24/06/2026
Every leader I meet is, in their own opinion, “really good with people.”
Then I introduce them to a Zephyr, our herd's lead horse.
Zephyr does not care about your title. He has not read your résumé. He is deeply unmoved by the fact that you run a 200-person org. He responds to exactly one thing — how you’re actually showing up, right now — and he'll let you know what he thinks in about ninety seconds. Usually by wandering off or leading you back to the barn!
I’ve spent my career on leadership — learning it (everyday), coaching it, teaching it, and co-writing the Developing Leaders at All Levels: A Practical Field Guide for Leaders, Facilitators & Coaches. But the work that genuinely changes people happens out here, where you can’t talk your way out of anything.
Watching a leader see themselves clearly — sometimes for the first time in twenty years — is the best thing I do. So I started writing about it.
It’s called In the Arena with Marietta. First piece is up (link in comments), and I’d love to have you along. 🐎