Tugboat Institute® member Cody Nath, CEO of Refined Technologies, Inc. (RTI) delivers a moving testament to the necessity of knowing and leading the whole person. In this Tugboat Institute talk, Cody shares the heartbreaking story of a beloved colleague, Barry, whose tragic loss catalyzed a fundamental shift in how RTI approaches People First leadership. Recognizing that workplace skills alone cannot sustain a healthy culture, Cody describes the creation of Imprint, a unique leadership development cohort that integrates “The Whole You” framework with immersive wilderness experiences.

By stepping away from the office and into the vulnerability of the outdoors and campfire circle, RTI leaders forge deep emotional connections through personal storytelling, resulting in a high retention rate and an internal network of connected, cultural ambassadors. Cody honors Barry’s legacy by challenging fellow leaders to move beyond professional metrics and embody wholeness, and creating their version of Impact that uniquely fits their own Evergreen® company.