As a leader approaching the end of the year, you’re likely focused on packing as much as you can into the few weeks that are left. This includes completing important work that was likely pushed aside months ago for more urgent priorities, wondering how much vacation time you’ll have to leave on the table, and preparing for the holidays. (more…)
I had the pleasure of leading a workshop at the October 2025 Private Directors’ Association PRISM conference. My topic “Balancing the Dynamics of Family Business Owners and Board Leaders” incorporated insights from my coaching and consulting over a number of years as these leaders navigate alignment in growing their companies.
Whether the boards are fiduciary or advisory, they must work closely with the owners to agree on the vision, mission, and strategies for growth. This is a complex process that requires careful consideration of interpersonal relationships, governance structures, and organizational goals. There are five primary challenges to navigate that can stem from deeply rooted transitions, emotional ties, and evolving business demands. (more…)
Recently, a client said to me, “It’s lonely at the top.” This person was feeling the weight of making major decisions that affect their company, their customers, employees, and shareholders. These are decisions that often must be made without clear or complete information; stakeholders might criticize them; and the impact may not be understood for months or years to come. (more…)
Earlier this year I signed up to complete my third half-marathon which is scheduled in October. I consider myself more of a finisher than a runner, but here I am again. I keep doing it because it represents a goal that stretches my physical and mental abilities, and because I’m simultaneously raising money with a group called Love Runs to fight human trafficking. (Our goal is $150,000 and your donation of any size at this link would be greatly appreciated.) Another motivator is that each time, I learn from the process of training and running in ways that add value to other areas of my life. (more…)
Recently, while on vacation, I attended a magic show. The illusionist left us in awe as he disappeared and reappeared in various parts of the auditorium, passed through plate glass windows, and showed his sleight of hand. He made it look easy, even though his performance reflected decades of practice. We know that magicians manipulate perception, use misdirection, high tech props, and other psychological principles to do the impossible. But we were still trying to figure out how he did it. (more…)
Think of a recent situation in your professional role where you had a significantly different perspective or decision on a topic, compared to your colleagues. Once you realized your opinions diverged, did you launch head-on into convincing others that your position was the best one? Did you take time to listen to their point of view? Did you try to collaborate on a solution? Or did you avoid facing the differences and hope the whole issue would go away or subside on its own? (more…)
One of the most important roles leaders find themselves in is setting or changing direction for their team. Whatever happened in the past, there is a need to clarify a future that is different or distinct. The operating environment or fundamentals may have shifted. New threats or opportunities may have changed the pathways for progress. And the metrics for success may require modifications. (more…)
I live in the metro Detroit area, and for anyone who has a heartbeat here, we know that the Detroit Pistons are in the National Basketball Association playoffs. After last year’s poor 14-68 season, they’ve rebounded to 44-38 with a new coach and a physical style of play reminiscent of the 1989 and 1990 “Bad Boys” era when they won back-to-back championships.
A critical role in their success is the new coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who joined the team in June last year with a mandate from team owner Tom Gores to “immediately instill a culture of growth, development and inspiration.”1 He’s responsible for getting the team to work together to win. And like any other team in sports or business they want to win, especially after so many losses. (more…)
Imagine that you’re the captain of a container ship, moving valuable cargo all over the world. You’re also part of a worldwide network of maritime container shipping vessels that work together across consolidated routes to provide services. Businesses and people all over the world are depending on you to deliver your goods on time. This is your livelihood and traveling in the open water is your passion.
You’re used to navigating familiar oceanic courses and know how to handle calm or stormy waters. You communicate regularly with your seafaring colleagues to share information on the weather and other details to maximize the safe and efficient operation of your ship. (more…)
These are the words of singer Tina Turner’s biggest selling single.1 And since I typically write about leadership, you may be wondering right now, what’s love got to do with leadership?
The Greek language defines different types of love that we might demonstrate in interactions with others. It highlights agape love as “universal love, such as the love for strangers, nature, or God…encompass(ing) the modern concept of altruism, as defined as unselfish concern for the welfare of others.”2 (more…)