Pull Up A Chair #4

The day I came home from Vanderbilt University with my doctorate, we welcomed an 8-week-old golden retriever into our home. We fittingly named him Nashville—Nash for short.

Over the past year, Nash has grown from a wobbly puppy into a strong, curious, deeply loyal companion. And somewhere along the way, he’s become one of my most unexpected leadership teachers. Here’s what he’s shown me:

1. Lead with warmth—it builds trust faster than authority ever will.

Nash assumes everyone is a friend until proven otherwise. He approaches the world with openness, not skepticism. It reminds me of Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability—connection is built through courage and authenticity, not control. When we lead with warmth, we create psychological safety. That’s where real work begins.

2. Freedom works best with a foundation of trust.

On hikes, Nash walks off leash. He explores, runs ahead, follows his curiosity—but every so often, he stops, turns around, and checks in. No command. No fear. Just connection. It’s what Peter Drucker might call effective management: clear expectations, then space to move. The best teams don’t need micromanagement—they need clarity, trust, and a reason to stay aligned.

3. Loyalty is built in the small, consistent moments.

Nash is there for everything—early mornings, long days, quiet nights. Not because he has to be, but because he chooses to be. That kind of loyalty mirrors what Simon Sinek describes in The Infinite Game: people stay where they feel seen, valued, and safe. Loyalty isn’t demanded. It’s earned—daily.

4. Presence is a leadership skill.

Nash doesn’t multitask. When he’s with you, he’s fully with you. In a world of constant distraction, that kind of presence is rare—and powerful. It echoes Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence: attention is the foundation of strong relationships.

5. Joy and curiosity are not distractions—they’re fuel.

Whether it’s a new trail, a falling leaf, or a familiar face, Nash meets it with enthusiasm. He reminds me that energy is contagious. Leaders who cultivate curiosity and joy don’t just improve culture—they expand what’s possible.

6. Leadership is messy—and that’s part of the work.

Nash loves mud. He finds it, runs through it, rolls in it—fully committed. And yet, he always cleans up just fine. Leadership is no different. It’s not polished or pristine. It’s hard, uncomfortable, and at times… messy. But avoiding the mess means avoiding the work that matters—growth, conflict, truth-telling, repair. The goal isn’t to stay clean. It’s to step in and trust you—and your team—will come out stronger.

Nash doesn’t know anything about leadership theory.

But he lives the principles many of us spend years trying to learn.

Warmth. Trust. Loyalty. Presence. Curiosity.

Not bad for a one-year-old golden retriever.

Pull up a chair—and maybe take a lesson from someone who leads with their whole heart. 🐾