“History is our inheritance. He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living hand to mouth.” — Goethe
I’m a huge believer in life-long learning. We live in fascinating times and there’s so much to learn — about the world and ourselves.
I was a high-profile executive for Ford Motor Company, leading the company’s global digital communications and social media function during the early days of social media. I eventually burned out, seeing people making the same mistakes over and over as they weren’t aware of the groundwork that had been laid.
In the process, I realized that this is a broader human trait — repeating mistakes without learning — and that my experience as an executive and working with other high-level executive could be better applied to leadership development.
As a public speaker and an executive coach and leadership consultant, it’s my job to help leaders get the best out of their teams by connecting their purpose to their work, improving their communications process, and preparing for what’s next.
Human nature remains constant, and since relationships are the basis of leadership, if you understand human nature, you’ll understand how to lead.
Each week in Timeless & Timely, you get stories from the past with a lens to understand and act on the issues and ideas of the present.
Stories ripe with lessons in communication, leadership, and character, leading to better relationships — relationships with employees, customers, and the people who can help your business grow.
Here we uncover the past in the present and the present in the past to reinforce character strengths that matter.
Why should history matter to anyone interested in leadership and self-improvement?
“Trying to plan for the future without a sense of the past is like trying to plant cut flowers.” — Daniel Boorstin
When you’re aware and curious enough, you’ll find the past in the present and the present in the past. Doing so helps you prepare for the future.
Contextual Awareness
Studying history gives leaders a deeper understanding of the broader context and underlying forces that shape events. It helps them grasp the complexities and nuances behind current situations, enabling them to make more well-rounded assessments.
Informed Decision-Making
By examining how past leaders navigated challenges and crises, modern leaders can draw lessons and apply that knowledge to their own decision-making processes. Historical perspectives offer a wealth of wisdom to inform strategic thinking.
Avoiding Repetition of Mistakes
A thorough grasp of history allows leaders to identify patterns and pitfalls that previous leaders encountered. This awareness can help them avoid repeating the same mistakes and make more prudent choices.
Inspiring Vision
Leaders with a strong sense of history can leverage narratives and shared experiences from the past to inspire and unite people towards a common vision for the future. Historical references can foster a sense of purpose and continuity.
Legacy Building
Understanding history prompts leaders to consider the long-term implications of their actions and decisions. It encourages them to think about the legacy they will leave behind and how future generations will perceive their leadership.
Or, to put it in the words of Lewis H. Lapham,
“We have less reason to fear what might happen tomorrow than to beware of what happened yesterday. I know of no better reason to read history. Construed as a means instead of an end, history is the weapon with which we defend the future against the past.”
“I had as much to learn from the counsel of the dead as I did from the advice and consent of the living.”
Free: Something for Everyone
Here’s what every subscriber gets:
✒️ A weekly essay with contextual historical quotes and deep thoughts on leadership, communication, and humanity, connected to the challenges you face today.
📽️ A weekly 1-minute Stop Watch video to reflect on a timeless value.
🕔 A fortnightly weekend newsletter called Off the Clock, focused on language and history. For the word nerds among us — because leaders are communicators.
💡 Occasional Timeless Reflections: quotes that may inspire some thoughts about leadership and life.
🎙Notifications of new episodes of the Timeless Leadership podcast.
✏️ The ability to comment on posts: let’s create a vibrant community!
All subscribers can customize their settings to determine which sections they subscribe to.
Premium Subscription: The Ampersand Guild
Historically, a guild is “an association of craftsmen or merchants formed for mutual aid and protection and for the furtherance of their professional interests.”
And I like to think we’re doing that here — helping you become a better communicator, a better leader, and a better human by focusing on values that have mattered throughout human history.
Ampersand Guild members get:
🎙️ Extended conversations from the Timeless Leadership podcast
✒️ Access to the full archives plus additional essays that I want to share with you
💬 Exclusive access to group chats, where you can engage with other readers and share your perspectives
❤️ The satisfaction that you’re helping to grow the next generation of values-driven leaders!
All of this for just $50 a year! That’s less than $5 a month. Think about what you spend five dollars on each month. A visit and a half to Starbucks? Something from Five Below? Surely the wisdom of the ages is worth at least that to you.
Praise for the newsletter:
From actor and bibliophile Curtis Armstrong:
“A dark, rainy morning. The apartment is quiet. I’m wearing my soft trousers. I’ve got a cup of coffee and am starting my day with Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance and Scott Monty! It doesn’t get better than that!”
From Mat Zucker (“Putting It Out There”):
Praise for the podcast:
Named by Goodpods as a Top 50 Podcast in the Management category.
“Scott’s a skillful interviewer” — Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Lady Editor
“You’re one of the best interviewers I’ve encountered.” — feedback from a guest
There’s so much to learn,
