The Questions You’re Not Asking in Exit Interviews
Exit interviews are one of the most underutilized tools in organizational development. Most companies conduct them—but few ask the right questions. Here’s the typical approach: ‘Why are you leaving? What could we have done differently?’ And here’s what usually happens: People give polite, surface-level answers. They don’t want to burn bridges, so they say things […]
What Inclusive Leadership Really Looks Like
I’ve worked with countless organizations that invest in diversity training, update their hiring policies, and issue statements about inclusion. And that’s important work. But here’s what I’ve learned: real inclusion doesn’t happen in training rooms. It happens in everyday moments—in the small decisions leaders make that either reinforce belonging or quietly exclude. Inclusive leadership isn’t […]
The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Focus on Instead)
Let me be honest: I don’t believe in work-life balance. At least not the way it’s usually framed. We talk about balance like it’s a 50/50 split—as if every day should have equal parts work and personal life, perfectly measured and maintained. But life doesn’t work that way. Some seasons demand more from your career. […]
When Being Nice Isn’t Kind
For years, I prided myself on being a ‘nice’ leader. I avoided conflict. I smoothed over tension. I said yes when I should’ve said no, and I let issues slide to keep the peace. Then one day, a team member gave me feedback that shook me: ‘Your niceness is holding us back.’ At first, I […]
The Hidden Cost of Burnout (And How to Spot It Before It’s Too Late)
Burnout doesn’t announce itself with a dramatic breakdown. It creeps in quietly—through small signs we often ignore until it’s too late. I’ve seen it countless times: high performers who suddenly become disengaged, leaders who snap at minor issues, teams that stop collaborating. And when you dig deeper, you find the same culprit: burnout. The problem? […]
Why High Performers Leave (And It’s Not About Money)
I once worked with an organization that was hemorrhaging talent. Their best people were leaving—not for higher salaries, but for something much more fundamental. They were leaving because they didn’t feel valued. When leaders think about retention, they often jump to compensation packages, perks, or promotions. And yes, those matter. But here’s what I’ve learned […]
The Courage to Say ‘I Don’t Know’
One of the hardest things I’ve learned as a leader? Admitting when I don’t have the answer. Early in my career, I believed leaders were supposed to know everything. That saying ‘I don’t know’ would make me look incompetent or weak. So I faked it. I deflected. I came up with answers that sounded right, […]