Leadership Insights for August 20th, 2025

Welcome to Leadership Insights! Each week, we curate transformative leadership insights and add our own expertise to help you lead with purpose and impact. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, you’ll find actionable wisdom in every edition.


Even as adults, the “back to school” energy of late August has a way of sparking a desire for fresh starts and renewed focus. It’s the perfect time to hit reset on your professional “syllabus” and invest in learning or improving a skill that will elevate your leadership.

This week, create your own “back to school” plan: identify one skill, tool, or habit you want to master by year-end, and break it into manageable weekly goals. Whether it’s improving your ability to give feedback, mastering a new technology, or developing stronger delegation habits, approach it with the same curiosity and structure you would if you were a student. Growth isn’t reserved for kids—it’s the hallmark of great leaders.


This Week’s Posts We Love

LinkedIn Spotlight by Sara Blakely

The first post on my feed earlier this week was from Sara Blakely, and wow—did it land. Her reminder that clarity often follows action is such a powerful truth for leaders and entrepreneurs. In CARE to Lead®, the first pillar stands for Clarity, and the quote on her coffee mug says it all: leaders don’t need every step mapped out before moving forward; they just need the courage to take the next right step. Clarity follows.

Click Here to Check Out The Full LI Post


Podcast Spotlight:
“5 Surprising Reasons Your Team Won’t Do What They’re Supposed To-and the Leadership Communication Skills to Fix It” from David Dye

Ever wonder why your team isn’t delivering—even when expectations are clear and training is solid? In this 15-minute episode of Leadership Without Losing Your Soul, David Dye shares 5 surprising reasons your team might be stuck (and the simple communication skills to fix it). It’s the perfect quick listen for your commute or coffee break—I found it super insightful and hope you do too!

Listen to the Full Episode Here


Book of the Week

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes

This week’s book choice, How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes, is an invaluable guide for leaders looking to enhance their communication skills and build stronger connections. Packed with 92 practical and memorable techniques, this book helps readers master everything from first impressions to navigating challenging conversations with ease. It’s an essential read for leaders aiming to foster influence, build rapport, and communicate effectively in any situation.

Find it on Amazon


Must-Read Article of the Week

“Understanding Leadership” by W.C.H. Prentice

This article captures the deeper essence of leading rather than just telling others what to do. It reminds us that good leadership hinges on understanding your own strengths, your people, and the context you’re in. You’ll come away with a clearer grasp of how to guide authentically and effectively—no matter the situation.

Read the Full Article Here


From the CARE to Lead® Archives

Five Effective Ways to Combat Decision Fatigue and Avoid Burnout

Ever feel like your brain is running on empty by the end of the day? That’s decision fatigue—and it’s one of the biggest contributors to burnout. In this archived blog, I share five practical strategies to simplify choices, protect your energy, and reclaim your focus. Revisit this one if you’re ready to make fewer decisions and better ones.

Read the Full Blog Post Here


Closing Thoughts

This season of renewal is a great time to lean into growth and sharpen your skills. What’s on your “syllabus” for the rest of the year? Let’s connect—find me on LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, and share how you’re embracing the back-to-school spirit in your leadership journey.

Thank you for being part of our leadership community. We’re dedicated to helping you lead with Clarity, Authenticity, Responsibility, and Engagement. Until next week, keep raising the bar on your leadership journey!

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