Leadership Insights for May 14th, 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.


Ever notice how some of your best ideas come when you’re not actively trying to solve a problem? There’s a reason for that—our brains thrive on space. As leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant problem-solving, but real creativity often emerges when we step back and give our minds room to wander.

This week, schedule “white space” into your calendar—30 minutes with no agenda, no meetings, and no to-do lists. Use it to take a walk, reflect, or simply let your mind drift. You’ll be amazed at how this intentional pause can spark fresh ideas, reveal solutions, and recharge your leadership energy.


This Week’s Posts We Love

LinkedIn Spotlight: Note #5 to Ken: PrivateGPT Enables Your Team to Shape Your AI Future by Dr. Joe Yun

Dr. Joe Yun’s Letters to Ken and Sookie is one of the most thoughtful, human-centered takes on AI I’ve seen. In his latest note, he explores how leaders can equip their teams to become AI builders—starting with the right environment. This series blends heart, expertise, and practical insight in a way that’s both creative and deeply relevant. Don’t just read this week’s letter—subscribe and follow along.

Click Here to Check Out Dr. Joe’s LI Post


BlueSky Spotlight: Impromptu Feedback by Radical Candor

Some of the most meaningful feedback happens in the moment, not in a formal review or scheduled one-on-one. This Radical Candor post is a great reminder that when you care personally and challenge directly, now is often the best time. You don’t need a script—just intention and courage. Check out the post and reflect on how you handle real-time feedback.

Check Out the Full Post Here


Book of the Week

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

This week’s must-read for leaders is Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage. It is a game-changing exploration of how happiness fuels success rather than the other way around. Grounded in extensive research, Achor demonstrates how cultivating positivity enhances productivity, creativity, and resilience, making it an essential skill for effective leadership.

Find it on Amazon


Must-Read Article of the Week

“How to Increase Productivity at Work with Time Management & Organizational Skills in 2025” by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

What I love about this article is how it cuts through the fluff and gets into real, workable strategies you can use to boost your efficiency. It’s not about driving yourself to the brink, but about finding the sweet spot where you’re focused, motivated, and actually enjoying the work. You’ll leave with fresh ideas to keep your team humming along without burning everyone out.

Read the Full Article Here


From the CARE to Lead® Archives

“Bridging the Skills Gap” CARE to Lead® Video Series Interview with John Akkara

John Akkara’s journey from immigrant student to CEO is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets purpose. In this episode, he shares how Smoothstack is disrupting the tech hiring model, expanding access, and building equity into the future of IT. His story is rich with lessons on leadership, resilience, and the value of giving others a chance to rise. If you need a dose of inspiration and innovation, this one’s not to be missed.

Watch the Full Interview Here


Closing Thoughts

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do as a leader is create space to think. What could you discover if you gave yourself permission to pause? Let’s continue the conversation—connect with me on LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, and share how you’re making space for creativity and clarity this week.

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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