My Wizard of Oz Experience

In early April, I flew into Nashville during ongoing tornado warnings and touchdowns. I flew out during them, too.

It felt … symbolic.

Because in The Wizard of Oz, it’s a tornado that carries Dorothy from the known into the unknown, from Kansas into color. A storm that delivers her to a journey of wisdom, courage, and self-trust.

Nashville felt like that for me.

We all think we’re heading toward something shiny: the Emerald City, the Great and Powerful Oz, the answers we’ve been waiting for.

If you just achieve this *one* last thing, you’ll finally be happy.

No? Okay, just *one* more.

But when you arrive, there’s always another step. Another test. Another voice telling you, “Not quite yet.”

What if you could have the curtain pulled back, showing you the truth?

That’s what Marshall Goldsmith did for me at his home, during meals, and in the full-day training he hosted.

He could have played the part. Given us a script. Stuck to the story.

Instead, he told us the disappointing yet empowering truth.

Marshall pulled the curtain back on the difference between:
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• What we wish were true (the ideal): That doing meaningful work with integrity is enough to guarantee recognition or momentum.
• What we’re told is true (the hype): That all you need is a viral moment, a polished brand, or a massive following to “make it.”
• And what’s actually true (the real rules of the game, fairness or not): That relationships move the needle. That truth isn’t always pretty. And sometimes, the people who succeed are the ones bold enough to ask for what they want.

No smoke. No mirrors. Just Marshall.

And like the Scarecrow. With a brain, a heart, and a whole lot of courage.

The character who didn’t believe he had a brain was actually the wisest voice on the journey.

And the Great and Powerful Oz? He was a feeble little man hiding behind a curtain, pushing buttons, blowing smoke, fearful of being discovered.

We all carry a bit of that imposter illusion from time to time, don’t we?

So when I left Nashville - through one final bout of turbulence - I had more clarity and a deep reminder that real influence doesn’t require illusion.

It requires discernment.
Generosity.
And the boldness to step out from behind your curtain.