Reposted from Tim Richardson

Don’t Let the Backpack Fool You: The Hidden Cost of Judging Others at Work

Early in my speaking career, I had the chance to hear author John Molloy speak—the man behind the bestselling book Dress for Success. His message struck a chord. As a young professional eager to grow my business and expand my influence, I took his advice to heart. From that point forward, anytime I went to a meeting, a conference, or any event where I thought I might meet someone important, I dressed like it mattered. Because I believed it did.

At the time, I drove a Jeep CJ7—a rugged, open-air ride that made me feel like I could tackle any mountain or beach road that crossed my path. One evening, I pulled into the parking lot at an Association for Talent Development (ATD) meeting. As I stepped out of the Jeep, a colleague I’d known for years stopped in her tracks and said, “Is that your Jeep?”

“Yeah, it’s mine,” I replied.

She squinted and said with mild surprise, “You don’t seem like a Jeep guy.”

I smiled, but her comment stuck with me. What exactly was a “Jeep guy”? And what box had I failed to check to be a “Jeep guy”?

This moment reminded me of another chapter in my own growth—when I first moved from Florida to Tennessee. I found myself judging people—unintentionally but honestly—based on how they spoke, the grammar they used, and the regional ways they pronounced certain words. I didn’t realize at the time how limiting and unfair those snap judgments could be. I now have many friends who are natives of the area.

Years later, I was at the National Speakers Association annual convention—an event aptly named Influence. While I was catching up with a colleague in the hallway, she pointed to my backpack and said, “You know, if you want to be taken seriously by hospital executives and corporate clients, you really should stop carrying that backpack. Get a leather briefcase—like a Maxwell Scott bag.”

Her comment, too, was a throwback to the Jeep parking lot moment.

Why would someone make assumptions about my credibility based on how I carry my laptop? Why do we associate a particular vehicle, bag, accent, or clothing brand with professionalism—or the lack of it?

The Problem with Perceptions in the Workplace

In today’s business environment, perception still holds tremendous weight—and while it can work in our favor, it can just as easily become a trap. When we judge colleagues or employees based on external cues—dress, speech, vehicle, accessories—we often miss what truly matters: their values, their work ethic, their authenticity, and their contribution.

Sure, branding has its place. Looking professional, speaking clearly, and demonstrating attention to detail are all part of presenting ourselves well. But there’s a dangerous line we cross when appearances start to override substance.

In many organizations, this shows up subtly:

• A team member is overlooked for leadership because they dress differently than the “corporate” norm.
• A junior employee’s accent or casual communication style is mistaken for a lack of intelligence.
• Someone working remotely is perceived as “less committed” because they don’t show up to in-person events.
• A leader is taken less seriously because they value practicality over prestige—choosing a functional backpack over a designer briefcase.

Realness Over Reputation

In business, as in life, authenticity matters. Yes, dress codes and professional standards exist for a reason. But they should never take the place of character, talent, or contribution.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to check our assumptions at the door—and to encourage our teams to do the same. This means:

• Hiring beyond appearances: Look for substance, not just polish.
• Listening actively: Tune into what’s being said, not how perfectly it’s packaged.
• Fostering psychological safety: Make room for people to show up as they are—backpacks, Jeeps, and all.
• Modeling authenticity: Your team doesn’t need a perfectly polished boss—they need a real one.

Final Thoughts

I may no longer drive a Jeep, but I’d gladly own one again and hope to soon. And yes—I still carry a backpack. Because I value function over flash. I value people over pretense. And I believe the best leaders are the ones who don’t just look the part—but who live it with honesty, humility, and heart.

So, the next time you find yourself forming an opinion about someone based on what they’re wearing, how they speak, or what they carry, stop and ask: Am I seeing the whole person—or just a surface-level version shaped by my own assumptions?

Because in the end, the strongest organizations—and the best relationships—are built not on impressions, but on integrity.

