Hey Leader 🙌
A couple of weekends ago, I was in Detroit, Michigan, celebrating my cousin’s wedding.
Beautiful event.
10 out of 10 weekend.
But I got humbled.
I was catching up with a cousin, Elaina, who is the life of the party and a beautiful soul.
She married into our family when I was 11, so she is good as blood.
Her dad came up in conversation.
So naturally, I leaned in and asked:
“I’m glad your dad is well. How’s your mom doing? She’s the best!”
She paused.
Then told me her mom had passed away about a year and a half ago.
As you would imagine, a wave of embarrassment hit.
But as that settled, I received some clear feedback.
2,300 miles and 20 years of living away from family had created more distance than I realized.
And that distance created disconnection.
Ouch.
Here’s the leadership lesson:
At the core: Leadership is connection.
You can have the title.
You can run the meetings.
You can build the company.
But relationships require presence, and presence requires intention.
That moment gave me a new north star.
I’m creating a better system to visit family and stay plugged in.
My challenge for you this week?
Identify one important relationship where distance has quietly become disconnection.
Then do something about it.
Make the call. Schedule the dinner. Book the trip.
Because strong leaders don’t just manage relationships.
They invest in them.
Make it a GREAT week!
Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body, Inc.
The 5 Immutable Rules of Leadership
- Take Extreme Ownership: Everything is your responsibility, even when it’s not your fault.
- Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Lead yourself before leading others.
- Wield Influence Through Moral Authority: People follow who you are, not what you say.
- It’s Not About You, Never Was, Never Will Be: Elevate others, build legacy.
- Turn Adversity Into Advantage: Pain is your power; use it.