Thoughts & Insights

Exploring leadership, technology, and personal growth

Welcome to My Digital Home

I'm Derek Neighbors, a technology leader, mentor, and community builder passionate about creating high-performing teams and innovative products.

Here you'll find my thoughts on software development, leadership, personal growth, and building strong communities. I share insights from my experiences as a serial entrepreneur, software executive, and angel investor.

Whether you're interested in technology trends, team dynamics, or personal development, I hope you'll find something valuable to take away from these posts. Feel free to reach out if you have thoughts to share.

The Fire That Forges Me

The Fire That Forges Me

Leadership , Growth , Innovation

Pain is not punishment. It's preparation. Whether you're a fighter or a leader, how you respond to resistance defines your growth and impact on others.

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Choose Your Circle Wisely: The Key to Unlocking Greatness and Momentum

Choose Your Circle Wisely: The Key to Unlocking Greatness and Momentum

Growth , Leadership , Community

The people around you influence your mindset, shape your habits, and often determine your trajectory. And the right ones don't just support you—they sharpen you, steady you, and accelerate you.

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The Silent Burden: Fueling Leadership's Lonely Flame

The Silent Burden: Fueling Leadership's Lonely Flame

Leadership , Business , Growth

In the quiet hours when decisions weigh heaviest, leadership can feel like a solitary journey. But it's in these moments that both leaders and their teams can transform pressure into power. Here's how to keep the flame alive.

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The Faux-Aligned Manipulator: When Theater Replaces Execution

The Faux-Aligned Manipulator: When Theater Replaces Execution

Leadership , Business , Growth

They're relentlessly positive. They say yes to everything. They talk about collaboration constantly. But underneath the performance, real execution never happens.

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Guard the Circle: Why Leaders Must Invite Dissent to Stay Effective

Guard the Circle: Why Leaders Must Invite Dissent to Stay Effective

Leadership , Business , Growth

In fast-moving tech cultures, dissent feels like friction. And friction feels like delay. But a team that agrees too easily is already halfway to failure.

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