The Martian Paradox explores what happens when a leader grows beyond the system they return to. Through personal stories from elite military assignments, embassy service, and high-level leadership programs, this piece unpacks the quiet challenge of reentry—how evolved leaders can feel out of place in legacy organizations, and what to do when the system isn’t ready for what you've become.

If you’ve ever come back from something that changed you—and struggled to reconnect with the world you left behind—this is for you.

Sometimes, leadership finds us before we even realize we’re ready. This past week, I witnessed it firsthand as my wife, Nelli, stepped into a leadership role at a business conference—not by seeking it, but by naturally guiding a conversation, sharing insights, and empowering others.

True leadership isn’t about authority or titles; it’s about stepping forward, contributing, and creating space for others to do the same. Watching Nelli embrace this moment reinforced a powerful lesson: when we surround ourselves with the right people, opportunities to lead become clear.

The Johari Window, introduced by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in 1955, is a powerful tool for understanding oneself and facilitating interpersonal communication. The model's power lies in its dynamic nature. As we interact, share, and receive feedback, the sizes of these quadrants change, promoting personal growth and improving relationships.