On Thanksgiving Eve—one of the most meaningful, reflective, and even quietly complicated days on the American calendar—veteran broadcaster and business-performance coach Stan Hustad steps into the "How to Be Useful" virtual studio with a simple story and a profound invitation: Let this Thanksgiving Eve be different. Let it be useful, grateful, and transformational. In a warm and deeply human 10-minute reflection, Stan guides listeners through a practice he began years ago—a practice he now teaches in his performance coaching and encourages leaders everywhere to adopt: Spend the Wednesday before Thanksgiving calling people who have been good to you. Not to pitch. Not to ask for anything. Simply to say, "I am thankful for you." A Gentle Story with Real-World Impact In this Thanksgiving message, Stan shares how he spent the morning calling doctors who saved his life, friends who walked with him through adversity, and people who have simply been part of his journey. Their responses ranged from warmth to surprise to heartfelt emotion. Some quietly admitted they hadn't heard anyone say "I'm thankful for you" in a long time. Stan also speaks with honesty about the bittersweet nature of Thanksgiving Eve. Law enforcement officers have shared with him that it can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year—especially for college students who return home and gather with friends. So he offers a compassionate reminder: Pray for young people tonight. Pray for good choices, safe travels, and a Thanksgiving Day unmarred by tragedy. From there, the message turns to gratitude, humility, and the importance of keeping Thanksgiving sacred—a holiday "they can't steal," as Stan says. While Black Friday may try its best to reshape the meaning of the week, Thanksgiving itself remains stubbornly simple, beautifully human, and deeply needed. A Coaching Moment for Leaders and Entrepreneurs Stan makes a compelling case that gratitude is a business strategy—perhaps one of the most undervalued, underused, and underappreciated tools available to leaders today. A grateful leader is rarely a fearful leader. A grateful organization is rarely a toxic one. A grateful business is more human, more productive, and more resilient. His invitation is as practical as it is personal: Make thankfulness part of the business plan. Let your people know they matter more than your metrics. Tell colleagues and customers "I appreciate you" without attaching a sale or an agenda. Make gratitude a cultural habit, not a seasonal gesture. Things to Remember • Gratitude is one of the most powerful performance tools in life and business. • A simple Thanksgiving Eve phone call can touch a life deeply. • College students and young adults need our prayers, protection, and encouragement tonight. • Being useful—truly useful—is at the heart of living well. • Leadership grounded in gratitude is leadership that endures. Things to Share • Share "I appreciate you" freely and sincerely. • Share kindness without an agenda. • Share the story of Thanksgiving Eve calls with your family, team, or organization. • Share gratitude as a cultural value, not a holiday accessory. Things to Take Note Of & Take Action On • Tonight: Consider calling two or three people who have blessed your life. • This weekend: Slow down and reflect on the year—not just the work, but the people. • This season: Make gratitude a strategic part of your leadership and business practice. • This coming year: As Stan says about 2026, "Pick up a few more sticks… make a little more money… have a little more fun… and do a little more blessing." A Final Word of Blessing From the "How to Be Useful" Studio at What It Takes Radio, Stan closes with a message of warmth, gratitude, and purpose: "Best and blessings… and give thanks. Right now and every day." May this Thanksgiving be a turning point toward deeper gratitude, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to being useful—in life, in business, and in the lives of others. If you need encouragement, guidance, or a companion for the journey, Stan welcomes you to reach out: [email protected] Happy Thanksgiving from the Do It Right Collective. Blessings on you and all those you love.