Leadership, Liberty, and the Lessons That Stuck With Us

Some nights are worth pausing to reflect on. The Union League’s Leadership & Liberty CEO Summit was one of them.

Conceived and brought to life by AgileCat’s Top Cat, Peter Madden, the evening gathered an incredible audience of business and civic leaders inside the historic Union League of Philadelphia for an honest, fireside style conversation about leadership, resilience, and values. We captured some great photos from the night, but what stayed with us most were the insights shared from the stage.

These were not polished soundbites or rehearsed answers. They were real moments from leaders who have lived through pressure, uncertainty, and growth. A few takeaways stood out.

When your mind races, write it down

Jim Dever shared a simple but powerful habit. When worries surface in the early hours of the morning, instead of lying awake replaying challenges, he gets up and journals what is weighing on his mind. Putting thoughts on paper creates clarity. Often, solutions begin to reveal themselves once the noise quiets. It is a reminder that leadership does not always require immediate action. Sometimes it starts with reflection.

Trust your instincts even when others disagree

Kate Wood spoke candidly about listening to your inner voice. There are moments when family, friends, or colleagues may believe they know the right path for you. But if something does not feel right, it is worth paying attention. Trusting your heart and choosing the direction that aligns with your values can be uncomfortable, but it is often where the most meaningful growth happens.

You do not have to carry it alone

Commissioner Kevin Bethel emphasized the importance of mentors and trusted relationships. Leadership comes with tough days and even tougher news. Trying to shoulder it all in isolation only makes it heavier. Having people you can call, people who have been there before and will answer when you need them, is not a weakness. It is a necessity.

Learn the business from the ground up

Jay Shah reminded us that strong leadership is built through experience. Long before becoming a global hospitality leader, he was mowing lawns and working as a bellhop at his family’s first hotel, the Starlight Inn. By learning every part of the operation from the inside out, he gained perspective, empathy, and credibility. Getting your hands dirty builds a kind of understanding that cannot be taught from a distance.

The Leadership & Liberty Summit was a reminder that great leadership is not about titles or polish. It is about habits, values, and the willingness to learn, ask for help, and trust yourself along the way.

We are grateful to the Union League, the America 250 Committee, and every leader who shared their time and perspective. This conversation set a powerful tone as AgileCat begins its 25th Silver Anniversary year, and we are excited for what comes next.