I used to think leadership was about drive, discipline, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. And yes, there’s truth to that. But my perspective shifted over time—and especially after one powerful, painful moment. Leadership isn’t just about winning at work. It’s about showing up where it matters most.
Life often teaches us lessons we didn’t ask for. One moment, you’re fielding media calls and chasing deadlines. Next, you realize that the real win wasn’t in the office—it was on the field where you should’ve been, fully present. This isn’t about guilt but what happens when a personal moment collides with professional ambition—and what I learned from it as a leadership consultant. Stick with me; what I missed may help you avoid the same scenario.
The Call That Cost Me a Moment
I was heading to one of my son’s baseball games. Typical day—calls to make, things to handle. I pulled into the parking lot, phone still pressed to my ear. I stepped out, trying to wrap it up, half-present but focused on “finishing the task.” As I approached the field, I heard the crowd erupt. Cheers. Excitement. Something big had happened.
I paid to get in, still distracted, and walked over to our section. A few parents turned to me, wide-eyed and smiling.
“Did you see it?” they asked.
See what?
“Your son just hit a grand slam.”
That’s when it hit me. I was seconds too late. Not a home run. A grand slam. His grand slam. And I missed it.
Work Will Wait, But Moments Won’t
As a leadership consultant, I coach others on how to be intentional. But that day, I wasn’t. That moment has never left me. Leadership isn’t just what you do at the office or in front of your team. It’s also about being present in your life. That grand slam was a turning point—a reminder that what matters most isn’t always business. Sometimes, it’s ballgames, ballet recitals, or quiet dinners.
The Formula That Changed Everything
Success is great. But I’ve learned that without significance, it leaves you hollow.
Now, I live by a simple formula:
Success + Significance = Satisfaction
- Success feeds your ambition.
- Significance fills your soul.
- Satisfaction? That’s the reward of a life well led.
You don’t get there by luck. You get there by showing up—fully, honestly, intentionally.
Be the Kind of Leader Who’s Present—Not Just Busy
The people I work with want more than promotions or growth charts. They want to be the kind of leader who’s confident at work and present at home. But when life gets hectic, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction—like you’re doing everything but experiencing nothing.
At Ray Sanders, I understand that tension. I’ve lived it. And now, through my work in leadership consulting, I help others lead with clarity, presence, and purpose. Let’s work together to help you win—at work and in life.
