Next Generation Leadership

Photo by Yan Krukau In my 30+ years of working with organizations and their leaders, the topic that surfaces more than any other is trust (followed closely by “communication”). Workplace culture isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s the foundation that allows us to imagine possibilities together, take risks, engage with belief that others around us will support, not punish our learning or small...

I've been feeling stuck lately—really stuck. My mind feels foggy, focus is fleeting, and staying on task is an uphill battle. I start something with the best intentions, only to get pulled away by breaking news alerts or the endless pings of my phone. My energy? Flat. My motivation? Distant. And from the conversations I’ve had with colleagues and friends, I know I’m not alone.

If you’ve ever been a manager, you might relate to the lyrics of the 1972 song “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel. The song—written about a chaotic industry dinner—has a chorus that feels eerily familiar to those in management:

“94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is important to business success.” -Deloitte

My First Cup of Coffee

It’s Time to Rewrite the Script When I say I study, teach, and equip leaders to shape culture, many people excitedly make a connection, sharing this famous quote by Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Culture is the unseen thread that connects us. It shapes how we think, act, and relate to one another. It’s not just the traditions we inherit or the practices we observe—it’s also the shared values, beliefs, and norms that guide our behavior.

I enter 2025 with fresh eyes and gratitude. I, like many, get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a hectic lifestyle. Constantly busy. Always setting higher expectations for myself, then feeling overwhelmed with the climb. Conveying the same to my son, who in turn ingests a way of existence that is out of sync with what is sustainable–emotionally, physically, spiritually.

As part of our Culture Exchange Series, yesterday's session focused on Holding Space to Reflect on Recent U.S. Executive Orders and Their Implications for Work, Lives, and Well-being. Participants from diverse organizations and geographies—across red and blue states—came together, sharing a common theme of feeling overwhelmed by ongoing changes and anxious about compounding uncertainty. Amidst...

In the United States, a presidential inauguration marks the beginning of a new administration. Regardless of political affiliation, this change of power is a reminder of the cycles of leadership transition that we also encounter within our workplaces. These transitions can bring with them a mix of uncertainty, hope, and a need for adaptability.