The Enduring Legacy: How My Dad's Lessons Became My Leadership Foundation
Picture taken Father’s Day Weekend, June 2023
For any leader, the most profound lessons often don't come from a business school or a textbook. They are forged in the crucible of life and taught by the people who shape us most. For me, many of those lessons came from my dad, a man whose strength and character became the bedrock of my own leadership philosophy.
A while back, when I was on vacation visiting my stepson and his family in Puerto Vallarta, we were talking, and he made a comment that captured the essence of my dad's impact. He told me about how much influence I had on his life and how he saw me as an anchor for him. It was a simple statement, but it carried a profound weight. It wasn't about being perfect; it was about the legacy of being a balanced, hardworking, and strong man—a legacy that started with the man who chose to be my dad.
The Lessons of Character
My father consistently treated me as his own flesh and blood, a gift that forged my earliest and most cherished memories. He didn't have to adopt me and raise me as his son, but he did it anyway. His decision was a living testament to a truth I carry with me every day: true family is built on love, not just on blood. This is a powerful lesson for any leader. It taught me that genuine leadership isn’t about a title or a hierarchy; it’s about a choice—the choice to invest in people as if they are your own, to see their potential, and to commit to their success.
My dad also taught me practical, invaluable skills that went beyond the surface. He taught me to hunt, to fish, and to work on my own vehicles and home. But beneath these practical lessons was a deeper truth about resilience and self-reliance. I learned how to work hard and to be the hardest worker on the job, a quality that is now a core part of my professional identity.
Overcoming Fear, Building Trust
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned was about overcoming fear. I vividly remember the persistence he showed me while teaching me to waterski. It took me a long time to get past my fear, but his patience and encouragement paid off. In my life, and in my career, I've seen this lesson play out countless times. As a leader, it's my job to help others overcome their fears—the fear of a new project, the fear of failure, or the fear of a difficult conversation. It’s not about forcing people past their limits but about providing the steady, persistent support that allows them to find their own courage.
My dad’s legacy is not just about the man he raised; it's about the legacy that I am now passing on to my own children. The balanced, hardworking, and strong man he molded me into is the same foundation I’ve been able to give my three kids. This is the ultimate measure of success for any leader: not just to achieve your own goals, but to empower others with the tools, values, and character to achieve theirs.
In a world that often values success over significance, my dad’s influence reminds me that the most enduring legacy is the one we build in the lives of others. It’s the quiet, consistent effort we make every day that truly leaves a lasting impact on our family, our coworkers, and our friends.
