The last time I moved into a new house, it was stressful. Actually, that’s not the most accurate statement—every time I’ve moved, it has been stressful!

There are so many decisions that come with moving. Finding a new home. Making an offer. Going through the closing process. Choosing the day to move. Packing—so much packing. And then unpacking and trying to settle into a new space.

It’s a lot.

During the last move, I found myself face-to-face with a leadership lesson.

I had packed and organized everything, and then the movers arrived. It was clear they knew what they were doing. They walked through the house, talked through a plan, explained how they would approach it, and then got to work.

For the last seven years, every spring and every fall, I’ve led a six-week leadership development series at a local university.

We’ve always met on Thursdays from 9-11 am, and I have my departure time down to a science. If I pull out of my driveway at exactly 7:45 am, I know how long it will take me to get onto the interstate and how long I will wait at the 170/64 merge.

In fact, I can also promise you that if I leave on time, I will park my car on the 5th floor of the parking garage that is attached to the building where I facilitate. Not only will I park on the 5th floor of a very full garage, but one of the first five spots on the right, just past the elevator, will be open. I will pull into one of those spots at 8:22 am on the dot.

I say all this with absolute certainty.

Our group was spending about a month on a cross-cultural immersion trip in the Republic of Georgia. We tried new foods, visited cultural landmarks, learned about Georgia's history, and, somewhere along the way, strangers became friends.

One of those new friends was a delightful Georgian named Malkhaz.

Picture a man with white hair and a long white beard. Imagine infectious laughter. Sense what it feels like to be in the presence of someone who is very wise.

It had been a long Friday, and I had no one to blame but myself.

I had stacked my calendar like a Jenga tower—four events in one day, each involving clients I love, and work felt life-giving. But even good things, when piled too high, can become too much.

By the time I finished the final workshop, I was running on fumes. I tore apart my backpack, hoping to find a granola bar. Nothing. I checked my car console. Empty. I even cracked open my glove compartment—a home for forgotten things—still nothing.

As a college coach, I took a strength-based approach to leading our team. I believed our job wasn’t to fix everything about a player, but to help them do what they do best — and then build a team where those strengths fit together like puzzle pieces.

This approach to developing people and teams has stayed with me for decades.

When I think about skills, I often divide them into three simple categories:

First, I believe over time, most people will learn to identify their superpower. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s consistent. It’s the thing you can rely on when the moment matters most.

Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about saying ‘me too,’ embracing vulnerability, and trusting yourself to try again. In this post, learn why connection and courage go hand in hand in the human side of leadership.

Growth isn’t just about surviving, it’s about staying connected to what nourishes you. In this blog, explore why leaders must pay attention to the environments they choose and the sources that sustain them through the difficult and dry seasons.

In this post, a simple roof replacement experience reveals key lessons in leadership: the importance of listening, building trust, and providing exactly what your team needs—no more, no less.

At the Reset Retreat, participants learned the importance of setting down emotional baggage, and how transformational moments happen when leaders work within a supportive community.

Leadership is about learning to travel light—not just in baggage, but in life.

Leadership is about embracing the unexpected, not fearing it. In this reflection, discover how letting go of control and seeing challenges as opportunities can unlock new possibilities for growth and innovation.

What if we didn’t wait to be invited to celebrate someone else’s success? This blog explores how choosing to celebrate others, even strangers, enriches our own lives and creates deeper connections.

Leadership is about more than standing alone. It’s about being rooted in your values, embracing truth, and thriving within a community. This post explores how leaders can grow stronger together by building deeper connections and nurturing shared growth.

There’s no single right way to achieve your goals. In this post, learn how finding your own path in leadership and life can lead to fulfillment and success, even if it’s not the conventional route.

Leadership is often about starting in the dark, embracing discomfort, and trusting the journey. Learn how Alex Honnold’s Free Solo climb offers valuable insights for leadership, personal growth, and tackling challenges.

Home is more than a place, it’s a choice. This post explores how leadership creates safe spaces where others can belong, grow, and feel valued. Leadership isn’t just about guiding people; it’s about grounding them.

As leaders, we often make assumptions when information is missing. In this post, discover how the simple question, 'What else could it be?' can challenge your mindset and help you make better decisions and foster more effective communication.