I recently had the privilege of giving a keynote to a group of leaders. As I stood before them, I knew one thing for certain: I was in the forest.

Not just a lone tree standing tall, trying to weather the storms on my own. No, I was surrounded by other leaders—other trees, rooted and reaching. In that room, I wasn’t leading in isolation. I was part of something greater. A network of roots beneath the surface, unseen but essential. A canopy of wisdom above, providing shade and perspective. A collective strength that only exists when we stand together.

It was a snowy Saturday in January. I was wrapped up in two blankets, nestled deep into my oversized comfy chair while holding a big bowl of fresh popcorn dripping in butter. The stage was set for a perfect, lazy evening.