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The Accidental Leader: Journey from Tech Guru to Executive

The Challenge of Unexpected Leadership Meet Michael Anderson, a talented tech expert who, without much warning, found himself leading a large team. This is pretty common in the tech world—skilled specialists are promoted to management roles with little guidance or training. You see, Michael had made a name for himself in the IT department. He was known for his fast problem-solving skills and ability to fix complex tech issues in a pinch. It wasn’t long before he got promoted to manage a team. But his experience in leadership? Well, that was limited. So, here’s Michael—suddenly a manager. Relying on his…

A Journey of Transformation Through Teaming

Aligning with Eddie Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of another organizational transformation, feeling both the thrill and the weight of impending change? Throughout my career, rallying diverse teams toward a common goal has become a familiar theme. Change is daunting — people naturally resist the unfamiliar and cling to the known. Yet, as we all know, change is the only constant in life. In smaller teams, fostering personal connections and sharing visions and dreams around the lunch table is easier. However, maintaining this intimacy and alignment becomes increasingly challenging as organizations grow. Values and strategies can become…

Build Your Personal Board of Directors: A Strategic Tool for Leadership Excellence

In today’s complex professional landscape, success hinges not just on what you know, but who supports you. Establishing a Personal Board of Directors, consisting of mentors, advisors, coaches, peers, sponsors, and confidantes, is essential for anyone serious about their professional and personal development. What is a Personal Board of Directors? A Personal Board of Directors is a handpicked group of seasoned professionals who bring diverse perspectives to help you navigate both career and personal challenges. This board goes beyond mere career advancement; it’s about creating a robust framework for comprehensive leadership development. Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors…

How Effective Leadership Development Programs Transform Organizations

Effective leadership isn’t reserved for the upper echelons of big corporations; it’s a foundational skill essential from day one. Although 83% of organizations recognize its importance, a mere 5% practice leadership development at all levels. This represents a significant gap and missed opportunity. What is a Leadership Development Program? A Leadership Development Program is not a one-time training or a book to be read—it’s a journey. It is about improving leadership capabilities at every level of the organization and includes ongoing coaching, training, practical on-the-job experience, and structured feedback. A good program provides the framework for leaders to enhance their…

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…