Want More Leadership Tips? Look Inside
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 | | In today's edition, Joe shares: - How Travel Changes You
- Highlights from Morzine
- More Leadership Tips
| | | | Spartans!
Fresh off the grueling Death Race in Vermont, I found myself boarding a long-haul flight to Saudi Arabia this week.
It's a familiar scenario — another trip, another adventure, while my family rolls their eyes and friends question my relentless travel schedule.
I began the flight by watching One Life starring Anthony Hopkins. I highly recommend it.
And don't tell anyone, but it made me cry like a baby. It's usually the movies that get me…not the burpees.
Back to travel…
Given the choice, I'd always prefer to be with my family, whether being playfully tortured by my girls or watching my boys wrestle—although now it's just one boy, as my eldest just left for college.
In today's virtual world, many ask, why should I travel at all? I should be able to run my business via Zoom, right?
For me, the answer is simple: real relationships are built face-to-face.
There's something irreplaceable about shaking hands and looking someone in the eye.
I love sharing a meal and experiencing the subtleties of conversation that technology just can't capture.
But traveling isn't just about new business opportunities. It introduces you to new foods, cultures, and ways of thinking. It fosters open-mindedness and appreciation for what you have back home.
For eight days, I soaked in the incredible diverse Saudi topography and witnessed the massive changes taking place.
One insightful evening was spent at the U.S. Embassy, where I was invited for dinner.
The ambitious vision of the new Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is a hot topic globally. Concerns about human rights, the pace of change, and geopolitical stability linger. At the dinner, Diplomats shared their perspectives on the socio-economic shifts.
In my normal day-to-day grind, these are topics I wouldn't spend much time thinking about. But traveling pushed me to consider and grapple with them all.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, traveling enhances problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional stability.
Exposure to new cultures and places stimulates our brains, giving us the ability to be flexible and innovative — essential traits for life.
It's about being part of the change, not just watching from the sidelines.
And for that, I'll continue to board those long flights. Knowing that every journey brings me closer to understanding and appreciating the world makes the sacrifice worth it.
The cool thing is that you don't need to fly to get the benefits.
Take a short drive to a nearby town you've never seen. Go out of your way to talk to people, and I promise you'll learn something special.
If you're ready for something more, we have hundreds of events to take you to far away places, from Croatia to Canada, Paris to Patagonia.
Keep pushing boundaries, fostering real connections, and making the most of every opportunity to learn and grow.
Here's to The Hard Way!
Joe | | | TOP MOMENTS FROM MORZINE | Over the weekend, Spartans united at the picturesque village set deep in the Chalais mountain range of Morzine, France. The Ultra World Championship and Trifecta Weekend was legendary. Missed the coverage? Here are the highlights: - Ulrikke Evensen (8:32:56) from Denmark dominated the women's event, winning by 47 minutes ahead of Petra Arvela. Ulrikke had only just returned from a significant elbow injury, which she thought might have been career-changing.
- Luca Pescollderungg (06:48:52) proved he is the king of the mountains with strong technical running downhill. He now holds titles as European and Ultra World Champion.
- A para-athlete with one leg took on unfinished business in his second attempt to complete the Morzine course. Reports also indicated that he and his girlfriend got married at one of the lakes halfway through the course! It was an emotional moment for spectators and fellow athletes as he crossed the finish line. A true test of resilience.
| | | | You Ask, Joe Answers | Q: Hey Joe, Could you share your approach on how to assert yourself as a leader effectively without appearing overly aggressive or forceful? Additionally, how do you recommend providing leadership without seeming competitive?
- Joaquin V.
A: Hey Joaquin. First, you gotta inspire. If you're inspirational, if you can sell your vision, if you bring energy to the conversation, there should be less friction among other leaders. Good energy is contagious! And people are more likely to follow someone who's fired up and clear about their goals. Second: Listen and observe. Pay attention to what others are saying. You can't lead if you're not aware of the team's concerns and ideas. Finally, rather than competing, focus on how you can compliment other leaders. Support them through offering solutions and insights to push the whole team forward.
Aroo!
Question for Joe? Want to tell him what you think of The Hard Way? Email him at thehardway@spartan.com. | | | | They Said It | | "Perseverance is genius in disguise." | | – Barry Sternlicht | | | HAPPENING TODAY: BREAK THE WORLD RECORD |  | Today is your last chance to join me and thousands of Spartans to make history. At 1:00 pm (PST).
In honor of "The Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne and to celebrate fitness icon Elaine LaLanne's 98th birthday, we'll unite to smash the record for "Most People Performing Jumping Jacks Simultaneously"
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