Choose to be Great: Help (Y2:E21)

~ Angelo DelliSanti

Weekends just zoom by, don’t they?

Once my Friday meetings wrapped up, it felt like I spent the entire weekend behind the wheel, driving from one place to another. But you know what? Every mile I drove was filled with goodness and the opportunity to be with people I love.

In the middle of all those trips, my wife Kasey and I made a quick stop at Barnes and Noble to grab a birthday gift for my best friend’s son. Amazon dropped the ball on delivery, so we made this detour, which happens to be one of our favorite spots. Honestly, I wasn’t really feeling the B&N vibe that day—maybe because I couldn’t demo the new Vision Pro at the Apple Store right next to it!?!

After Kasey snagged the book — Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse — she sat down on a bench outside to write the inscription, a tradition we always do when we give books. She shared just one line from the book with me, but it hit home. I think it applies to leadership, too.

“What’s the bravest thing you ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse.

There’s this myth that leaders are supposed to have it all together and never ask for help. But that’s hogwash. Every single one of us needs a hand at some point. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s what makes us human. Help is the secret sauce that makes greatness possible, even when we’re not feeling so hot ourselves.

So, as you gear up for the new week, here’s my two cents:

  1. Leaders, it’s okay to lean on others when you need it. Burning the candle at both ends doesn’t do you—or your team—any favors.
  2. Look out for your leaders. Even the strongest, most seemingly invincible ones need support sometimes. Just offering a helping hand or an empathetic ear can make all the difference.
  3. Don’t forget about the folks around you. Whether at work or in your personal life, there’s always someone who could use a little boost. Keep your eyes peeled for those subtle signs and be ready to help where and when you can.

And remember: Being there for others is what truly makes you great.

#ChooseToBeGreat

Angelo

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Published by Angelo DelliSanti

“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career. Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018. In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017. Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.

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