Blog

What can a sled dog teach us about leadership? As it turns out—quite a lot. This July, HCO staff and members of our Board of Directors gathered for a powerful summer leadership training that was anything but ordinary. Our guest speaker, Chris Heeter from The Wild Institute, brought insights not from a corner office, but from the backcountry—drawing on her experiences as a wilderness guide, dog musher, and poet to invite us into a different kind of learning. Through stories of frozen trails, unpredictable terrain, and the quiet wisdom of her sled dog team, we were challenged to see leadership not as a title, but as a daily practice—one rooted in presence, authenticity, and welcome. We were encouraged to reflect on how we show up for our work. Being present means paying close attention—to the people we support, to our coworkers, and to ourselves. Just [...]