As we look ahead to 2026—and acknowledge how much will remain out of our control—I believe our work as leaders must include the work of self-perception. Persevering forward will require us to see ourselves clearly first, to be honest about what we see, and to reconnect with who we are at our core. Below are three quotes I’ve been using in my own self-reflection practice as a way to stay grounded in that work.
Read MoreMany professionals share this ambition story in different ways, shaped by other intersecting identities—whether as first-generation immigrants, women in male-dominated fields, or others who have been told their worth rests on outpacing expectations.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve wrestled with ambition, too. It has likely opened doors for you, established your reputation, and earned you recognition as a highly capable person. And yet, you may have faced moments where you questioned your ambition.
Read MoreIn my work as a coach and facilitator for mission-driven organizations, I’m noticing a troubling pattern: every decision feels like a lose-lose situation, with a heightened risk of moral injury. Many leaders are asking themselves: Do I comply, defy, or lie? Leaders are constantly grappling with impossible choices. Every day, it feels like our core values are on the chopping block. There’s No Easy Answer—But There Is Another Question…
Read MoreThis concept of “shoulding yourself,” coined by psychologist Clayton Barbeau, speaks to the distorted thinking and guilt-ridden pressures that many of us put ourselves through when the going gets tough. By “shoulding” ourselves into feeling or being a certain way, we block our ability to effectively process our grief, give ourselves what we truly need, and build resilience for the future.
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