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What is authentic leadership? I’ve been considering that question quite a bit lately, mainly because we celebrate Presidents’ Day on Feb. 17. I’ve learned a lot about leadership over my 35-year legal career. When I was young and just starting as an attorney, I thought “leadership” was a top-down relationship based on telling people what to do and having them follow your orders — or, when I was an associate attorney, following other people’s orders. As I’ve aged, grown, and led over the years, I’ve realized leadership has nothing to do with those things. It is about caring for those you’re leading and helping them become better human beings. As a big sports fan, I draw inspiration from ESPN’s “coaching trees,” diagrams showing how one coach trained another. It’s fascinating to explore how extensive these “trees” are and learn how essential it is to pass on your knowledge and insights. I think of how great coaches — like Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University or Alabama’s legendary Nick Saban — adhered to the philosophy that they were doing more than making young players better athletes. To them, coaching was a way to help prepare them for life. A field or a court isn’t just the scene of a game — it’s a microcosm of the real world and how team members must work together under a leader’s guidance. A business is a similar microcosm. Small offices often have family atmospheres, and you learn about your team members’ spouses and children. You become aware of and involved in their lives, from knowing when they’re unwell (or dealing with an illness at home) to their children’s college aspirations. What I’ve learned over the years is that the things that matter most to team members happen outside the office. Knowing a team’s interests, concerns, and values helps a good leader motivate them. I’m so proud of our fantastic team here at the firm. Our mission is to serve our clients well, provide them with a premium experience, and never fall short of our promises. Everybody here does their very A LEADER’S LEAP Lessons From Life’s Playing Field
best — earnestly, honestly, and genuinely. I’ve always aimed to be a leader who inspires others to shine in their work, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how bright our firm has become. My team inspires me to learn something new every day as well — as a leader and as a member of the legal profession. I’ve also learned a lot at home over the years. My wife and I raised three daughters who are now adults. Being a parent is a unique journey — you move from being a dictator when raising young children to being a counselor/cheerleader as they grow up. Being a parent helped me tremendously to become the leader I am today. Above all, a good leader knows never to attempt to control things out of their grasp. Life can be unpredictable, and some talented people simply refuse to be led. Sometimes, letting go is the best thing you can do. You can’t control everything, but you can control your reaction to things out of your hands. That skill shows as much character as leading a sports team or a law firm to victory. As we honor our country’s historic leaders, I encourage you to consider your experience in leadership roles. What have been your greatest strengths? What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned? What are your most significant areas for improvement? Whether at the dinner table or in a conference room, answering these questions will give you a greater perspective on being the best leader possible.
1 (239) 265-9779 –Craig Hersch
FEBRUARY 2025
CAUGHT IN THE CLOUD How One Thief’s Selfie Landed Him in Hot Water
In what could be a plot twist straight out of a sitcom, a brazen thief turned himself into an unwitting internet star after his phone-snatching heist went incredibly wrong. Picture this: A cool evening, a group of movie-goers casually strolling down their Houston neighborhood looking forward to a bucket of popcorn and a new blockbuster. Enter stage left: three not-
so-well-intentioned young men with a half-baked plan. The trio of misguided musketeers approached the unsuspecting group with violent bravado. Brandishing a handgun, one of the alleged culprits demanded the victims’ phones and their respective passcodes. They even escalated the drama by pressing the gun to one victim’s head, threatening a finale no one wanted to see. Then, the robbers fled in their four-door white sedan, stolen wallets and phones in tow. But here comes the comic relief! In a blunder no one saw coming, one of the criminal “masterminds” decided it was his time to shine. He recorded a video of himself tossing gang signs and flaunting his newly stolen phone. Unfortunately for him, but luckily for law enforcement (and
comedy lovers everywhere), he uploaded this gem to the cloud. Thanks to his cloud-cast snafu, the authorities could get a full image of the newly minted most wanted. You could almost hear his fellow thieves’ facepalms as the video debuted on the victim’s account. The Houston Police promptly uploaded Mr. Selfie Bandit’s solo performance to their YouTube channel. Now, they’re hoping this unexpected audition tape will help put the fool of a thief behind bars. So, let this be a lesson to all would-be criminals: If you must commit a crime, maybe leave the selfies and social media out of it. We guess it’s true that not everyone is cut out for a life in front of the camera, especially when it leads straight to the slammer.
y R e q u e s t s
3 Odd Tales of Celebrity Wills
Some celebrities make their most significant and surprising impressions on history after they’re gone. Proving that no two legacy plans are alike, here are three examples of just how unique a will can be when someone has the vision and funds to make their wildest wishes come true. The Maltese Millionaire During her notorious life, New York hotel mogul Leona Helmsley was equally recognized as one of America’s wealthiest people and derided as one of its most wicked. As just one example, the media named her “The Queen of Mean” after she evicted her son’s widow and child from one of her properties after he died in 1981. She displayed her misanthropy
again upon her passing in 2007 when it was revealed that she had disinherited two of her grandchildren but established a $12 million trust for the care of her Maltese dog, Trouble. While Helmsley had earned the ire of her fellow humans, it’s safe to say at least one member of the canine community had a decidedly different opinion of her. A Visionary’s Final Frontier From the mid-1960s to his passing in 1991, “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry showed science fiction fans on Earth the wonder of reaching for the stars. Fittingly, he requested in his will that his cremated remains be sent into space. His wish was granted in 1992 when his ashes became one with the universe after being placed on board the space shuttle Columbia.
