My Story

Tom in the Navy, 1993-1997

When we are provided special things, I believe we have a responsibility to do something to pay that forward and help others. My life has been full of special people. It started at a young age with my family and amazing friends living in an amazing community. In college I was fortunate to meet more exceptional people who showed me way too many ways to have fun, but also taught me how to enjoy life. In the Navy, I again met exceptional people and was able to learn the impact of good (and bad) leadership. I was able to see transformation, suppression, anger, joy, and mostly, people rising to new levels and capabilities.

Since my time in the Navy, I’ve continued to be exposed to exceptional people within our organization, meeting my wife, and with our clients, and through some awesome board members. In addition to all of these amazing people, I have focused on staying a student in all things. This passion-to-learn combined with the teachings from others, have helped me achieve some pretty special things with some very special people.

Tom & his mother, Synda

Maybe it is because my Mom was a teacher that helped people realize potential they didn’t know they had, or maybe it is because my Dad always focused on serving and making a difference in people’s lives, or maybe it is because in my heart I love to see people rise to new levels. Whatever the reason(s), I decided to share as much as I can this through this book and courses.

The data tells us that most people are underutilized and underappreciated – so much so that most people just tolerate a job instead of enjoy a fulfilling career. Sure, culture and people are more of a focus now than in previous years, but focus doesn’t solve the problem. You must put a real system in place to maximize the outcomes for everyone involved. When alignment occurs between the customers of a business, the Team within the business, and the business leaders/owners, awesome things occur.

Adapt or Die outlines a system that puts people at the center of the business through a set of principles I describe as the Algorithm of Success. The algorithm starts with leadership then extends through product, strategy, growth, financial modeling, people, operations, and processes. These principles are the things that we have learned over 20+ years of failures and successes. I’m thrilled to share in hopes that others can accelerate through the challenges that we’ve been able to work through.

To your Growth and Success,

Thomas H. Douglas
Author, Student, and CEO