CEO Lese Investments
GAIL BRONWYN LESE
The Compassionate Force Investing in Humanity’s Health INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
EDITOR’S LETTER
Influence Isn't a Lane It's an Intersection
earReaders,
Theconversationaroundleadershipisfinallycatchinguptoreality.Fortoolong,influencewas viewedthroughanarrowlens,confinedtoasingleindustryoraspecificskillset.Butthe womenwhoaretrulyshapingourworldtodayarefluentinmultiplelanguagesofbusiness. Theyaremastersofthecrossover,blendinganalyticalrigorwithcreativevision,andtechnicalexpertise withdeepempathy.Thisshiftfromsingularfocustomultifacetedmasteryisthepowerfulcurrentrunning throughthismonth'sissue,“The10MostInfluentialWomenLeadersin2025.”
Ifyouwanttounderstandthisnewarchetype,looknofurtherthanourcoverstory,Dr.GailBronwyn Lese.Itisraretofindanindividualwhohasmasteredthedistinctworldsofmedicineandhighfinance,but Gailhasexcelledinboth.Asafundmanager,shedemonstratedextraordinaryacumen,steeringa$100M Fidelityfundtooneofthenation'shighestreturnsduringahistoricmarketdownturnandearningatop 5-starMorningstarrating.Butherinfluenceisn’tconfinedtoWallStreet.Drawingonhermedical background,shefoundedHealthymee,apatenteddigitalhealthplatformempoweringpatients.Gail embodiesthe21st-centuryleader:someonewhodoesn'tseeboundariesbetweendisciplines,butbridges themtocreateuniqueandundeniablevalue.
Thismultifacetedapproachtoleadershipisathreadthatconnectsallthewomenwefeature.Weseeitinthe strategicinternationaladvisoryofAlexandraSock,FounderandGroupCEOofSockConsultingGroup; thecommunicationmasteryofAmberDaines,FounderandCEOofBespokeCo.;theleadership developmentexpertiseofVickyRegan,FounderandPrincipalofHoneLeadership;andthepioneeringAIdriveninnovationofDianeKeng,CEO&Co-founderofBreinify
Theleadersinthesepagesarenotjustoccupyingpowerfulroles;theyareactivelyreshapingthem.They provethattrueinfluencetodayisfluid,dimensional,anddefinednotbythetitleyouhold,butbytheimpact youcreateacrosseveryfieldyoutouch.Theyarenotjustpartoftheconversation;theyaresettingitsterms.
PaNKAJ GHOLAP Managing Editor
10 GAIL BRONWYN LESE
GAIL BRONWYN LESE
The Compassionate Force Investing in Humanity’s Health
GL
“
For I Believe that there Is a TORCH of IDEALS that is Higher than ALL of US. We must serve humanity and all others with all of our life’s breaths and heartbeats.
– Dr. Gail Bronwyn Lese
Thepathfromtheoperatingroom,specificallyone wheresecondsmatterandthepatientmightbea childwithabulletintheirbrain,tothestrategic commandcenterofamulti-million-dollarinvestmentfundis notwell-trodden.Infact,itmaybequiteunique.However,for GailBronwynLese,itwaslessaboutmakingadramaticleap betweenworldsandmoreaboutrecognizingthatthe underlyingprinciplesweresurprisinglysimilar.Both environmentsrequiretheabilitytoprocessoverwhelming amountsofinformationquickly,assessriskwithcold precision,andmakedecisionsthathaveprofoundandlasting consequences.
Today,astheCEOofLeseInvestments,Gailapplieslessons forgedundertheharshestmedicallightstothecomplextaskof directingcapital,definingsuccessnotjustbyfinancialreturns, butbyametricshecalls“ReturnonHumanCapital.”Inan issuededicatedtothemostinspiringwomenleadersin2025, GailLesestandsout–notjustforhersuccess,butfor how she measuresit.
Thisisthestoryofaleaderwholearnedaboutinvestingfrom bothlegendaryfinanciersandthemostvulnerablechildren, structuredintodistinctphasesofherextraordinarycareer.
TrainingGround:WherePhilosophyMetLifeandDeath
Beforesheeversawastocktickerorabalancesheet,Gail Lesewasalreadystudyingcomplexsystems.Her undergraduateworkincludedamajorinPhilosophy,afield dedicatedtoquestioningfundamentaltruthsandunderstanding ethicalframeworks.Itinstilledinheradeep-seated commitmenttohumandignityandmutualunderstanding,a questshedescribedasparticipating“inhumanity’scollective andindividualeffortstoliveacommitmenttothehabitual solemnityoftreatingeachotherwithdignityandrespect andmutualunderstanding.”Thiswasnotanabstract academicexerciseforher;itwasablueprintforhowtolive andwork,adriveshecallsthe“SineQuaNon”ofherlife.
Thisphilosophicalgroundingcollidedwithbrutalrealityinher pediatricmedicaltraining.Sheworkeddirectlywithseverely indigentchildrenandfamilies,volunteeringasaphysicianat placesliketheLAFreeClinic.Atthattime,thisclinicwasthe LargestproviderofHealthcaretodisadvantagedand impoverishedchildrenintheStateofCalifornia.Here,the stakeswereabsolute.Shefacedcasesrequiringemergency proceduresliketakingbulletsoutofchildren’sheadsand spinalcords,andtreatingSubduralHematomasresultingfrom violentabuse.Advocacyforthesechildren’sHumanRightsat theStateandNationalLevelbecamepartofherwork.
Theenvironmentwasanintense,unforgiving schoolofriskmanagement.“AsaVeryJunior ResidentPhysician,youareliterallyinthe EmergencyRoom,you...haveliterallyavery preciousFewMinutes(thisisNOTan exaggeration)…tomakeafullyinformed DiagnosticDecisiontosavethatChild'sLife,” Gailshared.Therewasnoroomforhesitation,no luxuryofextensiveanalysisparalysis.Itwas aboutsynthesizinglimitedinformation,assessing probabilities,andactingdecisivelytopreserve life.
Thiscrucibletaughtherlessonsaboutpressure andconsequencesthatfewbusinessschoolsever could.Shefoundinspirationintheexampleof AlbertSchweitzer,themulti-talentedfigure knownforhisservice,guidedbyhisbeliefthat: “Thepurposeofhumanlifeistoserveandto showcompassionandthewilltohelpothers.” ForGail,servingotherswithlastingconsequences providedthegreatestprofessionalsatisfaction.
TheMarkets:Risk,Returns,andReynolds Metals
Thetransitiontofinancemightseemabrupt,but forGail,itwaslessachangeinpurposeandmore ashiftinthetoolsusedforservice.Sheattended HarvardBusinessSchoolforthreedistinct reasons:acommitmenttopublicservice,adesire tomastertheethicsofbusinessandfinance,anda viewofnationsandeconomiesascomplex businesseswithidentifiableBalanceSheets, IncomeStatements,andCashFlowStatements. Shesawtherapid-fireworldofglobalstockand capitalmarketsassurprisinglyakintothe emergencyroom,requiringblink-of-an-eye decisionsbasedonavailabledata.
Hercapabilitieswereputtothetestimmediately atFidelityInvestments.FromJanuary2001to January2003,shewasentrustedwithmanaging the$100millionUSDpublicly-tradedFidelity SelectFoodandAgriculturePortfolio.Thisperiod includedtheeconomicfalloutfromthe horrendous,life-losingeventsof9/11,leadingto oneoftheworstfinancialmarketdeclinesinthe UnitedStates’history.Whilemanyportfolios sufferedsteeplosses,Gailnavigatedthedownturn withstrategicprecision.
Herinvestmentphilosophywas concise:InvestinLeadership, Vision,andValuation.Everything wasa“Buy”ora“Sell”basedonthese threeparameters.Buttheunderlying engineofhersuccesswasher approachtorisk.“Ithinkthedefining parameterofmydecisionswhilein serviceastheFundManagerisand hasalwaysbeenRISK management,”sheexplained.This focus,honedinmedicineandrefined bymentorsMr.NedJohnson, ChairmanofFidelityInvestments, andthelegendaryPeterLynch, provedincrediblyeffective. “So much of what I know and have learned about investing I learned from them,” she stated.
