Sometimes It’s Good to Feel Small

Written By Anthony Lambatos

One of the benefits of working at Footers is that April and I take our managers on a culinary adventure to celebrate every five years they’ve been part of the team. Last week, we celebrated the 10- and 15-year anniversaries of two incredible leaders, Krystal Hoeft and Sam Totten. Their impact on our team has been remarkable, and I can confidently say we would not be where we are today without them.

For their trip, we took a cruise to Norway, a destination I was skeptical about at first because it was so different from our past adventures. But it exceeded my expectations. 

Anthony, April, Tessa and Sam basking in the beauty of the fjords

The scenery was absolutely stunning, the culture incredibly charming, and the Norwegian people so welcoming. We enjoyed local delicacies like reindeer lefse, fish cakes, smoked whale sausage, brown cheese, and waffles with sour cream and jam. The uniqueness of the destination made this celebration especially memorable.

As we sailed through the fjords, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, I couldn’t help but feel small. The sheer scale of nature’s beauty put everything into perspective. And visiting remote farms and small villages along the way, I was struck by the simplicity of life there, people living close to the land, focused on family, community, and the work right in front of them.

And I realized: sometimes it’s good to feel small.

In leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing growth, carrying the weight of every decision, and believing the story depends on us. But feeling small reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. It humbles us, re-centers us, and brings clarity through a broader perspective.  It pushes us to focus on what really matters: people, purpose, and progress over ego.

The Norwegians we met weren’t living for “more”,  they were living with meaning. And maybe that’s the lesson for us as leaders: when we strip away the noise, stay grounded in what matters, and appreciate the people around us, we create space for the kind of culture that endures.

Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering

Anthony Lambatos

The Coach — This guy is easily the best-dressed due at the office. Anthony is also the only gentleman who wears a suit in the office, so it comes as no surprise. In addition to dressing well, he’s a master of organizational management. And Excel spreadsheets. If there’s anyone who can get you excited about pivot tables, it’s him! Although he studied business and marketing at the University of Oregon, Anthony received his Ph.D. in running a company at the School of Hard Knocks. As early as he can remember, Anthony was involved in the family business. And now, after years of experience in the good, the bad, and the ugly, he knows how to handle any situation. His leadership, patience, and desire to make those around him better is why we call him The Coach.

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Staying true to who you are as a leader