The Scotsman

Happy Friday,

The taller you are, the more you're aware of someone taller. And so it was at La Boticella of Poggi Giovanni in Rome. There, a redheaded Scotsman stood in his kilt, 6’7 if he was a foot.

Giovanni’s bar is a favorite of flight crews and I was there with the Delta pilot who flew us there, a valued friend. Also in town was Rugby, and Giovanni’s was the choice of fans from the British Isles.

Giovanni was explaining the history of Tre Fontane when my friend appeared. “Dave, you need to come over and meet this guy.” Seated at his table was the Scot. He rose with a friendly smile, dwarfing my lean 6’4" frame. We shook hands and sat.

Even his small talk was larger than life, delivered in a thick Scottish patois replete with colorful images. I wanted to remember every word but there was no way. So, I laid my phone on the table, and in response to my request to record he gave a friendly nod.

Here are two highlights. First, while discussing the art of living a worthy life, I referenced the role of self-actualization.

“Aye self-actualization. It's like findin' yer true north, ken? It's about discoverin' the deepest layers of your own heart. It's not just about survivin', but thrivin'— nae aboot bein' content; it's aboot becomin' the bonnie version o' yerself. The art o' polishin' yer thistle until yer inner glow bursts forth, lightin' up the glens with the true spirit o' who ye are. It's a journey, a quest for excellence, that forges the soul, testin' ye at every turn. (long pause) In the end tho, it's about standin' tall, with love as your guiding star, and inspirin' others to set forth on their ain path o' transformation.”

That led us to 'leadership' and the makings of a good leader - and his demeanor changed. Looking me squarely in the eyes his face became stern and instructive...like my understanding really mattered...

“A true leader, he or she, must have a heart that beats for the people they lead. It's not about dominion, but servitude—to protect and provide, to listen and learn. A great leader inspires people by standin' tall in the face of adversity, showin' them that courage and honor are not just words, but a way of life. It's about leadin' with integrity, settin' an example that others want to follow. A leader listens to the hopes and fears of those they lead, givin' them a voice and makin' them feel valued.

But it's more than that; it's about castin' a vision of a better future, a dream worth pursuin'. It's rallyin' a team, unitin' them toward a common purpose, and showin' them the path forward. A great leader knows the strength of the people lies in their unity, and they bring them together like the threads of this tartan here, weavin' a tapestry of strength and resilience.

Aye, in the end, a leader inspires by walkin' beside their people, sharin' in their struggles and triumphs, and lettin' their heart guide them toward the greater good. That, my friend, is how a leader ignites the fire of inspiration in the hearts of their followers."

His wife now behind him leaned in with a smile. "Time to go Jamie." "Aye, Sassenach..."

A high value conversation, well to be shared and remembered. And I'll now be wishin’ you a bonnie weekend,

Dave

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Written by me and a wee bit o’ ChatGPT, with speed assist and blunder avoidance by Grammarly