leadership -

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…

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…

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…

From Consultant to CMO, The E3E Formula in Action: Genefa Murphy, CMO Five9

Ninety-two percent - The number of people that will NOT accomplish their goals this year! That number haunts me and motivates me to help inspire and enable people to defy those odds. So, what are the 8% doing differently? It is not rocket science, it is not complicated, you do not need a Ph.D., nor do you need money. The answer is simple. Follow the E3 Formula: E3E = EXPRESS + ENGAGE + EXECUTE, powered by EMOTIONS. E Equals Why is committed to highlighting the 8% of leaders that do succeed and how they leverage the formula, intuitively or deliberately.…

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…