The Overlooked Truth: Self-development is Leadership Development

Our men's circle and the sunset from Cole Farm, New Hampshire

Recently I read an article in CNBC about a hospice physician who has spent decades with people at the end of their lives. His reflection about money was striking: regardless of wealth or status, the people who found the most meaning and peace were those who had invested in themselves. Not in cars or houses or titles—but in therapy, in coaching, in health, in practices that built resilience and allowed them to live more fully.

That perspective stayed with me as I prepared for a men’s retreat led by a trusted friend and colleague Will White. For several days, I was surrounded by nature and by other men navigating their own transitions. We hiked, sat by the fire, shared meals, practiced yoga and meditation—and spoke candidly about the weight we carry, the doubts we wrestle with, and the ways our choices ripple through our families and work.

For me, the retreat was a rare chance to pause and reflect on the arc of my own career: the rewards, the sacrifices, the grief of a closed business, and the impact on those closest to me. It was also a moment to face my own inner dialogue—the doubts that come with starting something new, the self-imposed expectations that can so easily overshadow joy, and the reminder that leadership isn’t just about what we give to others, but also about how we care for and tend to ourselves.

It struck me that investing in yourself often feels like the hardest thing to justify. It costs time. It costs money. And yet, it might be the most important decision we make—for our health, our families, our work, and ultimately, for the kind of leaders we become.

As I look ahead to the work of building supportive experiences for those who lead and care for others, I’m convinced more than ever that investing in ourselves isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

When was the last time you truly invested in yourself—not for productivity’s sake, but for your own growth and well-being?

It’s easy to feel guilty for stepping away from the constant demands of work or to believe that only investments tied directly to business outcomes are justified. But the truth is, self-development is leadership development—and the leaders who embrace that truth build stronger, more resilient organizations.

The fall colors from our vista on Cube Mountain, NH

To learn more about Will and his retreats, visit wmai.org