Blog
Leadership
Inspiring Vision: Loqui Fairgrounds Nashville
“Every piece of art is a conversation, every color a voice.”
This vibrant sculpture, created by Blessing Hancock, is titled "Loqui," meaning “to speak” in Latin, invites public interaction and incorporates words from local community members into the sculpture. Installed at the Fairgrounds Nashville, it's crafted from steel and vibrant, translucent acrylic panels that glow brilliantly at night, illuminating an array of languages and symbols that signify the diverse cultural fabric of the community…
Is Work Broken? Cultivating Change from Within
“The most profound transformations begin not with escape but with a decision to create.”
Is work broken? I have spoken to countless people who believe it is, and they are not alone. According to a 2023 Gallup survey, only 23% of employees globally feel engaged. This widespread disengagement reflects a deep dissatisfaction in many workplaces, leading some to think that leaving is the only solution. But quitting doesn't necessarily solve the problem. One of my past clients, Sophie, a VP of product …
Inspiring Vision: Musée d'Orsay
“The arts are the seeds of transformation; they help us see beyond what is to what could be.”
The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is a remarkable institution that transcends the typical museum experience. Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station built in 1900, the museum is a testament to the power of transformation - turning a place of movement into a haven of artistic reflection. It boasts an unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, offering visitors an inspir…
Grounded Leadership: The Calm Within the Storm
“True leadership is not about being in control, but about creating a sense of calm in the storm, connecting deeply with others, and guiding change with clarity and purpose.”
Grounded leaders have never been more critical. The challenges we face - global crises, technological disruptions, or the complexities of leading diverse teams - demand leaders who can remain calm and focused amid chaos. Grounded leaders provide stability in uncertain times; they are the rudder that keeps an organization stea…
Transforming Conversations into Masterpieces
“Art is the means by which we communicate what it feels like to be alive.”
Improving connection has been a focal point for many people lately, ever since Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory report on the epidemic of loneliness. It has definitely been on my mind over the past few months. I have developed programs and engaged in numerous discussions on implementing the pillars of this report. One insight that stands out is the need to change our perspective on conversations. Rather than treating …
Fostering Experiential Intelligence: Curating Your Personal Museum
“Your professional journey is a living museum; each experience is a display of your growth and resilience.”
In our careers, as in life, we are constantly collecting experiences that shape our perspectives and skills. This collection process is like curating a museum (a life-long dream of mine) – each decision about what to include and where to place it imbues meaning and direction. Just as a curator selects and arranges exhibits to tell a compelling story, we must intentionally foster experientia…
Through Expression, We Meet Ourselves
“Don't let your best work die within you.”
In the rush of our daily lives, we often hold back our true thoughts, ideas, and dreams, letting them simmer beneath the surface. It's through expressing these parts of ourselves - honestly and openly - that we begin to truly meet ourselves. This concept is central to Todd Henry's powerful message in his book Die Empty, which urges us not to let our best work die within us.
Todd's call to action is inspired by a profound question: "What is the most valuab…
Embracing Integrative Thinking: Using Your Opposable Mind
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
In his book The Opposable Mind, Roger Martin introduces the concept of integrative thinking, an approach that involves holding two opposing ideas simultaneously and resolving the tension between them to create a new, superior idea. This method is in stark contrast with conventional thinking, often forcing a choice between conflic…
Breaking Through Inertia and Anxiety: The Foundation of Deep Connections in Leadership
“Deep connections are not just formed; they are carefully and courageously woven together.”
The capacity to forge deeper connections within teams is a cornerstone of organizational success. However, when we start this process, we often encounter inertia and anxiety, hurdles that can deter even the most determined leaders. Meaningful engagement requires a nuanced approach, blending new science and timeless wisdom.
As leaders, we hold the key to breaking through these barriers of inertia and anxiety…
Inspiring Vision: Field of Light
"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." — Aaron Rose
This is the Field of Light by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro at Sensorio in Paso Robles, California. The installation is a vast landscape transformed into an undulating sea of over 58,000 solar-powered, fiber-optic lights illuminating the rolling hills in myriad colors as dusk falls. This stunning visual feast not only draws visitors into a magical exploration of light and color but also offers a prof…