My dog Braxton, who I lost about 9 years ago, was more than just a pet—he was the kind of companion we all hope to be in life and leadership. Loyal, adventurous, and with an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen and loved, Braxton didn't care who you were or where you came from—if you were in his world, you mattered. He skipped through life at my side, my steadfast friend, always ready for an adventure. Together, we made homes in five different zip codes, and no matter where we landed, Braxton’s love and enthusiasm never wavered.
Now, I have Chandi—a different soul altogether. She adores people with all her heart but is a bit more complicated when it comes to other dogs. Chandi has a way of challenging me to dig deeper. Her complexity has been a lesson in presence and patience, in paying close attention to what someone really needs to thrive. She is a fantastic pet and I love her to pieces, but there is no multi-tasking when we're out in the world. It is all about presence with Chandi.
Isn’t that what great leaders do? They don’t just give orders or make assumptions; they pause, they listen, they meet people exactly where they are and they are fully present when needed. Braxton taught me about embracing everyone with unconditional love and fearlessly exploring new horizons. Chandi's lessons run deeper, showing me the art of truly understanding those around us, even when it's tough or inconvenient. Together, they’ve shown me that leadership isn’t just about guiding the way; it’s about having the heart to see each individual for who they are—and the courage to give them what they need to flourish.
We often think leadership is all about bold moves and grand gestures. But maybe, just maybe, it’s really about the quiet moments, the patience to sit still and listen, the grace to accept people as they are—not as we wish them to be.
Animals don’t care about our titles, our resumes, or the numbers on our paychecks. They teach us the power of connection, loyalty, resilience, and the simple magic of paying attention. Braxton and Chandi might not have led teams, but they’ve led me to the kind of leadership that goes beyond the boardroom—a leadership that’s felt in the heart.
So, let me ask you: Are you leading like Braxton—embracing everyone with open arms and boundless curiosity? Or like Chandi—adapting, tuning in, and understanding what each soul needs to shine? More importantly, are you willing to learn from those who don’t speak our language but have more to say than we could ever imagine?
This week on the podcast Sherry and I are talking about the Wisdom of Paws – what our animals have meant to us and more on what we can learn from them. You can find it here, or wherever you listen to podcasts