Theresultswerestarkagainstthe marketbackdrop.Withinjust9months oftakingoverthefund,sheachieved oneofthehighestreturnsforinvestors intheUnitedStates.Sheoutperformed theBenchmarkS&P500bya remarkable29.3%,maintainingalow Betaof0.20–atechnicalindicator showingthefundwassignificantly lessvolatilethantheoverallmarket. Thisdistinguishedperformanceledto thefundbeingrecognizedasoneof “TheBestMutualFunds”by BusinessWeekonOctober8,2001.
Additionally,theindependentrater MorningstarincreasedtheFund’s ratingtoitshighestlevelof5stars from3stars,specifically acknowledgingits3-yearperformance duringhertenure.Thiswasnotluck;it wasacalculatedoutcomeofapplying arigorous,risk-awareframework developedacrossseeminglyunrelated disciplines.Shehad,inessence, treatedthevolatilemarketlikea patientincriticalcondition,focusing onstabilizationandvitalsigns(risk management)whileidentifying opportunities(Leadership,Vision, Valuation)forrecoveryandgrowth.
–Albert Schweitzer “
The Purpose Of Human Life Is To Serve And To Show Compassion And The Will To Help Others.
AttheMay1993GraduationCeremonyofthe1993 GraduatingClassoftheCornellUniversityCollege.
TheNewMetric:ReturnonHumanCapital
Today,atLeseInvestments,Gailhascodifiedherapproach intothefirm’scoremission:SociallyResponsibleImpact Investing Thisgoesbeyondsimplyavoidingharmful industries;itactivelyseeksinvestmentsthatgeneratepositive societaloutcomesalongsidefinancialgains.Thekey innovationistheirmeasurement.“Specifically,wemeasure andinvestinReturnonHumanCapital,notjustReturnon InvestmentCapital,”Gailstated.Thisisnotasoft,feel-good metric;itisabeliefthatinvestmentsthatgenuinelyimprove lives,health,education,andopportunityarefundamentally moresustainableandvaluableinthelongterm.
JustasinvestorschooseLeseInvestments,thefirmchoosesits investorsandthecompaniesitsupports.Thismutualselection ensuresalignmentonvaluesandgoals.Thiscommitmentruns deepforthoseinvolved.Many,includingGailherself,commit toworkingforfreeformanyyearsandinvestingsignificant personalresources.Gailstatedshehasinvested“100%ofmy networthandlife’searnedassets”intoherbusinesses.Itis aninvestmentstrategybackednotjustbyaportfolio,butby personalconvictionandsacrifice.
We Are Not the ‘Storm’, We Are the ‘Mindfulness’ That Holds It.. “
– Dr. Gail Bronwyn Lese
Gailalsoseesacrucialdistinctionin leadershiproles.“Ipersonallyhavealways thoughtthattheword ‘Manager’isaPoor Substitutefortheword‘Leader’,”she explained.“BigHugeDifference.Our WorldNeedsLeadership.”Building effectiveteamsrequiresfindingindividuals whopossessnotjustcompetence,butalsothe visionanddriveforimpact.
ResilienceForged,PerspectiveGained
Gailapproacheschallengesnotasfailures,but assimplybeing“AfraidtoTry.”This perspectiveislikelyhard-won.Handsdown, oneofherproudestandmostdefining experienceswasthebondwithheryounger sister.“Forvariousreasons,Itrulyraised myyoungersisterandshetrulyraisedme. Ihaveessentiallybeenasingle‘Mother’ sinceIwasveryyoung,”Gailshared.This profoundresponsibilityandmutualcare,she explained,“hasmademewhoIamtoday.” Itwasarelationshipwhere,inadeepsense, “wesavedeachother,”andshefeelsshe “wouldbenothingwithouther.”Thisdeep senseofpersonalcommitmentandcare underscoresherprofessionalphilosophy.Her connectiontoanimalsalsoprovidesavital anchor;shehasrescuedtwoGolden Retrievers,noting, “actually they rescued me, just saying.”
Dr.GailBronwynLese,ChairmanandCEO, HealthyMee™withSamratKulkarni,CTO,HealthyMee™
Herperspectivehasalsobeenbroadenedbya trulyglobalcareer.Shehasworkedin, traveledin,andlivedinninecountriesand even3Emirates.
Inaddition,shehastraveledthrough,visited,andworkedin 32UnitedStatesandWashington,D.C.,plustheCaribbean. “Travelingandmeetingothers(caringforothers)and gainingmutualperspectiveissoveryimportantinlife,” sheemphasized.
Shealsodrawsstrengthandguidancefromkeyfigures.Ms. DorisBuffett,thepioneeringWomanFounderandLeader oftheSunshineLadyFoundation,wasaLeadInvestorin Gail'sbusinessesandaprofoundinfluence.“Thatwoman wasaForceofNature,”Gailshared,feelingMs.Buffett's “SunshineRadiatesandGlowsfromtheHeavensAbove.”
Maintainingbalanceinthemidstofsuchintensityrequires deliberateeffort.Gailfindsreplenishmentinnatureand daylight,bothliterallyandmetaphorically “The more time I spend in nature, the happier and more fulfilled I feel,” she said.“It’slikeIcanbreathe.”Herrescuedanimal companionsalsoprovideherwithgroundingandenergy.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility. “
–
Uncle Ben (Spider-Man / Marvel Universe)
Dr.GailBronwynLese–CommunityServiceVolunteer
Dr.
LesewithDearFriends,HarvardBusinessSchoolGraduation,June1998
GuidingLightsandthePathAhead
Lookingforward,Gail’sdedicationtopublic serviceremainsaconstantstaronherhorizon.
Havingrunforpublicofficepreviously,shesees afuturepathwayinservingthecommunitymore directly “Since I was a very young girl, I have always known that I have wanted to be a Public Servant,” shestated. “Someday, pursuing that, again (as always, really) will be on my Horizon.”
Whenaskedforafinalmessagetoreaders,Gail offeredseveralguidinglightsthatilluminateher path.Shecitedthetimelesswisdom,popularized byVoltaireandmemorializedthroughUncle Ben'swarningtoayoungPeterParker,a/k/a Spider-Man:“WithGreatPowerComesGreat Responsibility.”
ShealsodrewuponMargaretMead'spowerful reminder:“Neverdoubtthatasmallgroupof thoughtful,concernedcitizenscanchangethe world,indeed,itistheonlythingthatever has.”
Perhapsmostprofoundly,Gailspokeoftheenduringinfluence ofDistinguishedLuminaryNobelPrizeWinnerElieWiesel. Hislighthasbeena“Sacredly,Really,Profoundly Propelled...Propulsive“LocomotiveFORCE”throughout herlife,eventhroughoutallofits“twistsandturns,” especiallywheneveroneisinthedarkestofnightsandthe lightestofdays.
Shequotedhisprofoundwordsfromtheforewordtooneof hislatestversionsofhisMagnificenttriumphofliterature, Night,shared “To and For All of Our Collective Humanity for All of Time Forward”:
“Hopefully,then,someofwhatIhavewrittenthroughout thesedecadesmaybeofvaluetosomereaders.However,it maybe—See,Ihavenotkeptmylipsclosed.”
Gailfindsimmensetruthandeternalwisdominthevery permanenceandperspicacityofthesewords.Their “Magnificently, Glowing, Resplendent Light of Ephemeral Wisdom and Truth to Power,” forallofeternityandforallof timeforward,guidesher
Sheconcludeswithapowerfulpersonalmantraderivedfrom thisunderstanding:“Wearenotthe‘Storm’,WeArethe MindfulnessthatHoldsIT.”
GailBronwyn
–Albert Schweitzer
Dr.GailBronwynLesewithBoardofDirectors,LeseInvestmentsandHealthyMee™
The 10 Most Influential Wellness & Franchise Leaders of 2025
Alexandra Sock
Founder and Group CEO of Sock Consulting Group
Diana Richardson
Founder of Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs
Gail Bronwyn Lese
CEO of Lese Investments
Kate McDonald
Senior Vice President of Strategy and Marketing at AristaMD
Rita Marie Johnson
Founder and CEO of Rasur Foundation International (RFI)
Amber Daines
Founder and CEO of Bespoke Co
Diane Keng
CEO & Co-founder of Breinify
Hahn March
CEO of Signal Health Group,
Peggy Huang
Founder and Director of Ph7 Mind and Body Wellness Inc.
