Real Results: mid-year success stories, Bonus Story

This one’s personal.

My son Conor is a rower. After trying many sports—basketball, baseball, rugby—he found his place in a boat. It plays to many of his strengths, not least of which is being 6’7”.

As any parent knows, command-and-control doesn’t work for long. I’ve often fallen into that mode—being the “know-it-all dad” offering advice on performance, direction, or life.

But 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 an adventurous journey, seeing just how far he can push himself. A development journey from club, to school, to university, to international. Always evolving, always growing and sticking with it to the next level.

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, as a dad.