Lessons with Lily: Backpacks, Bug Hunts, and Big Dreams
The first day of school brings with it a certain kind of magic—new clothes, fresh pencils, a backpack full of possibility, and in Lily’s case, a glittery sign that proudly says “1st Grade.”
This year, Lily stepped into her new classroom with wide eyes, a big smile, and an even bigger dream: to become a paleontologist. Her favorite things? PB&J sandwiches, the color pink, Disney trips, and, of course, looking for bugs. And honestly, that might be the perfect recipe for a curious, creative learner ready to take on the world.
Watching her head back to school reminded me of something important—how often in business and life we forget to approach new seasons with the same enthusiasm kids do. There’s something special about the “first day” mindset: curiosity, courage, and a belief that anything is possible.
Whether you’re leading a team, launching a product, or just trying to get through your email inbox, we could all use a little first-day energy. Lean into the unknown with optimism. Make room for curiosity. And don’t be afraid to dream big—even if your dreams are filled with fossils and fairy dust.
This August, let’s all take a page out of Lily’s school folder: be brave, be kind, and don’t forget to look for bugs.
WRITTEN BY
David Behney, Founder & CEO
David Behney is the Founder and CEO of Behney Management Strategies, where he helps small businesses achieve their big goals through expert C-suite consulting. With a background in fractional CFO services, David now provides strategic guidance across finance, operations, marketing, and technology to businesses with $1M–$30M in revenue. Passionate about driving growth and sustainability, he partners with business leaders to build strong foundations and navigate challenges. Connect with David to take your business to the next level.
