Thought Leadership
Ideas Worth Leading With
Discover thought-provoking perspectives and insights designed to inspire purposeful leadership, meaningful conversations, and personal growth. From leadership principles and workplace culture to wellbeing, community engagement, and living with intention, this collection explores concepts that challenge ideas, spark reflection, and encourage positive impact in both business and life.
Community
Leading thoughts
Newsletter April 2026
In this issue, find these articles of interest:
Things in the Works, highlights of upcoming programs and events; A photo essay by Raj Manickam on “Kicking the Can; An essay by Jon Strickler on how Inside First delivers high-performance; Leading Perspectives: a book summary of Dare to Lead by Brene Brown; An essay on Trust, our leading principle for April
Newsletter Archives
Newsletter April 2026
In this issue, find these articles of interest:
Things in the Works, highlights of upcoming programs and events; A photo essay by Raj Manickam on “Kicking the Can; An essay by Jon Strickler on how Inside First delivers high-performance; Leading Perspectives: a book summary of Dare to Lead by Brene Brown; An essay on Trust, our leading principle for April
Gallery
Photos & Videos
Check out our images and videos from events, programs, teachings, and more...
Resources
Curriculum
Learning
An orientation towards acquiring knowledge and gaining wisdom; an attitude of growing; asking more questions than answers
Perspectives
Distilled Wisdom: What Decades of Leadership Teach
From the Alliance archives — quotes, practices, and principles that endure across every sector.
Guidebooks
Dialogue Guidebook
This guidebook was created to help everyone grasp the value of the dialogue process and to learn how to put it to effective use. It covers what dialogue really is, how it works, when to use it and how it compares with our more common ways of communicating. This guide will also provide a kind of a “starter kit” to get you going.
But dialogue by itself may not be enough. Experience has shown that people want to see some action coming out of dialogue. Just reaching a new level of understanding often begs the question –“what should we be doing about this?” For many people, this question moves them into the action mode.
While several people could be acknowledged for their contributions to this thinking, Suzanne Maxwell, stands out. Her guidance and leadership in promoting and using dialogue has been invaluable!
READINGS
Selected Reading: Learning as Way of Being
The turbulence in our culture, in our organizations and in our lives represents one of leadership’s greatest challenges. Peter Vaill uses the metaphor of “permanent white water” to describe the pace, confusion, and the jarring reality of change brought on by technology. He makes the case that an attitude of continual learning is the best strategy in these complex, unpredictable systems-driven environments.
Distilled wisdom
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Readings
Highlight #1
Selected Reading: Learning as Way of Being
The turbulence in our culture, in our organizations and in our lives represents one of leadership’s greatest challenges. Peter Vaill uses the metaphor of “permanent white water” to describe the pace, confusion, and the jarring reality of change brought on by technology. He makes the case that an attitude of continual learning is the best strategy in these complex, unpredictable systems-driven environments.
Highlight #2
Selected Reading: The Power of Purpose
Richard Leider’s book is a comprehensive guide to purpose, why it’s important in today’s fast-paced world, and how to identify it. Leider argues that American culture has become enslaved to an ethic of “more-better-faster” and is losing touch with the capacity for reflection and silence. He claims our modern technologies are actively isolating us from one another. High-tech is hijacking the high-touch.
Newsletter Archive
Highlight #3
Selected Reading: Attitude is Everything: 10 Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude into Action
A positive attitude affects everything in your life; putting this idea into action is the focus of this book. Harrell reminds us ways that changing your thinking can change your beliefs, which in turn can change your actions, and your destiny.
Newsletter Archive
The Vail Leadership Alliance has had a meaningful impact on both business leaders and the broader Vail Valley community by fostering a style of leadership rooted not simply in achievement, but in character, purpose, and connection. Through its Inside First™ framework, the Alliance encourages leaders to begin with self-awareness, values, and personal growth before focusing on external success or organizational performance.
For many business and civic leaders, the Alliance has created a rare space for honest dialogue, reflection, and mentorship. Its RoundTable and Foundations of Leadership programs bring together small groups of peers who explore ethical leadership, life transitions, and purposeful decision-making in a confidential and supportive environment. Over the past twenty-five years, many hundreds of leaders throughout the Vail Valley have participated in these programs, including individuals who now serve in influential roles across local government, business, hospitality, and nonprofit organizations.
The Alliance’s impact extends far beyond professional development. By encouraging collaboration over competition and meaningful dialogue over division, it helps strengthen the social fabric of the community itself. Its partnerships with organizations such as the Vail Symposium, Vail Daily, Rotary Club, and local nonprofits create opportunities for thoughtful conversations around purpose, leadership, service, and community wellbeing.
Perhaps most importantly, the Vail Leadership Alliance reminds people that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is expressed through mentorship, service, generosity, and the willingness to positively influence others. In a fast-paced world that often prioritizes productivity over humanity, the Alliance has helped cultivate a community of leaders who are more grounded, collaborative, and intentional in the way they live, work, and serve the Vail Valley.
What People Are Saying About Us
The retreat was just priceless for the opportunity to take a break out of our days and to reflect on what matters the most in life (where we’d like to be and how to get there). The weekend was priceless for me to learn and connect from others and hearing their stories and how they faced the issues that they were up against. I am looking forward to a rejuvenated group moving forward and making a significant difference in the community together. As always, I walk away from one of those weekends feeling like I’m on fire. Thank you for creating that feeling and supporting it.
Seth Ehrlich
Executive Director, Snowboard Outreach Society
When I was starting Walking Mountains Science Center, I needed all of the support I could muster up—mentally, spiritually, financially, and otherwise. I found all of this, and more, through these programs. In-depth dialogues with other community members and thought leaders such as Peter Senge, Terry Minger, and David Burger provided me with insights and networks that inspired my work and helped me grow Walking Mountains in the early days. I am grateful for all of the personal and professional growth I have gained, and continue to build upon, through VLI’s programs.
Dr. Kim Langmaid
Founder, Walking Mountains Science Center