Loyalty Beyond What’s Popular

Yesterday, we talked about clear communication.
Today, we’re closing with the value that anchors it all: loyalty.

Not just loyalty when it’s easy.
Loyalty beyond what’s popular.

This one is closest to my heart.

Twice in my life, I’ve been betrayed by people I deeply loved.
Friends Kara and I traveled with.
Spent holidays with.
Laughed and cried with.

And twice, when I had to take a stand in my business, they followed the crowd.
They walked away.
And that hurt more than I expected.

I asked myself:
What did I do to cause that?

The answer was simple.
I made the business decision.
Not out of ego.
Not to harm anyone.
But because it was the direction I knew I had to go.

This is the business I own.
The business that pays our bills and raises our four boys.

And I’ve learned something powerful:
I can stay loyal to people without betraying my purpose.

Popularity pleases a crowd.
But I’m building something that feeds a legacy.

The Kind of Loyalty That Lasts

Now, I choose to be loyal to my people
even when it’s not trendy.
Even when it’s misunderstood.
Even when it means leading alone.

And that’s the loyalty I give to Hive members.
Unshakeable.
Unconditional.
Beyond what’s popular.

Today’s Reflection

Your final task in this 5-part series:
🧭 Ask yourself — what decision do you need to make that serves your business, not the crowd?

You have a duty to lead.
And when you do, your business will rise to meet you with that same loyalty.

Make the decision.

Loyal Leader,
Ash

If you’re making a hard decision right now, reply with “LOYAL” and I’ll send you a voice note that might help.