Posts by mearls
Salt Water, Palm Trees, and Owning Your Calendar
There’s something about salt water that heals in ways no conference room or Teams notification ever could. Standing with my hand on a palm tree, the ocean stretched before me, and I felt the rhythm of the waves syncing with my own breath. It wasn’t just a vacation, it was a reminder. The ocean doesn’t…
Read MoreSuperfood Aruba: Where Groceries Feel Like Treasure Hunts
Every trip to Aruba has its own rhythm—sun, sand, ocean breezes, and a little ritual of wandering through Superfood, the island’s Dutch-inspired grocery store that feels like a blend of local culture and European tradition. Walking through the aisles, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and local fish to Dutch cheeses, specialty wines, and the…
Read MoreSurprise Find: Montes Cabernet in Aruba
There’s something magical about stumbling onto a familiar taste in an unexpected place. On a recent evening in Aruba, I found myself sitting on a balcony overlooking the Caribbean sunset, a glass of Montes Cabernet Sauvignon in hand. The best part? I didn’t discover it in some tucked-away wine bar or resort list. I found…
Read MoreFinding Forward Motion
Explore the journey of Finding Forward Motion through personal scars and the challenges of leadership and team dynamics.
Read MoreManfredi Barolo 2020: A Taste of Piedmont in Paradise
When you think of Aruba, you picture white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sunsets that paint the horizon gold. You don’t necessarily think of Barolo—the “King of Wines” from Piedmont, Italy. But sometimes travel surprises you, and in Aruba, I found myself with a glass of Manfredi Barolo 2020, bringing Old World elegance to the…
Read MoreVacation, Time Management, and Life
There’s something about standing on a quiet beach, looking out at the ocean, that makes you think differently about time. In our day-to-day lives, we’re surrounded by pings, meetings, inboxes, and endless to-do lists. We measure time in 30-minute calendar blocks or in how quickly we can clear out our notifications. But when you step…
Read MoreParini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: Rustic Italian Charm in the Glass
Sometimes the best wines are not the most expensive or the most complex, but the ones that feel effortless—wines that invite conversation, complement a meal, and capture the heart of their homeland. That’s exactly what I found with Parini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, an Italian red that carries the warmth of Abruzzo straight to the table. The…
Read MoreThe Mystery Key We All Carry
I was staring at my keychain the other day and noticed a key I’ve been carrying around for years. No clue what it opens. At some point, it was important enough to add, but is it still relevant now? It’s just a weight in my pocket. It hit me: this is how routine creeps in.…
Read MoreFinding Forward Motion… and Why My Walk-Out Deck Matters
Not all scars are visible, but every one of them tells a story. Some are easy to see, like a skinned knee after pushing all-out on a treadmill. Others are hidden, shaped by giving 150% and still wondering if it’s enough. Both kinds matter. They remind us we’ve been tested, and that we’re still moving…
Read MoreAzure AI Foundry: The Everyday Router for Your AI Life
In my role today, I support AI workloads for customers across industries. That means I spend a lot of time looking at toolsets—what’s hype, what’s real, and what will make life easier for the people building with AI. Here’s what I keep seeing: A customer falls in love with a new LLM—let’s say OpenAI’s latest.…
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