Lessons in Life and Leadership: Finding Our Roots

Life and leadership lessons come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they arrive in boardrooms, and other times—from moments spent with family or from long-standing memories—they come through reflection and reconnection.

A few years ago, I attended a long-overdue family reunion on my mother’s side. We hadn’t gathered like that in nearly 17 years. It was a powerful reminder of the role our foundations play in shaping who we are.

Why Foundations Matter

As we journey through careers, personal goals, military service, and business ventures, we often chase progress and performance. But in the end—after the job is done, the uniform is hung up, and the spotlight fades—what truly remains are the relationships and support systems we’ve nurtured over time.

Family, in its broadest sense, is our foundation. But not all family is bound by blood. Many of us have built deep connections with people who’ve walked with us through life’s highs and lows. They’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly—and stayed.

These people become our chosen family. They become our roots.

The Root Metaphor

One quote that captures this truth beautifully is from Madea Simmons (Tyler Perry):

“Most people are like leaves. When the wind blows, they go to one side of the tree and then the wind blows the other way they are on the other side...
Some people are like branches... the minute you step out, they break and leave you.
Oh, but God bless those folks who are the roots. Find two or three people who are your roots. They are there to help you live and give stability to your life. A tree may have one thousand branches but just a few roots. Hold on to these people.”

Your Leadership Challenge

The true challenge in life and leadership isn’t just finding your roots—it’s being one for someone else.

Roots bring nourishment, stability, and strength. They often go unseen, but without them, nothing else stands.

So here’s the challenge I offer:

✅ Identify your roots.
✅ Be a root for someone else.
✅ Be the difference.

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