Vicky Regan
Founder and Principal of Hone Leadership
Reveals the Emotional Intelligence Edge ALEXANDRA SOCK
Inbusiness,intentionspavenoroads.
Onlyactioncounts.GeorgeSheehan wiselysaidsuccessdemandscourage, determination,andthewilltobecomewhoyou weremeanttobe.AlexandraSock,Founder andGroupCEOofSockConsultingGroup, understandsthis. Sheknowstruesuccessisn't justaboutthedestination;itisaboutthrivingon thejourney,whereveryoustandtoday.Forover 25years,shehaslivedandbreathedglobal leadershipandexecutivecoaching.Her mission?Toinjectavital,often-missing ingredientintotheconsultingworld:emotional intelligence.
Isyourconsultingfirmdeliveringbrilliant strategiesthatfallflat?Areyour recommendationssound,yetsomehowfailto igniteaction?Theproblemisnotalwayslogic. Often,itisemotion.Clientsarenotsimply spreadsheets;theyarehumanbeingsdrivenby feeling.AlexandraSockgraspsthisfundamental truth.Sheisnotjustanotherconsultant.Sheisa builderofemotionallyintelligentleaders, particularlywithintherigorous,oftencoldly rationalconsultingindustry
FromRecruittoRevolution:ALeapofFaith ForgedinMentorship
“Foundingmyowncompany?Itnevercrossed mymind,”AlexandraSockadmits.Herpath beganinrecruitmentatJenewein&Partnerin Vienna.There,JeanFrancoisJenewein,a mentorofimmenseinsight,recognizedher uniquetalent.Hesawherdedication,herknack foruntanglingcomplexproblems,andher abilitytofindsolutionswhereotherssawonly deadends.Hegaveherfreedom–alongleash, ashecalledit.
UnderJenewein'sleadership,Alexandraflourished. Heobservedherthrivewhenempoweredtoacton herinstincts.Heprovidedthespaceandthe autonomysheneeded.Shesurpassedexpectations. WhenJeneweintransitionedhiscompanyintoa narrowerfocus,recommendingonlyrecruitment,he urgedAlexandratostrikeoutonherown.Heknew herfortelayinbroaderconsultingandcoaching.He pushedherintothemarket,confidentinher abilities.Armedwithclientrelationshipsforgedin hersearchprojects,Alexandralaunchedher company Thestartwasnotjustgood;itwas powerful.
Challenges as Stepping Stones: Prove Your Worth, Then Lead
Alexandraestablishedherfirmin1999,amere26 yearsofage.AsayoungwomanadvisingCEOsand seniorexecutives,sheconfrontedskepticismheadon.InAustria,manydismissedheryouth.Every meeting,everyinteractionbecameanintense provingground,atestfarmorerigorousthanher older,malecounterpartsfaced.ButAlexandradid notflinch.Shesaweachchallengenotasabarrier, butasaclearinvitationtoexcel.
Sheoperatesonacorebelief:challengesare opportunitiesindisguise.Hersuccesstipisnot complex.Itisfundamental:Believeinyourself. Giveeverysituationyourabsolutebest.Goallin. Persisttothefinishline.Shetrustsininherentgood intentions.Sheunderstandsthateveryone, fundamentally,seekssuccess.Difficulties,she asserts,oftenstemfromafailuretoseeortrustthe positiveintentionsinothers,afailuretorecognize theiruntappedpotential.“Iamafirmbelieverinthe inherentcapabilitiesofpeople,”shestates.“Ifyou trustthem,ifyoucultivateasafeandsupportive environmentforgrowth,progressisinevitable.”
Recognition Earned: Results Speak Louder Than Titles
Alexandraattributeshersuccesstoafertile groundofencouragement.Supportive parents,dedicatedteachers,strong friendships,andinsightfulleadersthroughout herearlycareerprovidedthebedrock. Crucially,shereceivedvaluable,critical feedback.Thisallowedforcontinuousselfawarenessandconstantself-reflection.“I havebeenfortunate,”sheacknowledges, “giftedwithopportunitiestounderstandthe motivesofothers,toadaptmyapproach accordingly.”
Hertrackrecordspeaksforitself.Project managementroleswithintheEuropean Union,typicallyreservedforsenior personnel,wereentrustedtoher AtUnilever, shesecuredinternationalassignments previouslyconsideredbeyondherreach. JeneweinandPartnersacceleratedhercareer, grantingheraccesstomajorclientsandrapid promotions,eachnewtitlebringinggreater projectownershipandimpact.
“Thetruestrecognitioninmydaily leadership,”Alexandraemphasizes,“is enduringpartnerships.Clientswhoreturnfor diverseneeds,teammemberswhoremain loyal,motivated,yearafteryear–thatisthe measureofrealsuccess.”
CEO Responsibilities: Strategy, Growth, and Team Elevation
WithinSockConsulting,Alexandra'sCEO roleisclear:strategyandgrowth.Sheisthe architectofthecompany’sfuture,responsible forchartingitscourse.Equallyvitalisthe developmentofherteam.Sheinveststimein individualsessions,andinfeedback exchanges.Sheprioritizesenhancingthe workinglivesofherteam,ensuringtheycan delivermaximumvaluetoclients.New programs,andinnovativeworkshopdesigns–thesearecollaborativecreations,forgedwith herteam.
Externally,Alexandraisaforcemultiplier.She coachesCEOsandseniorleadersworldwide. Shecollaborateswithleadershipteamsaiming forsignificantorganizationalimpact.She definesherselfas“adedicatedmultiplier,” channelingenergytoensurethesuccessofher surroundingenvironment.Herfocusis absolute:300%commitmenttopositive impact.
Future Plans: Emotional Intelligence as a Core Business Habit
ThefutureofSockConsultingissharply defined:embedemotionalintelligenceinto leadershippractice. Makeitnotatheory,buta dailyhabit.Equipleaderswithpractical, readilyusabletoolstointegrateemotionsinto thestilloverlyrationalbusinessworld. Simultaneously,theyareexpandingtheirreach, targetingnewdemographics.Theynowaimto guideyoungprofessionalsenteringthe workforce,providingvisionquestsand“tiny habits”training.Thegoal:equipthese newcomerstofindtheirfooting,andmaximize theirimpactfromdayone.
SockConsulting’spartnershipsspanEurope, theUS,Singapore,Levante,andEMEA. ExpansionintoLATAMandJAPACis underway.Onlinetoolboxesfocusedon emotionalintelligenceareestablishedand growing.Futuredevelopmentincludes toolboxesaddressingunconsciousbiasand inclusiveleadership–concise,impactful trainingnuggetsfordailylearning,designedfor immediatepracticalapplication.
Balance: Life as an Integrated Whole
“Balance?Motivation?Simple,”Alexandra declares.“Ibelieveinonelife.Everyfacet interlocks,acompletepuzzle.”Herbusiness, andherfamily–notseparateentities,but integratedpartsofawhole.Shebegansolo,
thenexpandedthroughanetworkofpartners.An accountant,CFO,ITmanager,andgraphicdesignerjoined. ThencameherdaughterVivienne,followedbyherson Raffaeltwoyearslater.Suddenly,shehada“family empire.” Parents,in-laws–atravelingsupportsystem, caringforchildrenwhilesheworkedacrosstheglobe.
Alexandrabelievesoptimalperformancearisesfromlife balance.Whenworkispassion,therigiddividebetween personalandprofessionallifedissolves. Forthosewho preferclearlines,SockConsultingprovidesthatoption. Teammembersdefinetheirownboundaries.Deadlinesare transparent.Responsibilitiesareclear Alexandratrustsher team'sdedication.Shegrantsautonomyinhowtheyachieve sharedgoals.“Ifullytrusttheircommitment,their capabilities,todelightclients,todrivetheirgrowthand development,”shestates.
“Iseemyselfasaframe-builder,amultiplier,”Alexandra explains.“ThemoreroomforgrowthIcreate,thebetterthe collectiveoutcome.”Foradecade,shehassuccessfully collaboratedwithpart-timemothers.Flexiblework arrangements,andopencommunication–thesearenot pandemic-eraadaptations,butlong-standingcompany practices.HerassistantinIndiaexemplifiesthis.Working hoursbeginat2pmlocaltime,ensuringseamless handovers.Dedicationremainsabsolute,irrespectiveof physicallocation.Understanding,flexibility,andfreedomin organizinglife–thesearenotjustpoliciesatSock Consulting;theyarethefoundationoftheirsustained success.
