Why 35N?

35N began at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

After thirty-five years in professional leadership, I found something I had rarely had before: space. Space to reflect, to listen more deeply, to consider the questions that had followed me through my work, and to ask what comes next when a long season of responsibility comes to a close.

That space became an invitation to return to the things that had always mattered most: faith, character, leadership, writing, teaching, and the lifelong work of becoming. What began as a consulting practice gradually became something more: a home for reflection, learning, writing, and conversation.

The name carries that story. Thirty-five honors the years that shaped me. North represents direction. It is a reminder to keep returning to what matters and to nurture meaningful growth from within.

Always North.

35N logo with compass and the words “The Lifelong Work of Becoming — Always North,” representing faith, character, and leadership.

Different Doors. One Journey

Ali Issa writing at a table surrounded by books, including the Qur’an, reflecting the writing, faith, and lifelong learning at the heart of 35N.

Faith & Reflection

What shapes the heart and keeps us oriented?

Two people engaged in a professional conversation, reflecting the leadership, mentoring, and meaningful dialogue at the heart of 35N.

Character

Who are we when life applies pressure?

Ali Issa speaking to an audience, reflecting 35N’s work in leadership, teaching, mentoring, and meaningful conversation.

Leadership

How do we influence others without losing ourselves?

The Lifelong Work of Becoming

Collection of books by Ali Issa exploring faith, character, leadership, relationships, and the lifelong work of becoming.
A writing workspace with coffee, books on faith and life, handwritten essay ideas, a 35N compass notebook, an article titled “What the Treaty of Hudaybiyah Reveals About Teams Under Pressure,” and a journal with Arabic text and translation.
A tablet displaying “Media & Reflections,” including The Destination Is the Heart and A Little Piece of Palestine, alongside books by Ali Issa and an open notebook reading, “Rituals are vehicles. The destination is the heart.”
A collage of three photos: the top image shows a group of diverse people standing in a circle with their arms around each other in a park during fall, engaging in a community activity. The bottom left image depicts a bird's eye view of a group gathered around a fire pit with chairs, socializing outdoors. The bottom right image features a large group of people standing in front of a large, two-story house with a porch, in front of trees with fall foliage.