The Rope That Held Unseen Futures

He Fell Overboard

The boat wasn’t equipped the way they are today.

Flotation devices didn’t exist. No one could throw him a life preserver.

There were no lifeboats to launch and bring him back.

His name was John Howland, a passenger on the Mayflower. Yes, a pilgrim.

During a storm over the North Atlantic, Howland fell overboard. On the way down, his fingernails scraped the side of the wooden ship until he felt a rope and grabbed it. The crew pulled him back to safety.

Howland thrived in America, and today over one and a half million Americans can claim him as an ancestor.

What if he hadn’t survived? Would America look different? Very much so.

If Howland had drowned, the United States wouldn’t have certain Hollywood stars—or two Presidents: George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

But Howland’s story isn’t just history—it’s a lesson in leadership.

First, storms will come.
Markets shift. Employees leave. Customers’ expectations change. Sales drop. Don’t think you’re immune, but also don’t be shocked when the storm arrives.

Second, fight for your future.
Howland fought for his life until he found a rope. Whatever your company is facing—fight for success. Make more calls, defend the quality of your work, pivot to a new market, sharpen your skills, and help your team believe. Above all, fight for the life of the organization. If you don’t believe and fight—who will?

Third, unseen futures depend on your persistence.
Howland never imagined that future U.S. Presidents would descend from him. By fighting for his life, he secured a future he could not plan.

The same is true for you. Because you persist, lives will be changed. Future team members will thrive, customers will experience joy, and you’ll live out purpose you can’t yet see.

Be like Howland.

• Know the storms will come.
• Stay in the fight.
• Believe in a future you cannot yet see.
• Always look for the rope—and when you find it, hang on.

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Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,
Chris Adams

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