Alexandra’smotivationtipisdirect:“Walkthetalk.Be motivatedyourself.Lovewhatyoudo.”Sheisunequivocal: “Ihavethebestjobintheworld.”Leadingbyexample, radiatingpassion–thisenergy,sheasserts,iscontagious, multiplyingthroughherteam,resonatingwithherclients. Hermessagetoaspiringleadersissharpandactionable:“Be 100%present,rightnow.Focusonimpactinevery interaction.Constantlyask:HowcanImaximizethis situation?HowcanIamplify,leveragemyenvironment?”
AlexandraSockdoesnotjustcoachemotionalintelligence; sheembodiesit.Shedoesnotjustbuildconsulting businesses;shebuildsemotionallyintelligentleadership, oneleader,oneorganizationatatime.Andinaworld increasinglydemandinghumanconnectioninadigitalage, hermessageisnotjusttimely;itisessential.Areyour consultantsjustcalculators?Perhapsitistimetoinfuseyour firmwiththeemotionalintelligenceedge,theAlexandra Sockedge,andwatchyourresultstransform.
SMART WOMEN LEADERS
Stay Visible Without Burning Out
You Don’t Have to Be Online to Be On Point
Let’sstarthere:Therealprosdon’tsprinteveryday.Theypacethemselveslikemarathonerswitha warplan.
That’ssomethingmostpeopledon’ttellwomenleadersbuildingapersonalbrand:Visibilitydoesn’t meanvolume.
Somewherebetweenthelatestwebinaron“consistency”andthesocialpostthatsays,“Justshowup daily,”manywomeninbusinessconfuse constant availability with strategic visibility.That confusionisexpensive.Itcostspeace.Itcostshealth.Itburnsoutyourcreativity.
Thegoodnews?Youdon’tneedtochoosebetweengrowthandyournervoussystem.
Youjustneedashield.
YouAretheBrand—ButYou'reAlsotheOperator
Therearetwoversionsofyou:
1.Theonethatshowsuponline.
2.Theonethatrunsthewholeoperationbehindthescenes.
Toomanywomenthinktheirbusinesswillstopiftheirfacedoesn’tappearoneverytimeline.But whenyou’rethestrategist,thecreativedirector,theCEO,andsometimestheassistant…it’snotjust okaytopause—it’sessential.
Let’sbeblunt:Youcan’tbuildabrandworthfollowingifyou’rerunningonfumes.
Thinkofitthisway.Ifyouarethelight,yourvisibilityistheswitch.Youcontrolit—notthe algorithm.Thegoalisnottobe seen allthetime.Thegoalistobe remembered whenitcounts.
AthenaDidn’tPostDaily
TheGreekgoddessAthenadidn’t marchintoeverywar.Shepickedher battles.Shecarriedashield,notjust todefend—buttosignalpower Presencewithoutchaos.
Youdon’tneedtoexplainyour silenceorjustifyyourbreak.If you’reinaseasonwheretheenergy’s low,that’sdata.Useit.Adjust.
Youcanstilllead,stillsell,still inspire—withoutlive-streamingyour entireemotionalcycle.
Infact,alotofpeopletrustyoumore whenyoushowrestraint.
ThePowerPause:AReset,Nota Retreat
There’ssomethingmosthighperformingwomenavoidtalking about:theoff-switch.
Nottheglamoroussabbaticalorthe post-hustleBalitrip.I’mtalking aboutaquietTuesdaywhereyou just…don’tshowup.Nopost.No launch.No“I’llbebacksoon”note.
Youjustpause. Strategically
Likeawomanwhoknowshervalue doesn’tdisappearwhenshelogsoff.
Youknowwhatthatdoes?Itbuilds intrigue.Itcommandsrespect.Andit makesspace—fornewideas,sharper offers,andbetterboundaries
Don’tFeartheAlgorithm—Train It
Let’sgetpractical.Youdon’thaveto abandonyourbrandtotakea breather Youjustneedtosetitup likeabusiness,notamoodboard.
Here’showtoprepfora“quietpowerseason”:
1.Batchyourbrilliance
Spendonefocusedmorningrecordingorwriting2–3pieces ofcontentthatreflectyourvalues,notjustyourvoice. Schedulethem.Letthemrunwhileyourest.
2.Pinyourpresence
Craftoneclearmessagethatlivesatthetopofyourprofiles. Alinethatsays:
“Operatingatfullclaritybehindthescenes.Staytuned.” That’snotgoingdark.That’sgoingdeep.
3.Defineyourred-linerituals
Chooseyournon-negotiables.Maybeit’samonthlyemail.A bi-weeklystory.Orjustavisualpostwithnocaption.Makeit your minimum visible dose.
4.Protectyourcreativeprimetime
Areyoumostfocusedat6amorafterdinner?Reservethat timefornon-publicwork—offers,strategy,reading,thinking. Visibilitystartsintheshadows.
RedLipstickVisibility(andWhatItReallyMeans)
Somewomenuseloudbranding.Someuselogos.Someofus useredlipstick.
It’snotaboutthemakeup.It’saboutthemessage: “I’m here. But on my terms.”
Thattinysymbolofcontrolmatters.Itcanbeawalkatnoon. Apost-itnotethatsays“nomeetingstoday.”Ora3-week breakfromLinkedInwithoutfeelingguilty.
Yousettheterms.Nothustleculture.Notsome10-step contentfunnel.Anddefinitelynotthewomanyouadmire whopostseverydaybutsecretlywantstodisappearfora week.
Visibility≠Access
Let’sclearthisup.Youdon’toweyouraudience24/7energy
Beingvisibledoesn'tmeanbeingaccessible. Beingtrustworthydoesn'tmeanbeingon-call. Beingaleaderdoesn’tmeanbeingloud.
Sometimes,thestrongestpersonalbrandistheonethat quietlysays: “I’mbuildingsomethingbiggerthanthismoment.”
That’swhatyourpausecansignal. Stability.Strategy.Self-leadership.
Here’sWhatI’mDoingThisSummer(Feel FreetoStealIt)
Nograndexitpost.
No“here'swhyI’mtakingabreak”carousel. Justaquietplanthatkeepsmealigned and alive.
· I’mshowinguponceaweekwithvalue-led contentIcreatedweeksago.
· I’msayingnotoallreal-timespeakingunlessit deeplyenergizesme.
· I’mschedulingdeepworkblockswhereno one—notevenmyteam—canreachme.
· I’mlettinginspirationarrivenaturally,noton deadline.
Andifagreatideahitsatthepool?I’lljotit down.ButIwon’tstopswimming.
FinalWord:RestIsaStrategy
Mostpeopletreatrestlikeareward.Something youearnafterburnout.
Smartwomenleaders—realpowerplayers—they treatrestlikeapillar.Somethingthat enables output,notdelaysit.
Sono,you’renot“losingmomentum”bytaking afewweeksoffsocial.
You'rebuildingbrandintegrity.You’reinvesting inyourlong-game.
Andwhenyoureturn?Youwon’tjustbevisible. You’llbeunstoppable.
OneActionStep(Don’tSkipThis)
Openyourcalendar. Picka10-daywindow. Markit:“StrategicBrandRest.”
Prep2posts.Pin1brandmessage. Thenlogoff.
Leavethedooropenjustacrack.Letthe audiencefeelyourpresencewithoutgetting accesstoit.That’sinfluence.
Andifsomeonedoesn’tunderstand? Theywereneveryouridealaudienceanyway
AmberDaines,founderandCEOofBespoke Co.,hasbuilthercareeronafoundationof leadership,communication,andadaptability As akeyfigureinthepublicrelationsindustry,shehas demonstratedanabilitytonotonlyleadbutalsotoreshape howbusinessesandindividualsnavigatetheoftencomplex worldofcommunication.Dainesismorethanabusiness leader;sheisaproblemsolver,astrategist,andamentor, whoconsistentlypushesherteamandherselftogrowand innovate.
