I’ve spent my career in courtrooms, boardrooms, and sometimes on the front pages of newspapers. Being a trial lawyer in Houston means you’re not just representing clients—you’re representing yourself, your team, and your reputation. Recently, when Esquire ran a profile on me, it wasn’t just a moment of personal recognition; it was a reminder of how influence, power, and reputation intersect in ways few people fully appreciate. Here’s what that experience taught me about building and protecting influence in both law and life.
The Spotlight Is Not a Spotlight
When most people think about media profiles, they imagine a bright, flattering spotlight highlighting achievements. The reality is more complex. A profile in Esquire or any national publication places you under scrutiny—your successes, your decisions, and even your missteps are visible to thousands, sometimes millions.
I’ve learned that this kind of exposure isn’t about vanity. It’s about accountability. Being in the public eye forces you to clarify your values, your priorities, and the way you lead. In my experience, leaders who thrive under this kind of attention don’t hide behind accolades—they use the platform to demonstrate credibility, integrity, and resilience.
Reputation Is the True Currency
In high-stakes law, reputation is everything. Clients trust you with cases that can define their lives, and the public judges your ability to handle pressure, make ethical decisions, and deliver results. A feature in Esquire reinforces that currency because it communicates authority and respect.
But it also comes with responsibility. Every move you make after such a profile—every decision in court, every business negotiation, every philanthropic initiative—is evaluated through the lens of that public perception. It’s a reminder that influence isn’t just what you accomplish behind closed doors; it’s how you are seen when the doors are open.
Influence Requires Intentionality
Being featured nationally forces you to confront an important question: How do I want to influence others? Influence isn’t automatic; it’s earned through consistent action, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership. For me, that means using the platform to champion causes that matter, whether it’s fighting for clients, mentoring young attorneys, or giving back to the community.
The Esquire article wasn’t just about me—it was a reflection of the teams I’ve built and the principles I live by. Influence grows when your actions match your words, and when your reputation is tied to more than just wins in the courtroom.
Power Comes with Responsibility
Profiles in high-profile publications often highlight the power you hold, but power without purpose is fleeting. Real influence comes when you use that visibility to make meaningful change. In my practice, whether negotiating a major settlement or advocating for community causes, I’ve learned that power is most effective when it’s paired with integrity and a clear sense of mission.
The Esquire feature was a validation of that philosophy. It showed that influence isn’t simply the result of winning cases—it’s the product of showing up consistently, making tough calls, and standing firm when others hesitate. In short, power is most potent when it is exercised responsibly and strategically.
Lessons for Emerging Leaders
For young attorneys, business leaders, or anyone striving to grow influence, there’s a clear takeaway: visibility is both an opportunity and a test. Being recognized publicly—whether in a magazine, on social media, or in the press—amplifies both your strengths and your vulnerabilities. The key is to approach it intentionally.
Focus on building a reputation that precedes you, not one that reacts to headlines. Be deliberate in your actions, transparent in your dealings, and consistent in your values. When you do this, public recognition doesn’t just validate your work—it strengthens your platform and opens doors to new opportunities for impact.
The Long Game
At the end of the day, being profiled in Esquire is not about fame or personal ego. It’s about the long game—building a legacy that extends beyond a single headline. Influence and reputation are like capital; you invest them wisely over time, and the returns are measured in trust, credibility, and the ability to shape outcomes in your field.
Every attorney, every business leader, and every public figure faces moments when their choices will be scrutinized. How you respond, how you lead, and how you use visibility defines not only the perception of others but also the lasting impact you leave on your industry and your community.
Conclusion
Being featured in Esquire was a humbling experience, but also a powerful reminder of what it takes to build influence with integrity. Power and visibility are tools; reputation is the true currency. Leaders who recognize this, who act deliberately, and who maintain a commitment to values are the ones who endure and inspire.
For anyone navigating the intersections of law, business, or public life, remember this: influence is earned, visibility is leveraged, and reputation is everything. Headlines may fade, but the impact of principled leadership lasts a lifetime.