Adam Ritchie, founder of High Potential Group in Detroit, Michigan, shares his lifelong passion for skiing, which began at age seven and later evolved into becoming a ski instructor. He remembers growing up with Saturday ski club bus trips and racing on his high school ski team, describing how skiing brought joy and resilience to Michigan winters. Adam explains how returning to the slopes rejuvenates him and brings energy to his life and work, refreshing his mindset for the week ahead. He emphasized the meaningful impact of teaching others, from helping anxious adults conquer their fears to seeing lightbulb moments in learners of all ages. Adam highlights strong similarities between ski instruction and leadership consulting, pointing out the importance of empathy, meeting people where they are, and recognizing the human side of everyone. He believes passionately in bringing his all parts of himself, including being a father, husband, and ski instructor, into his professional world, encouraging others to do the same.

Episode Highlights

· Skiing and ski instructing fill Adam's soul and give him new energy for life and work.
· Teaching skiing and consulting both focus on creating "light bulb moments" for people, connecting them to new perspectives and skills.
· Adam believes it's important to share your outside-of-work passions at work, as it deepens human connection and makes corporate culture more empathetic.
· Leadership is most effective when it recognizes employees as whole people with multiple aspects to their lives, not just workers, saying, "We're human first and employees second."
· Being open about hobbies and interests can build stronger relationships at work.