Herroleasaleadercomeswithavarietyofchallenges, particularlyinthefast-pacedandever-evolving communicationindustry Yet,Daineshasconsistently turnedobstaclesintoopportunities,steeringhercompany throughbothgrowthandtransformation.Asthepublic relationslandscapehasshifteddramaticallywiththeriseof digitalmedia,Daineshasstayedaheadofthecurve, adaptinghercompany’sstrategiestomeetthedemandsofa changingworldwhilemaintainingafocusoncore communicationprinciples.
NavigatingtheChallengesofLeadership
Leadership,forDaines,isaboutbalancingamultitudeof responsibilities.Shemanagesaremoteteamacross multiplecountries,handlesclientneeds,anddrives innovationwithintheindustry.HerworkatBespokeCo. involvesnotjustmanagingday-to-dayoperationsbutalso preparingforthefuture.Daineshasalwaysbeenquickto recognizeemergingtrendsinmediaandpublicrelations, adjustingherstrategiestokeepBespokeCo.competitive andrelevant.
Runningaremoteteam,forexample,hasrequiredDaines torefineherleadershipstyle.Sheemphasizesclear communicationandaccountability,ensuringthateach memberofherteamunderstandstheirroleandhowtheir workcontributestothecompany’sbroadergoals.This approachhashelpedherbuildahighlymotivatedand efficientteam,capableofdeliveringresultsacrossdiverse projects.
Dainesalsofacesthechallengeofmaintainingstrongclient relationshipsinanindustrythatisincreasinglydominated bydigitalinteractions.Whiletheriseofsocialmediaand onlineplatformshastransformedthewaybusinesses communicate,Dainesbelievesthatpersonalrelationships andtrustremainessential.Thisbalancebetweenembracing newtechnologiesandmaintainingpersonalconnectionsis oneofthecoretenetsofherleadershipphilosophy
DrivingInnovationinPublicRelations
InnovationhasbeenakeydriverofBespokeCo.’ssuccess. UnderDaines’sleadership,thecompanyhascontinuously evolvedtomeetthedemandsofanindustryinflux.Earlyon, Dainesrecognizedtheimportanceofintegratingdigitalmedia intoherPRstrategies,ensuringthatherclients’messages reachtheirintendedaudiencesthroughbothtraditionaland modernchannels.
Daineshastakenahands-onapproachtothisevolution.She hasledherteamindevelopingcomprehensivemedia strategiesthatblendthebestoftraditionalanddigital communication.ThisapproachhasallowedBespokeCo.to carveoutanicheinacrowdedmarketplace,offeringclientsa uniquecombinationofdeepindustryexpertiseandcuttingedgetactics.
Oneofhermostsignificantachievementshasbeenthe developmentofBespokeCo.’spodcastingandmediatraining services.Daineshasbeenattheforefrontofhelpingleaders andbusinessesmastertheartofcommunicationinadigital world.Throughhermediatrainingprograms,shehasworked withover6,000leaders,teachingthemhowtoeffectively managemediainterviews,fromcrisissituationstoproduct launches.
Herfocusonpodcasting,inparticular,hasproventobea game-changer.Sincelaunchingherownpodcast, The Politics of Everything,Daineshasgrowntheshowtoanimpressive fourmilliondownloads.Thissuccesshasnotonlyexpanded herownbrandbutalsodemonstratedthepowerofpodcasting asacommunicationtoolforbusinessesandleaders.
OvercomingSetbacksandLearningfromChallenges
Likemanyentrepreneurs,Daineshasfacedhershareof challenges.IntheearlydaysofBespokeCo.,thecompany struggledtosecurebig-nameclientsandhigh-profile contracts.Thepressuretogrowthebusinesssometimesledto afocusonsalesoverstrategy,alessonthatDainestookto heartassherefinedherapproachtoclientacquisition.
Reflectingontheseearlymissteps,Dainesacknowledgesthat buildingaclientbasealignedwithhercompany’svalueshas beenkeytoitslong-termsuccess.Shehassincefocusedon workingwithclientswhoshareBespokeCo.'scommitmentto purposeful,values-drivencommunication.Thisshifthas allowedthecompanytocultivatedeeper,moremeaningful relationshipswithitsclients,resultinginmoreeffectiveand impactfulcampaigns.
Inadditiontotheseinternalchallenges,Daineshas hadtonavigatetheexternalpressuresofarapidly changingindustry Theriseofdigitalmediaandthe declineoftraditionaloutletshasforcedmanyinthe PRindustrytoreevaluatetheirstrategies.However, Daineshasembracedthesechanges,viewingthemas opportunitiesratherthanobstacles.Bystayingahead oftrendsandcontinuouslylearning,shehas positionedBespokeCo.asaleaderinthefield.
AFocusonEnvironmental,Social,and Governance(ESG)
OneofthemorerecentdevelopmentsatBespokeCo. isthecompany'sincreasedfocusonEnvironmental, Social,andGovernance(ESG)communication. DainesseesESGasnotjustatrendbutacrucial aspectofresponsiblebusinessinthemodernworld.In 2023,sheearnedaMaster’sdegreeinEnvironmental BusinessManagementandSustainability,further solidifyinghercommitmenttothisimportantarea.
BespokeCo.nowworkscloselywithclientsto developandimplementESGstrategies,helpingthem communicatetheirsustainabilityeffortsinawaythat resonateswithstakeholders.Thisfocushasallowed thecompanytotapintoagrowingdemandfor transparent,values-drivencommunication, positioningBespokeCo.asathoughtleaderinthe ESGspace.
Daines'scommitmenttoESGgoesbeyondclient work.Shebelievesthatbusinesseshavea responsibilitytocontributetoamoresustainableand equitableworld,andshehasmadeitapriorityto embedtheseprinciplesintoBespokeCo.'sown operations.Thisincludeseverythingfromminimizing thecompany'senvironmentalfootprinttoensuring thatitsteamreflectsadiverserangeofperspectives andexperiences.
EmpoweringtheNextGenerationofLeaders
MentorshipisanotherkeyaspectofDaines's leadership.Overtheyears,shehasmadeitapriority toshareherknowledgeandexperiencewiththenext generationofpublicrelationsprofessionals.Whether throughformalmentorshipprogramsorinformal guidance,Daineshashelpedcountlessindividuals developtheirskillsandnavigatethecomplexitiesof theindustry
Shehasalsousedherplatformtoadvocateforgreater representationofwomeninleadershiproles.Asafemale entrepreneurinatraditionallymale-dominatedindustry, Dainesunderstandsthechallengesthatwomenfacein breakingthroughbarriersandachievingsuccess.She hasmadeitapersonalmissiontohelpotherwomen succeed,whetherbyofferingmentorship,creating opportunitieswithinhercompany,oradvocatingfor policychangesthatsupportwomeninbusiness.
Herworkinthisareahasearnedhernumerous accolades,includingrecognitionasoneofthemost inspiringwomenleaderstowatchin2023.Whilethese awardsareatestamenttoherachievements,Daines remainsfocusedontheworkahead.Forher,successis notjustaboutpersonalrecognitionbutaboutmakinga lastingimpactontheindustryandthepeoplesheworks with.
TheFutureofBespokeCo.
Lookingahead,Dainesseesevengreateropportunities forBespokeCo.Thecompanycontinuestoexpandits serviceofferings,withaparticularfocusonESG communicationanddigitalmediastrategies.As technologycontinuestoevolve,Dainesiscommittedto stayingattheforefrontoftheindustry,ensuringthather clientshaveaccesstothemosteffectiveandinnovative communicationtoolsavailable.
However,whiletechnologyplaysanimportantrole, Dainesfirmlybelievesthatthehumanelementof communicationwillalwaysbeparamount.Sheviews toolslikeAIasvaluableresourcesbutemphasizesthat theycanneverreplacethecreativity,empathy,and strategicthinkingthathumanbeingsbringtothetable.
Thisbalancebetweenembracingtechnologyand preservingthehumantouchiswhatsetsBespokeCo. apart.UnderDaines'sleadership,thecompanywill continuetoevolve,adapt,andgrow,alwayswithafocus ondeliveringrealresultsforclientsandmakinga positiveimpactontheworld.
Let’sGetBrutalforaMinute.
You’renotconfused.
You’re avoiding the real question.
You’renotspinningincirclesbecauseyoudon’tknowhowto buildabrand.Orpriceyouroffers.Orwritetheperfectbiothat screams“humblegenius.”
