One Year In — On Environment, Leadership, and the People Around You

A year in, I have been thinking a lot about how much environment and leadership shape individual success. The last twelve months at International have not been perfect. There have been real bumps, moments of friction, and plenty of complexity that comes with meaningful change. What has stood out, though, is that the intent to improve is genuine. There is a clear incentive to challenge existing processes and a willingness to acknowledge where things can be better.

That intent only matters when it is backed by leadership that creates space for progress. Strong leadership sets direction, removes barriers, and trusts teams to do the work. When that foundation is in place, problems become opportunities instead of obstacles. That mindset has made a difference here and has reinforced for me how critical leadership is in turning ambition into actual outcomes.

Just as important has been the people. I have the privilege of working with teammates who are solution oriented, thoughtful, and driven. They take pride in their craft, hold themselves accountable for results, and are genuinely invested in improving the business, not just completing tasks. Being surrounded by people like that changes how you show up every day. It has made this past year a genuinely rewarding experience and one I am grateful for.