Real Results: mid-year success stories, Bonus Story

This one’s personal.

I'm just back from two weeks at the National Rowing Center in Co Cork, Ireland, watching my son Conor compete for selection with the Irish U23 crew.

Conor is a serious rower. After trying basketball, baseball, and rugby, he found his place on the water. At 6'7", rowing plays to his strengths, but more than that—he's found something he's passionate about.

I spent those two weeks navigating the tricky balance between parent, cheerleader, and unofficial coach. It's a dance I know well from leadership work, but it feels different when it's your son.

As any parent knows, command-and-control doesn't work for long. I've fallen into that trap from time to time—being the "know-it-all dad" offering advice on performance, direction, or life.

Over time, I've learned to lead differently. To stop managing (aka nagging) and start showing up with what The Leadership Circle calls Creative Leadership—less directing, more listening. More trust, more encouragement, and a clearer focus on relationship. Not letting go of the vision, but making space for him to own it.

The result?

For him: Deep personal pride in his journey and the confidence that comes from pushing new limits for international selection. Plus a healthier relationship with me.

For me: The joy of walking alongside him celebrating the highs, navigating the lows, and living the work I do with leaders every day—but this time, as a dad.

The end result of this Irish U23 trial was that he just narrowly missed selection. From 22 starters they selected 4. He seeded 5th or 6th. Not disappointed, he is richer for the experience. It was world-class, and he’s primed and excited for next year.