LEADERSHIP LESSONS

A Valentine’s Day That Came With an Interesting Leadership Twist

How a new toilet became the ultimate gift

Image created by in Canva

Every year, we shell out for Valentine’s Day. Spending hit nearly $26 billion in 2024 because, well, love ain’t cheap. And yes, men spent the most.

But hold onto your heart-shaped chocolates. It gets better.

Even pets weren’t left out. Owners spent nearly a dollars making sure their furry little friends were part of it all. Clearly, February 14 has officially gone to the dogs and cats too.

I guess it’s good to know if I’m not getting any love on Valentine’s Day, at least Fido and Mitzy are. But sometimes, the best gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbons. They aren’t impromptu proposals on a jumbotron. Sometimes, they come in the form of plumbing.

A plumber flushed with kindness

In December 2019, my sewer line started acting up. A plumber came out, discovered a sag in the line, and told me I’d need a major repair. The problem? It was too cold for any digging, so we’d have to wait until spring to fix it properly.

But at least the toilet still flushed, so I could survive until then even if I couldn’t wash any clothes. That’s a silver…