A class action notice reminded me of something I already knew: the old model of leadership—built on entitlement, silence, and assumed loyalty—is breaking down. Employees, customers, and communities are no longer waiting politely for change. They’re organizing. They’re acting. And leaders who ignore that shift are putting their credibility—and their companies—at risk.

My experience with cancer reshaped how I lead. It taught me that empathy, integrity, and resilience aren’t soft skills—they’re essentials. This is why I believe in bringing our whole selves to work, even when it’s hard.

Rest isn’t a reward for burnout—it’s what allows us to lead well. In this piece, I explore why rest is an essential (and often overlooked) leadership skill and how we can begin to treat it as infrastructure instead of indulgence.

Every spring break, I take my son on a road trip. It’s become a ritual—not a break from leadership, but a return to it.

Discernment is one of the most undervalued leadership skills. It’s quiet. It’s slow. And it doesn’t show up well on dashboards. But the leaders who cultivate it build trust, consistency, and teams that thrive on clarity, not chaos.

Most feedback conversations fail before they even start. Leaders either soften the truth to spare feelings or deliver it too harshly. But the best leaders practice Radical Candor—challenging directly while caring personally.

Too many talented people are waiting for permission to lead — when the real work of leadership starts the moment you stop asking.

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about empowerment. True leaders uplift, inspire, and create opportunities for others to thrive. Whether you’re sharing ideas, mentoring, or fostering resilience, leadership is a daily practice of empowering those around you.

Empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the heart of great leadership. By understanding and valuing your team members as individuals, you create a culture of trust, connection, and confidence where people thrive.

Trust isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s the foundation of leadership, built brick by brick through transparency, consistency, and action. Learn how to build, sustain, and repair trust to inspire belief, commitment, and extraordinary results.

Severance isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a moral imperative. In times of change, how a company handles layoffs speaks volumes about its values and respect for employees.

Belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for fulfillment and success at work. Here’s how leaders can create a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and seen for who they are.