Knowledge is easy to come by these days.
You can listen to a podcast, scroll social media, read a book, or ask ChatGPT and walk away with more information than ever before.
But wisdom feels different.
Wisdom takes time. It takes reflection. It comes from living, making mistakes, listening well, and learning from people who have walked ahead of you.
I was in a mastermind with Dan Miller for over 10 years. Dan was one of the wisest people I’ve ever known. He didn’t just give advice. He asked thoughtful questions. He created space. He helped you slow down enough to see what really mattered.
Whether we were talking about business, relationships, or big life decisions, his perspective shaped me.
We even traveled to Cuba together once. I tried to get him to smoke a cigar with me just once. He just smiled and said no. He wasn’t moving.
That was Dan.
Steady. Clear. Comfortable in his own skin. He knew who he was and what mattered to him.
As coaches, I don’t think what we really need is more knowledge. There’s already plenty of that. What we need is wisdom. Discernment. The ability to sit with someone who is at a real crossroads and not rush them.
Dan modeled that for me.
He showed me that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is not give the answer, but help someone find their own.
He’s gone now, but I still see his influence in how I coach, how I listen, and how I try to show up for people.
Some people leave you with information.
Some people leave you with wisdom.
I’m grateful I had someone who left me with both.
Jamie Slingerland is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with over 6,500 hours of coaching experience, based in the Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee area. He works with leaders, professionals, and coaches who want to grow in clarity, communication, and leadership presence.
Jamie also mentors coaches pursuing their ICF credentials and is a co-founder of Catalyst Coach Academy, where he helps develop the next generation of professional coaches.