In Dad's Footsteps, with Dan Hiltz and Robert Hiltz

In this conversation, I speak with brothers Dan Hiltz and Robert Hiltz about their journey to explore their family heritage in Germany, particularly in relation to their father's experiences during World War II. They discuss the emotional and spiritual connections they made during their trip, the importance of understanding historical context, and the impact of personal encounters with locals. The conversation also touches on themes of hospitality, the significance of storytelling, and the health implications of loneliness in modern society. Ultimately, they reflect on how such journeys can lead to deeper meaning and connections with one's ancestry.

Takeaways:

*Exploring family history can be a profound experience.

*Understanding historical context enriches travel experiences.

*Personal encounters can deepen the understanding of history.

*Hospitality from locals can create meaningful connections.

*Spiritual connections can arise from visiting ancestral lands.

*Storytelling is vital for preserving family history.

*Heritage tours can provide a sense of belonging.

*Loneliness is a significant issue in modern society.

*Personal connections are essential for emotional well-being.

Dan Hiltz has been developing leaders for over 30 years. At Convergys Corporation, he designed and implemented a learning platform for over 80,000 employees globally. He transformed the learning and leadership development programs at Kendle International (now Syneos), a global clinical research Firm. The impact of his initiatives has been recognized by Training magazine, eLearning, and Chief Learning OƯicer. In 2011 he founded LeadershipSquared to share his message and methods globally, helping organizations achieve sustained peak performance. His crusade for supercharging leaders has taken him to 30 states in the US and 15 countries on 4 continents serving clients that include the US Navy Blue Angels, Harvard Business School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mastercard Worldwide Twitch, Naples Community Healthcare, and the US Army.

Dan is a graduate of Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, KY, and holds a master’s and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. He is a lead assessor for the ANSI National Accreditation Board and he’s also on the faculty of a Ph.D. program in global leadership. His personal accreditations include: Gallup Certified Strengths Coach CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) Certified Healthcare Finance Professional (CHFP)

Robert E. Hiltz, MD has been in the practice of Adult Rheumatology in Cincinnati, Ohio since 1994. He also currently serves as the Medical Director for the TriHealth Medical Specialties Institute, which includes Rheumatology, Endocrinology, & Infectious Diseases. He also serves as a volunteer physician at the Good Samaritan Free Health Center in Price Hill, and has participated in several international medical mission trips to Kabingo, Uganda.