Kathy Eastwood, Author at

Embracing Diversity to Foster Unity and Inclusion

My Journey with International Women's Day While International Women's Day (IWD) is a time for celebration and reflection, I confess that my relationship with it is complex. I love celebrating our achievements as women and using the platform to inspire and empower other women, because it is a worthy cause and still extremely necessary. However, it also serves as a reminder that leadership should consistently honor the uniqueness of all individuals, acknowledging that we are all minorities in some aspect, whether it pertains to gender, race, culture, interests, learning styles, behavioral preferences, values, experiences, or family traditions. It's easy to…

Living Your Eulogy: Leadership Lessons from a Life Well-Lived

In the quiet reflection that follows the loss of a loved one, we often find ourselves contemplating the essence of life and the legacy we're building with each passing day. My father, John Eastwood, was a successful ‘gentleman’, whose recent passing has profoundly reminded me of the values that underpin not only my personal life but also the foundation of our company, E Equals Why. Our commitment to authentic leadership, treating people with dignity and respect, and achieving meaningful results is a direct reflection of the lessons my father provided throughout his 84 years. John's life was a testament to…

The Success Formula for Leaders to Always Remember the Basics

Introduction In the relentless pursuit of excellence and progress, even the most seasoned leaders can find themselves veering off course, caught in the whirlwind of day-to-day operations and unforeseen challenges. This deviation is not a reflection of their capabilities but the consequence of navigating the complex landscape of leadership. It underscores a fundamental truth: every leader, irrespective of their experience or success, needs periodic reminders of their core responsibilities and best practices. Imagine leadership as a journey on a vast, dynamic sea. To navigate these waters, a captain relies not only on their seasoned instincts but also on their compass…

Maximizing Impact with Face-to-Face Meetings: A Tactical Guide for Modern Managers

In today’s professional landscape, dominated by remote work and digital communication, the role of face-to-face (F2F) meetings has evolved significantly. For modern managers, these meetings have transformed from routine team gatherings to strategic opportunities for individual and small group engagements. This article explores practical steps for effectively planning and conducting 1:1 and small group F2F meetings, turning them into a competitive advantage and a cornerstone of effective leadership. Understanding the New Dynamics of Work The onset of remote work has not only altered our daily routines but also fundamentally changed how we connect and collaborate with our teams. The physical…

Breaking the Mold: The True Essence of Effective Leadership

Redefining Leadership Embracing Your Authentic Self: Leadership isn’t a rigid mold that we must each fit into, rather it is a fluid reflection of our deepest values and truths. Rather than look and act a certain way, we need to know and share our authentic self with others. The most effective leaders are those who continually reflect on their actions, decisions, and the impact they have on others. Awareness is every leader’s Superpower. The Essence of Self-Discovery: My own leadership journey began not in boardrooms or seminars, but through years of reflection. I pondered over questions like, “Who am I…

How to Fund Your Leadership Journey: Tapping into (Hidden) Company-Sponsored Training Budgets

Emerging leaders know the importance of investing in themselves to stay competitive. They’re looking to learn, grow, and discover who they are professionally and make their mark. But they sometimes hit some misconceptions and perceived roadblocks. Separating Fact from Fiction to Seize the Opportunity to Level Up As someone who has served as a Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff, I can tell you the absolute truth: Organizations, both large and small, allocate budgets for employee development. These funds are intended to nurture talent, increase employee retention, prepare future leaders, and enhance the skills of existing ones. Here’s where…

Navigating Layoffs and Difficult Conversations

The Crucial Role of Leadership Development Layoffs are among the most challenging aspects of leadership, demanding empathy, clarity, and resilience. These situations not only impact those leaving the organization, but also deeply affect the team members left behind. Effective leadership development is the key to managing such scenarios with compassion, transparency, and skill. As organizations strive to excel in managing these transitions, it’s crucial to invest in preparing leaders to lead through layoffs, ensuring both departing employees and the remaining team receive the support they need to move forward. Caring for the Human Side of the Employee Being Laid Off:…

Stop Micromanaging and Start Empowering: Embracing a Two-Way Street for Success

The concept of micromanagement has lost its effectiveness. Instead, a paradigm shift is underway towards empowering employees and nurturing a culture of autonomy, accountability, and creativity. The transformation from micromanagement to empowerment is not just a one-sided endeavor; it is a two-way street where leaders and team members play integral roles in achieving success. 🚀 FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY: Empowerment is not about loosening the reins without any oversight; rather, it’s about providing a sense of freedom that is balanced by individual responsibility. When employees are granted the autonomy to make decisions and explore innovative solutions, they become more engaged, motivated,…

The Art of Leadership Balance

Trust is the North Star of strong and high-performing teams, guiding them through the darkest challenges and keeping them on course. It's like the foundation of a sturdy building, built brick by brick with unwavering faith in each other's reliability, truth, ability, and strength. However, trust doesn't come pre-packaged; it's not something leaders can order up like fast food. Instead, it's an ongoing investment that requires consistent effort to earn and protect. Effective leadership takes the role of a skilled architect, constructing trust through intentional, transparent, and impactful communication, ensuring the team stands tall against any storm that comes its…

Fostering Mental Health Awareness in Your Team

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it is an excellent reminder for leaders to recognize their crucial role in caring for their teams and helping them avoid burnout. Employee burnout is a real concern, and according to the World Health Organization is a syndrome that can be characterized by 3 dimensions: exhaustion or energy depletion, decreased engagement at work, feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced productivity or efficacy. To ensure delivery of results for the organization, leaders must take responsibility for setting up their teams for success. Understanding the Reasons for Burnout…