Departing With a Party In October 1970, the music world lost one of its greatest stars with the untimely passing of 27-year-old Janis Joplin. Despite gaining worldwide fame for his raspy, soulful voice and now-classic rock albums, she could not conquer her reckless habits in time to save her life. In the spirit of her rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, she had allotted $2,500 — approximately $20,000 in today’s money — for a massive party held in her honor “so my friends can have a ball when I’m gone.” Adhering to her wishes, around 200 friends gathered a few weeks later at the Lion’s Share in San Anselmo, California, to celebrate her life in the manner she had intended.
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From Equal Split to Splitting Headache The Dangers of Inheritance Division
In a perfect world, all beneficiaries would handle and accept the division of someone’s assets fairly, respectfully, and without conflict upon their passing. Unfortunately, the lack of a solid and explicit estate plan is often a gateway to familial acrimony at best and legal challenges at worst. If you think dividing your assets equally among your children is the easiest and most convenient way to squash squabbles before they arise, think again. Here are critical reasons why fairness doesn’t always mean equality in estate planning. Conquer Conflict With Caution When creating an estate plan, it’s crucial to recognize family dynamics are often as unique and complex as the individuals who comprise them. Rather than splitting your assets equally to make everyone happy, you must take an honest and unflinching look at who will benefit most from what — and who shouldn’t receive particular assets. For example, if you built your net worth on the success of your family business, your natural inclination may be to divide this asset among your four children. However, let’s say only one works in the business and has been vital to its strength in the marketplace. Would that child be comfortable receiving only 25% of what that business is worth? What if one of your other three children has a history of financial recklessness, and another is the only one with young children to support? Has the fourth child acted as your caregiver at any point? Would any children use the inheritance to engage in harmful or illegal
activities? These are just some questions to consider when straddling the line between neutrality and disharmony. In some extreme cases, disinheriting an adult child from your will may be the most prudent — albeit emotionally challenging — option. Solutions to Strained Ties If any of the matters discussed here have prompted you
to either redraft your existing estate plan or create one, please contact our office today to discuss your needs. We work with clients to address
sensitive matters and are committed to establishing an estate plan that serves the best interests of your beneficiaries and preserves your legacy.
I N G E
R - G
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
3 tbsp honey
• • • •
4 (6-oz) mahi mahi fillets Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp olive oil
Cooked brown rice, for serving
2 tsp grated fresh ginger root
3 cloves garlic, minced
DIRECTIONS 1. In a shallow bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. 2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 25 minutes. 3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish fillets and add to skillet, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4–5 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. 4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve over brown rice.
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INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Home and Office Wisdom PAGE 1 Thief’s Selfie Mistake Turns Into Viral Sensation PAGE 2 Final Acts of the Famous PAGE 2 Families and Fractured Fairness PAGE 3 Ginger-Glazed Mahi Mahi PAGE 3 Endearing Date Night Ideas for Older Adults PAGE 4
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g e l e s s
Fun and Memorable Date Ideas for Older Adults
For those of a certain age, it can be too easy to forget to prioritize the connection between us and our partners. While snuggling in pajamas and watching a familiar favorite on TV is convenient, breaking up the routine and embarking on a romantic outing is a great way to brighten the flame between you and your significant other. With these date night ideas, older adults can rekindle the warmth and love they share in fun new ways. Court with a class. With a little searching, you can easily find a variety of educational, culinary, and hobby classes available. From learning how to prepare and roll your own pasta to mastering painting, you have ample opportunities to enjoy learning a new skill together. If you are
so inclined, you can even go to a PaintNite event, where fun-seeking couples paint along with a tutor, in-person or virtual, while enjoying the adult beverages of their choice. Pitch the perfect picnic. On a clear and sunny day, a daytime picnic can be an ideal way to enjoy nature and leisure at the same time. Pack a flavorful dinner and head out to a park or pristine plot of nature, then sit down, reminisce, and enjoy! Alternatively, you can head out near sunset and watch as the sun drifts down and the stars light up. A stargazing picnic can make for a memorable and romantic rendezvous. Rerun the first date. Recapturing the magic of the past can be magical in itself. Few events are more
cemented in a couple’s memories than their first romantic encounter. Why not celebrate the love you two share by reliving the experience of the first date? If the two of you met at a restaurant, book reservations for two; if you saw a movie, snuggle together on the couch and rewatch it together. The experience will bring back memories from the birth of your romance and the incredible legacy of love you have built with your partner in the years since. This can also be an excellent way to celebrate an anniversary and may prove popular enough to become a yearly tradition!
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