Time off only works when leaders respect it
Summer shows how leaders treat urgency, availability, and time away.
What a handshake at the bus stop built
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Jeff Wiley through Hampton Township outside Pittsburgh reflects on long friendship, the tools that serve us in one chapter but not the next, and what it means to commit to the next time instead of letting things drift.
Stepping away from your own reflection
The more a company depends on its founder, the more fragile it grows.
Long friendships are anchored in identity
A Dialogue Miles™ conversation with Paul Lackner — over coffee and a donut at Oakmont Bakery in Pittsburgh — reflects on three decades of friendship, what it means to refine rather than replace, and why the relationships with no agenda attached are often the ones that keep the honesty intact.
When a relationship outgrows where it started
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Elicia Verderber across the MSA Safety campus reflects on what professional relationships become when they outlast the context that created them — and why trust and respect, not title or reporting line, are what make them last.
The moment assumptions meet reality
When annual plans start to slip, leaders need to ask hard questions.
What real progress does to belief
A Dialogue Miles™ return to Bucharest with Manuela and Vasile Teodorescu of Paragon Romania reflects on consistency as the clearest sign of leadership, kindness as honesty rather than its absence, and how real progress — not projections — is what builds belief in what comes next.
Connection turns plans into progress
Your team heard the direction. But connection is what makes them move.
What a trusted introduction makes possible
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with LeeAnn Moody on the Belmont University campus reflects on trusted introductions, how energy and openness unlock real stories, and why the most meaningful conversations are discovered rather than planned.
How mentorship flows in both directions
A Dialogue Miles™ reflection on Mikaela Smith's Peace Corps work in The Gambia reflects on mentorship, the influence of great teachers, and how the people we invest in often end up teaching us something we didn't expect.
How trust reveals itself in casual moments
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with Pauric Crean across 5.5 miles of Dublin reflects on Irish heritage, generational leadership, and the tension at the heart of the best relationships: unconditional care paired with real expectation.
Midyear tests what the business is learning
Activity keeps a business busy. Insight changes where it goes.
How a simple yes builds lasting friendship
A Dialogue Miles™ adventure with Kevin Young, from a casual nine holes in Rockport to a week of links golf in the Scottish Highlands, reflects on how lasting friendships form, why ordinary moments do the real work, and what it means to stay open when comfort is easier.
More effort won’t always save a relationship
How pushing harder can destroy what used to work.
When the river sets the pace
A Dialogue Miles™ walk with coaching client Robert Corwin along the river in Columbus on health, shared curiosity, and what it takes to scale a business in a way that reflects how you actually think and lead.
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.
Stories From the Path™
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![]()
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.
-
![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.
