Let’s talk about Jack Reacher—the brooding, muscle-bound drifter who solves every problem with a punch, a stare, or an unnecessarily long walk into the fog. He’s all the rage on Prime (but I think the series jumped the shark). Let’s be honest: if Jack Reacher were real, he’d be a terrible hang. No job, no permanent address, and he only carries a toothbrush, a burner phone and some cash. Not a hero. That’s a red flag.

In an episode of The Art of Manliness podcast, the leaders of F3 nailed something important: a lot of men out there are living what they call the “Sad Clown” life. Everything they said sounded like they were talking about owners and CEOs – leaders.

On the outside? Smiles, spreadsheets, and maybe a couple PRs at the gym. On the inside? Crickets. Numb. Isolated. Basically a human version of a LinkedIn profile with no soul.

Here’s the part that hit me right in my protein shake: most leaders don’t have real friends. We’ve got “let’s grab a drink” friends and “how 'bout them Chiefs” friends, but not many “you’re drifting and I’m not letting it go” friends.

F3 breaks it down into three types: friends of interest (pickleball buddies), friends of comfort (your spouse’s good friend that you actually like too), and friends of accountability (call you out when you're ghosting your kids and your calling).

Guess which kind most leaders and missing and actually need? Yeah. That third one.

The one that doesn’t just pat you on the back but puts a hand on your shoulder and asks, “Hey, are you really OK?”

That’s where Acumen comes in. We’re not here to build a clubhouse for CEOs who want to humblebrag and share golf tips. We’re building a community for leaders who are tired of pretending they’re fine. Leaders who know that isolation is easy, but purpose is better. Leaders who don’t want to end up like Jack Reacher—ripped, rootless, and emotionally constipated.

Acumen helps sharpen leaders through real friendships, wise counsel, and a healthy dose of “get over yourself.” You don’t need to fake it. You don’t need to fix it all alone. You just need to show up.

The world doesn’t need more lone wolves. It needs more iron-sharpens-iron kind of leaders who fight for their family, their city, and their faith—with a little humor, a lot of grit, and maybe even some joy.

So hang up the trench coat, Jack. Get in community. And for the love of God, call your friends.