Inspiration Archives -

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…

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…

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:…

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…

A LEADER’S STORY ABOUT ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN A CHALLENGING YEAR

Think Idealistically, Not Realistically In May 2021, during an E3 Aspiring Leadership course, I asked Mark and the cohort to close their eyes and fast forward to imagine it was New Year’s Eve 2021. “Think about where you are, who you are with, what you are doing and how you are feeling. Imagine you are celebrating everything you have accomplished this year. Think idealistically, not realistically! Don’t worry about what is or isn’t possible. Take your magic wand and consider any outcome you would love. Allow your chest to fill with pride. Revel in what you’ve accomplished. Take a deep…

Aware leaders impact diversity through inclusion

Dear Unaware Leader, The lack of diversity on your team or within your company is not because there are not enough of a certain race, gender, etc. available to fill a position. It is because you have not done your part to seek them out, make them feel included or encouraged them to stick around. The answer is easy, the execution is hard. Are you ready to step up? I am going to assume that since you are reading this you have good intent. You genuinely believe that gender, race, sexual orientation, personality type, etc. does not hinder someone from…

No One Ever Wakes up with bad intent

Early lessons ‘Never judge someone unless you have walked a mile in their shoes,’ was a constant mantra from my father when I was growing up. This critical lesson was instrumental in establishing my approach towards life and shaping my leadership style. I looked up to my father (and still do), so, I would take this phrase quite literally and spent many an evening shuffling around the house in his big brown moccasins. Honestly though, this is a standard saying in our family and a value that has also now passed down to his grandchildren which we all try to…

Fear vs. Freedom

Everything you have ever wanted is on the other side of fear – Henry Ford Avoiding risks I grew up in a very loving, nurturing, protective environment. My parents always encouraged us, but at the same time wanted to make sure we were protected and safe. My father was never comfortable going on a cruise with his wife and 2 girls because he could never save us all if necessary. Flying however was ok, because we would all go down together (we are a close-knit family). We would get the cautious “wet road speech” every time we left the house…