This past week I was so incredibly fortunate to attend the 2025 IBTTA Leadership Academy. The class of 2025 was the 17th class of leaders working to be better for themselves, their organization, and each other. This academy is an executive development program tailored specifically for senior-level management in public and private sector organizations that serve the toll industry. I felt like I somehow got an invite to the VIP party but was nervously waiting for security to tap me on the shoulder because I do not belong.
Forty professionals from across the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain, and Hong Kong joined together to learn from and among each other. We cried and we laughed, we sang karaoke, salsa danced and drank our fair share. I encouraged the team to sing karaoke and in doing so stepped up to that mic like a karaoke warrior in battle with my weapons of off-key notes, uncoordinated dance moves and misplaced confidence. I charged forward anyway, fearless and slightly inebriated. In my mind, Stacy’s Mom never sounded so good and Fountains of Wayne would be so proud of me, they'd likely sign me on the spot. The point is, the week started out with strangers and ended with new friends. Friends I'm comfortable enough to make a fool of myself in front of.
What a powerful leadership experience- I learned a lot about myself and others. I was surprised to learn how many others felt they accidently received an invite to the VIP party as well. I was validated in my feelings, encouraged to try new things and reminded of the importance of work life balance and instilling that in others.
While I was away getting rejuvenated and stockpiling fresh leadership ideas, my family was back home keeping the daily circus running. And that's really the point of this post. We spent a lot of time talking about work-life balance, showing up for our colleagues and loved ones, setting positive intentions, and establishing reasonable boundaries. Meanwhile, I was out here setting great intentions - but completely missing the part where I checked in to make sure my home team wasn't drowning in chaos. So, lesson learned: balance isn't just a catchy concept, it actually requires, you know...balance.
Luke was the real warrior this week in an endless arena of battles - facing off against job duties, the kids (plus a surprise snow day), the dogs, my ongoing tire/rim saga (a tale of tragedy for another time), cleaning the garage, resurrecting the spare car so I could actually drive it, dinner, laundry, dishes, and probably a thousand other things I blissfully take for granted. Meanwhile, I was off recharging my battery while his was slowly draining like an old iPhone on 1%. And to top it off, I wasn't even checking in - I basically left him in the gladiator pit without a shield.
How we show up for people we care about is important, whether it's in the office or at home. The message this week was that being a vulnerable leader can make you a better leader - because real leadership isn't just about having the answers, it's about listening, understanding, and showing up in meaningful ways. The same applies at home. Being empathetic means truly seeing and supporting the people around you, not just acknowledging their struggles from a distance. At work, that means leading with compassion; at home, it means recognizing when your partner or family needs a hand (or a break) and stepping in before they have to ask. Leadership doesn't stop at the office door - it's a full-time gig.
During the week, we also discussed how our life experiences shape who we are as a leader and were asked to write a short poem starting each statement with "I am from..." I guess I can add poet to my list of accomplishments now.
I am from a farmer and a man of words, a horse lover, world traveler and fierce supporter.
I am from that small town with one street light where the county fair is the best part of summer and the air fills with the scent of apples.
I am from country music, guitar picking, harmonic playing and Hee-Haw at Grandma and Grandpas.
I am from lunch at 12:30 listening to Paul Harvey on the radio while completing crossword puzzles and "write if you get work" as I walk out the front door.
I am from cheerleading to marathons, triathlons to karate and learning the lessons along the way.
I am from “honey lamb you’ll learn to be patient” and 25 years later finally realizing patience is a virtue best learned by raising neuro spicy kids.
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I loved your post and poem :)