Philadelphia is full of landmarks that remind visitors of this city's significant role in American history.
The most popular tourist attraction in Philly, however, is associated with a relatively recent story and is a tribute to an American fictional fighter rather than America's forefathers.
By incorporating the steps leading up to the Museum of Art into his classic Rocky movie, Sly Stallone has cemented the act of running up steps and punching the air into the psyche of classic movie-lovers, wannabe fighters, fellow Americans and tourists.
When visiting Philly, it's almost unforgivable not to take part in this pilgrimage.
The Maori All Blacks performed this ritual last year, Joseph Parker and Robbie Berridge did it on Monday, and although I'm here attending a management conference, I too donned the running shoes and took a selfie at the top of those famous steps (probably on the same day as Parker and Berridge).
It's unbelievable how many people re-enact the scene as we all jostle for space on these iconic steps.
Across the road stands a majestic bronze statue of George Washington that looks neglected and forsaken.
It suggests we'd rather idolise fiction than fact.
Even a Stallone impersonator has found his happy place in the world, entertaining the tour buses and fellow Rocky Balboa wannabes at the base of the steps.
When you eventually get your breath back, the view from the top takes your breath away again. The change in perspective was just what I needed, though, after sitting down for hours listening to academics talking about the ''power of words'' in management and leadership.
Yes, words can be powerful, but what a few presenters suggested resonated with me as I admired the view and reflected on Rocky's achievements: sometimes actions speak louder than words.
The athletes who are returning from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games have realised this, and national sports organisations are probably kicking themselves for over-promising their sponsors with their words and failing to deliver.
In one session at the conference, research on effective communicators also confirmed that coaches don't have to be articulate or accurate with their words to be effective. They use symbolism and actions to get across important values and meaning.
I'm sure we've all experienced in our lifetime coaches who have not been the clearest communicators verbally (especially when they are a bit hot under the collar), but we'd still follow them to the end of the earth and do our best to please them.
They convey their messages effectively enough through symbolism (use of the fern symbol to evoke pride), actions (a handshake or headshake can convey a lot) and the right combination of strong silences and incomprehensible rants.
One rugby coach I had at Alhambra-Union comes to mind as I write this. You know who you are.
So, although Stallone (Rocky) talked as if his mouthguard was still in, he successfully captured the imagination of millions with the symbolic act of running up 72 steps, shadow boxing, quick-stepping and posing, all while in a grey tracksuit. Enough said.
