stories shared and lessons learned
Just before my 50th birthday I told my wife Pam that I wanted to try to run a 5K. I had never been a runner, so 3.1 miles sounded like quite a challenge. The following Sunday our pastor announced that we would be supporting a mission to help provide people clean water in impoverished around the world. To do so, we would join Team World Vision in running either a half or full marathon. Pam gently elbowed me and said “You should try that half marathon thing”.
Now I have always loved missions, but 13.1 miles is just slightly more than the daunting 3.1 miles of a 5K. Although a bit reluctant, I said “Yes”.
Fast forward to today and I have now logged 100’s of miles on the running trails. I have had a chance to run and walk in places like Ethiopia, Kenya, Canada, Mt Hood Oregon, Utah, Washington, Indiana, Florida, Michigan, and so many more beautiful places. Some of the most amazing experiences however, have been the conversations with friends, new and old, along the trails.
It’s these conversations that reminded me that stories can bring encouragement, laughter, tears, guidance, clarity and so much, but only when we share them.
Hope you enjoy a few of mine. - Rusty
Creating Space for Connection
But I’ve learned something: working together and connecting with each other aren’t the same thing.
Some of the best acts of leadership are the ones you may never see the results of.
Was it awkward? Absolutely.
Will it be helpful when the time comes? Absolutely.
Sometimes You Just Need A Good Restie
The Barista must have known I was in desperate need of some Restie.
Lead with Curiosity
There’s nothing more intimidating than doing a morning workout with a guy who owns four fitness centers.
When you are not the smartest person in the room.
I had the honor of facilitating a leadership workshop alongside A Bright Future for Kids recently in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
What a Pig Farmer in Kenya Taught Me About Building the Next Generation Leader
Our greatest impact may not be what we accomplish.
It may be what we teach someone else to accomplish.
I Had Everything Planned... Except the Part Where They Let Me Into the Country.
The Ethiopian airport had an entire section apparently designed for people like me—the “You Should Have Planned Better” section.
Delivering Joy
Gecho runs a transportation service using an old blue van. Whenever we needed to get somewhere around Addis Ababa, Gecho was ready to go.
He Charged Me 50 Cents. He Modeled Something Much More Valuable.
How does your luggage end up in Chicago when you're flying from Kenya to Ethiopia?
No One Becomes a Leader Alone: The Day I Visited Bethlehem's House
One of my favorite places in Ethiopia isn't a famous landmark.
Don't Grow Out of Being Curious
Apparently, I had become a walking science experiment. And honestly, I loved it.
Do I Matter?
And you may never fully realize how much that simple act changes a life…..maybe even your own.
When "Just a Business" Stopped Being Enough
If you've been feeling burned out lately, maybe it's not because you've lost your capacity.
One of the most memorable runs of my life wasn't a marathon.
Around 3:00 a.m. on my second leg, I found myself running alone on a dark mountain road in Oregon.
Have your written core values ever helped you make—or avoid—a difficult business decision?
He paused, looked at me, and then said something I'll never forget.
"Based on your core values, we're probably not the right fit for you."
What are we actually training people to become?
It is easy to train people to follow a process. It is much harder, and much more valuable, to develop people who know how to think, solve problems, communicate well, and lead.
"If you want to win at work, start by winning at home."
I was reminded of one of the best pieces of business advice I have ever received…
Mentorship often Outlives the Mentor
SEAL of God — Chad Williams & David Thomas. Worth your time, especially if you lead people for a living.