Steel Toes & Plaid – Field Notes


Slingshot Designs Presents

Steel Toes & Plaid

Field notes on systems, self-leadership, preparation, observation, community, and the work of deciding what happens next.


  • A Mug, A Dog, and a Sentence About the Mind: Civilization, Distilled

    A Mug, A Dog, and a Sentence About the Mind: Civilization, Distilled

    A mug, a sleeping dog, and a sentence about the mind reveal what leadership often forgets: safety, agency, and humane systems are built in ordinary moments, not grand…

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  • Top 3 English words and phrases I’ve embraced:

    Top 3 English words and phrases I’ve embraced:

    Language is not decoration; it is operating equipment. Words like “brilliant,” “give it a go,” and “actually” quietly shape psychological safety, accuracy, and shared agency. Leadership lives in…

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  • Freedom Within a Framework | Cardinal Chronicles

    Freedom Within a Framework | Cardinal Chronicles

    A reflective essay on freedom as an entry condition, grace as a chosen paradigm, and virtue as the force that governs action. Part of the Cardinal Chronicles series,…

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  • Courage Has a Season

    Every year, our seasons and traditions grow more rich and robust—and that’s both the magic and the mess of it. The longer we live, the more the holidays…

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  • The Art of Connection

    The Art of Connection

    In the ever-evolving world, the art of forging genuine connections remains timeless. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or partners, establishing a genuine rapport paves the way for collaborative…

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  • Beyond the Obstacle

    Beyond the Obstacle

    Challenges in business are a given, but it’s our response to them that defines our trajectory. Looking beyond the immediate obstacle, there lies a realm of opportunity and…

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