There is something about a Turtle

I’ve always loved turtles. This weekend, I came across a beautiful one — quiet, calm, and completely uninterested in conversation. That’s the thing about my favorite reptile: when they’re scared or simply not in the mood, they just disappear into their shell. Built-in boundaries. A true shell-ter.

Lately, with the relentless news cycles, the macroeconomic uncertainty making business more challenging, the chaos of politics, and the messiness of being human, I’ve been thinking a lot about that idea — the power of retreat (a word I’ve never liked!). But, not in defeat, but as a form of resilience. Like a turtle, sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is pull back, protect your peace, and wait for the right time to emerge. The simple power of a pause or not doing something. Turtles don’t explain, they don’t apologize. They just withdraw with dignity. And honestly? That’s starting to feel like emotional intelligence in action. To say: Not now, Not today. It’s not cowardice. It’s a craft to find sanctuary not in escape, but in the space you carry with you. Turtles don’t shout, growl, they don’t tweet. They wait, they breathe, and they endure. Maybe that’s wisdom: Not to outrun the world, but to know when to tuck in—and trust that eventually, the storm will pass.

This turtle gave me an inspired thought to help with a big decision at work—strategic retreat is not the same as surrender. There is a time for bold moves and a time to step back. Retreating is not quitting—its regrouping and waiting for the right time. Just like a turtle, sometimes the wisest move is to pull inward, assess quietly, and wait for the right moment to re-emerge. In business, this might be saying no to a deal. That’s not losing; rather, it’s playing the long game. And turtles have been on this planet a long long-time, they outlived the fucking dinosaurs. They are masterpieces of design and endurance.

I’m also realizing another lesson. Build your shell before you need it. Turtles don’t scramble for protection when danger comes—they carry it with them. In the same way, businesses should think about resilience before the storm. Clear values, a solid culture, good data, clear communication channels, some cash savings, these are our shells. When things get volatile, this is our pre-built safety that gives us the power to pull in, no panic.

And another thought, that turtle didn’t come out to please me, or entertain me. It simply decided: not now. Leaders need to know when to say “NO”. Show the boundaries, pull back when needed, slow down for the thoughtful decision. The turtle is the original anti-hustle icon. Slow, deliberate, unbothered. Measured growth. Long-term trust over short-term hype.

So here is to the turtle this Memorial Day weekend--my humble, armored, patient, and wise friend. Not Vegas-flashy, not loud or aggressive, but surviving, thriving, and teaching a lesson how to endure with grace. May we all have a little more shell as we confront the world this week.