The Journal

Findings while in progress.

Ideas on operations, people, and building creative companies from the inside. I'm not an expert, just someone figuring it out in real time and writing down what I learn along the way.

A village, not an empire
Culture · Featured

A village, not an empire

Kaitlyn Dineen, founder of OMC, on why she's building a village instead of an empire, and what people-first leadership actually costs.

Kaitlyn Dineen · Jun 2026 · 3 min
Book Study

What's on the shelf.

The books that shaped how I think about people, purpose, and building something that lasts. Highlights, what they changed in me, and a favorite line from each.

Bending Reality

Victoria Song

On aligning your energy and emotions so you create the results you actually want, instead of bracing for the ones you fear.

Personally
It named something I already did on instinct. How I show up decides what shows up for me.
Professionally
We build from expansion, not fear. This is where our value of Capacity has its roots.

You are not at the mercy of your reality. You are the author of it.

Choose Your Enemies Wisely

Patrick Bet-David

On building a real plan by getting honest about what you are up against, and who.

Personally
It made me braver about naming what I actually want, out loud, on paper.
Professionally
You cannot plan around a problem you refuse to name. We name the obstacle first, then build the strategy.

The enemy you choose determines the size of the life you build.

Sacred Contracts

Caroline Myss

On archetypes, purpose, and the quiet agreements that shape a life.

Personally
It helped me see my own patterns with more grace and less judgment.
Professionally
Everyone has work that is theirs to do. Our value of Contribution started here.

Your power lies in understanding the agreements you came here to keep.

Building a StoryBrand

Donald Miller

On telling a story so clear your customer can step right into it.

Personally
It changed how I explain almost everything. I lead with the customer now, not the company.
Professionally
Clarity is a form of respect for the people you serve. We make them the hero, not us.

If you confuse, you lose.

Start with Why

Simon Sinek

On leading with purpose, before product.

Personally
It gave me permission to lead with the why out loud, and stop apologizing for it.
Professionally
People First is our why. This is why we say it first, in every room.

People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it.

Crucial Conversations

Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler

On talking openly when the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.

Personally
It made me calmer in the moments that used to rattle me.
Professionally
We name issues early and play offense, not defense. We hold the conversation before it holds us.

Anytime you're stuck, there's a crucial conversation you're not holding, or not holding well.