This article was originally published on Forbes.com on February 24, 2025
RACHEL KULE, PURSUIT PR
Forbes Councils Member
“Make it a great day,” he’d say.
I vividly recall the joy and gratitude I felt each morning when my late father initiated the morning text in our family chat. Around 7 a.m., he would say good morning, share his schedule and close with the same statement: "Make it a great day."
Not "Have a great day." Not "Enjoy the day." Not "Hope it’s great" or even "Good luck today."
Make it.
And make it great.
Not good—great.
Today.
Make today great.
This daily affirmation has become my life mantra over the past five years, ever since the unexpected loss of my beloved dad prompted me to reflect on his legacy and my own path forward. Being mindful of this mantra has helped me manage my grief and sharpen my life outlook.
What, at the time, was a routine text from Dad, one that made me laugh and smile, has become a reflection of his life legacy and one of his most impactful lessons that I carry with me every day. But what does this have to do with communications and marketing?
Be Deliberate With Your Communication And Actions
The mantra “make it a great day” demonstrates the value of intentional actions and communication. Deliberate word choice, timing, tone, delivery, format and audience all play a role in determining the right message. Clear, concise, authentic messages go further than overly crafted, superficial statements.
I advise clients, and in turn advise any communication professional reading this article, that you cannot message yourself out of a problem or into an aspiration. It has to be authentic.
Dad was authentically himself at all times. And his truest Self—with a capital S—was a happy, optimistic, determined and loving person. As a former colleague of his recently shared, he was a friend to all. Like Winnie the Pooh says, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.” Dad brought balloons into every room.
Be Intentional And Disciplined
Dad was also highly disciplined. In word and deed, he had a goal in mind. When it came to his family, his top priority was to make us feel protected, loved and guided. That’s why he reminded us daily that he was always there for us and encouraged us to be our best today and every day.
He was a self-starter who spent 35 years as an award-winning executive at CIT Group and later became a forensic fraud analyst on a special SWOT team for the U.S. government after the 2008 credit crisis. Dad exhibited all the attributes of an inspiring person: grit, confidence, resilience and determination. Most of all, he had a positive attitude and exuded lots of love.
Dad chose joy at all times.
He focused on getting the most out of life and connecting positively with others—one friendly interaction at a time, whether that was one word of advice, one big smile and hug, one impromptu catch-up call, one firm handshake with direct eye contact or one group family text to "make it a great day." Every day.
C-suite leaders that take a page from his playbook of intentionality can earn the trust and confidence of investors, generate more business and keep the morale of the workforce up.
Be Purposeful With Your Words
As a communications advisor to the C-suite, I remain inspired by intentional messaging and timing. Effective communication strategies generate messages that align with overall business objectives, are consistent, and strategically timed.
From an entrepreneurial standpoint, my father’s words inspire me to keep building, creating and carving my path. The power to choose our words and how we say them—and follow them up with related actions—cannot be underestimated in our lives.
Leaders can enhance the lives of those around them by being mindful and purposeful of their words and following up with aligned actions. The same goes for employees working as managers, internal clients or peers.
Be Consistent In Your Expression
Consistent messages and reliable actions are key to building trust and confidence among all key stakeholders. They keep people engaged and willing to invest their time, energy and money in a company.
With so many channels to communicate broadly, there is a tremendous opportunity to express ourselves. Leaders are responsible for using their position’s strength as a platform to motivate others. Whether making a corporate announcement, sharing a new vision, commenting on the rapid-fire news cycle or engaging in daily interactions with clients and partners, we all have a chance to reflect on the meaning of our message.
I want this unconventional article about the power of deliberate messaging and delivery to inspire people to value their words and actions in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, I hope that whoever is reading this feels uplifted and encouraged to make it a great day for themselves, their families, their colleagues and their communities.
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