Rooted Leadership: Insights from the Real World

It’s easy to get lost in the constant hum of notifications, emails, and digital dashboards. The world of business has become an intricate web of AI-driven solutions, virtual meetings, and algorithmic decision-making. But in this latest episode of Some Goodness, Richard Ellis and Mark Gaydos step away from the screens and into the real world, searching for leadership lessons in unexpected places: a Christmas tree farm, a regenerative soil farm, and even the historic beaches of Normandy.

Reconnecting with What’s Real

The conversation kicks off with a contrast: the rapid march of technology versus the enduring nature of human leadership. As AI reshapes the workplace, Mark and Richard pose an essential question—how do leaders stay grounded? How do they preserve motivation, agency, and dignity in an era where screens often replace face-to-face interactions?

The answer, they argue, lies in looking beyond the digital realm and immersing ourselves in tangible, real-world experiences. By stepping away from the artificial, leaders can rediscover the timeless principles that make organizations thrive.

A Christmas Tree’s Take on Leadership

Leadership lessons aren’t just found in boardrooms or business books. Sometimes, they appear in the quiet rows of a Christmas tree farm. As Mark wandered through the fields, he noticed something unusual—some trees had two competing tops. The farmer explained that these “double leaders” occur when two stems fight for dominance. Left unaddressed, they weaken the tree, diverting resources and stunting its growth. The solution? Prune the weaker leader to allow a single, strong one to flourish.

Mark couldn’t help but draw the parallel to organizations. Too often, companies suffer from competing visions at the top—two leaders, two directions, and a fractured team caught in the middle. Dysfunction spreads downward, creating confusion and inefficiency. Just like the trees, businesses need clarity at the top. When leadership is misaligned, tough decisions must be made to restore health and direction.

Cultivating Stability: Lessons from the Soil

In the second episode of Rooted in the Real World, Mark trades the Christmas tree farm for a regenerative soil farm. Here, he encounters another vital metaphor for leadership—the health of an organization depends on what lies beneath the surface.

Farmers who prioritize short-term gains often strip the soil of its nutrients, leaving it barren and lifeless. Similarly, companies that neglect their cultural foundations in favor of quick wins find themselves struggling with disengaged teams and internal dysfunction. Mark connects this idea to Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, which highlights the hidden elements of trust, accountability, and commitment. Just as regenerative farmers nurture the microbiome of the soil, leaders must intentionally cultivate a strong organizational culture. Without it, even the most well-structured business strategies will falter.

Blending the Digital with the Human

While the digital age offers incredible tools for efficiency, Mark and Richard emphasize that technology should serve leadership, not replace it. AI can optimize processes, but it can’t replicate human connection, creativity, or compassion. The challenge for today’s leaders is to wield these digital advancements without losing sight of the human element.

Mark underscores this with a key takeaway: the best leaders don’t fear AI; they integrate it wisely, ensuring that technology enhances rather than diminishes the humanity of their teams.

The Challenge: Step Away and Observe

As the conversation winds down, Richard issues a simple yet powerful challenge: step away from the digital noise and immerse yourself in the real world. Visit a place outside your usual routine, observe how things work, and find connections to your leadership journey. The best insights don’t always come from spreadsheets and reports; sometimes, they emerge from the quiet lessons of nature, history, and hands-on experiences.

Final Thoughts

In an age where technology dominates, Rooted in the Real World serves as a reminder that the best leadership lessons are often found beyond the screen. Whether it’s understanding the need for singular leadership from a Christmas tree farm, cultivating a thriving culture from healthy soil, or drawing courage from history’s greatest leaders, the message is clear: leadership is, and always will be, a human endeavor.

So, when was the last time you stepped away from the digital world to learn something real?

Listen to the full episode here.