Many leaders fall into the trap of completing this phrase the traditional way: “If you want something done right, do it yourself!” However, in today’s collaborative and inclusive workplace, this mindset is not just outdated—it’s detrimental to team development, psychological safety, and organizational success. […]
“Disagreement means richness of point of view, a wealth of ideas. So we want to keep that. But we want to prepare people to listen to different points of view.” – Francesca Cornelli, Dean of the Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management This quote encapsulates the opportunity more empathic and inclusive leadership presents for organizational success. But what does it mean to truly listen across differences in background and experience? And why does it matter? […]
Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. Another indelible part of our history, present and future, is marginalization. I am moved to explore it this month as part of my Black History Month reflection. I recently saw the film Origin, based on the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson about how America, today and throughout its history, has been shaped by a hidden [...]
As both a change management consultant and optimistic visionary, I see 2024 as ripe with potential for organizations to evolve and grow. But positive change doesn’t happen passively. Leaders must consciously cultivate conditions that allow innovation to thrive even amidst uncertainty. […]
For the first time in the history of the Fortune 500, women are leading 10% of the United States’ largest companies by revenue. It might not feel like much of a leap, but it is a milestone nonetheless. Seeing women in these roles, achieving success and delivering results at the top of their industries, the more motivated and vindicated the push for gender parity. It is also encouraging to see gains in the traditionally male-dominated industries including financial services, defense [...]
There’s an ongoing and overwhelming burden on black people to drive DEI efforts in organizations. This is part of the problem – not the solution. […]
The civil rights movement was born in the 1950s. Black History Month was proposed in 1969 and first marked a year later. It is 2022 and we are still having the same conversations. We must move DEI further this year. We must expand our understanding and empathy because dismantling structures and systems has taken, and is taking, decades… and it will definitely take more than a month. […]
When I work with organizations – especially in the energy sector – it’s clear that safety is a priority and there are systems and mechanisms in place to ensure that things happen in a safe way. And when things aren’t happening as they should be, a safety dashboard provides a transparent and simple way to flag issues. It works because the business depends on it – and, of course, it is the right thing to do. […]
I am often asked by clients – leaders and executives – what their advocacy should look like. They want to know what it will look like for them to be a champion. The answer is… another question. What does it look like for you to be you? […]
