I’m taking a step back from the Leadership Clarity newsletter for the summer.
Your time, reflections, shares and comments have been wonderful. I’m really grateful for everyone who has joined this journey. Thank you.
But I’ve been thinking about what feels most useful right now.
A newsletter can be helpful, but it can also start to feel like I’m talking at people. Or shouting into the deep LinkedIn void and hoping something sticks.
In my many years working in the public sector, I've leaned on the idea of doing things with people, not too them. And frankly, the amount of talking at people on LinkedIn is giving me "the ick". It doesn't help with the amount of unfiltered AI either.
I’ve also been hearing from others that they’re craving deeper conversations, too. People are hungry for belonging. We are seeking real spaces to think through leadership, communication, trust, change and the messy things we are trying to navigate in work and life.
Plus, with LinkedIn algorithms changing, and the sunny days upon us, this feels like a good time to pause and explore other options.
I’m also thinking about leadership in a very different way these days.
My teen son is exploring his first jobs, both as an entrepreneur and as a team member. Watching him learn how to show up, ask questions, take initiative, communicate and follow through has been a good reminder that leadership does not only live in big titles or formal roles.
We are capable leaders - every day. It shows up in the small, everyday ways we take responsibility, learn from others and keep going.
So this summer, I’m going to step back, listen more and experiment a bit.
I still care about this newsletter. But I’m less interested in adding more content to the pile, and more interested in finding better ways to have real conversations.
So here’s my small summer invitation: if any of this speaks to you, I’d love to connect 1:1.
Virtual coffee, real coffee, a walk, a chat about what you’re seeing in your own work, or a conversation about what leadership and communication are asking of us right now. Hint - it is a LOT.
I have no agenda. There is no pitch. I'm embracing the summer as a chance to (re)connect as humans.
Send me a note if you’d like to join me.
Until next time ... and have a happy summer.