When the Student Becomes the Master

Reflections from Daytona and the Ferrari Challenge

As you can imagine, I watch a lot of car videos and racing footage. It’s part of my day-to-day. But this one stood out. And here’s why.

Bruce Cleveland is back in the Ferrari Challenge this season and still showing up sharp, composed, and competitive. The footage was from just his second race this year, and the way he carried himself jumped out immediately. Calm. Focused. No drama. Just doing the work with quiet confidence.

It made me think about something I’ve seen consistently over the years. Not just in the people I work with today, but going all the way back to my time in the military. Leadership shows up in a lot of forms, but the kind that sticks, the kind that actually shapes people, usually looks the same. The best leaders don’t chase attention. They raise the level around them. They invest in others without needing credit. And they’re proud, not threatened, when someone they’ve helped grows beyond them.

Bruce carries that kind of presence. And I’ve seen the same pattern play out in high performers on and off the track. Whether it’s racing, business, or life, the people who keep rising tend to bring others with them.

When someone they’ve influenced finds real success, even if it surpasses theirs, they don’t flinch. They nod. They’re proud. That’s what real leadership looks like to me.

This clip brought all of that back into focus. It’s why I respect the people I do. And it’s the standard I try to carry in my own work.

Also, let’s be honest. The footage is sick.