The 3 Dimensions of Proximity—Lessons from The Mid-Level Manager Symposium

First, I want to apologize for keeping you waiting.

I usually publish this newsletter on Wednesdays, but this week’s issue comes a little later — and for a good reason.

I spent the past few days at the Mid-Level Manager Symposium, an empowering experience that reminded me how proximity can shift perspective, unlock belief, and expand what’s possible.

That experience inspired today’s reflection:

The 3 Dimensions of Proximity — Lessons from The Mid-Level Manager Symposium.

Proximity is Power

Leadership visibility isn’t just about climbing higher. It’s about getting closer. Closer to purpose. Closer to people. Closer to what truly matters.

Within organizations, the few executives who look like me often seem out of reach — distant figures at the top of the org chart.

But here’s the paradox:

At the 2025 Mid-Level Manager Symposium, organized by The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), those same leaders who once felt unreachable suddenly felt within reach — shoulder to shoulder — and there were many of them.

It was almost surreal — an out-of-body experience to stand in close proximity to the very people who shape culture and strategy from the top. The air was filled with conversation, confidence, and something even rarer — representation.

That moment reminded me of something deeper about leadership, belonging, and growth:

Proximity isn’t just physical — it’s psychological and purposeful.

The 3 Dimensions of Proximity

Over the years, I’ve learned that proximity is more than presence. It’s perspective.

It changes how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible.

1. Physical Proximity → Access to Opportunities. When you’re physically present in the right rooms, you gain exposure, access, and visibility. You begin to see how things operate behind the scenes , and more importantly, you start to be seen.
2. Psychological Proximity → Access to Belief and Belonging. Sometimes, just seeing someone who looks like you or shares your experience changes everything. It unlocks belief. You realize you belong here, too.
3. Purposeful Proximity → Access to Impact. Proximity with intention transforms access into purpose-aligned action. It’s about turning connection into collaboration, visibility into value and amplifying what you’ve learned to create impact at scale withing your community.

When Barriers Dissolve, Possibilities Expand

Sometimes, all it takes is being in the right room to remember what’s possible. Be consistently intentional about the rooms you enter, and the presence you bring into them.

Your growth, confidence, and clarity often begin with proximity.

The Power of Intentional Control

One key theme that echoed throughout the event was this:

Take intentional control of your life and career.

Because self-leadership is the foundation of lasting success.

When you thrive, your culture thrives.

When you shine, your leaders shine.

And when you lead with purpose, your organization becomes a more fulfilling place to be.

Remember:

That’s how growth compounds from Clarity → Action → Impact.

• Proximity gives you perspective.
• Purpose gives you direction.
• And consistent intentionality gives you momentum.

Phew! What a valuable and empowering experience at #MLMS25.

If you were there and we haven’t connected yet, let’s change that. Let’s connect now.

How has proximity shaped your growth?

Think about the moments when being in the right room—or with the right people—shifted your perspective.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you were at #MLMS25, let’s stay connected and keep the conversation going.

Together, we can turn moments of proximity into movements of purpose.

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📩 Ready to go from invisible to influential? DM/message me for a free 1:1 strategy session to help you lead with Clarity, take bold, empowered action, and create lasting Impact in your life. Together, we’ll sharpen your vision, align your actions, and put wheels under your professional career journey.

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Felix Okoth, PMP®

Executive Leadership Coach | Global Engineering Leader | Keynote Speaker | Author | Podcast Host

Helping purpose-driven professionals go From Invisible to Influential

#Clarity #Action #Impact