I go into the woods to experience nature directly. Away from the noise and demands of everyday life something shifts. My mind quiets and I feel more grounded. Nature speaks to me through my senses. No words. This past Thursday I spent the night camping in Shenandoah National Park with Devi, my young dog. It
I had the good fortune to join an extraordinary panel of organizational development experts at the Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network’s annual gathering last Saturday. Photo by Ruchi Kahan, who came to listen, learn about organizational development, and spend some professional time with me. One insight from the event that has stayed with me: Our
Find Your Sweet Spot to Change the World Read More »
Last week, I was working with a group of leaders when someone suggested an approach that was completely different from what they’d been doing for years. At first, there was resistance. But, people got curious and the conversation became animated. New possibilities started popping. Next thing you know we had planned a 90-day pilot to
Oh, the Possibilities! Read More »
Our puppy, Devi, has discovered an unusual place to hang out: perched on top of the back of our couch. Here she is, surveying the world from above while my daughter Ruchi and I occupy the more conventional seating below. At first, I thought it was just another one of her quirky habits. But I’ve
In early October 2011 Laura and I traveled to New Delhi to bring Ruchi home. One of the best decisions of my life. So grateful to have her in our family! When the orphanage gave Ruchi to us they asked for all the clothes she was wearing to be returned. The picture on the left
15-year Anniversary Read More »
I have been pondering this seeming paradox, having a dog with me actually makes me more independent. I’m willing to go farther, explore places I might otherwise skip, take the trail that disappears into the woods, and spend hours somewhere without another person around. My dog doesn’t restrict my solitude, she makes solitude possible. Devi,
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Divya has gone off to college. She lives in an apartment with Ruchi, is adapting to a roommate, and accompanies Ruchi everywhere. Unlike most college students, she arrived already knowing how to sit, stay, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. She attends classes and goes to clubs where the music is loud while
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A few days after 9/11, I was at the World Bank stage-managing an event I had led the design of, working directly with Jim Wolfensohn, then president of the Bank. The atmosphere was understandably raw. During his short speech Wolfensohn did something I had never seen there before. He asked people to hold hands. At
Leading Through Uncertainty Read More »
Devi and I got rained out for my annual backcountry trip up north. Rain every day, all throughout the Adirondacks and beyond. I was able to find a weak spot in the storm in the New Paltz / Ellenville / Woodstock area. We travelled around there and spent lots of time in woods for last
A Different Adventure Read More »
I was at Politics and Prose, one of my favorite DC bookstores, when I came across this wall in the basement, the results of their 2026 bookmark contest me. From a distance it’s a wonderful explosion of color and creativity. Hundreds of bookmarks, all gathered together into one exuberant piece of art. However, each bookmark
