Good morning, Team!  It’s Friday!

Meet the 26th President of the United States, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

My travels this week took me to Medora, North Dakota.  A remote, touristy town with some history, some oil, some hearty folk and some beautiful badlands scenery and the honeymoon destination of a couple of broke college kids over 33 years ago.

Select company leadership met with the Board to discuss performance, review completed projects, talk with clients and  subject matter experts to get a taste of what we do.  We also gained insight into some of the challenges and delays associated with completing infrastructure projects in a county where half the land is publicly owned.

Roosevelt claimed at a stop in Fargo, ND in 1910 that he would not have become President of the United States were it not for the time he spent in the badlands of North Dakota.

What leadership lessons did he learn from a sparsely populated state?

-Was it an appreciation for the diversity of lands that differed from his New York City stomping grounds?

-Was it the rugged nature of the people that carved out a living in the badlands?

-Was it his love for nature?

-Perhaps it was the time at Elkhorn Ranch where he relaxed, cleared his head, developed thoughts and aspirations adding to his collection of writings.

We all find peace in different ways whether escaping the hustle of the big city, shooting wild game, or simply collecting thoughts or enjoying nature by sleeping under the stars.

Whatever your leadership aspirations might be, find the time and your own sacred place to collect your thoughts and make plans how you are going to rule the free world.

Have a blessed weekend!