After decades of international travel, I finally made it to a destination that holds deep personal meaning – Hungary, the birthplace of my parents. My wife and I spent 12 days abroad, beginning with time in Hungary and continuing on a Danube River cruise. It was a trip of many firsts: our first time in Hungary, our first river cruise – and perhaps most significantly, my first trip without a laptop in more than 20 years.
For someone who has built a career around operational resilience, leaving my laptop behind was no small decision. But it turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons I’ve experienced in recent years.
Lessons from Stepping Back
Traveling without the safety net of a laptop forced me to fully trust the systems, leaders, and teams I’ve worked hard to develop. What I learned was simple but powerful:
- Resilient programs don’t rely on one person. When built thoughtfully, they continue to operate seamlessly regardless of who is—or isn’t—present.
- Empowered leaders make all the difference. Delegating responsibility and authority gives people the confidence to carry the mission forward.
- Well-trained teams are the backbone. Skills, preparation, and shared commitment ensure that work stays on track, even when key leaders step away.
Operational resilience isn’t only about robust processes and strong technology. It’s equally about trust, delegation, and investing in people.
A Broader Perspective
The trip was more than professional reflection—it was also deeply personal. Walking the streets of Budapest, overlooking the Danube, and reconnecting with my family’s heritage provided a powerful reminder of why stepping back matters.
I returned home grateful:
- Grateful for the chance to reconnect with my roots.
- Grateful for uninterrupted time with my partner.
- And grateful for a renewed perspective on leadership, resilience, and the strength of people who show up every day to make a difference.