The Commute

The Commute

Leadership lessons, observations, and reflections from the road ahead.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Aug 24, 2026

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4 min read

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Reflections on service, change, and the importance of taking a break.

Shanton Russell
Shanton Russell
Before We Get Rolling...Thank You!

Jul 16, 2026

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2 min read

Before We Get Rolling...Thank You!

Before we hit the road this week, I want to say thank you. I was genuinely excited to see new passengers climb aboard after the first edition of The Commute. Whether you found it through The Shanton Effect website, social media, or someone who shared it with you, I truly appreciate you taking the time to join me on this journey. One of my goals for The Commute is to make it feel less like a newsletter and more like a conversation. I’ll do my best to keep these reflections interesting, practical, and worth a few minutes of your time without overwhelming your inbox. I’d also love to hear from YOU! If there’s a leadership topic, a life lesson, a challenge you’re working through, or even a question you’d like me to explore in a future edition, don’t hesitate to reach out. Some of the best conversations begin with a simple question, and your ideas may inspire a future stop along the route. Thanks again for riding along. I’m glad you’re here. Now, let’s get on the road.- Shanton

Shanton Russell
Shanton Russell
A Fourth of July Reflection; Freedom, the Founders, and Reading the Room

Jul 5, 2026

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3 min read

A Fourth of July Reflection; Freedom, the Founders, and Reading the Room

Frederick Douglass challenged a nation without compromising the truth. The way he did it offers a leadership lesson worth revisiting.

The Commute | New Guy, Again

Jun 22, 2026

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2 min read

The Commute | New Guy, Again

Welcome to The Commute. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be starting a new chapter of my journey as I commute into the Washington, D.C. area each day for my new role as a fire prevention specialist. Like many transitions in life, this one comes with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, opportunity, and reflection. What I didn’t expect was how much time I would have to think. During my commute to and from work, I will have several hours each week to observe, listen, learn, and reflect. Instead of sleeping, or simply letting that time pass, I decided to share some of my lessons and stories with you. That’s how The Commute was born. This isn’t just about traveling to work. It’s about the journey between where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s about leadership, growth, and navigating change. And occasionally, it’s about the interesting people and conversations we encounter along the way. Thank you for joining me on this ride. I hope these reflections encourage you, challenge you, and perhaps provide a useful perspective as you navigate your own journey.