Category Archives: Inspiration

‘Road to Character’ is thought provoking book

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Tom Bengtson

Gratitude is rightly the virtue we think of during Thanksgiving week, and of course there is much for which to be grateful. I want to write about two people for whom I am grateful: Augustine, the fourth century Bishop, and … Continue reading →

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Posted in Inspiration | 17,994 Comments

Open Window Theatre’s Lilies of the Field is an Inspiration

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Tom Bengtson

If you’ve ever wondered what a miracle looks like, go see The Lilies of the Field playing at the Open Window Theatre and you’ll see the answer: it looks like Homer Smith. The downtown Minneapolis theater is presenting a stage … Continue reading →

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Posted in Inspiration, review | 1,129 Comments

Dad shows one person can make a big difference

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Tom Bengtson

2012 was a year of many blessings but I will remember is as the year my father passed away on June 7. In December, television typically offers “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a film that means a little bit more to … Continue reading →

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Posted in Inspiration, memories, reflection | 1,319 Comments

Speaker shares leadership message: engage those around you

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

My professional colleague and friend Rich Chapman delivered an excellent leadership message to a group of managers I recently brought together. Rich is a consultant with an investment banking firm that does a lot of work with churches and non-profit … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, Inspiration | 71 Comments

Better business results at beginning of trust continuum

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

Business is ultimately about relationships – the interaction you share with your employees, colleagues, shareholders and customers. Trust is the natural product of a good relationship. When there is a high degree of trust, people become willing to take risks. … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, Inspiration | 1,715 Comments

Change starts with you

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Tom Bengtson

The only person’s behavior you can change is your own. Bryan Dodge, a Texas-based inspirational speaker who addressed a meeting I attended recently, encouraged the audience to think about this familiar maxim. Are you unhappy? You have a much better chance … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, Inspiration | 1,101 Comments

Lessons from 1776

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Tom Bengtson

One of my favorite books is “1776” by the popular historian David McCullough. While I learned a lot about the Revolutionary War by reading this book, I also picked up at least four lessons that I think any small business … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, Inspiration, reflection | 2,686 Comments

Forgiveness mends tragic hurt in Parkersburg, Iowa

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Tom Bengtson

I had the privilege of listening to Aaron Thomas speak at a meeting I attended last week. Aaron is the son of Ed Thomas, who coached the football team at Parkersburg High School in Iowa for three decades. In spring of … Continue reading →

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Posted in Inspiration | 3,012 Comments