Stand Out by Staying Steady in the Storm

The other day, I sat in a nice restaurant with a perfect view of the outside world. What started as a peaceful meal quickly turned into a front-row seat to a downpour—the kind of storm that makes you rethink even walking to your car. But what caught my eye wasn’t the rain. It was the valet, standing tall and focused at his post.

No phone. No complaints. Just pure focus.

His name was Dion Davis, and watching him work in the middle of a storm gave me a masterclass in leadership. There are some life and business lessons you can’t learn from books—you learn them from watching someone stand firm when others would fold. Here’s what I took away from his example.

1. When You Stand Out, People Notice

Dion didn’t need to shout. His actions spoke loud enough. He wasn’t just surviving the storm—he was thriving in it. He did his job with pride, which made him unforgettable. In a world where everyone’s trying to fit in, the ones who are unapologetically themselves stand out. If you want to be remembered, don’t follow trends—stay committed to your mission, even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. Complaining Doesn’t Build Brands—Consistency Does

Dion didn’t gripe about the weather. He didn’t use it as an excuse. Most people do. Especially in business, when it gets hard, the average person complains. But winners? They show up regardless. They do the job well when it’s not glamorous. If your clients, team, or colleagues associate your name with reliability—not excuses—you’ve already won.

3. Pay Attention to People

What stood out even more than his work ethic was his attention to detail. He remembered guests’ names, their cars, and their dinner spots. That level of attentiveness builds trust, loyalty, and opportunity. In business, people don’t remember flashy pitches—they remember how you made them feel. Listening is one of the most valuable, underused business tools out there. Use it.

Action Step

This week, find one area in your life where you’ve been making excuses or waiting for perfect conditions—and do the work anyway. Show up, stand firm, and listen more than you speak. When you lead by example, people follow.