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.
Here’s a leadership tip that will completely shift how you approach your day: Schedule your energy, not just your time. Most leaders plan their day around a calendar full of tasks, but few consider how their energy naturally rises and falls throughout the day. By aligning your most demanding work with your energy peaks, you can dramatically boost your focus and effectiveness.
This week, take a close look at your energy patterns. Are you sharpest in the morning? More creative in the afternoon? Reserve those peak times for high-priority tasks or big decisions, and save lower-energy times for routine work or reflection. Planning with your energy in mind isn’t just productive—it’s transformative.
This Week’s Posts We Love
LinkedIn Spotlight by Amber M.
I often encourage leaders to look for candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit—those who think and act like owners. Amber’s post takes this idea even further, reminding us that the best leaders never lose sight of what it’s like to be “in the trenches” with their teams. True leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about ownership, humility, and shared accountability.
Click Here to Check Out The Full LI Post
BlueSky Spotlight by Adam Grant
This week’s BlueSky spotlight comes from Adam Grant: being kind does more for our mental health than chasing joy. Just three small acts of kindness a week can make a real difference. Self-care is important, but giving back is what truly fills us up.
Book of the Week
Mind Management, Not Time Management: Productivity When Creativity Matters by David Kadavy
This week’s choice for leaders is Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy, a groundbreaking approach to productivity that shifts the focus from squeezing more out of your time to maximizing the potential of your mind. This book is a must-read for leaders looking to thrive in a constantly changing world while avoiding burnout.
Must-Read Article of the Week
“The New Science of Happiness” by Claudia Wallis
This article does a great job of breaking down what actually makes us happy, drawing on fresh research to show that joy isn’t some fuzzy mystery—it’s something we can shape and grow. It’s a perfect read if you want to rethink how you’re leading, as it highlights practical ways to nurture a more positive, resilient environment. You’ll come away feeling more informed, more inspired, and ready to help your team thrive.
From the CARE to Lead® Archives
Five Barriers to Creative Thinking
When we think about creativity, we often picture fresh ideas flowing easily—but the reality is, barriers often stand in the way. From lack of psychological safety to time pressures and silos, these roadblocks can quietly stifle innovation. In this archived post, I share five of the most common obstacles to creative thinking—and practical steps to overcome them. Which of these barriers do you see most often in your team?
Closing Thoughts
Leading effectively means working with your natural rhythms, not against them. What’s one adjustment you can make this week to align your energy with your priorities? If you’d like support applying strategies like this in real time, I currently have two openings for my Executive Mastery Coaching this fall. Just hit reply to this email to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.
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!
Whenever you’re ready, here are ways to take your leadership to the next level:
- Executive Mastery Coaching (2 openings this fall): I work privately with no more than 10 senior leaders at a time in an annual, access-first partnership. Bi-weekly strategy sessions plus unlimited access between sessions means you’re never leading alone. Hit reply to this email if you’d like details.
- CARE to Lead® for Teams: If your organization is ready for more innovative, future-focused conversations, let’s design a custom CARE to Lead® experience. This is where bigger questions become real results. Click here to schedule an exploratory call.
- Thinking about a career change? Start with this 2-minute quiz to see if now’s the time to explore what’s next.
