More effort won’t always save a relationship
How pushing harder can destroy what used to work.
When the closest people to the problem can’t act
When process replaces problem-solving, capable people stop looking for ways to win and start looking for ways to stay safe.
What stepping away reveals
The ability to step away cleanly is one of the most honest diagnostics of how an organization is built underneath you.
When alignment quietly drifts
Without intentional openness, even strong teams can drift into solving different versions of the same problem.
You’re probably listening to the wrong people
The most valuable insight often comes from someone in a completely different stage of life.
The Signal You’re Ignoring
Most leadership teams benchmark against competitors. The signal they're missing comes from somewhere else entirely.
Reliance on the Wrong Inputs
Most leaders aren't missing effort or intelligence. They're missing accurate inputs. When the pace is high and the calendar is full, the most accessible information wins and that's rarely the most honest kind.
Hard People Choices
When a key person struggles, it's rarely because they stopped caring. More often, the role changed faster than they did. The hardest part? The same loyalty that built your organization can make it harder to see what it now requires.
Why Executive Alignment Breaks Down and How to Fix It
Executive alignment is not an offsite outcome. It is built through communication, focus, talent enablement, and market validation.
What Shows Up When You Finally Make the Time
A Dialogue Miles walk at Gravelly Point Park in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, exploring feedback, relationships, and what becomes clear when you finally make the time to connect.
When Chance Encounters Turn Into Unexpected Conversations
A Dialogue Miles reflection from a flight out of Phoenix, where an unexpected conversation revealed the power of listening, storytelling, and human connection.
Movement Creates Clarity
A Dialogue Miles walk through London with David Taylor reflecting on connection, curiosity, and how movement creates space for clearer thinking and meaningful conversation.
Curiosity Opens the Door
A Dialogue Miles walk in the Nashville rain with Brian Block exploring curiosity, trust, and how meaningful partnerships are built through conversation and shared experience.
Shared Ground with Jon Jeffreys in Hampden
A walk in Hampden with Jon Jeffreys reflects on shared experiences, long-term relationships, and the role trust plays in both leadership and friendship.
What You Learn When You Slow Down and Listen
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Darien Beatty reflects on listening, curiosity, and how slowing down creates space for meaningful connection and new perspectives.
Taking Coffee To-Go and Letting the Conversation Unfold
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Ryan Mellors in Nashville reflects on leadership, humility, and how simple conversations can lead to meaningful connection.
A Flight Delay That Turned Into Something More
A flight delay turns into an unexpected Dialogue Miles™ conversation, reminding us that meaningful connection can happen anywhere, if we stay open.
Resiliency in Leadership: Building Trust When Change Tests You
Real resilience comes from building balance inside the work—when shifting priorities, deadlines, and perspectives collide.
How Leaders Build Trust When the Data Surprises Them
Trust is built when leaders face surprising data with humility, listen to their people, and respond with clarity.
The CEO’s Quiet Power: Leading Through Uncomfortable Conversations
How CEOs can navigate difficult conversations with curiosity, psychological safety, and intentional listening.
Stories From the Path™
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![Two men smiling near a swimming pool, with greenery in the background.]()
John Cox
John represents the “S” in siY, LLC. He was my first business mentor and is the foundation of what safety became for me in my career. On our walk we covered the topics of family, laughter, mentoring, networking, and chemical engineering.
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![Two people wearing matching hoodies in front of a Pancake Pantry sign at night.]()
Deb Cupp
We touched on leadership, navigating aging parents, and the importance of staying connected—whether it’s to family, friends, or your team. One of the highlights of the day was when Deb’s team came out to say hello during our hike.
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![Two older men posing under a striped awning outdoors.]()
David Clarke
On a fall day in Northern Neck, I walked with David Clarke, reflecting on over two decades of friendship built on shared challenges, purpose, and resilience. His story of adapting to life with Lyme disease reminded me of the power of kindness, empathy, and staying true to our values through life’s trials.
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![Two people smiling in front of a colorful outdoor mosaic staircase, surrounded by greenery and buildings.]()
Chloe Adams
During my 7-mile Dialogue Miles™ walk with Chloe Adams in Cincinnati, Ohio, we explored ideas around vision, purpose, and building trust in leadership. Chloe’s strategic insights and dedication have been integral to the growth and success of siY, LLC.
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![Two men standing in front of a large bronze statue outside a stone building with Gothic architectural features, including arched windows and a stone facade. The statue is labeled 'Saint Ignatius.']()
Jeff Forts
Jeff Forts and I reconnected in Osterville, MA, reflecting on decades of friendship, shared memories, and the connections that have shaped our lives. Our time together was a reminder of the enduring bonds that grow from inclusivity, support, and the joy of simply showing up for each other.
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![Two people standing in front of a playground climbing structure on a sunny day.]()
Ann Howard
Walking with Ann Howard in Shelby Bottoms reminded me of the power of trust, transparency, and focus in both life and business. Our conversation about teamwork and navigating challenges highlighted the importance of building relationships that help us tackle complexities with resilience and grace.
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![Two people standing in front of a large window with a cityscape view.]()
Billy Baker
Walking 12 miles through NYC with Billy Baker was a testament to the value of intentional connection, mutual respect, and authentic relationships. From inspiring conversations to shared insights, it was a reminder of how meaningful mentorship and genuine engagement can shape both personal and professional growth.
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![Two people standing together, smiling, with a purple lighting effect in the background.]()
Pam Maynard
Walking 5 miles in Miami with Pam Maynard was a celebration of laughter, shared values, and deep conversations. From tackling leadership challenges to fostering boundless curiosity, our connection reaffirmed the importance of aligning on values, embracing vulnerability, and building friendships that inspire future impact.
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![Two men standing on a rocky surface in a forest, both wearing casual clothing and hats, with trees and a small stream in the background.]()
Doug Fecher
A 4-mile walk with Doug Fecher at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve reminded me of the power of transparency, authenticity, and mutual support. Our conversation, filled with personal stories, leadership insights, and laughter, reinforced our shared desire to do good and stay true to ourselves as we navigate life's unpredictable journey.
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![Two people taking a selfie on a beach with a lake and cloudy sky in the background.]()
Kate Guteman
During my walk with Kate, EVP & President International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions at UPS, at Lake George, we reflected on trust, collaboration, and the importance of meaningful connections. Our conversation reinforced the value of partnerships built on openness and compassion, set against the backdrop of a beautiful, serene morning by the lake.
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![Two people holding beer glasses in a pub with a sign reading "London School of Economics." The pub features ornate ceilings and a stocked bar.]()
Mike Gordon
During my journey with Mike Gordon in London, we walked 10 miles through the city, immersing ourselves in its history, sharing laughs, and enjoying meaningful dialogue. Our time together reinforced the value of stepping away from daily schedules to explore, reflect, and connect.
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Teena Marty
I reconnected with Teena Marty, one of my sister Sheila’s closest friends, as we honored her memory and reflected on the incredible life she lived. Our time together was a reminder of the deep connections and shared stories that keep the people we love close, even after they’re gone.
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![Two men standing by a stone wall near the beach with the sea and sky in the background.]()
John Rogers
A 5-mile walk with John Rogers along the Atlantic reinforced key leadership principles: staying prepared, balancing portfolios, aligning teams, and building relationships. Our conversation highlighted the power of trust in driving growth and maintaining competitive edge, reminding me how critical clarity, consistency, and strategic decision-making are in leadership.
