Leadership Lessons from Abroad

Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t just eye-opening; it’s transformational. My first 48 hours in Madrid taught me more about leadership, relationships, and personal growth than I could have imagined. From the cobblestone streets to late-night dinners, Madrid offered lessons that reached far beyond its borders.

‍

Disconnect to Reconnect

Madrid isn’t a place for staring at screens. Walking into a packed restaurant with 21 people, I noticed something shocking—no one was glued to their phone. They were laughing, talking, and completely present. Except me. I was the one scrolling.

This level of attention is a wake-up call for leaders. Imagine running meetings where everyone is fully present—ideas flowing instead of notifications interrupting. A leader’s focus is powerful. It builds trust and fosters collaboration. The takeaway? To lead better, unplug.

‍

Late Nights Bring Big Results

In Spain, dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s an event. Meals start late, stretch into the night, and focus on connection. Sharing stories, laughing, and truly listening create bonds that matter.

Craig Coppola, a good friend of mine, always says, “Relationships are everything.” Madrid reinforced that for me. Whether you’re growing a team or leading a project, investing in meaningful connections can drive bigger results. Sometimes, it’s not about rushing to the next thing but savoring the moment you're in.

‍

Trust Your Instincts Over Tools

In Madrid, Yelp is a waste of time. Reviews can’t capture the soul of a city. Want to find a great spot? Use your senses. Smell the air. Check how busy a place is. On Monday night, I was turned away from two restaurants without reservations. Where do you think I’m heading back later this week?

Leadership is no different. While tools and data are helpful, nothing beats instincts honed by experience. Testing, adapting, and trusting yourself is where growth happens.

Quality Over Quantity Every Time

Madrid has a refreshing take on balance. Workouts (love you Basic-Fit!) are shorter but intense. Fanta soda? Just 15 grams of sugar—less than half of what I’m used to. It’s about quality, not excess.

Leadership mirrors this. It’s not about the hours you put in but the focus you bring to those hours. Craig captures it well: travel gives clarity not just about where you’ve been but also about yourself. Sometimes, doing less—but with purpose—achieves more.

‍

Treat People Well No Matter What

Even in Madrid’s quiet streets, kindness stood out. I saw two homeless individuals treated with dignity—smiles, handshakes, even resources offered. Museums even offer free hours for unemployed people. This level of humanity is humbling.

How does this apply to leadership? Treat everyone with respect, no matter their role. That’s the foundation of trust and loyalty.

‍

Wrapping It Up

My first 48 hours in Madrid have been a whirlwind of lessons—some expected, others surprising. From letting go of distractions to embracing connections, the city has reminded me what great leadership looks like.

Are you ready to level up your leadership and business strategies? At StringCan Interactive, we specialize in helping businesses grow authentically and sustainably. Let’s uncover your next breakthrough together.

‍