What Shows Up When You Finally Make the Time

Yesterday I walked ~6 miles over a 2-hour period with Jessie Hilliard, CPA, CGMA at Gravelly Point Park, along the Potomac River and beneath the planes taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Our walk was the result of a year of persistence, as our busy schedules kept winning out over our attempts to reconnect for an official Dialogue Miles™ walk.

Fortunately, we found a window.

Through an act of kindness on Jess’ part, we were able to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon. Jess picked me up at the airport after her son’s soccer game — a simple gesture that gave us more time for connection.

I have visited DC for years but never had the chance to walk along the river and experience the planes taking off; Sunday was different.

What Surfaced Along the Way

As the walk progressed, a few themes began to take shape:

• What feels like criticism may actually be someone expressing confidence in your ability to solve a problem.
  Try viewing input from a place of confidence rather than doubt. Direct input often signals investment and care, not criticism.

• Challenge is usually offered because someone believes you can grow from it.

• High expectations often mean respect, not pressure.

• People show support in different ways — and it may not match how you prefer to receive it.

• Honest engagement is a form of partnership.

The Role of Time and Conversation

• Walking and talking slows conversations down enough to move past surface-level thinking.

• Strong relationships show up through action by making time, adjusting plans, and being present. Some conversations simply need time to breathe.

A Broader Reflection

• Embracing change in technology is essential, especially with AI accelerating how people think about their business.

• Growth requires adaptability and the willingness to evolve before circumstances force a disruptive change.

A Final Thought

A discussion can end without resolution or worse, land on the wrong 'solution', simply because no one stopped to define and align on the problem statement first

Jessie, thank you for making the time, for the conversation, and for the generosity in creating the space for it to happen.

I’m grateful we found the window.