Traveling isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about learning. My recent trip to Europe, and especially Holland, was an eye-opening experience that reinforced some powerful lessons about pride, structure, and leadership—lessons that we should all be applying in our businesses.
As I met with customers, partners, and industry leaders, I couldn’t help but notice key themes that stood out in every conversation, every interaction, and every business I encountered. Here’s what we can all take away from Europe’s playbook.
One of the most striking takeaways from my visit was the overwhelming pride people have in their country and their work. Everywhere I went, I saw people deeply invested in representing Holland in the best way possible.
Their national pride wasn’t just about waving a flag—it was reflected in the way they approach business, relationships, and service.
This pride translates into excellence in execution. When people take ownership of their work, they naturally push for higher standards, better service, and stronger customer experiences.
Pride in what we do drives performance. The more we believe in our companies, our industries, and even our countries, the more we strive to be better, more innovative, and more customer-focused.
The second major takeaway? Disciplined processes and systems are key to long-term excellence.
In many of the businesses I visited, success wasn’t random—it was built on repeatable, well-structured processes. Whether it was sales, customer service, or operations, these companies had tight systems in place to ensure efficiency, consistency, and growth.
This stood out because, in our own industry, we sometimes become complacent. We assume that what worked yesterday will work tomorrow, without refining or improving our approach. That’s a mistake.
Systems create consistency. Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter with structured, scalable processes.
The most inspiring lesson from my trip? The power of hospitality and relationship-building.
Everywhere I went, I was met with warmth, generosity, and a genuine desire to connect. Whether it was business leaders, customers, or everyday professionals, there was a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Great leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about building trust, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for innovation and growth.
Relationships are everything. Hospitality, respect, and genuine care for people create an environment where teams thrive, customers stay loyal, and businesses grow.
Lessons are only valuable if they’re applied. If we recognize the power of pride, the necessity of strong processes, and the impact of relationships, we can transform the way we do business.
Success isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we do it. If we integrate these lessons into our businesses, we won’t just grow—we’ll inspire.