Leadership

The best leaders know that personal growth isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. At the executive level, your personal development directly shapes the way you lead, influence your team, and steer your organization. When leaders invest in their own development, it creates a ripple effect that transforms not only their teams but entire organizations.Personal development is more than just learning new skills or picking up leadership strategies—it’s about uncovering who you are at your core, amplifying your strengths, and addressing what might hold you back. It’s about being intentional in your growth, knowing that every step you take forward mirrors in how your organization advances too. This principle has been at the heart of my work as an organizational development (OD) leader.

Leadership isn't solely about managing a packed calendar or checking off tasks on a to-do list. The intentional choices you make—the priorities you establish—define your leadership style, how you support your team, and how you guide your organization. These decisions shape the outcomes for your business and your development as a leader. This article reflects on my experiences coaching talented executives to frame and execute their priorities.

The holiday season is here—a time often filled with joy, celebration, and, for many of us, reflection on the year past and the one ahead. It’s a moment ripe with anticipation, that electric mix of excitement and uncertainty about what’s to come. For leaders, anticipation isn’t just a feeling; it’s a skill, a mindset—a superpower that can shape the future of their organizations.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the months behind us and thinking deeply about what lies ahead. Leadership is an ongoing practice that invites us to pause, recalibrate, and set the foundation for the future. This time of year is a powerful opportunity to celebrate achievements and ask ourselves, What kind of leader do I want to be in the coming year? How can I inspire growth and resilience in my team, organization, and myself?