“In facing challenges or change, I always go back to the questions: Am I in the right place? Am I surrounded by the right people? Am I learning? Am I growing?” says Johanna Diaz. “When you can identify core tenets to return to and hold yourself to them, they become a guide for navigating almost […]
Whether you’re attending an out-of-town event, inspecting a new product line, or pitching for new business, travel is an integral part of executive life. But in today’s world – where geopolitical unrest and extreme weather events are becoming the norm – being on the road as a woman brings its own set of challenges. In […]
“I lead with integrity and faith,” says Heather Plumski. “That means being honest, thorough, and accountable.” As President of Stearns Bank, Plumski brings a rare blend of head and heart. She shares how her leadership is driven by values, grounded in purpose, and distinguished by forward thinking with a readiness to own both the good […]
In today’s high-stakes, high-performance industries, from finance and law to tech and consulting, one often-overlooked leadership skill can quietly make or break teams, productivity, and profits: respect. Workplace incivility, or persistent disrespect, now costs U.S. businesses a staggering $2 billion per day, according to Gallup estimates. That’s not just a human problem – it’s a […]
“It took me a long time to realise that I am a verb, not a noun,” says Sally Clarke. “That’s why I now have a portfolio career.” From leading communications at some of the world’s largest fintech companies to writing novels, building a business, and advising boards, Clarke has consistently evolved while staying true to […]
In life and work, when you feel depleted, overwhelmed, contracted, or lost, what you may be craving is connection—with yourself. Whereas when you feel spacious in your presence and perception, you are more capable of holding the whole of life: the ups, the downs, the words and behavior of others, the changes of emotional weather […]
“I naturally step into a role when there is a dearth of leadership,” says Marie Bober. “It’s just part of who I am – I see the need and think, ‘I got it.’” From captaining sports teams as a kid to speaking up in moments of silence, taking charge has always felt instinctive for Bober. […]
A bucket of gravel does not make a boulder. And yet, consider how many leaders spend their days: back-to-back meetings, two-line email replies, quick notes on a presentation or report. It’s all understandable—the organization’s engine is humming, employees need decisions, and a leader’s job is, among other things, to stay in touch broadly across a […]
“It’s hard to teach determination, but if you’ve had setbacks, and you’ve had to fight to get to where you are, it is built in you to keep going,” says Nicola Free. “It’s how quickly you bounce back, what learnings you take away, that can make you even stronger.” With a career shaped by determination, […]
If you’ve ever felt like the rules of advancement keep changing just when you think you’ve figured them out, you’re not alone. The challenge with “Merit” as we know it is that research demonstrates that people worldwide tend to believe their societies are more meritocratic than they actually are, and this blind spot particularly affects […]