Dear Reader, Having conversations about the realities of life and work while not talking about politics can be complex to navigate. Over the last 13 years, my team has been brought in to facilitate meaningful discussions with roomfuls of work teammates, taking special care that there is no trash-talking, polarization, or personal political views discussed. It’s challenging but possible. This was Week 1, Session 1: Creating a Culture of Feedback for our STEP Academy for Government Leaders group coaching program. The premise is that each participant is authentic and curious, and the group rose to the occasion. Many fears and anxieties were shared about the changing landscape and unknowns. The key to success with this type of conversation at work is that people share feelings instead of opinions. If you have a team that has heightened anxiety right now and you could use a guiding light to guide you through, read on. 1. Listen fiercely. We all know that active listening is something we can turn on, and now it’s game on. If you leave feelings out of the conversations regarding paths forward, you miss an opportunity (read Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott). If we expect people to just keep a stiff upper lip, they tend to stay stuck. The only way out is through. What important questions could you be asking? 2. Your leadership presence. Enlist your support person(s) now. For you to move forward in a healthy manner, you also need a shoulder to lean on. Remember to put your oxygen mask on first. Who can you turn to? This is a given, but they should not be your direct reports. Also, right now, people are following your lead. Anxiety is contagious. But so is steadiness; how can you lean into informed calmness? Whether you like it or not, people are watching your every move for cues as to how they should operate. 3. Gratitude 301. This is not a time to be a tone-deaf Pollyanna, shallowly talking about what’s good in your life or work. However, this is a time to significantly lift others. What I saw during the pandemic is that some teams swam—they became stronger than ever, united and caring for each other like never before. While others sank—they got swallowed by the chaos, their presenting emotion was overwhelmed, and many individuals felt isolated. So, what can you do now to share deep appreciation and care for those you work with? If you would like support navigating the Executive Orders in the changing DEI landscape and more, SHRM is a credible source that we recommend. With gratitude, Julie
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Inside the Experience: A Day in the Life of a Women's Summit Attendee From the moment you arrive at the Women's Summit, you’re immersed in a day of inspiration, connection, and transformation. Engaging speakers, dynamic workshops, and powerful networking moments create an electrifying atmosphere where ideas flow and confidence soars. By the end of the day, you’ll leave feeling empowered, recharged, and ready to take on new opportunities! Triumphs of Transformation – A Global Gurus Must-Read for 2025! An inspiring blend of resilience and connection, Triumphs of Transformation is a Global Gurus must-read and an award-winning bestseller. With powerful stories that uplift and unite, this book is a reminder of the strength we all share. Spotlight on Judy Tincher: Celebrating Impactful Organizations Judy Tincher is deeply committed to supporting organizations in their growth, leadership, and impact. Through her dedication and guidance, she has helped countless teams thrive, fostering innovation and positive change. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to these organizations for their hard work and inspiring contributions to their communities. Your Public Sector Workplace Check-Up: Simple, Cost-Free Ways to Transform Your Team A Personal Journey: From EMT to Public Health When I was an EMT working on an ambulance, I saw the same thing over and over—people sick with preventable diseases. It was heartbreaking. So, I made a career move to explore public health, focusing on disease prevention and keeping people healthy. As I career moved into organizational health, I find that I can apply the same principles. Just like personal health, organizations have simple and free ways to thrive. Improving your workplace doesn’t require a huge budget —it starts with how you lead.
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"The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Peter Drucker
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Dear Reader, FDA & Stories 13 years ago I started a 5-year stint of flying to Washington DC one time per month for 12 days. I did this for 5 years. I was doing one-on-one coaching and teaching leadership trainings for the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research for the Food and Drug Administration. I got a badge. I wore government suits. I loved every minute of it and my work felt important. There were so many important topics that could make or break them being good leaders. I taught about...
Dear Reader, Recognizing Uniqueness I was 21. It was my first summer working with Visions Service Adventures, and we were making the 6-hour drive from Anchorage, Alaska, to Tok, a tiny town where we were spending the summer living with 30 high school students from around the country. I was hired as the outdoor specialist and knew I’d be teaching students to kayak and backpack. We’d spend much of our time doing cultural learning and community service, like building a bridge over a river, not...
Dear Reader, The other day, I stopped by a hotel to drop off a book. The Flagstaff Leadership Program asked if I would give one of the new resilience stories books to their annual fundraiser, and I was happy to. The hotel was the workplace of Ellen Jimenez, someone I know just a little bit but like a whole lot who has amazing energy, and I feel a kinship with her. Upon seeing each other, we embraced in a big hug. All was well in the world. As we separated our bodies, somehow and in slow...