In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
One-Year Later
Last year, I had the good fortune of meeting and speaking with Thane Kreiner about leadership, something he knows a lot about. His career has provided him with opportunities at a variety of tables where he often finds himself with the keys to influence and the means to make things happen. I caught up with him recently to see how things have gone since we last spoke.
Overthink the Best
It is often human nature to consider the worst possible outcome long before we dream of the best. And at time such a time as this, the worst can seem far more likely.
We all know that depending on how you view the glass, it can be half full or half empty.
I’ve got to say that my view sees a glass overflowing!
One-Year Later
In April 2025, I asked Archita what she would be celebrating one year later. A few days ago, I asked her how that celebration is going. Here’s what she shared in only the magical, vulnerable and inspiring way Archita can.
One-Year Later
In March of last year, I spoke with Lisha Bell and Greg Webb about leadership in my new In the Cut Leadership Conversation series. One of the questions I ask of all the leaders I interview is, “It’s a year from now, what are you celebrating?”
I reached out to Lisha and Greg to check in on their celebration. Here’s what they shared with me!
One-Year Later…
A year ago this month, I launched my In the Cut Leadership Conversation series and had the good fortune of speaking with Sena Kwawu and Tsitsi Hampton. One of the questions I ask of all the leaders I interview is, “It’s a year from now, what are you celebrating?”
I recently caught up with Tsitsi and Sena to see how they did with that!
Does Your Nonprofit Board Have Strategic Chops?
It’s Try Better Tuesday… and today nonprofit boards are on my mind.
I’ve had the privilege of serving on 15 nonprofit boards that focused on arts and culture, economic development, entrepreneurship and spirituality. Focus areas that speak to me and are easy for me to get behind. And I’ve held leadership positions from Board Chair to leading marketing to strategic planning committees. It’s that last one that has my attention these days. Strategic planning.
Live Life as You Dreamed It
When 3 or more things converge in my life, I’m called to stop to pay attention to them. On this Sunday morning, I’m taking a note from my brother, a dreamcatcher, my Mom and Jacob.
Leadership. It’s about being a good human. Period.
There are a gazillion books about leadership. Literally. A gazillion. And every year, people write new ones.
Over the years, I’ve been asked to consider writing a book on leadership. What I have siad in response is, “There are already a gazillion books about leadership.”
How’s that Leadership Coaching Working Out for You?
I hold 2 portfolios of work and they both make me happy.
One is consulting, where I’m hired to recommend to executives what I believe is best for them in setting growth strategies and preparing for organizational transformation. The other is coaching, where I help executive leaders reveal their truths as they work toward improving their leadership instincts and being better humans.
Thank You, Jan Farren
It’s Thankful Thursday and today I’m all about my dear friend, Jan Farren!
When I started, Flyin’ West, a firm that provided strategic and tactical marketing consulting services. My first client was Wells Fargo and I had the good fortune of meeting Jan.
Remember, You’ve Survived 100% of Your Hardest Days Ever
This line came from a guided meditation I did a few weeks ago and the words struck deep.
Say them again slowly. Remember. You’ve. Survived. 100%. Of. Your. Hardest. Days. Ever.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Tuti Scott
Born in a rural town and shaped by adversity and resilience, Tuti’s participation in basketball provided her with her first taste of belonging, leadership and achievement. Acknowledging her white privilege, Tuti forged a path of equity for women leading change in companies, nonprofit organizations and in the game of money and power. A lifelong feminist, Tuti’s passion for humanity and the survival of our planet are at the core of what motivates her.
Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself
I’m Sheila. Sheila E. to be exact and since there’s a brilliant musical artist who goes by that name, Sheila will do just fine.
I’m a strategist, builder and leader.
I’m a Midwest transplant to the west coast.
Create Your Future
Many of us start the new year with resolutions that typically require us to do something different or more than we did in the previous year. You know, go to the gym, reduce our sugar intake, drink less coffee, keep our closets organized, call our friends and family more. Whatever your resolution is, or resolutions are, they require you to yield to the notion that you have to do something different in order to create the outcome you desire.
And isn’t that the drumbeat of all change? Thinking and being in new ways until they become habits.
Agreement or Alignment: A Stacey Abrams Commentary
It’s Try Better Tuesday and today I’m writing about Stacey Abrams.
In September 2025, I heard her speak at the annual fundraiser for Seattle’s Homestead Community Land Trust. During her talk, she was asked about her time serving as the House Minority Leader in the Georgia General Assembly. Specifically, she was asked about how she was able to bridge differences in a conservative-led General Assembly.
Stacey replied, “Agreement isn’t the point – alignment is.”
You’re getting close. That’s why it’s getting tough.
Shoot, there’s something new that you’ve got to do. You’ve got to change the way you communicate with a peer. You’re having a very difficult time of it. It’s like you cannot even hear what he’s saying.
And, it’s not only him that needs to change. It’s you, too.
Happy New Year!
I start 2026 as I ended 2025, with gratitude to each of you who stopped by to read a post, send an article to someone you know or leave a comment to let me know my message touched you. Thank you!
Get some rest…
Sounds like an order.
Maybe a request.
However you receive it.
It’s for you.
Photo courtesy of Stockholm Paris Studio
The Opposite of Hopeless
Last evening I was invited by my brother and sister-in-law to attend the annual fundraiser for Seattle’s Homestead Community Land Trust. The event included Eric Liu in conversation with the amazing and brilliant Stacey Abrams.
At the conversation intermission, Marcus Harrison Green, a Seattle-based publisher and journalist, took the stage with an impassioned ask of all in attendance. His ask was simple. Move into action to help Homestead Community Land Trust continue their efforts to create permanently affordable home-buying opportunities for income-qualified households.