BW CEO Bob Chapman met Dr. Anita Sanchez a few years ago through a mutual friend, William Ury. Since then, Anita and her husband, Kit Tennis, have become great supporters of what we’re trying to do at Barry-Wehmiller, spreading the message about the power of Truly Human Leadership.

As is described on her website, Anita’s book, The Four Sacred Gifts: Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times, is a guide "in living as whole, joyful human beings in our modern lives. Through a series of breath-taking, up-lifting stories drawn from experiences of leaders in business and communities around the world as well as from her own amazing journey, the author inspires us to discover and trust our gifts showing us how to become the life-giving connection to all: People, Spirit and the Earth."

The principles Anita writes about and their connection to her heritage align closely to the similarities Bob has identified between leadership and parenting. When we lead others, when it comes to building teams, having a connection – like a family – is so important.

Sometimes, as leaders, we need to reconnect with the idea of what a family is to be able to connect with others. Anita’s book is filled with the wisdom to try to do that in order to move toward a world where people feel like they matter.