What if leadership requires kindness?

The world can not be controlled. That is an obvious understatement, as human beings are far too small and powerless to have total control.

It is challenging to keep that simple truth in mind, especially if the world asks you to be a leader. The Chasing Lights story reminded me just how much I have been buffeted about by a much larger world. That reminder continuously changes my approach to leadership, and helps me learn to get better at it (I hope).

Ultimately, I believe that good leadership does not control, but perhaps it can assist with navigation?

In a conversation with Henry Chamberlain, former CEO of BOMA, we explored what it means to become and perform as a leader.

The book version of Chasing Lights will be released in early 2026. It tells the story of his childhood under the Northern Lights in Alaska where the small things, the ordinary lives lived in an impossibly big world under the Lights are what really matter.

Chasing Lights Conversations explores how different people chased their own lights and what they have learned along the way. Joshua Harris sat down with Gunnar in August of 2025 to discuss his own life journeys in New York City and rural Florida, and how it has shaped his way of seeing the world.

Part of the Chasing Lights Conversations podcasts, I sat down with a good friend and colleague Zeb Bradford. In his work life, he is Metzler Real Estate's Chief Investment Officer, but outside of work he has led a fascinating life in places around the world. Zeb described what it feels like to be a foreigner and how he learned to adjust. We shared notes on connecting in a fragmented world, about long form media and reflection, and on the way that all people are more alike than we realize...even if we irritate each other. It was a wonderful conversation. I hope you enjoy it.