Hey, Let's Do Some Smart Thinking.

Face the Storm. Lead with Courage. Grow with Purpose. Buffalo Leadership is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: buffalo don’t run from storms, they charge into them. They face what’s hard, move with purpose, and come out stronger on the other side.

Let’s charge forward together.

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Smart Thinking Podcast

Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools. You will grow in your ability to step into the storm’s life presents with energy and optimism.
Just like the 🦬!

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Smart Thinking Resources & Tools

The Duke's Storm Collection

A story that carries the heart of Buffalo Leadership.

Duke’s Storm began as a simple metaphor, and grew into a story our team is deeply proud of. Duke, a young buffalo, learns what it means to face a storm with courage. And like many of us, he doesn’t do it alone.

Tootsie, his buffalo bird friend, becomes the voice of encouragement, support, and the gentle push we all need sometimes.

: Duke’s Storm follows Duke, a young buffalo searching for his family, and Tootsie, the loyal buffalo bird who never leaves his side. Together, they navigate fear, uncertainty, and unfamiliar terrain while discovering along the way that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to face challenges head-on.

Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the book introduces children to the powerful metaphor of the buffalo: when storms come, we don’t run… we face them. The story reinforces themes of resilience, emotional regulation, and the importance of supportive relationships.

Perfect for classrooms, bedtime reading, SEL lessons, or as a meaningful gift.

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: This set includes high-quality, vibrant stickers inspired by key moments from Duke’s Storm. Each sticker celebrates the themes of courage, optimism, and facing life’s storms with strength. Designed for both children and adults, the stickers add a touch of inspiration to laptops, notebooks, water bottles, classroom spaces, and more.

Fans of the book love how these illustrations keep Duke and Tootsie’s message close by, reminding us to face tough moments the way buffalo do.

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: This stuffed animal duo includes an 8-inch Duke and an 8-inch Tootsie, crafted with soft materials and child-safe stitching. The set is a perfect companion to the Duke’s Storm book, encouraging imaginative play and reinforcing the story’s core lessons about friendship, emotional courage, and resilience.

Educators use the plushie's for SEL lessons and read-alouds; families love them as comforting bedtime buddies. Together, they help children talk about feelings, bravery, and what it means to “charge into the storm.”

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Leadership & Reflection Cards

Leadership, growth, and self-reflection aren’t one-time events, they’re habits. These card decks are tools I use to spark meaningful conversations, encourage intentional reflection, and help teams or individuals think, act, and lead with purpose.

: Each card features a motivational phrase on one side and a thought-provoking question or reflection on the other. Perfect for personal growth, coaching, or team-building activities. The deck encourages positivity, collaboration, and intentional dialogue.

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: These prompt cards encourage meaningful dialogue in classrooms, meetings, or personal reflection. They include thought-provoking questions and sentence starters that foster growth, connection, and purposeful engagement.

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: With over 100 quotes from students in leadership programs, this deck promotes reflection on empathy, mindset, and purpose. Useful for educators, team discussions, journaling, or professional development.

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: The Be Buffalo card deck helps individuals identify core values, while the Five of My Kind tool guides interpretation and discussion in team or personal settings. Together, they encourage intentional leadership, communication, and alignment between personal and professional values.

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: Each card includes two prompts: a “Good Morning” question to set intention and a “Good Night” question for reflection. They can be used individually or with teams to build habits of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and purposeful leadership.

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Affirmation & Motivation Tools

Sometimes, the right message at the right time can make all the difference. These tools help you uplift, encourage, and inspire yourself and others—whether in the classroom, at work, or in your personal life.

: This set includes over 70 double-sided affirmation cards to inspire recognition, motivation, and meaningful connections. Ideal for classrooms, teams, counseling, or community-building efforts.

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: Based on the NUDGE framework (Nurture, Unpack, Develop, Give & Receive, Empower), each card offers research-backed prompts for coaching, leadership discussions, and professional learning. Ideal for team-building, performance discussions, and leadership development.

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: Waterproof stickers are suitable for laptops, water bottles, notebooks, or personal spaces. Each sticker serves as a visual reminder to face challenges with strength and leadership.

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Self-Reflection & Personal Growth Tools

Life has seasons, and each one brings its own challenges and opportunities. These tools were created help you pause, reflect, and navigate your journey with intention, clarity, and courage.

: This interactive, coil-bound guide breaks life into five “seasons” (Formative, Launching, Established, Transitioning, Legendary). Each section includes reflection prompts on emotional health, energy, relationships, motivation, and workplace alignment. Perfect for leaders, educators, or anyone navigating personal and professional growth.

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Start the Conversation

Whether you’re exploring ways to engage your team, deepen leadership skills, or bring fresh inspiration to your organization, we’re here to help. CESA 6 offers a range of services designed to meet your unique needs—whether that’s professional development, interactive workshops, or a keynote speaking experience with Ted.

Take the first step and start the conversation with our team. We’ll help you explore opportunities, answer questions, and find the right approach to support your goals.

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