Acknowledgments

If I’ve learned anything on this leadership journey, it’s how to surround myself with smart people who know a lot about things I don’t. Any project of significance takes an entire team to pull it off properly. This book, of course, is no different. Writing it has been an incredible experience, a powerful time of reflection and appreciation, and many people have helped me reach the destination of author. I’m thankful to all of them.

My parents, of course, from the beginning set me off on this journey, and more importantly showed me the beauty of what a leader’s life grounded in integrity and guided by goodness looks like. They also patiently read the manuscript of this book in its earliest stages and gave me valuable insights and suggestions to make it better.

My husband, Raye, and our children, Mackenzie and Jackson, have inspired me, challenged me, and supported me. They’ve loved me for who I am, regardless of where the journey has led us. Being a wife and a mom have been the best jobs I’ve ever had, and I am blessed to be part of their lives.

The team at Mitchell Communications Group—those who are with us now and those who have been here through the years—I couldn’t have done any of this without you. This dream team has helped shape me as a leader, as a professional, and as a friend. They have put up with me at my worst and inspired me to be my best. Special thanks to the visionaries and risk-takers who did some heavy lifting along the way to help make Mitchell what it is now, especially Michael Clark, Sarah Clark, Blake Woolsey, Marla Hunt, Heather Ellington, Larry Templeton, Kate Andersen, Holly Gilbert, Cydnee Cochran, and Jameson Sheppard. Many of them were first to the party and loyal through the years. Thanks also to my erstwhile assistant, Lori Johnson, who does far more for me than anyone should have to, not to mention keeping me on schedule.

I’m thankful for our more than 70 current clients at Mitchell and the many others over the past two decades who have allowed us to work alongside them. It’s been a privilege to help them build their companies’ relationships, enhance their reputations, and achieve results that have made a meaningful difference for their businesses.

To my new friends and colleagues throughout Dentsu Aegis Network worldwide who have stretched me and helped me reach heights I never imagined—I am so grateful you are part of my life today. Particularly, Tim Andree, who believed in me as a leader and valued our agency enough to buy it. Of all our suitors, Tim and Dentsu were the right match for us, and we are privileged to be part of the Dentsu Aegis global family. And to Rob Horler, who has continued to champion my vision and dream of building a world-class PR capability—I’m lucky to call you my boss and thankful for your entrepreneurial spirit.

Early on in the writing process, I corralled a few trusted advisors and friends who have been a part of this 20-year ride at Mitchell in some way and who could give me meaningful advice. When I started this process, I wanted to write about all the perfect and smart things I have done through the years, but you have them to thank for challenging me to write about all the hard stuff real leaders face every day—fear, failure, doubt, confusion, and loss. Thank goodness. Their encouragement prompted me to share the authentic story of a leader’s journey and how difficult it really is, especially the path of entrepreneurship. I think this book is a far better read because of their vision. Thank you Blake Woolsey, Sarah Clark, David Roth, Stephen Caldwell, Michael Lasky, and Peggi Einhorn—all of whom have helped me refine the message I wanted to share. I am a better author for the guidance they gave me along the way. And there weren’t that many perfect and smart things anyway.

Several proven business leaders contributed in a very specific way to this book by giving of their time and allowing me to interview them and share their wisdom. Thanks to Wendy Davidson, Mike Duke, Harold Korell, Kara Trott, Julia Hood, Tim Andree, Jennifer Smith, Tommy Van Zandt, Cheryl Bacon, and Kent and Amber Brantly. I could write a book on each one of them and the powerful way they are being destination leaders with a journey mindset. I am inspired by them, grateful for their impact on my leadership experience, and thankful for their friendship.

I’m indebted to Heidi Krupp (agent extraordinaire) and Darren Lisiten of Krupp Kommunications. From the first time I met her, Heidi saw what I couldn’t see and pushed me to bring this book to other leaders. She lit a fire under me that few have been able to do. I aspire to have as much energy and passion for life as Heidi does. There is no one like her.

Donya Dickerson, Courtney Fischer, and the team at McGraw-Hill Education deserve special thanks. I’ll never forget my first phone conversation with Donya—standing behind a vending machine at the U.S. Naval Academy on a football game weekend selling her on my idea for a leadership book that could help leaders lead at their best. She believed in this book from that first call and has supported my writing throughout the entire process. Thank you, McGraw-Hill Education, for making my idea a reality.

Finally, I’m thankful to God for giving me a relentless drive to achieve the unlikely, talents beyond what I deserve, unexpected opportunities to use them, and for calling me to give all the good stuff away—the higher calling of leadership. May I reach this destination.