You’respinningbecauseyou’reaskingweak,genericquestions thatkeepyourpowerdiluted.You’vegotvision-boardglitterin youreyesandyoucan’tseethedamnroad.
You’reasking:
· “WhatshouldIdo?”
· “WhatnicheshouldIpick?”
· “HowdoInotsoundtoobraggywhilealsosounding likeBeyoncé?”
You’rechasinganswerstoquestionsdesignedtokeep you small
NowI’mgoingtosaysomethingyourcoachwon’t. Thosearethequestionsthatamateursask.
Prosdon’task,“WhatshouldIdo?” Theyask,“WhatdoIwanttobeknownfor?”
Readthatagain.
ThatQuestionChangesEverything
It’sthe power seat.Itdoesn’tcarewhat’strending.It doesn’tcarewhatyourcompetitor’scharging.It doesn’tneedaCanvatemplate.
Itasksyoutostandstillforonesecondandremember: You’renotheretofitin.You’rehereto own your lane.
Andnoonecanownanythingtheyhaven’t claimed. Sohere’sthetruthnoone’sputtingonInstagram: Ifyoucan’tanswer“whatdoIwanttobeknown for?”,thennothingelsematters.
Notthelogo.Notthepackages.NottheDMstrategy Notthethree-partemailfunnel.
Becauseifyoudon’tknow why yourworkmatters,whythe hellshouldanyoneelse?
Let’sTalkAboutYou.No,Seriously
You’vebuilt,orarebuilding,somethingthatmatters.That takesguts.Butsomewherealongtheway,youstopped buildingamovementandstartedbuildingabrochure.
Youoverthinkyourpositioning.
Youwaterdownyourmessage.
Youwritecaptionsthatsoundlikeyouswallowedan inspirationalquotebookandpanickedhalfwaythrough.
Meanwhile,therealyou—theonewhohasstoriesthat couldchangelives,lessonsburnedintoherbones,anda truthonly you canspeak—iswaitingtobeinvitedtothe table.
Here’stheplottwist:Youarethedamntable.
LetMeAskYouThis:
· Whatdoyouknowfor sure aboutwhatyouoffer?
· Whatdopeoplesayaboutyouwhenyou’renotintheroom?
· Whatdoyou wish theysaid?
· Whatwouldyoufightfor,evenifnooneclapped?
Ifyoucananswerthat,youdon’tneedto“findyourniche.” Youaretheniche.
RealConfidenceIsn’tLoud.It’sClear
Whenyouownwhatyou’reheretobeknownfor:
· Yourbiowritesitself.
· Yourcontentbecomesmagnetic.
· Yourpricingstopsfeelinglikeamathtestandstartsfeeling likeaboundary
· Youstopwaitingforpermissionandstartactinglikethe leaderyoualreadyare.
Youwalkintoroomsdifferently.Youpostdifferently. Hell,youwakeupdifferently.
Becausethisisn’taboutbeingperfect.It’saboutbeing undeniable
Here’sthe3-StepClarityDetox
(Ifyou’vebeenstuckin“I-don’tknow-what-to-say”land,thispart’sfor you.)
1.KilltheMediocreQuestions.
They’redeadweight.Stopasking, “WhatshouldIdo?”and“HowdoI lookcredible?”Askinstead:
· “What’sthestoryonlyIcantell?”
· “WhatamIalreadydoingthat peoplethankmefor?”
· “WhatimpactdoIwantmyname attachedto5yearsfromnow?”
2.ClaimYourCategoryofOne.
You’renotcompeting.You’recreating. You’renotheretofitthemold.You’re heretobreakit.Soask:
· “Whatpartofmyworkisnonnegotiable?”
· “WhatamItiredofapologizing for?”
· “WhatdoIdodifferentlywithout eventrying?”
3.SpeakFromThatPlace.Always.
Stopwritinglikeastranger.Stop diluting.Stopmarketinglikeyou’re askingsomeoneoutonadate.
Startsaying,“Here’sthework. Here’swhyitmatters.Ifit’sfor you,let’sgo.”
BeingtheAuthorityIsn’taTitle.It’s aDecision.
Youdon’tneed10,000followers.You don’tneedtolooklikeanadfor ForbesWomen.Youdon’tneedto speakonfivepanels.
Youneedtostopoutsourcingyour confidencetometricsthatdon’tmatter
Yournamebelongsinroomsyouhaven’tenteredyet—butonlyifyou startusingyourvoicelikeithasadestination.
SoLet’sWrapThisUptheWayItStarted
Pullyourchaircloser
You’renot“figuringitout.”
You’re remembering who the hell you are.
You’reheretobuildsomethingbiggerthanabrand.
You’reheretobe known forsomethingthatoutlivesanysinglecampaign, post,orlaunch.
Sostopwaitingto“haveitalltogether.”
Youalreadyknowwhatyoustandfor.
Nowmakeitundeniable.
FinalPrompt:WriteThisSomewhereBigandLoud
“WhatdoIwanttobeso wildly known for thattheysaymynameinroomsI'veneverevensteppedinto?”
That’stheonlyquestionworthanswering.
Andyou’vealreadygottheanswer.Startsayingitoutloud.
Doug Guthrie
Forgetthemythofthebornleader.Castasidethe notionthatleadershipbelongsonlytothoseincorner offices.DougGuthrie,seasonedexecutive, respectedacademic,andauthor,revealsapowerfultruth: leadershipisapractice,notaprivilege.Itisforeveryone, everyday AsProfessorofGlobalLeadershipandChina, andExecutiveDirectorofChinaInitiativesatThunderbird SchoolofGlobalManagement,ArizonaStateUniversity, DougGuthrieisredefiningleadershipforthe21stcentury
Forthirtyyears,Guthrienavigatedacademiaandcorporations, becomingakeenobserverofleadership.Hetrained executives,coachedCEOs,andsawleadershipfirsthand.A coreinsightemerged:leadershipisinfluence,notposition; skills,notcharisma.Hiscareerspansorganizational development,Chineseeconomicreforms,andstrategiccity development.
“Itisnotaboutyourpositionorpower,”Guthriestates.“Itis aboutdailyinfluence.”Hecallsthis“everydayleadership,” democratizingleadershipforall.Leadershipisnotconfinedto boardrooms.Itthriveseverywhere–fromentry-level employeestovolunteers,toentrepreneurs.The21stcentury, Guthrieargues,demandsthisaccessibleleadership.
AtThunderbird,Guthrieeducatesfutureleadersanddirects ChinaInitiatives,informedbyhisChinascholarship.Through coaching,heguidesleaderstobuildstrongorganizationsand cultures,motivatingindividualsforagreaterpurpose.“Weare allinthistogether,”heasserts,echoinghisjourney,beginning withChineseliterature.
AnUnforeseenPathForgedinChina
China,anunlikelystartforaPittsburghnative,ignited Guthrie’spassion.StudyingChineselanguageandculture,he foundhispath.ThiswasChinaemergingfromMao’sshadow, addingintrigue.
Hisfascinationbeganwithlanguage,literature,and culture.Auniquememory,astrategyfordyslexia,aided him.Hearingsomethingonce,hememorizedit. Pictographic,tonalChinesewasaccessible.
“ReadingChinesecharacterswaseasy,”Guthrierecalls. “Reversedcharactersdon’tchangemeaning.My audiographicmemorywasperfectforatonallanguage.” Heexcelled,embracingthelanguage,becomingfluent.
Hewasdrawntolanguagestructure.Characters representedconcepts,notfixedpartsofspeech.This conceptualrichnesssuitedpoetry,especiallyTang Dynastypoetry,anundergraduatefocus.“oreign structureandancientcivilizationfeltlikeunlockinga newworld,”herecalls.HestudiedinTaipei,Taiwan, earlyon.
Eightmonthslater,historyunfolded.Inhissophomore year,BeijingstudentsmarchedonTiananmenSquare. Protestsswelled,demandingdemocracy
Drivenbycuriosity,GuthriewenttoChinaforayear Geopoliticsintervened.Post-Tiananmen,China restrictedaccess.HestudiedinTaiwan,atransformative year.
Returning,GuthrieaimedforChineseliteratureand history.Butgraduateschoolshiftedhim.Hesoughtto understandTiananmenandChina’schange,pursuinga Ph.D.insociology,studyingChina’seconomicand politicalshiftsinShanghai.
