stories shared and lessons learned
Just before my 50th birthday I told my wife Pam that I wanted to try to run a 5K. I had never been a runner, so 3.1 miles sounded like quite a challenge. The following Sunday our pastor announced that we would be supporting a mission to help provide people clean water in impoverished around the world. To do so, we would join Team World Vision in running either a half or full marathon. Pam gently elbowed me and said “You should try that half marathon thing”.
Now I have always loved missions, but 13.1 miles is just slightly more than the daunting 3.1 miles of a 5K. Although a bit reluctant, I said “Yes”.
Fast forward to today and I have now logged 100’s of miles on the running trails. I have had a chance to run in places like Canada, Mt Hood Oregon, Utah, Washington, Indiana, Florida, Michigan, and so many more beautiful places. Some of the most amazing experiences however, have been the conversations with friends, new and old, along the trails.
It’s these conversations that reminded me that stories can bring encouragement, laughter, tears, guidance, clarity and so much, but only when we share them.
Hope you enjoy a few of mine. - Rusty
What do pig farming in Kenya, a half marathon, a health scare, and business ownership have in common?
Apparently… my leadership journey.
When Failure Becomes a Credential
If you are like me, you’ve learned that past failure often becomes the very thing that makes you more relatable as a leader.
Gradually Then Suddenly
Are the small decisions I’m making today quietly shaping the future I want… or just reinforcing the patterns I already have?
Is Your Work Signature-Worthy?
What made them valuable wasn’t the fabric or the design.
It was the signature of the woman who made each one.
Papa’s Pancakes
I could make one big stack, slap it on the table, and call it breakfast. It would be faster. More efficient. And it would miss the point entirely.
Leadership Wisdom from an Unlikely Source
And then… one week… we brought in Gru from Despicable Me.
The Gift of Steady Presence
In the middle of the noise and movement, Bristol lifted her hand and signed, “I love you.”
The Ripple Effect of Leadership
When someone asked her what I do for work, she said:
“He gives presents to children at Christmas, and he travels around the world to help people in need.”
Some the best leadership isn’t out front, but rather alongside
That simple moment on the trail was a good reminder for me: you don’t have to be out front to lead well.
If you want to win at work, start by winning at home.
The room fell silent. It wasn’t dramatic. It was powerful.
Passing the Baton: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Leadership
Real leadership isn’t about followers — it’s about raising up others to carry the mission forward.
A Day of Gratitude: Traveling with Veterans on the Honor Flight
What an incredible and humbling day getting to travel with my dad and 85 other veterans, and their guardians, as part of the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana.
Is the path you’re on today leading you where you want to go tomorrow?
This morning's walk reminded me how every path leads somewhere — but not every path leads where we want to go.
The Power of Returning to the Hard Places
But instead of leaving, he returned. Not just to visit — but to build something better.
Creating Awe and Delight—It’s Simpler Than You Think
The joy was real. And the effort? Minimal.
On a hot summer day, nothing hits the spot like a large Cherry Limeade.
Gratitude makes a difference—for the giver and the receiver.
“I want to run, NOW!”
And here’s the kicker: physical therapy is not fun. It’s uncomfortable, it’s repetitive, and honestly, it can be frustrating.