This week’s topic is one I wish I had understood earlier in my career—and definitely in my life as a father, entrepreneur, and operator:

Saying no is a growth strategy.

For a long time, I saw “yes” as the default setting for success. Say yes to opportunity. Say yes to challenges. Say yes to proving yourself. And to be clear—there’s a season where that mindset fuels growth. But unchecked, that same instinct can lead to overextension, distraction, and burnout.

One of the biggest shifts in my career—and in my personal life—was learning that saying no isn’t closing a door. It’s protecting the right ones.

And that’s a lesson I now try to pass down to the next generation. In Hey Dad…, my newest book for young adults (and those guiding them), there’s a section that dives into decision-making—how to prioritize your time, protect your energy, and stay focused on what matters most. It’s framed for someone stepping into adulthood, but I’d argue the principle doesn’t change with age. If anything, it becomes more critical. Because here’s the truth I’ve had to learn the hard way: Every “yes” is really a “no” to something else.

And if you’re not intentional about where your yeses go, you’ll end up trading time, energy, and focus for things that don’t align with your goals—or your values.

Why Saying No Is a Powerful Tool

1. It forces clarity When you know what you’re working toward, it becomes easier to spot what doesn’t belong. Saying no helps sharpen your vision, reinforce your strategy, and avoid the drift that comes from reactive decision-making.

2. It protects your energy As a leader, your energy is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting it isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. If you’re constantly drained by meetings, projects, or decisions that don’t move the needle, you can’t show up fully for the ones that do.

3. It empowers others In business, every time you say no to something that can be delegated, you’re giving someone else the opportunity to grow. That’s how teams scale. That’s how people step up.

4. It sets a standard Saying no to misaligned partnerships, bad fits, or low-ROI distractions shows your team what excellence looks like. It creates a culture that values purpose over busyness.

5. It builds momentum—for the right things Every time you say no to something off-path, you reinforce the discipline that builds long-term momentum. Compound growth isn’t about speed—it’s about direction.

What I’d Tell My Younger Self (and My Kids)

If I could go back and add one more bold, red-inked note to my younger self (the one I wrote about in my last newsletter), it would be this:

“Don’t confuse saying yes with making progress.”

There were seasons I said yes to everything because I thought it made me indispensable. It didn’t. It made me scattered.

There were seasons I felt guilty saying no—to clients, to teammates, to friends. But eventually, I realized that boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re what make high-impact work possible.

In Hey Dad…, I included prompts and questions for young adults to start thinking through this early:

• What do you want to be known for?

• What drains you that doesn’t move you forward?

• What are you willing to say no to… so you can say yes to something better?

These are the same questions I revisit often in my own leadership, as I balance the demands of family, business, and personal growth.

What Are You Saying No To This Quarter?

Saying no isn’t easy—especially in fast-paced industries like commercial real estate, or when you’re early in your career. But over time, it becomes one of the most important tools in your leadership toolbox.

So I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you’ve said no to recently—and how did it help you grow? Or… what’s something you wish you had said no to sooner?