5 Leadership Lessons from Partnership Annual Dinner Keynote Jon Gordon
Positivity is a choice.
That is one of the many leadership lessons that Ed McGill, Co-Founder and Partner of McGill Junge Wealth Management, has learned from Jon Gordon, the keynote speaker for the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s 2026 Annual Dinner.
Gordon’s books and talks have inspired millions worldwide, with principles embraced by Fortune 500 companies, professional and collegiate sports teams, school districts and nonprofits. He is the author of 32 books, including 18 bestsellers such as “The Energy Bus,” “The Carpenter,” “The Power of Positive Leadership,” “The One Truth” and his latest release “The 7 Commitments of a Great Team.” His work has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, CNBC, “Fox and Friends” and in numerous national publications.
McGill and Gordon have developed a strong friendship over the past 2 years. In addition to reading Gordon’s books, McGill has attended Gordon’s Training Camp seminar and is part of a group that meets once a month to talk leadership lessons with Gordon. Gordon has also been a guest on McGill’s “Leadership with Ed” podcast.
We caught up with McGill to learn about some of the top lessons he has learned from Gordon.
Positivity is a Choice
Leaders must consciously choose optimism and belief to inspire their teams, especially during tough times. McGill pointed out that he is a lot happier when he chooses positivity, and teams feel and work better when leaders show positivity and enthusiasm.
Lead with Belief and Energy
Similarly, leaders need to transfer a belief in a brighter future to their teams. It’s contagious. It can’t be phony or ignore reality or negative results, but rather leaders must instill a belief that together, the team can overcome challenges and win. People want to be part of something that’s bigger than themselves.
Choose Excellence
Settling for “good” is bad for people striving for excellence. Gordon encourages people to choose to do hard things daily. People often get to a certain level in their career and it can be easy to stay there, to settle. Instead, it’s important to keep challenging yourself and keep choosing to do what is hard. Most great people who choose hard will develop a stronger resilience that will help them overcome adversity later on.
How You Handle the Storm is the Separator
At every point of life, you are either in the storm, you just got out of the storm, or you’re about to go into the storm. Adversity is inevitable. How you go into the storm is the great separator.
The Best Leave a Legacy
The best leaders have an impact that is beyond day-to-day results. As Gordon describes it, they put fingerprints on your soul. They touch lives. Leaders can have a transcendent impact on the lives of those around them.
Learn more about Gordon and find information about his books here.
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