Inspiration and Gratitude
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer

This Friday, November 7th, marks my 10th annual Live2Lead event — a milestone that still amazes me. For the past decade, like-minded leaders have gathered at The Lodge in Skaneateles around this time of year to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged to grow.

There’s something truly special about The Lodge. From the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping into a grand Adirondack retreat from another era — nestled beside a peaceful pond and centered around a roaring stone fireplace. It’s hard to explain how a place so serene can also be so energizing — but somehow, it is.

We begin the morning with warm chocolate chip cookies and casual conversation, reconnecting with friends we might not have seen since last year. At 9:30, I welcome the group, and we dive into the first of five dynamic speakers. Although the speakers are virtual, the production quality is so high that it feels as though they’re right there in the room with us.

Just before lunch, we present the Transformational Leader of the Year Award — one of my favorite moments of the day. The stories behind the nominations are always deeply moving and remind us of what it truly means to be a servant leader.

Then comes lunch — an unforgettable buffet prepared by the Lodge’s talented chef. Honestly, words don’t do it justice; it’s just something you have to experience for yourself.

After lunch (and a few book giveaways featuring our speakers’ works), we return for two more powerful presentations before wrapping up the day. But for me, the best part often comes afterward — hearing attendees share their key takeaways:

• What ideas inspired them?
• What truths challenged them?
• What changes will they carry forward?

There’s something incredibly powerful about shared learning — it multiplies the impact of growth in ways that solo learning simply can’t.

So, what’s the point of this post? Well for starters, we sold out Live2Lead weeks ago — and we’re already just 53 weeks away from Live2Lead 2026!

But beyond celebrating the event itself, November always brings me back to focusing on gratitude. Each day this month, I pause to name something I’m thankful for.

Here’s my gratitude list that I would like to share with you:

• I’m grateful for the blessing that Live2Lead — and its incredible attendees — have been in my life.
• I’m grateful for John Maxwell and the Maxwell Leadership team, who conceived this life-changing event and make it available to us year after year.
• I’m grateful for The Lodge, which provides such a perfect setting, making the day extra special.
• I’m grateful for MACNY, who partnered with me way back in 2015 — before I ever officially joined their team.
• Most of all, I’m grateful for you, my reader.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my reflections, to grow alongside me, and to be part of this ongoing journey of leadership and learning.

Here’s to the next year of inspiration, growth, and gratitude — together.