If you’re an American, and you’re reading this, belated Happy 4th of July.

I somehow forgot about it.

I was out the whole morning undergoing my routine laboratory tests.

I forgot to check my emails all week because I was busy assembling and analyzing monthly reports for the clients.

Since I didn’t read emails recently, I was “spared” from the 4th of July promotions. (You bet my inbox is full of these anyway. Add the 7.7 emails and there’s a party there.)

I used to take note of the U.S. holidays, back when I served as a full-time Division Head of a U.S. conglomerate.

Two years ago, the 4th of July fell on a Friday. That meant a long weekend for me.

And this is what I watched during that long weekend: Designated Survivor.

Nope, I did not binge-watch it. I’m not that type.

I watched 2 episodes per day instead.

It's a very good break from the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) formula-type of stories. (Side note for MCU, so where are they now? I lost touch because of the multiverses.)

Our CEO mentioned the TV show "Designated Survivor" during a meeting, highlighting the need for having a backup person in case of an emergency, such as if a division head becomes ill.

I got curious about the show, so I watched it.

What I really love about this show is that it's fast-paced, it uses simple English for the lines, and damn, Kiefer Sutherland (plus Maggie Q in her usual kick-ass attitude).

Also, you don't need to be 100% knowledgeable in politics to understand how the story goes.

Kiefer's Tom Kirkman isn't your usual politician.

He almost beats himself up every time he puts people's lives on the line. He's stubborn in a way that he makes sure everything is "perfect" before he takes action. Every time someone tells him that he's not qualified, he always says, "You may be right."

In one of his interviews, Kiefer said that by playing this character, he realized that there are people in leadership positions who are subjected to tons of decisions that can make or break a group, a company, or even a country.

Nevertheless, those leaders do their best every day.

Even if others tell them they are not qualified, they march on as if they didn't hear anything.

Those leaders say, "You may be right. But while I am here, I will do the right thing."

Unfortunately, it’s been more than 2 years and sheepishly, I haven’t finished watching the whole series. Well, life always happens.

Too bad I had to put the show on hold for other priorities—together with the list of recommended shows from friends. (This may be embarrassing to admit, but I haven’t finished “The Crown”, either.)

They say leaders are built in crisis. I have seen this time and again.

The world is always in crisis. Let's take a closer look at how the Tom Kirkmans are leading us.

Or probably, there is a Tom Kirkman in you.