As graduation season unfolds, I have found myself reflecting on a profoundly personal milestone—our boys, Alex and Nick, graduated from high school this month. One is off to Wake Forest, while the other is headed to the University of Arizona. And just like that, two proud dads are now empty nesters.
This moment of transition has reminded me just how much our kids teach us, often more than we realize. Some of the most valuable lessons I bring to my work as a business advisor and coach come directly from parenthood. Leadership, patience, resilience, adaptability—these aren’t just executive traits, they’re parenting essentials too.
Several years ago, I came across an article that captures this connection beautifully. It highlights how raising children cultivates five essential executive skills— relinquishing control, boosting emotional intelligence, developing patience, mastering delegation, and enhancing resilience—that are directly transferable to effective business leadership. In essence, the everyday challenges of parenthood serve as a powerful training ground for becoming a more empathetic, adaptable, and strategic leader. It’s worth reading if you’re navigating leadership and change, whether at work or at home.
Change is afoot. And if you’re facing your own season of transition, reach out. I’m here to help you lead through it.
