Field Notes with Kerry
Coyotes, Chickens, and a Lesson in Servant Leadership
October has been a month of multitasking. The kind that requires both coffee and a sense of humor.
On a recent weekend, Hidden Creek Estates was short-staffed to allow all the teenagers to go to Homecoming, and guess who got called up as host? Let’s just say it’s been a while.
Between remembering table numbers in three rooms (that have all changed) and learning new software, I was running more on charm than skill. Guests were shocked to see me bussing tables. One said, “You shouldn’t be doing this!” My response? “Of course I should. This is what I built my companies on, servant leadership.”
That same week, I rounded a corner near the barn and saw a massive coyote walking out of the woods toward the goats and chickens. Without thinking, I floored it, horn blaring, full throttle toward the intruder. He didn’t move until I was twenty feet away, and then, because I clearly forgot I was a grown adult, I jumped out of the car and chased him through the pasture, yelling at the top of my lungs.
The goats froze, the chickens scattered, and I was left breathless, counting survivors. In the end, all goats were accounted for, but six chickens were missing from their pen. No feathers, no chaos, just six very smug hens roosting in the trees who finally wandered down hours later.
Takeaway: Sometimes leadership looks like calm strategy, and sometimes it looks like chasing coyotes in your slippers. Either way, showing up matters.
Ask Kerry
Q: How do I get unstuck at work?
A reader from a Fortune 500 company wrote in saying she feels invisible every time she tries to advance.
A: Start small and serve big. Look for someone overloaded and offer help, a note, a coffee, or a quick assist. Find the thinkers who challenge the norm and build relationships with them. Avoid gossip; it sinks more careers than lack of talent ever will. Ask about mentorship or leadership programs. And above all, keep showing up.
Takeaway: You don’t get noticed by waiting to be seen. You get noticed by serving and staying consistent.
(If you have a question for next month, please leave a comment below.)
From the Creek: Behind the Scenes at Hidden Creek Estates
Tiny Homes & Big Dreams: The Next Chapter at Hidden Creek
About two years ago, a friend came out to Hidden Creek fresh from international travel. She pulled out her phone and showed me photos of tiny homes that looked like wine barrels. I took one look and said, “We have to do that here.”
It sounded simple enough, until I discovered that building round structures requires custom builders who specialize in this kind of architecture. The quotes were way beyond my budget. So, like any determined entrepreneur, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to figure it out myself.
Let’s just say I’ve learned more about snow load, wind ratings, and structural engineering than I ever planned to. Thousands of hours of research later, I can finally say this dream is becoming a reality.
This month, we’re pouring foundations. Deliveries are arriving daily — tiles, sinks, and fixtures are stacked neatly in the barn, waiting to transform into something beautiful. Learn more or follow our progress at Hidden Creek Estates.
Flight Path: Lessons in Leadership & Legacy
Courage Isn’t Confidence
Courage is not loud. It doesn’t always look brave.
Courage is the quiet decision to wake up and try again after a setback.
It’s getting back up when no one is watching. It’s doing the hard thing without knowing the outcome. Courage comes from the soul. It’s conviction wrapped in vulnerability.
Confidence, on the other hand, is the belief that you can do something because you’ve done it before. It’s grounded in experience and repetition. Confidence grows over time; courage often shows up before it.
Courage is what gets you started. Confidence is what keeps you steady.
Takeaway: Courage builds confidence, not the other way around.
Until Next Time
From the farm to the boardroom, life has a way of reminding us that growth happens in the messy middle; between the chickens in the trees, the bold ideas, and the courage to keep showing up.
Thank you for reading, for growing alongside me, and for believing that grit and grace can share the same story.
Until next month stay curious, stay kind, and keep pursuing your own flight path.
With gratitude,
Kerry
PS. Keeping Up with Kerry
Hello, friends! It’s Catherine here, the “Unexpected Surprise Friend” from Kerry’s post. I’m so glad you’re part of this journey with us.
I’ve added this section to the newsletter to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening as we move toward publishing Kerry’s first book. Writing the manuscript was a huge milestone, and Kerry has finished it! Now comes the next big step: building her Author Platform.
To catch the attention of a literary agent and publishing house, we need to show there’s strong interest in Kerry’s story, ideally around 50,000 followers across social media and her website. We are closing in on the first 10,000, which is amazing progress! If Kerry’s story or leadership journey has inspired you, we’d be honored if you’d invite others to follow, subscribe, and join the community at KerryFrank.com.
Thank you for following along, cheering us on, and helping spread the word. Every share, comment, and invitation makes a difference.
Because there was considerable interest in the question, “How Do I Get Unstuck at Work?”, I am pinning a more expanded answer. Let me know what you think! Kerry
1. Observe the room.
Start by paying attention. Who’s overwhelmed? Who’s quietly carrying too much? Offer to help, even in small ways. Maybe it’s taking a task off their plate or leaving a kind note (and maybe a candy bar or coffee) acknowledging their hard work. Service builds influence faster than self-promotion ever will.
2. Find the thinkers.
Who’s asking bold questions or challenging the status quo in meetings? Connect with them. Every changemaker needs someone beside them who’s willing to learn and grow.
3. Avoid gossip.
This one matters. Gossip is a fast way to lose credibility. Be the person others can trust. The one who lifts people up instead of joining in when they’re torn down.
4. Ask for mentorship.
Reach out to your senior leader or HR department. Ask if there’s a leadership development program or a mentorship opportunity within the company. Growth often happens when you show initiative.
5. Stay consistent.
You must rise. You must follow up. You must remain persistent. Advancement rarely happens from a single big move. It’s the result of steady, intentional action that builds trust and visibility over time.
Takeaway: You don’t get noticed by waiting to be seen. You get noticed by serving, showing up, and standing out through consistency.
This newsletter was super informative and packed with good leadership insight.