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Reposted from SafeHaven Security

Save The Date

VIOLENCE PREVENTION
CONFERENCE OF MID-AMERICA
October 21-22
Bentonville, AR

This conference is designed to address preventing targeted violence and protecting people in an increasingly violent world. Whether you're a seasoned security professional, or a business leader who has been tasked with security and safety that you do not feel equipped in, you will leave this event educated and empowered to be the hero in your organization.

PRE-CONFERENCE SEMINAR
Oct 21| 1-5pm

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Reposted from CISA

CISA, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3), and the National Security Agency (NSA), released a fact sheet urging organizations to remain vigilant against potential targeted cyber operations by Iranian state-sponsored or affiliated threat actors. Despite a declared ceasefire and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivist groups may still conduct malicious cyber activity. Over the past several months, there has been increased activity from hacktivists and government-affiliated actors, which may escalate due to recent events. These cyber actors often exploit targets of opportunity based on the use of unpatched or outdated software with known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures or the use of default or common passwords on internet-connected accounts and devices. At this time, we have not seen indications of a coordinated campaign of malicious cyber activity in the U.S. that can be attributed to Iran. CISA, FBI, DC3, and NSA strongly urge critical infrastructure asset owners and operators to implement the mitigations recommended in the joint Fact Sheet, which include:

• Identifying and disconnecting operational technology and industrial control systems devices from the public internet,
• Protecting devices and accounts with strong, unique passwords,
• Applying the latest software patches, and
• Implementing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication for access to OT networks.

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Reposted from AMM

2025 Conference
Association of Midwest Museums
Illinois Association of Museums
Iowa Museum Association

Virtual: July 23
In-Person: July 30-August 2

Quad Cities

Crosscurrents guest speakers—Bonnie McDonald (Landmarks Illinois), Mark Treskon (Urban Institute), and Jane Wales (The Generosity Commission)—will bring their research and expertise to conversations around the role of museums as community anchors, how they support upward mobility, and engage community members to build a resilient society.

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Reposted from CISA/DHS

In an effort to ensure timely, relevant intelligence sharing in light of ongoing geopolitical threat developments, DHS I&A invites you to participate in an ad hoc iteration of our bi-weekly UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY/TLP GREEN cyber threat intelligence teleconference for public and private sector security professionals. Our next teleconference is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 18th, at 12pm EDT. Our teleconferences feature unclassified, but sensitive, information sharing sessions derived and informed by a diverse set of information sources. Please note the connection and authentication information for our teleconference platform below. Be advised a new meeting link may be generated for each teleconference, so please use the Teams meeting link included below. Invitations to this teleconference series are facilitated and strictly controlled by the Department of Homeland Security and shall not be forwarded under any circumstance. Please confer with your DHS I&A Engagement Liaison Office or Field Intelligence Directorate representatives to request additional invitations. Recommended participants include private and public sector cyber security and/or intelligence professionals who in the course of their work support cyber/information or critical infrastructure security, such as (but not limited to):

 Fusion Center personnel (e.g. emergency managers, intelligence analysts, first responders, law enforcement or public safety officials)

Critical Infrastructure Security Practitioners and Risk Managers

Security Operations Center (SOC) Personnel

Chief Security Officers, Chief Information Officers, or Chief Information Security Officers

We aim to enhance security practitioners’ awareness of emerging and enduring cyber threat issues by introducing finished intelligence, bulletins, alerts, or articles produced by DHS, our federal government partners, academia, or media outlets. Our next call will address the following cyber threat intelligence topics and products:

Questions or requests? Contact us at cyber@hq.dhs.gov and we will do our best to address them prior to, or during our next call.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

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Reposted from Art Sentry

Protecting your museum’s collection shouldn’t come at the cost of your visitors’ experience. Art Sentry’s advanced technology uses AI-powered monitoring to safeguard your priceless artifacts—ensuring both security and a seamless, non-intrusive experience for your guests. As the director of the Taft Museum of Art said, “Art Sentry provides complete protection of our priceless collection without negatively impacting the visitor’s experience or the fabric of the historic property.” Art Sentry ensures that your collection is protected while maintaining the positive, welcoming atmosphere your visitors expect. Let’s discuss how this system can support your museum’s unique needs.

