Last year, I got involved with MREF because of their commitment to bringing research industry professionals together for collective giving. That, along with meeting the incredible folks at Harmon Research and Ironwood Insights — who are deeply committed to giving back — led me to fall in love with the girls at the orphanage, Hogar Montiel in San José, Costa Rica. So when the call went out for a Vision Trip in January 2025, I raised my hand.
What I discovered was eye-opening: despite studying empathy and innovation for years, I learned more from simply being with these girls than from all my studying about it. Here are the lessons that stood out.
1. A good plan is important — and knowing when to adjust is essential
We started the day with a schedule, and quickly learned that sticking to the plan isn't always the most effective path forward. Volunteers painting the walls became more skilled the longer they worked, so rather than rotating tasks as planned, we let people continue where they excelled. Innovation isn't just about change — it's about knowing when to stay the course.
2. You learn more about people through action than conversation
Networking events tell you what people say about themselves. Working alongside them in a new environment shows you who they really are. Shared experiences outside our comfort zones reveal the most about people.
3. Shared circumstances don't mean shared reactions
Many of the girls came from unstable homes, and each processed her past in a unique way. Some were quiet, some playful, some incredibly outgoing. True empathy means meeting people where they are, not where we expect them to be.
4. A shared desire to connect is more powerful than language barriers
One of the girls and I could barely communicate because of my very poor Spanish. That didn't stop us from spending twenty minutes teaching each other to count to 100 in English and Spanish. Connection isn't about perfect words; it's about presence and willingness to engage.
5. Nature ignites energy and creativity
On our last day we visited La Paz Waterfalls. The kids, exhausted from a long week, suddenly came alive. Changing your environment changes your mindset — step outside to shift your perspective.
6. The best teachers are often the ones you came to teach
We brought magic clay and slime-making kits — and had no idea how to use them. The girls didn't hesitate. They jumped in, experimenting and learning through play. Innovation comes from a willingness to try, not from knowing all the answers.
7. A clear vision creates momentum
The head nun spoke about the future of the orphanage with absolute clarity. She saw what was possible and invited us into that vision. If you want people to buy into an idea, paint the vision so clearly that they see it too.
8. Hands-on work unlocks new insights
While building castles with magnetic tiles, I noticed something: when my hands were busy, my mind was free. When stuck on a problem, engage your hands — creativity follows movement.
9. People need both structure and flexibility to thrive
We had a structured schedule, and forcing movement between tasks wasn't always productive. Rigidity kills innovation. The best ideas emerge when structure meets adaptability.
10. Real friendships spark empathy and innovation
The most meaningful part of the trip wasn't just the work — it was the friendships. When trust and connection grow, so does the space for new ideas. The best ideas — and friendships — form when we show up, help each other, and make an impact together.
Final thoughts
This trip reminded me that empathy and innovation aren't buzzwords — they are living, breathing experiences. Whether in business, leadership, or life, the willingness to adapt, listen, and engage deeply with others is what fuels meaningful change.
A huge thank-you to MREF, Harmon Research, and Ironwood Insights for making this experience possible.
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