Uncertainty Turns Leaps into Values Alignment

Less than 60 days after the diagnosis, Cindy’s mom passed away in mid-January 2018. That was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever seen Cindy go through, and the helplessness I felt was like nothing I had ever experienced. I’m a fixer and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to fix that. I was, however, able to be present and make sure Cindy knew she had the time and space to do anything her dad needed through that time. Make no mistake, we felt some pressure to keep the plates spinning in our business at the time but that paled in comparison to the pressure we would have had on us had we still been in full time roles - especially the role Cindy held prior to stepping into our business. 

Aside from family. our closest friends, and a select few business associates, no one even knew Cindy was dealing with any of that. I frequently share how much smarter and stronger she is than I could ever hope to be. During the most difficult season I’ve seen her experience over the three decades we’ve been together, she served other people at a level few ever attempt to. One thing I can say about all that with absolute certainty is that each adversity she and I experienced leading up to that, many of which were insignificant, helped us both grow stronger and more unified in every aspect of our lives together. Without those previous experiences, I can’t imagine either of us having the strength to place any focus whatsoever on running a business through a time like that.

In September 2016, we made a bold leap when Cindy gave up a substantial salary to step into our very new business. One year later, we made another when I did the same - leaving us with no guaranteed household income or employer-paid benefits plan. Our unwavering courage to take each of those leaps was built on years of relatively minor adversities. Our willingness to accept full responsibility for the outcome was based on doing exactly that in hundreds of situations over the two previous decades where the stakes weren’t nearly as high. Through each of those, though, our shared values served as the foundation for every decision. Making the best of bold leaps isn’t about guaranteed success—it’s intentional preparation that transforms uncertainty into chains of purpose- and values-driven readiness.

We’ll close this look at how embracing uncertainty earns influence and strengthens values alignment next by working through a set of questions you can reflect on to make sure you’re not just identifying the seeds to equal or greater benefit in each adversity you face, but planting and nurturing those seeds to make that potential benefit a reality. First, though, think back on each reflection I’ve challenged you with through this process and outline how any one leap you make could amplify your leadership impact.