Thad Rice

 

Leadership, much like sailing, requires balance—between control and flexibility, strength and humility. My years on the water revealed that being “steady at the helm” isn’t just about steering through calm seas; it’s about navigating uncertainty with purpose and poise. The ocean, unpredictable and vast, mirrors the challenges leaders face daily: shifting winds, unseen obstacles , and moments that test judgment and resolve. When you’re the one at the wheel, every decision matters. A leader, like a captain, must trust both the instruments and the instincts that guide them. Leadership at sea taught me that authority is not granted by position alone—it’s earned through consistency, courage, and an unwavering commitment to those who depend on you. Trust as the Crew’s Foundation A ship cannot sail without trust. The captain must trust the crew, and the crew must trust the captain. This confidence is the glue that holds a team together when the sea turns wild. It’s not built overnight but thr...