Three Miles in Dayton with Jim Vaughn and What Still Holds True

Dialogue Miles

Apr 4

Dayton doesn’t always deliver the best weather, but the dialogue never falls short. Jim Vaughn and I walked 3 miles together for Dialogue Miles™ on a gray, drizzly Thursday afternoon. We talked about our time at Standard Register, our families (wow, have they grown), how we transform in hard times, and the resilience of real leadership. As always, our curiosity sparked a great conversation.

We met in the lobby of the Taylor Corporation offices in Dayton, and Jim gave me a tour of the new Dayton Arcade and the revitalized Conference Center.

Jim has always brought honesty and unmatched analysis in my 40-year career, but what stands out most is his directness. If you have a friend who tells it like they see it, pay attention.

Thank you, Jim, for sharing a truly inspiring roadmap for life and leadership. Your insights continue to resonate deeply and serve as a guiding light personally and professionally.

Lessons That Stayed with Me

Consistency matters.
Reconnecting years later and seeing someone wiser but unchanged at their core speaks to real leadership.
Caring shows in actions.
Understanding what matters to someone else and showing it builds trust over time.
Right and wrong still matter.
Leadership is not just policy. It is grounded in fundamental truths, especially in complex moments.
“If you don’t understand something, don’t move on until you do.”
Hard moments define us.
The choices made during difficult times reflect character and become benchmarks for growth.
Stay positive.
People respond to optimism and to leaders who genuinely care.

We both had the Dale Carnegie experience early in our careers, and its simplicity still guides us. The first rule of don’t criticize, condemn, or complain is something that we try to follow. Showing sincere appreciation is another. So, find the good in people.