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Reposted from Tim Richardson

Everyday Rudeness Is a Leadership Opportunity

Yesterday, I witnessed a textbook case of road rage—complete with a sarcastic “You’re number one!” salute (though the driver might’ve gotten their finger order a little mixed up).

A car raced past me, cutting off another driver who was simply trying to get into the correct turn lane. Then came the blaring horn… and that unmistakable finger. The other driver, now forced onto an inconvenient exit, sped off—perhaps not feeling particularly “loved.”

Sadly, moments like this are all too common. And not just on the road.

Micro-Moments That Reveal Our Character

There’s the grocery store parking lot, for instance—where shopping carts are left to roam freely, creating obstacle courses or kissing the sides of cars. Or public trash bins, often surrounded by cigarette butts or fast-food bags tossed from windows. These may seem like small acts of disregard, but over time, they add up—and they echo what leadership scholars call “micro-moments”: seemingly minor but revealing interactions that shape culture and trust.

How Rudeness Shows Up at Work

These behaviors follow us into the workplace in ways we’ve all seen—or maybe even done ourselves:

• Leaving a fish sandwich in the fridge for everyone to smell
• Abandoning dirty mugs in the sink—or worse, an empty coffee pot
• Showing up late to Zoom meetings without apology
• Snagging someone else’s lunch from the fridge
• Hijacking conversations with negativity or office gossip

These are small acts. But they’re also tiny choices that erode trust, morale, and professionalism—especially when repeated.

Leadership Opportunities in Small Choices

Every day, we are presented with micro-moments. Opportunities to pause—and choose to do the right thing, both personally and professionally. Some of the best leaders I know lead with kindness in every interaction. They model the behavior that helps prevent frustration on the road, tension in the office, and conflict in our communities. They understand that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about example.

“It takes just as much effort to be unkind as it does to be kind.”
— Lois Richardson, my mom

That pause—the choice to breathe instead of blast the horn—can change the entire tone of a moment. That’s not just anecdotal—it’s backed by science. Practicing intentional kindness can reduce stress, boost well-being, and build trust at work.

The Power of Pausitivity

What would the other person want or need in this moment?
What would you hope for if roles were reversed? In a world moving fast and full of tension, we can’t afford to underestimate the power of thoughtful kindness. And we can never have too much of it. So next time you’re tempted to lay on the horn, skip the coffee pot rinse, or pass along a juicy bit of office gossip… pause. And choose better.

That’s the heart of Pausitivity.

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Reposted from Art Sentry

What opportunities could you unlock with proactive object protection? Art Sentry protects your collection while improving visitor engagement.

At the Toledo Museum of Art, Risa Smith explains, “With Art Sentry monitoring our collection, visitors feel free to enjoy their time without the perception of being followed by security.”

Guarding the World's Treasures

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Reposted from Cuseum

This month, we’re excited to share new insights and updates from the field. Our latest insights report highlights how museums are using digital tools to stay resilient, while our new sustainability guide offers practical ways to go green. Plus, we just returned from AAM 2025, where we connected with hundreds of cultural professionals rethinking membership, loyalty, and engagement.

Plus, don’t miss our CEO’s recent interview with INTIX on how mobile-first tools are enhancing the visitor and guest experience.

Here is our latest report, "Navigating Rising Costs". What’s inside?:

How institutions are using digital tools to increase retention and renewals.

Where tech investments are saving time and money.

Practical benchmarks and recommendations for 2025.

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Reposted from EMR-ISAC

Dear Emergency Services Sector partners:

As federal agencies evaluate programs to ensure compliance with administration directives and cost effectiveness of programs, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) can no longer support the Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing & Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at this time. This change will become effective June 1, 2025.

USFA recognizes the EMR-ISAC has been an important asset in supporting situational awareness and risk communication for emergency responders across the nation. Our analysis has identified that the information we have shared is now available through various open sources that focus on the fire and emergency services fields.

We want to express our gratitude to all who have participated in and supported the EMR-ISAC program over the years. Your contributions have been invaluable in enhancing the safety and preparedness of emergency responders nationwide.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Sincerely, 

EMR-ISAC Staff