NAI Wisinski of West Michigan’s Post

This article is a wonderful blueprint for success, relationships, self-care, and balance. Meet my cousin, Jess:

The TDCJ promotional video featuring Officer Elliot Ruiz sheds light on his career and experiences but also exposes the deep flaws of TDCJ.  While Ruiz’s dedication may be sincere, the video is less about him and more about a system skilled at masking its true nature.  TDCJ avoids discussions of rehabilitation and justice, offering instead propaganda designed to maintain a facade while perpetuating dehumanizing practices.  What is notably absent is any mention of TDCJ’s mission: "to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime."  The incarcerated individuals central to that mission are rendered invisible, reduced to silent props in the background.  This treatment reflects a system uninterested in rehabilitation and focused solely on control.  The only indirect reference to the incarcerated comes when Ruiz says, "No matter what ‘they’ do to me."  Who is “they”?  The video’s ambiguity avoids acknowledging these individuals as human beings deserving dignity and a chance to change.  This “us vs. them” mindset isn’t unique to officers; it’s ingrained in TDCJ’s culture, perpetuating division and undermining meaningful reform. Instead of addressing rehabilitation, the video prioritizes recruitment and retention, focusing on the struggles of staff while ignoring the humanity of the incarcerated.  Ruiz’s story is meant to inspire new recruits, yet it sidesteps the truth of incarceration, erasing the voices and potential of those in TDCJ’s care.  When Ruiz remarks that no one is perfect, he could have tied this sentiment to TDCJ’s role in helping people move beyond their mistakes.  Instead, the video pivots back to his personal narrative, missing an opportunity to humanize the incarcerated and highlight the system’s rehabilitative mission.  This omission feels deliberate; acknowledging the humanity of those incarcerated would mean admitting systemic failures. The video’s focus on the fears of corrections staff such as retirement highlights another imbalance.  While staff concerns are valid, what about the fears of the incarcerated?  Will they see their families again?  Leave prison with hope?  Survive the system?  These voices are silenced, while staff concerns take center stage, reflecting a system designed to prioritize control over compassion.  This video underscores how TDCJ and the corrections industry excel at herding people but fail at helping them.  Images of silent incarcerated individuals walking in the background are a stark reminder of this reality.  Rehabilitation requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, change, and humanity.  Yet, TDCJ’s focus remains on power and control, not transformation.  If TDCJ claims to promote positive change, it must start by recognizing the humanity of those it incarcerates.  Until then, videos like this will remain what they are: propaganda for a broken system.

Gen Z, we're early in our careers, which means we have a world of opportunities. But we're only as good as our last success. The last big project that was a big win. The last presentation where you killed it. The last time you solved a huge problem saving everyone time. We shouldn't let ourselves lose motivation. Instead we should use our wins to move forward. I've been complacent. Patting myself on the back for a win that's months old. Not using that momentum. That's what you shouldn't do. Take what you've done and compound it. You can always do better. While still appreciating your wins and accomplishments. This means taking time to celebrate. And still looking towards the future. What was your last big win?

Bob Pence's mentorship has been a cornerstone of our success. For our 130th Anniversary, David Jackson reflects on his open-door policy and focus on critical thinking that has shaped so many careers. "We could always count on Bob to get to the core of a project or client issue quickly, guide us to good solutions and then share a relatable story or two." Read more about Bob's historic career: https://ow.ly/upN150Uvf5N

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, it’s important to remember the power of shared success. Celebrating our wins, no matter the scale, not only multiplies the joy but also strengthens our connections. What’s a recent achievement you’re proud of? Let’s create a space to celebrate our collective progress and the strategies that got us there.

In the spirit of celebrating our accomplishments, let's reflect on the milestones we've achieved personally and professionally. Every goal reached propels us toward greater success. What recent achievements are you proud of? And more importantly, what valuable lessons did these successes teach you? Share your stories and insights; together, we can inspire continued growth and ambition.

Meet Bri, one of our Senior Account Managers, as she highlights her unique strengths. Discover Bri's valuable lessons learned throughout her career. Learn three fascinating facts about Bri, including her dream travel destination revealed through our random question generator!

Never when we sat down for that coffee all those years ago did I think we would end up here. Very proud of all that we have achieved over the past two years, the incredible team we have and the wonderful group of clients we have built. Smartest, most genuine, hardworking bloke there is. Honour and privledge to learn and spend majority of most days with you! Could write a list as long as the Nile about what I’ve learnt from JB, here’s 5 points that first come to mind; 1. Listen, listen more, take notes, summarise in writing, engage any expert you can to upskill and better understand the problem, turn the world over to find the most powerful solution. 2. If you find yourself with a few spare minutes having finished a meeting early, driving or walking to lunch, spend this time calling your team members to check in, this will be invaluable to both you and them. 3. No matter how busy you are, always make the time to stay connected and engaged with your network, a quick text is all it takes. 4. Respect and celebrate the achievements of our peers, their success makes us better and drives us forward as an industry. The quote I love from JB most is, “there’s enough clients out there for everyone.” 5. Always remember, we aren’t saving lives. Your family and your health always come first. One of a kind JB. James Bartold

Acknowledging our talents and skills, and make a habit of celebrating even small victories. It is important to take time to acknowledge our talents, skills, and accomplishments, even if they may seem small. Celebrating victories, no matter how minor, can boost our confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. Also owning our talents and skills is not about boasting or comparing ourself to others. It is about recognizing our own worth, celebrating our progress, and using that positive energy to fuel our continued growth and success.

"No two days are the same. There’s always something new and urgent to tackle." - Georgia Rose Last week we interviewed our Key Account Manager Georgia Rose for the very first segment of Ochre Insiders. We delved into her experiences, obstacles, and advice on navigating the industry and excelling in her role. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e_FgDBTt