When Shared Foundations Turn Into Lasting Connection
After years of planning, Matthew Doran, CEO of The Anstadt Company, and I finally had our Dialogue Miles™ jaunt at Hudson Farms in New Jersey. We covered 2.5 miles over beautiful snow-covered paths on a cold, sunny December day.
Our College of the Holy Cross connection—me, Class of 1981, and Matt, Class of 1999—showed clearly that our education and value systems have been pivotal in shaping our careers. Additionally, we both have a child who attended Holy Cross, and we were athletes—I played soccer, he played football.
From the first day we met years ago, there was that instant alignment in values, perspective, and purpose. Two leaders shaped by the same foundation, decades apart, yet grounded in how we see the world and how we show up for others.
Reflections from the Walk
Trust comes in many forms.
Shared experiences like our education make it easier to connect.Transforming a business is not easy.
That’s the greatest understatement. You need a clear view of the future, courage to pursue it, and sometimes you just sleep on the damn floor.Teams make it happen, not individuals.
Yet certain individuals rally, confirm, and remain relentless.Running a business is more rewarding when shared.
Family and friends bring perspective and meaning to the work.Timing matters.
Sometimes it’s about opportunity, other times it’s about mental capacity.
After the walk, Matt shared a few reflections of his own—ones that stayed with me.
As he guides Anstadt through a major strategic transformation and drives their Pixels-to-Package vision forward, he reminded me that clarity comes through connection, and courage grows from surrounding yourself with people who elevate your thinking.
He also spoke to the time, honesty, and perspective we bring to each conversation—something I value deeply and don’t take for granted.
What stands out is how powerful shared foundations can be. They create a thread you can return to, even as time passes and paths diverge.
Matt and I have that thread—the color purple, representing our alma mater, Holy Cross.
What’s yours?
Find those who share the most important common bonds.
