It’s not every day you find yourself inspired by college student athletes. I mean, let’s face it—these young men are living a life most of us can’t imagine. They’re playing football at the highest collegiate level, they’re adored by fans, and for many of them, the NFL is just around the corner.

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.