Earlyon,GuthrieexploredforeigninvestmentinChina, advisingcompaniesontheChinesemarket.Thisevolved intoconsultingandadvisoryroles,becomingatrusted advisor.HisChinaexpertisemakeshimasought-after speaker
ShiftingFocustoLeadership
ReturningfromBerkeley,Guthrie’s driveshiftedtoleadershipdevelopment. HetrainedfutureleadersatHarvard, Columbia,NYUStern,George Washington,INSEAD,andothers.
Hisleadershipapproachmovedfrom charismaticleadershiptoempowering “everydayleaders.”Herecognizedthat successcomesfromalllevels,notjust theC-suite.Hefocusedonempowering everyone.
AsDeanofGeorgeWashington UniversitySchoolofBusinessin2010, Guthriebecameafreshvoice, emphasizingleadershipoverfinance.He builthisleadershipportfolioand fosteredChinaconnectionsasVPfor ChinaOperations.Healsodirected initiativesattheSocialScience ResearchCouncilandforDCEconomic Planning.
Despitesuccess,Guthriefaceda leadershiptest.Firedafterthreeyears, headmits,“Itwaspainful,buta blessing.Itforcedmetolearnwhatgood leadershipis:listening,valuingothers.”
Guthrielearnedleadershipisn’ta position,butcontinuouslearning–listening,vulnerability,caring.“Being firedwasaturningpoint,awake-upcall. Leadershipisnotjustvisionandpower It'showyoutreatandmotivatepeople.”
Doug Guthrie
“AppleUniversityleaderssuggestedfocusingonseniorleaders,”he recalls.“Butfutureleadersaremid-level.Wemustequipthem. Leadershipismorethanstrategy.Itincludeshealthyculture, teamwork,introspection.”
“Leadershipishard,”hesays.“My achievementwasenduring,learning,and asking:‘HowcanIbebetter?’”
AppleInc.thencalled,makinghima keyfacultymemberatAppleUniversity inChina.Heknewheneededbetter listening,team-building,organizational understanding,andvision-sharing. Applevaluedculture.Guthriefocused leadershipdevelopmentonmid-level employees.
AtApple,Guthriebecamemorecollaborative,focusingon organizationalneedsinChina.HeadmiredChina’seconomicrise butencounteredanewChinaunderPresidentXi.
“Iimpactedeachrole,I'mproudofit,”hereflects.“AtApple,Ibuilt leadership,culture,andhelpedthemunderstandChina’s complexities.”
ReturningtoAcademiaandEverydayLeadership
In2019,Guthriereturnedtoacademia,aimingtotrainleadersand adviseexecutives.
Executive Director of China Initiatives at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University
ThunderbirdSchoolofGlobalManagementinvited himasaprofessor.“Thunderbirdisunique,” Guthriesays.“Foundedpost-WWII,itpromotes cross-culturalunderstandingtopreventconflict.It’s agloballeaderinglobalmanagement,trade, innovation.”HebecameExecutiveDirectorof ChinaInitiatives,leveraginghisexpertise.
ThunderbirdfocusesonGlobalManagement Masters,notMBAs,emphasizingcross-cultural leadership,notjustfinance.
GuthrielaunchedOnGlobalLeadership,aplatform withablogandpodcasts,offeringthought leadershiponglobalgeopolitics,especiallyChina, andleadershipdevelopment.
AsOnGlobalLeadershipgrew,Guthriebecame knownforbothstrategicadviceandleadership development.Hefocusesonexecutivecoaching, integratingvision,strategy,teams,andmotivation.
MarshallGoldsmith’s100Coachesinvitedhimto join.“Itfeltlikeanaturalfit,”hesays.“Istilladvise onChina,butenjoyhelpingexecutivesgrow,build teams,andinspire.”Hevaluesone-on-one coaching.
Guthrienotestheworld’scomplexitydemands resilientleaders.CoachingforViaPath,serving formerlyincarceratedindividuals,highlighted diversityandinclusion’srole.
“Returningcitizenssharingtheirexperiences transformedcoaching,”heexplains.“Diversityand inclusionmakecoachingdramaticallybetter.”Heis writingabookoneverydayleadershipand returningcitizens.
LeadershipBuiltonPurposeandPeople
Guthrie’sleadershipviewevolved.AsDean, successwasgrandvision.Now,it’spurpose: improvingpeopleandorganizations.
“It’slessaboutgoals,moreaboutmakingpeople andorganizationsbetter,”heexplains.“Incoaching, Iamopenandvulnerable.Leadershipisn’tabout beingthemostvisionary.It’srecognizing,listening, connecting,andbuildingteamculture.”Hemodels thisinteachingandcoaching.
GuthrieadvisesThunderbirdonChina initiativesandhelpedestablishThunderbird’s partnershipwithZhejiangInternational BusinessSchool.Heco-foundedtheDeeper CoachingInstitute(DCI)withDr.Mark GoulstonandDavidSlocum,partofOn GlobalLeadership,pushingfordeeperselfreflectioninleaders.
TheAttentiveLeader
Guthrieobservestoday’shigh-pressureworld demandsleaderscarefortheirteams.He shareshisbipolarIIdisorderdiagnosis,often unseenashypomania.“Itfueledmywork, butswingsofhypomaniaanddepression cameatGWandApple,andIdidn’t understand.”
Guthriespeakscandidlybecausegood leadersbuildeffectiveculturesandsupport diversity,inclusion,andmentalhealth.“It’s notjustaboutjobcompletion.It’saboutwellbeing.Pressureleadstostruggles,andgood leaderspayattention.”
Hypomania,whiledrivingwork,hurthis parentingandpartnership.Helearnedto prioritize."Peoplecountonus.Weneedtobe present.Ifbalancemeansfewerarticlesor clients,ormoresleepformykids,itmust happen.”
Hebringsthistoleadershipteaching, showingleadersthatambitionandgood parentingalign.“Youmightbeabetter servantleaderbybalancingthis,”hesays.“I trytoliveit,andsharethismessagein teaching,coaching,andwriting.”
DougGuthrie’schallengesshapedhimintoa differentleader,teacher,andcoach.He believesinservantleadership:makingpeople better,improvingorganizations.
“Leadershipisoftenseenaspowerand tellingpeoplewhattodo,”heconcludes. “Visionisimportant,butIbelieveinservant leadership.Evenwithoutcredit,contributing toorganizationalsuccess,helpingothers–that’sgoodleadership.”
Let’sgetonethingstraight—noonebuysyour product.Theybuytheirowntransformation.
That’sthepunchlinetoomanyentrepreneursmiss.If you’restillpitchingfeaturesorbraggingaboutyour process,you’releavingmoneyonthetable.
Thetruth?Peoplebuywhentheyfeellikethestory you’retellingsoundslike their story.Notyours.
Andthemostpowerfulwaytomakethathappenisby hijackingsomethingancient:TheHero’sJourney.
Thisisn’tatrend.Thisishumanpsychology.It’swhat ourbrainsdefaulttowhentryingtomakesenseoflife, change,orchallenges.Hollywoodknowsit. High-performingbrandsknowit.
Founderswhobuildcategory-definingstartupsknow it.
Let’sbreakdownhowyouembeditintoyourbrand messaginglikearealstrategist—notacontentcreator who’swingingit.
1.YourCustomerIstheHero.You’reJustthe Guide.AcceptIt.
Thisoneshiftwillcleanup80%ofyourmessaging clutter
Stoptryingtoconvinceyourcustomerhowsmart, qualified,orexperiencedyouare.Theydon’t care—yet.
Theycareaboutthemselves.Theirproblem.Their need.Theirconfusion.Theirdesiretostopthe bleeding.Soputthematthecenterofyourstory
You’renotthemaincharacter You rethepersonwhohelpsthemaincharacter win.
ThinkYoda.ThinkHaymitch.ThinkMoana’s grandmother They’retheoneswhonudgethe herooutoftheircomfortzone,handthemthe compass,andsay, “This way. I’ve walked this road. You're not alone.”
That’syourjob.
Sonexttimeyouwritecontent,don’tstart with, “I help women build soulful businesses.”
Startwiththis:
“You know that feeling when you’ve outgrown your business, but every pivot feels risky and wrong? Let’s fix that.”
Seethedifference?
2.TheProblemIsn’tJustaProblem—It’s theCalltoAdventure
Yourcustomer’sstuckmoment?That’swhere yourstory starts.
