🚂 Leadership Lessons from the Tracks:

What a Train Ride Taught Me About Control and Momentum

Last weekend, I checked something off my bucket list—a real Amtrak train ride. While I’ve done short, touristic train rides before, this was my first true experience of letting the journey unfold over a long distance. And oh, what I learned—not just personally, but in ways that deeply connect to leadership and professional growth.

Stepping onto that train, I had to relinquish control. I couldn’t determine the speed, when we slowed down, or what obstacles might be ahead. I couldn’t hit the brakes or accelerate. I didn’t have a clear view of where we were going, nor could I look back to see where we had been. My only choice? To be fully present in the moment, trust the process, and decide whether to be anxious or embrace the journey.

As an executive and leadership coach, I see so many leaders struggling with this exact challenge. The fear of letting go. The anxiety of trusting that those we’ve empowered—our managers, department heads, and frontline staff—are capable of leading well. But leadership isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about equipping, trusting, and empowering others to take ownership.

So, I challenge you to reflect:

🔹 Are you showing up in a way that enables those around you to thrive?

🔹 If you stepped away, would your organization continue moving forward because of how you’ve led and developed others?

🔹 What do you need to release in order to truly enjoy the journey and dream about the future?

A train at a standstill can be held back by the smallest obstacle. But once it gains momentum, nothing can stop it. So where are you on the track? Are you stuck at a stop, or have you built the momentum to push past barriers and create real impact?

I’d love to hear your story—are you in a season of standstill, or are you moving full speed ahead? Drop a comment below! ⬇️🚆