Letters From Leadership: The Power of Being Present
Last week, as our team gathered in New York City for our regular onsite meeting, I found myself struck by a simple yet profound realization: some of the most important moments in consulting aren't found in formal presentations or strategy documents – they live in the spaces between.
As I watched our team members from Denver, Raleigh, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and NYC come together, I was reminded of the irreplaceable magic in sharing physical space. It's in the coffee runs between meetings, the spontaneous hallway conversations, and the shared laughter over dinner where the real foundation of our work takes shape.
In consulting, we often focus on deliverables and metrics, but the true essence of our work lives in what I call the "in-between conversations" – those unscheduled moments where guards come down and real connections form. During our NYC onsite, team members naturally gravitated toward each other during breaks, sharing not just project updates, but personal victories and challenges. A casual mention of a challenging client situation led to an impromptu problem-solving session that probably wouldn't have happened in a scheduled video call.
There's something powerful about being physically present with your team and clients. It's in the subtle nods of understanding, the shared experiences, and the ability to read the energy in a room. Last week, we also hosted a celebration for our clients and business partners – a gathering that marked six years of relationships built through countless small interactions. Looking around the room, I saw more than just business partnerships; I saw friendships forged through shared challenges and growth.
These in-person interactions create lasting ripples throughout our work. A five-minute conversation by the coffee machine can spark an idea that transforms a client project. A casual discussion about weekend plans can reveal shared interests that strengthen team bonds. While we've embraced the efficiency of remote work, these face-to-face moments remain essential to our success. Our business wasn't built on slide decks and status reports – it was built on relationships, trust, and understanding that flourish in the space of real, human interaction.
As we continue to grow, I'm more convinced than ever that these opportunities for in-person connection are crucial. At the end of the day, consulting isn't just about solving problems – it's about understanding people. Sometimes, the best way to understand someone is simply to be present, to listen, and to share in those small moments that make up the bigger picture of who we are and what we do.
Kennon Krieger | Strategy Lead
