Leadership

Leadership often starts with the small things. For me, it began with notes. Lots and lots of notes. Early in my career as an HR executive and consultant, I realized how important it was to document my thoughts, observations, and decisions. Whether negotiating an exit package, redesigning an organizational structure, or recommending someone for a promotion, there was always a note sitting quietly in the background. These notes, over time, painted a vivid portrait—not just of an organization's culture but of the daily priorities and challenges leaders face.

I've been inspired by recent episodes of my podcast, The People Dividend, where guests have shared some great insights about the changing workplace. From AI advancements to shifting attitudes about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and the ongoing engagement challenge, one theme is clear: successful leaders cultivate cultures that embody connection, purpose, and growth.

At some point in your career, you may pause and ask yourself, “Am I heading in the right direction?” Success, titles, and paychecks often appear to be markers of achievement, but if they don’t align with your values, they can leave you feeling unfulfilled. The path to professional success and personal satisfaction lies in aligning your career with what truly matters to you.

When it comes to career growth, the adage "It's not what you know, it's who you know" carries significant weight. However, building a professional network that truly matters goes beyond collecting business cards or adding thousands of LinkedIn connections. Meaningful networking is about creating authentic, reciprocal relationships that stand the test of time and foster personal and professional growth.

Technological advances, evolving business models, and shifting cultural values are reshaping how we work, communicate, and collaborate. For leaders, this isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about seizing the opportunity to unlock the full potential of their teams and driving purposeful growth across the organization. This may be particularly true in the eroding era of middle management. 

Transitions are an inevitable part of life and work, but they often feel like the most uncertain. Years ago, I earned certification in William Bridges Transitions materials, resources designed to deepen practitioner skills in guiding individuals and organizations through these pivotal moments. This certification equipped me with new tools to help people understand and manage transitions and recognize the value and growth potential in the "in-between" times—the space between what was and what's coming next.