Next Generation Leadership

Occasionally unplugging from the hustle and bustle of life is not a nicety; it’s a must-have. Our bodies, brains, and ability to regulate emotions were not wired for this world. It’s too noisy, congested, busy, distracting. It’s easy to begin a morning’s work committed to catching up on email and relatively quickly spiral into real-time chat via Slack, Teams, or any number of social channels...

I’m a mom, sister, daughter, friend, entrepreneur, manager, writer, coach, wanna-be yogi, world traveler, tennis and pickleball player-in-training, and avid reader. Oh yeah, and I love a solid 8 hours of sleep and a nap whenever possible. Time is my most important asset. Yet time management often feels like the ultimate puzzle. I find myself constantly asking, “How can I accomplish everything...

I’m “folksy.” My family is from Arkansas, so my Southerness mixed with a little bit of this and a little bit of that comes out as folksy. I mix “proper English” with slang–even in mixed company. I tell stories to convey a message. That’s my style. I’m not “only folksy”, I also prepare my ass off! I am incredibly dedicated to my discipline. I read, I write, I think, I talk to people who are...

I am a student of culture. Headlines, sound bytes, moments in time are important and interesting. But culture needs a wider lens. Culture happens in real-time but is only understood over time.

Recently, our team hosted a virtual community connection session called “Managing Your Emotions While Doing the Work.” The goal was to create space for our colleagues in higher education, who are going through itright now, to experience some semblance of care, comfort, and community in their “workplace” setting. No, not a typical workplace setting, but what’s typical anymore? Nowadays, we are...

Sesame Street. (Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock |Copyright: Copyright (c) 1995 Shutterstock.) Did you watch it? Did your children watch it? What comes to mind?

Have you ever gotten into an argument, or “an intense discussion,” with someone where, as you listened to them you could feel the heat rising in your face? Your stomach begins to churn, or your pulse quickens? You have a thousand thoughts racing through your mind, and you’re almost biting your tongue to stay quiet. Then you decide it’s time to jump in, but the actual words that come out of your...

As a leader, your days are filled with juggling various tasks, managing teams, making strategic decisions, and pushing your limits to reach your goals. It’s a rewarding role, but it's also grueling. As you strive to be the best leader you can be, the concept of self-care might seem incongruous - or even selfish - in a role that demands such extensive focus on others. But here's a truth that can...

One of my favorite people on this planet is Halim Flowers. Halim is an artist, writer, fashion designer, father, husband, influencer, and a friend.

Cultural competence is a personal skill set. It is the capability to shift cultural perspective and adapt behavior in recognition of cultural commonalities and differences. This competency requires an adjustment in everything - from becoming aware, to developing skills and then modifying behavior. Cultural competence requires a deep cultural self-awareness that derives from continuous education,...