A Father, a Son, and 500 Miles: What Happens When a Leader Walks Away and Everything Still Works with LWP Chief of Technology Derek Barber

In this unprecedented episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler kicks off 2026 by sitting down with Lead With Purpose’s own Head of Technology Derek Barber for a powerful conversation on purpose, trust, and what it truly means to lead.

Derek shares his journey from software developer to purpose-driven leader, and how his passion for meaningful work shaped both his career and the culture of the company he helped build. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Derek reflects on walking more than 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago with his 18-year-old son—a journey that tested him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Together, Marc and Derek explore what happens when leaders step away and allow others to rise. They discuss how trust, preparation, and values-based leadership create resilient teams that thrive even in uncertainty. Derek also opens up about facing cancer, the clarity it brought to his sense of purpose, and why seizing the moment matters more than ever.

Listeners will walk away with meaningful insights on leadership, legacy, and creating environments where people are empowered to grow—at work and in life.