In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
The Layoff Confidence Drain
Last week I received a text from a mentee sharing her frustration and disappointment in her ongoing job search, leading to sadness and a strong lack of confidence. She said, "I have never had a problem finding a job." She’s not the first to share this sentiment with me, and she will likely, and sadly, not be the last.
Introducing In the Cut Leadership Conversations with Sheila
I have always loved the topic of leadership. As a kid I devoured biographies and autobiographies, grasping at what made someone tick. Learning about what made them soar or sour through life. Understanding what they were thinking when making life-changing decisions that affected many beyond themselves.
On March 3, 2025 I am launching my new leadership series, In the Cut Leadership Conversations with Sheila. I’ll be chatting it up with some incredibly cool and brilliant people who lead in ways that I admire and respect.
Rethinking Confrontation as Conversation
Most of us choose to describe significant and ongoing differences with others as being in conflict, so much so that it seems to require a confrontation to resolve. The word confrontation brings with it a stream of anxiety and uncomfortableness, often leading to avoidance. But what if conflict is simply an opportunity for conversation?
Encouragement is a Necessary Management Instinct
The truth is that things don’t always go as you planned. You are not in control of everything and mistakes are going to happen. How you deal with this and how you are supported influences how you feel in the moment and long after.
Go Tell Your Boss How Fabulous You Are!
Let’s focus on what you can control to ensure that you are seen for who you are and all that you bring to your job.
Middle Managers, Often Unsung and Unsupported
It’s Try Better Tuesday and I’m focused on middle-managers, the often unsung and most unsupported talent in organizations. How much better would we be if our middle managers were as prepared for their leadership role as we think they are in their functional expertise?
The Positive Impact of Mindfulness on Young People
It’s Thankful Thursday and today I’m celebrating the groundbreaking work of the Mindful Life Project and its Founder and Executive Director, JG Larochette.
JG and I met last year on LinkedIn. He reached out to join my network and I took a look at his profile and website, loved the work he is doing and accepted his invitation. We then connected on a short call where I learned more about his organization and his dedication to young humans.
Get Ready to Receive Your Performance Review
It’s Try Better Tuesday and I’m focused on middle-managers, the often unsung and most unsupported talent in organizations. How much better would we be if our middle managers were as prepared for their leadership role as we think they are in their functional expertise?
Performance Reviews Should be a “No-Surprise” Zone
It’s that time of year – performance reviews. Whether you’re on the receiving or giving end of a performance review, it can be an anxiety inducing process. This week we’ll consider ways to try better on the giving side.
Resilience Found in a Slinky
When I was a kid, there was always a Slinky toy around. Maybe even more than one! I spent hours flipping that thing back and forth as the tinny sound of metal meeting metal accompanied whatever I asked of my Slinky.
Surprisingly there’s a real-life lesson to be learned from a Slinky. Resilience.
Post-Summer Pivot
I’ve spoken with several people recently who have found it necessary to look at a goal differently and pivot how they have been pursuing it. Some found deep disappointment in the need to pivot as they were sure that the plans they had laid out would propel them forward. And in talking with them I found that they had totally missed acknowledging the parts of their plan that actually worked!
Your Path of Totality
The Great North American Eclipse did not travel my way, but I watched it on television as it entered the U.S. in Texas and made its way east. What intrigued me most about the eclipse was the language used to describe its journey—the path of totality. This language made me wonder what path or paths of totality I may have taken in my life.
Thank You, Richard Chacon
It’s Thankful Thursday and today I’m shouting out a longtime colleague, partner, collaborator, and client of both of my companies. Meet Richard Chacon, who retired this month after a decades-long career of significant impact in supplier diversity and community development. He’s a dean in supplier diversity who has led organizations to great change and commitment to businesses led by entrepreneurs representing ALL disadvantaged and marginalized groups across the country.