Starting off 2024 in NYC!

2024 kicked off with a profound experience.  I took a short ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I'd never been to this gateway through which countless individuals dreamed big and forged new beginnings in the USA.

When I stood in the very processing room where my great-grandfather, Alfred Johnson, took his first steps on American soil in 1895, I was overcome. I've grown up hearing the stories about how, at just 15, he journeyed alone from Sweden (the youngest of four brothers, so he was not going to inherit any farmland) with a vision of creating a new life in the heart of the Midwest.

As I reflected on Alfred's journey, I was moved by the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit it took for a young teenager to venture into the unknown. He faced challenges and uncertainties, yet he persisted with the hope of crafting a better future for himself and those who would follow.  It turned out that he was successful and generous.

We all encounter challenges in our roles as leaders and visionaries, things that can seem insurmountable at times. Creating change, whether on a personal or professional level, demands a wild amount of grit and perseverance. Transformation is arduous and comes at a cost-always. Leaders today encounter resistance, skepticism, and the formidable task of navigating a volatile, uncertain world. The promise of positive change often comes with a journey filled with hardships.

Yet, just as my great-grandfather's resilience laid the foundation for a new life, our perseverance and commitment to our vision and being the best leaders we can, paves the way for new and beautiful things in the world. As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us draw strength from the stories of those who came before us and recognize that every step we take has the potential to shape us and even leave a legacy.