10 Lessons from Disconnecting and Reconnecting on an Eight-Day Caribbean Cruise

By: Ryan DuBois

After stepping back from work, email, and technology, I came away with some new and reaffirmed insights into balancing leadership at home and at work.

Here’s what I learned from my eight days offline with loved ones.

1. Bigger Boat, Smoother Ride

When it comes to cruises, size matters. A larger ship absorbs more of the ocean’s movement, offering a smoother experience. Just like in life, having the right "vessel" can help navigate choppy waters with ease.

“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” —Jon Kabat-Zinn

2. Leading at Home vs. Leading at Work

Managing a 220-person team at work is one thing; guiding a family of ten is a different challenge altogether. This trip reaffirmed for me that family requires the same intentionality we bring to our careers. Balancing leadership roles in both places takes purpose and patience.

"To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'" —Lao Tzu

3. Schedule What Matters

I realized that family relationships, just like team dynamics, benefit from consistent one-on-one time. Now, I’m setting up recurring family check-ins to go beyond surface-level interactions. Just as we schedule team meetings, scheduling time with family helps deepen those bonds.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” —Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

4. Going Deeper in Conversations

Work often gives us structured, meaningful interaction, but family time can drift into routine. On the cruise, I reaffirmed how essential it is to ask more thoughtful questions and foster real, unguarded conversations with loved ones—no emails, no distractions, just genuine connection.

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” —Peter Drucker

5. Creating Intentional Connection in a Hybrid World

Our “empty-nester” stage means family time is more remote. I’m now exploring ways to stay intentional—whether through scheduled calls, FaceTime, or even virtual “one-on-ones”—to keep the family bond strong, even from afar.

“We are all so much together, but we are all dying of loneliness.” —Albert Schweitzer

6. Disconnect to Connect with the Present

Taking in the waves, sun, birds, and cultures on the cruise reminded me of the richness in the moment. Slowing down to truly see what’s around us is a gift. I’m bringing that mindfulness back to everyday life by hitting “Do Not Disturb” more often to focus on who and what is in front of me.

“Wherever you are, be there totally.” —Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

7. Set Boundaries with Notifications

Constant notifications take a toll on quality time. Now, I keep my phone on “Do Not Disturb” during important meetings and dinners. This way, I can be fully present, sending the message that the person in front of me is more valuable than any incoming ping.

"You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time." —Jim Rohn

8. Reframe Email Use

I limit email to designated times, and people know to reach out via call or text for urgent matters. This small change has reduced noise and allowed me to concentrate on truly meaningful interactions, both personally and professionally.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” —Hans Hofmann

9. Try New Things—Life’s Short

Breaking from routines, I tried new activities on the cruise. Whether they worked out or not, they reminded me of the joy in just giving things a shot. We only have one life—let’s spend it gathering experiences, not excuses.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” —Wayne Gretzky

10. Focus on Experience, Not Money

At the end of the day, memories mean more than bank balances. Investing in experiences with people who matter will always be more fulfilling than any material gain.

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” —Robert Brault

This trip brought home the power of intentionality and presence—lessons I’m excited to bring into my leadership at home and work. Here's to leading with heart and staying connected, no matter where life takes us.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence

Your friend,

Ryan DuBois