At The NRP Group, I host “NRP News Live,” an internal broadcast where employees across 17 markets learn about different facets of our organization. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has evolved into a monthly panel discussion with NRP leaders and an open Q&A segment, providing a consistent touchpoint through which employees and leaders can connect.
During a recent broadcast’s Q&A section, an employee asked me about the most memorable advice I have received from one of my mentors. Reflecting on the advice that has shaped my professional and personal philosophy most, I remember the guidance from Mort Mandel, former chairman and CEO of Premier Industrial Corporation and Parkwood Corporation, who shared this: Focus on what you can control and tune out the rest.
At the time, I was deeply worried about a list of economic issues and how they could impact our ability to do business. When I considered Mort’s advice and changed my perspective, I could see a path forward more clearly. I couldn’t change the stock market or interest rates or inflation, but I could shift my focus to how I responded to what was within my control. By embracing this mindset, I was able to navigate uncertainty with greater clarity and purpose. This principle — focusing on what we can control — extends beyond business challenges; it serves as a guiding philosophy for leadership, decision-making and personal growth. Here’s how I’ve applied this approach to leading through challenging times.
Identify and define focus areas. No leader has a crystal ball to predict what’s ahead, but a strong, focused vision is immensely helpful in setting the tone for the whole organization. As CEO, I refocused myself and my senior leadership team on outperforming our growth goals. I challenged us to innovate through the economic cycles to perform better each time through them. I remain focused on growth, not just for its own sake, but for its strategic impact. By refining our business model, we create new opportunities that open pathways for our employees.
Build an A+ team and delegate to them for success. When we founded NRP, the concept of an A+ player wasn’t part of our organization, but as we grew, it became ingrained in our company’s ethos. A+ players are the driving force behind innovation and impact, constantly pushing forward with a growth mindset. They challenge the status quo and inspire their peers to continuously improve. Maintaining an A+ team fosters a culture of mutual trust, where everyone is expected to perform at their best. I take pride in being surrounded by talented, high-performing individuals at NRP who bring invaluable expertise and fresh perspectives. Building an A+ team means you have the opportunity to work with subject matter experts who operate confidently and respectfully. Trust in your talented teams and delegate quickly to them. In my role, getting involved in the details draws my focus away from the larger vision. I implicitly trust that I have the A+ players to handle any situation. I don’t need to follow up and I don’t expect a response because I know the right team is in charge.
Center yourself every day. Over the years, I’ve carried this focus into my personal life, embracing small yet meaningful rituals that help me stay grounded each day. Prayer and meditation is how I begin every morning. My running program fuels my body and mind, while my love of audiobooks keeps me continuously learning and inspired. I also make time for daily gratitude, writing down five things I appreciate in my journal — simple moments that remind me of the power in focusing on what only I can control. ●
J. David Heller is President, CEO and Co-founder of The NRP Group
