Lunch with Old Friends

I had lunch the other day with my high school football coach and a former teammate from that same team. It was an awesome experience—not just because of the shared stories or laughs, but because of what those long-standing relationships represent.

We talked about life now, but in doing so, we tapped into something deeper: a shared history that offered a sense of grounding and reflection. There’s something uniquely powerful about spending time with people who’ve known you for decades. It’s not just a social catch-up—it’s a reconnection with earlier versions of yourself.

These kinds of relationships often offer a level of comfort and honesty that’s hard to replicate. The feedback hits differently when it comes from someone who’s seen your growth over time. In a way, catching up with people from your past is a quiet form of self-reflection—it’s like holding up a mirror to who you were, who you are, and who you’re becoming.

If you haven’t reconnected recently with people from earlier chapters of your life, I highly recommend it. Whether it’s lunch, coffee, or even a phone call, it’s a simple but meaningful way to reconnect—not just with them, but with a part of yourself.

How Leaders Can Apply This:

• Strengthen Your Self-Awareness Through Long-Term Feedback
  Reach out to trusted people from earlier in your life or career and ask them how they’ve seen you grow—and where they still see opportunity.
• Build Continuity in Your Leadership Story
  Reflecting on your journey with those who knew you “back when” helps you see patterns in your leadership style and values that have stood the test of time.
• Reinvest in Long-Term Relationships
  Leadership isn’t just about networks—it’s about authentic networks. Reconnecting with old mentors, peers, or teammates reinforces relational depth that can support and guide you in unexpected ways.

Sometimes, looking back is exactly what helps you move forward with clarity.