Testimonials

During 45 years of skiing, I have seldom skied with anyone who can mirror my ability, or enthusiasm. Skiing with Lance was the exception to that. This man is a superb skier and a very skilled and willing coach for others. It was a delight to watch the whispering vapor trails of snow spinning off his ski tails in front of me, and to feel as one in our experience of this marvelous sport in the Colorado sunshine.

What an inspiring time—I am still in awe of the entire experience. This was the first time I've ever truly had an "experiential learning" experience. Typically when I go to trainings, seminars, conferences, etc I sit in a classroom or I am on a conference call learning the principles, etc and then I must go back into my world and figure out how to apply what I have learned. By using the mountain as our classroom we immediately brought the learnings deep into our body, mind and spirit—our entire being. I am finding that I'm incorporating what I learned and the metaphors used this past weekend throughout all aspects of my life (leading my business, my finances, etc). It is my deepest desire to have many people experience the Leadership Summit (and more specifically you and your approach).

I certainly didn’t expect to be skiing double black diamond runs within two hours of hitting the slopes (especially after 18 years of no skiing), but the strength, wisdom and love of a trusted teacher brought out the best in me. It is a great testament that we can all reach our potential if we will just ‘reach.’ Following the lead of an expert like Lance makes ‘reaching’ easy, graceful, successful, and did I mention fun!!! Lance embodies passion, courage, joy, trust, integrity and results! What a gift he is to the planet for modeling conscious commerce, integrity in business and relationships, abundance, love for humanity, and passion for life! Thank you my friend.

The leadership summit was much more and quite different from what I was expecting. In fact, I’m still processing the catharsis that I experienced during those 4 days. It was amazingly rewarding, challenging and emotional. It seems like every day since my time at Copper Mountain, new lessons, ideas and beliefs about myself and leadership have emerged and become clearer. The days of skiing were totally exhilarating; navigating double-black diamond mogul runs, jumping off cliffs, skiing over a frozen waterfall and curving around pine trees. Best of all was gliding through several feet of fresh powder where the only visible tracks were our own. Daytime breaks and evening dinners were filled with rich conversations and exchanges among the group – this was a group of people who came together in an inspiring setting with the same intention: to learn from and share a unique and profound leadership opportunity with Lance Secretan. The ski summit provided real and clear proof that breakthrough things happen when you follow, and are led by the CASTLE principles and when you understand and honor your Destiny, Cause and Calling. The skiing that I did, and the experience I had was only possible because I believed in and lived those principles; and because Lance, as our leader, lived the principles as well. The other lesson that became clear to me was that regardless of changes in the external environment (in our case, changes in weather…and believe me, there were drastic changes from day-to-day, and even hour-to-hour!); what sustained me and my desire/ability to ski with brilliance were the CASTLE principles. The external environment was secondary and this is learning that I will apply and keep in mind now that I’ve returned to my “day job”. I was the most novice skier in the group. I hadn’t strapped on a pair of skies in more than a decade…and it didn’t matter one bit!! I would recommend this summit for anyone who is yearning for inspiration and a reawakening for what is possible – without a doubt, it has been that for me.

Attending the leadership summit was truly a WOW! experience. The format for this summit was different than any I have attended and provided an extremely engaging learning experience as a result. I experienced a variety of emotions and feelings during the 4 days. I found that the day’s events provided a feeling of pure exhilaration and challenged me as to how I can and will enhance my leadership. The group environment was particularly rewarding and from the time we all arrived and introduced ourselves over dinner, we became close and felt part of a very special experience. We were challenged to describe what we would like to come away with from the Leadership Summit in terms of objectives or results. Personally, I came away feeling that I greatly exceeded my objectives and I believe my colleagues would echo my thoughts. The whole approach to the 4 days was experiential: working through and living the CASTLE Principles. We approached our skiing considering each of the principles and spent time discussing these on the mountain and at breaks. In sharing these discussions and with the support of the group I experienced skiing as I never would have imagined. I have not been on skis for approximately 7 years and found myself mastering double-black diamond mogul runs, skiing through trees, over waterfalls and through the most amazing untouched knee deep powder snow at 12,800 feet above sea level. This was an opportunity to participate in an inspiring environment with a group of outstanding people while learning through the leadership of Lance Secretan. Lance lives the CASTLE principles and shared with us how this can make a difference on our lives and those around us. In addition to the CASTLE principles we learned how to define and understand our Destiny, Cause and Calling. This has really made a difference in how I approach everything I do, whether at work or in my personal life. With an understanding of my Destiny, Cause and Calling and challenging myself to live and practice the CASTLE principles, I am realizing that I can make a difference and I better understand my accountability as a leader. I found it almost calming to become deeply aware of my Destiny and therefore commit to avoiding paths or environments in the future that take me away from that end. This summit was exhilarating, inspirational and provided clarity for me and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learn in an environment that is a living practice and example of the CASTLE principles.

I am inspired to let you know how much First Command has changed and continues to change since the introduction of Higher Ground Leadership into our company. I am filled with gratitude that our leaders elected to follow the Higher Ground Leadership® path and that I am part of it. My retreat was held in January this year and still my enthusiasm remains high 9 months later. Serving others is my new way of life. Higher Ground Leadership has changed my life and I cannot tell you in how many ways.

Thank you for your words of love and inspiration. Thank you for who you are and for helping us become who we are, servant leaders.