Why travel 30 hours each way for a two-day summit in Miami?

Even reading that back to myself, I can think of plenty of reasons not to, not least the cost of flights and hotels (and because of an admin error on my part… booking and paying for two hotels… the pain when you convert NZD to USD is sickening!), and of course there was the tension and anxiety with even travelling to the US right now.

All that said, I did it anyway, and quite frankly, it was worth it.

I am sitting in a bar in San Fran with a beer, reflecting on the whirlwind few days, and I am reminded that when people (including me, having been a CEO) say “it’s lonely at the top,” what they are really saying is that you need and want someone to talk to – someone to challenge your thinking, to offer a different perspective, to sense-check what you are thinking, feeling, sharing and doing, to expose you to different methods of approaching situations, and to create the opportunity to be stretched. Being with my peers for a few days gave me the opportunity to experience all that.

And ouch – I forget how much that punches you in the puku when people question your thinking, behaviours and actions… just as I do with my clients – yet it is so worth it for that buzzy sense of growth, connection and the knowing that there are others just like you who genuinely want to make a difference in the world.

So yes, for all the learning, insights, experiences, and connections, that is why I travel 30 hours each way to join 20 other truly committed international business and leadership coaches who believe deeply in what they do, what we do, and in making a positive difference in this slightly crazy world in which we live.

As part of Outthinker Networks, these summits bring together senior leaders to solve complex strategic challenges through peer-to-peer learning rather than traditional training. Founded by Kaihan Krippendorff, the network connects global strategy and innovation leaders to challenge thinking and drive meaningful business growth.

This is the work I thrive on in my own business coaching practice, partnering with CEOs and leadership teams to cut through complexity, challenge thinking, and build momentum that lasts.

Make the difference and do not hold back – it is about the ROI, and what I got was invaluable.

If you are leading a business or a team and feeling that same sense of isolation, that same need for challenge, perspective, and momentum, then surround yourself with the right people, whether that is a global peer network or the right strategic partner alongside you.

Thank you, Team Outthinker – you are so appreciated.