals.