Preface
As a business owner, I hesitated to share this. I even posted briefly yesterday morning, then took it down after 11 minutes. Not because I didn’t mean what I wrote, but because I wasn’t ready. The emotions were raw, and I needed time to reflect.
I understand that sharing something personal, especially in a professional space, can invite mixed reactions. But I believe leadership must be rooted in authenticity. And this moment calls for it.
This post isn’t about politics. It’s about conviction, courage, and the kind of leadership I aspire to live out: one that chooses unity over division, grace over outrage, and truth over silence.
Yesterday morning, I sat quietly with the news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. I didn’t rush to post again. I simply paused – to reflect, to pray.
This morning, after a night of quiet reflection, I feel compelled to share, not because I have all the answers, but because I believe leadership demands authenticity, especially in moments of grief and uncertainty.
As a Christian, a father, and someone who appreciated Charlie’s unwavering commitment to his beliefs, this tragedy feels deeply personal. It’s not about politics. It’s about conviction. Charlie stood for what he believed, even when it came at great personal cost. That kind of courage is rare, and worth honouring.
We live in a time where public discourse is often polarised, and where leaders are expected to either stay silent or take sides. But I believe there’s a third path, one that calls us to lead with truth, grace, and unity. One that allows us to honour someone’s courage without needing to agree with every word they spoke.
Charlie once said:
“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas, not run away from them or try and silence them.”
That quote has stayed with me. Not because it’s provocative, but because it’s principled. It reminds me that leadership isn’t about popularity, it’s about integrity. It’s about standing firm in your values, even when it’s uncomfortable.
As I write this, I’m thinking about the kind of legacy I want to leave, not just in business, but in life. I want to be remembered as someone who led with courage, who spoke with grace, and who built bridges where others built walls.
I’m also thinking about Charlie’s family. His wife, Erika, and their two young children. I can’t imagine the pain they’re experiencing right now. My heart goes out to them. May they be surrounded by love, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
Last night, I held my own family a little tighter. Liam and Emma were with their mum, as per our 50-50 co-parenting arrangement, and I’m grateful they’re surrounded by love on both sides of their lives. Today, I’ll be picking them up this afternoon from school, and I’m looking forward to hugging them a little tighter and spending the weekend together. In the quiet moments, I felt their presence. I thanked God for the blessings I still have, and I recommitted to leading with purpose, not just in the good times, but in the hard ones too.
Let this moment remind us:
We are stronger when we choose unity over division.
We are braver when we speak with conviction, not contempt.
We are better when we lead with love, not fear.
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or success. It’s about character. It’s about showing up when it matters most. And it’s about creating space for others to do the same.
So today, I recommit to that kind of leadership.
To listening more deeply.
To speaking more thoughtfully.
To living more authentically.
Lord, give us strength to lead with wisdom, humility, and love. Amen.
Before I close, I want to offer a gentle invitation:
If you’re able to, take some time this weekend to disconnect. Step away from the noise. Touch the grass. Spend time with family and loved ones. Press pause on the things that don’t matter and take a moment to practise gratitude for the things that do.
We lead best when we’re grounded in what’s real.
And sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is simply be present.
With gratitude,
JM
Note: This reflection is not a political statement, nor an endorsement of all Charlie Kirk’s views. It’s a personal response to a moment of loss and a call for unity, grace, and authentic leadership.