The Front Row Rule

Early in my career, I was a back-of-the-room kind of guy. Quiet, observant and content to let others take the floor. I listened intently, took notes and absorbed everything. I rarely spoke up. It wasn’t about lack of interest or confidence. I believed that if I stayed in my lane, worked hard and delivered results, my value would speak for itself.

One day, everything shifted.

Right before walking into a client meeting, my manager pulled me aside. He looked me squarely in the eye and said:

“No more sitting in the back of the room. You've earned the right to participate. Your voice matters and needs to be heard.”

That moment hit me hard. It wasn’t just about where I sat. It was about how I showed up.

That voice has stayed with me for more than 25 years.

I now call it The Front Row Rule. Credit actually goes to Jolie Downs for the name!

It’s a mindset as much as it is a physical choice. And it shows up in places you might not expect.

College coaches, for example, often require their athletes to sit in the front row of every class. Why? Because they know that presence matters. Visibility matters. And when you make a conscious decision to put yourself up front, you're telling the world, and yourself that you’re engaged, accountable and ready to contribute. That lesson applies far beyond the classroom or the locker room.

The Front Row Rule isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s not about dominating conversations or chasing the spotlight. It’s about being present and visible. It’s about leaning in, even when you’re unsure. It’s about knowing that listening is powerful, but participation is essential.

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you're leading the room, ask yourself:

Are you showing up fully? Are you making space for others? Are you making space for yourself? Are you choosing the front row?

We tell our clients that voice is more than volume. It's intention, clarity and presence. 

And it starts with where you choose to sit, literally and figuratively.

Step forward. Speak up. Take your seat at the table. You’ve earned it.