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 Speaking Up Starts the Conversation
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Kevin Haughey through Little Italy in San Jose explores what happens when a comment on a post turns into a 6:30 a.m. walk, and how careers reconnect through shared people and experiences in ways you can never predict.
When alignment quietly drifts
Without intentional openness, even strong teams can drift into solving different versions of the same problem.
Where the Path Created Room for What Meetings Miss
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Lynne Laba along the Des Plaines River Walk explores isolation, positivity, and what becomes possible when leadership conversations step outside the conference room.
You’re probably listening to the wrong people
The most valuable insight often comes from someone in a completely different stage of life.
Where History Still Drives How Decisions Get Made
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Neil McDonough through NYC reflects on four decades of working together, what stays consistent in a business across generational change, and how a company's history never stops shaping its decisions.
The Signal You’re Ignoring
Most leadership teams benchmark against competitors. The signal they're missing comes from somewhere else entirely.
When Timing Turns a Reconnection Into an Inflection Point
A Dialogue Miles™ walk by phone with Karen Posey across Denver and New York reflects on timing, intentional design, and how a reconnection years in the making can become exactly the right inflection point.
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.
Where Conversations Resume Without Reset
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Tom Gaudreau picks up a five-year-old conversation and explores entrepreneurship, loss, life partners, and why the best talks don't need a warm-up.
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.
Where Timing Shapes the Relationship
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Matthias reflects on timing, trust, resilience, and how meaningful professional relationships develop over time.
Leadership Starts with Being Human
Growing up in an Irish Catholic family, St. Patrick’s Day represented tradition, presence, and shared responsibility. In this reflection, Joe Morgan explores how those early family experiences shaped the way he thinks about leadership today.
From Work Relationship to Lasting Impact
A Dialogue Miles™ reconnection with Chris Peacock reflects on trust, purpose, empathy, and how some work relationships continue to shape us long after the original project ends.
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.
Clear Communication in Critical Leadership Moments
When leaders communicate during high-stakes moments, intent and impact don’t always match. Preparation, steadiness, and empathy determine whether trust strengthens or erodes.
How Leaders Assess New Opportunities
Leaders conduct opportunity assessments constantly and in real time. Defining the process that works best for you as a leader is the first step towards alignment.
Protecting Business Momentum When External Forces Disrupt the Plan
Momentum builds credibility—until external disruption reshapes the plan. How leaders respond determines what happens next.
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.
