Finding 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 forward.

I’ve lived this as an overachiever, as a leader, and as a builder. The treadmill moments taught me that growth doesn’t always equal change, and that leadership is about recognizing the unseen effort in others, even when the “scars” don’t show.

That connects directly to something I’ve carried into my career: the walk-out deck.

What is a walk-out deck? It’s your highlight reel. A short, powerful deck (3–5 slides) designed to leave behind after a big meeting or use to open one. Think of it like a walk-out song; it sets the tone before a word is spoken.

Why does it matter? Because attention spans are short, and first impressions are everything. A strong walk-out deck captures who you are, what you do, and the impact you deliver—before the Q&A even begins.

How do you use it?

• As the opener in high-stakes meetings with execs
• As a takeaway that reinforces your story
• As a framework to remind yourself of what you stand for

What’s on my walk-out deck?

• Builder: of customer success, team success, and company success
• Resilience: three startups crashed, three sold, every scar a stepping stone
• Global perspective: experience across three continents, constantly transforming and adapting
• Passion for people: leadership built on empathy, energy, and helping others succeed

These aren’t just words on slides, they’re the moments, scars, and lessons that define me. They explain why I do what I do, and why I believe leadership is about lifting others while continuing to move forward together.

And just like the treadmill, a walk-out deck isn’t about running endlessly. It’s about finding the right pace, showing what you stand for, and proving, through scars and wins alike, that together, we don’t stop.