Notyouroriginstory.Notyour“why.”Theirs. Youneedtoarticulatethetensionthey feel—butcan’talwaysname.
Whendoneright,theyreadyourcontentand say, “Wait, how are you in my head?”
That’swhentheykeepscrolling.
Here’showyougetthatclarity:
· Lookatwhatyourbestclientssaidwhen theyhiredyou.
· CheckDMs.Emails.Exitsurveys.
· Payattentiontowheretheyalmostgave up.
· Usetheir actual words.Don’ttranslate themintobrandlanguage.
Example:
· Not: “I help burned-out professionals realign with purpose.”
· Try: “You thought quitting your job would feel like freedom. But now it’s 2PM, and you’re Googling how to price your service—again.”
That’sthecalltoadventure.
Makeitsovividtheyfeelslightly uncomfortablereadingit.That’swhenthe shiftstarts.
3.YouStepIn.NotWithHype—With Help.
Here’swheremostbrandsgowrong.They hear“guide”andthinkitmeans“guru.”
Nope.
Yourjobisn’ttosoundimpressive.It’sto offersomethingsolidtheycanuse today Somethingthatbuildstrustwithoutpressure.
Youofferawayforwardthatfeelssafe. Predictable.Testable.
Youbreakdownthenextstepsclearly.Like this:
“We map out your new messaging in 90 minutes. Then you try it out. We adjust what doesn’t land. You go live without overthinking it.”
That’saplan.
Youdon’tneedfireworks.Youneedstructure.
Shareasmallsuccessstory.Showproof.Bereal.Noneedforpolished perfection.That’snotwhatbuildsconversion.
Claritydoes.
4.ThenYouSelltheTransformation.NottheOffer.
Peopledon’tcareaboutyour6-weekprogram,yourgroupcalls,your templates.
Theycareaboutwhatchangesafterworkingwithyou. Sostoplistingdeliverableslikeamenu.Paintaclearbefore-and-after picture.
Makeitsogrounded,theycanvisualizethemselveslivingitnextweek.
Here’swhatthatsoundslike:
· Before: “I hate marketing. It feels fake. I never know what to post.” · After: “Now I write posts in 30 minutes flat—and people DM me saying, ‘This hit hard.’”
That’sreal.
You’reshowingthemthenewidentitywaitingontheothersideofthe work.
It’snotabout“6coachingcalls.”It’sabout“knowingwhattosaywhen someoneaskswhatyoudo.”
Sell that.
5.YouDon’tNeedaFunnel.YouNeedaNarrativeArc.
Let’sgetpractical.
ThisiswhattheHero’sJourneylookslikeinyourcontentecosystem:
Usethismap.Repeatit.Rotateitthroughyourchannels. Don’tjust“postvaluablecontent”—build narrative momentum.
6.IfYourBrandIsn’tSticky,YourStory’sNotSharp Enough
Mostpeopledon’tquityourcontentbecauseit’sbad. Theyquitbecauseit’svague.
You’renotnamingthetension.You’renotarticulatingthe shift.You’renotclosingtheloop.
Here’swhatfixesthat:
· Cut80%ofyouradjectives.Add20%moreverbs.
· Don’ttellpeopleyou’re“aligned.”Tellthemyou stoppedcryingonSundaynights.
· Don’tsayyouhelppeople“scale.”Sayyouhelped someonedoublerevenuewithoutdoublinghours.
Storystickswhenit moves.
7.LetTheirEndingBeYourBeginning
Here’sthebigone.
Whenpeopleseethemselvesinyourclients’wins,they self-select tostartthejourney
Sobuildyourcontentaroundtransformationsalready happening.
Documentyourclient’sfirstwins.Themessymiddle. Thesurpriseoutcomes.
Saythingslike:
· “Whenwestarted,Samwasn’tevensureshehadareal business.Today,shebookedoutQ3intwoweeks.”
· “Miratoldmeshefeltinvisible.Lastweek,shegother firstpressmention.”
Thesearen’ttestimonials.They’remini-herojourneys. Andtheyshowyouraudienceonething: This is possible for you, too.
NoOneBuysCoaching.OrCourses.OrSystems. Theybuybelief.
Beliefthat this time,they’llmakeitwork.Beliefthat someoneactuallyunderstandswhattheyneed.Beliefthat theywon’twastemoneyagain.
Storiesgivethemthatbelief.
Nothype.Nothacks.Nothigh-ticketurgencytactics. Stories.
Andnotjustanystory—astorywherethey win. That’stheonlypitchthatreallyworks.
FinalWord
Look.We’renotsellinglipstickhere.We’rebuildingtrust withpeoplewho’velikelybeenburnedbefore.Thattakes somethingdeeperthandopaminemarketing.
Ittakesnarrativestrategy
Soditchtheguruvibes.Stepintotheroleyou’reactually builtfor:thewomanwhoshowsupwithamap,amirror, andaflashlight.
You’renotsellingservices.
You’resellingself-belief.
Getyourstorystraight—andwatchwhathappensnext.
Transforming Leadership Through Mindset Alignment
VICKY REGAN
Keypoints:
● VickyRegan,theFounderandPrincipalof HoneLeadership,startedhercompanyaftera 25-yearcareerinleadershiproleswithinthe techsector,fromfast-pacedstartupstopublic companies.
● Onamissiontoalignleaders’mindsetswith theirgoals,HoneLeadershipoffersserviceslike 1:1coaching,workshops,andleadership training,particularlysupportingwomenin businessandtech.
● Reganemphasizestheimportanceofadaptive leadership,creatingafeedbackculture,and cultivatingemotionalintelligence,believing theseelementsarekeytosuccessfuland impactfulleadershipintoday’sdynamic businessenvironment.
VickyRegan,theFounderandPrincipalofHone
Leadership,firmlybelievesinonecoreprinciple: “True growth as a leader starts with aligning your mindset with your ambitions and goals.”
ReganfoundedHoneLeadershipaftera25-yearcareerin leadershiproleswithinthetechsector,fromfast-paced startupstopubliccompanies.Thisjourneydeepenedher understandingofleadershipdynamicsandchallenges, especiallyforwomen.
Alongsidehercareer,shefoundedamentorship organizationforwomenintech,emphasizingthe importanceofsupportivenetworks,andcontinued mentoringinwomen’sorganizationsthroughouthercareer.
Thiscombinationofleadershipexperienceanddedication tomentorshipmadehertransitiontoleadershipcoachinga naturalstep.Asacoach,Reganleveragesherexpertiseto helpleadersrefinetheirskillsanddrivemeaningfulimpact withintheirorganizations.
Founderand Principal of Hone Leadership
HoneLeadership,foundedin2021atHalfMoonBay, California,offersafullrangeofservicestosupportindividuals andorganizations,from1:1andsmallcohortcoachingto workshopsandleadershipdevelopmenttraining.
MirrorReviewrecentlyspokewithRegan,whosaysit’s encouragingtoseethatleadershipcoachingnowappealsto peopleatallcareerlevels.Gonearethedayswhencoaching wasseenonlyasanexecutiveluxury,shesaid.“Today,earlycareermanagers,seasonedprofessionals,andevenindividual contributorsseekoutcoachingtoaddressspecificareasof concernortopropelthemselvestothenextleveloftheir careers.”
MirrorReview:Basedonyourexperience,whatarethetop 3mostpressingleadershipchallengesbusinessesfacetoday?
Regan:Inmyexperience,therearethreekeychallengesthat leadersintoday’sbusinessworldaregrapplingwith:
1. ChangeManagement:Inrecentyears,businesses haveundergonesignificantchanges,suchasthe pandemicandtheshifttoremotework.Therefore, effectivechangemanagementiscrucial.Leadersneed toadeptlyguidetheirorganizationsthroughnew marketsandstrategies.
Employeeuncertaintycanbeveryunsettling.Fearof theunknowncanleadtoalackofconfidencein leadershipandthecompany'sfuture,affecting productivity,morale,andperformance,andpotentially leadingtoattrition.
Successfulleadersinchangemanagementare excellentcommunicatorswhoinspireconfidencein theirteams.Theyprovidetransparency;address concernsopenly,highlightopportunities,andinvolve employeesintheprocess.Theycultivateasharedvision andgrowth,whilepoorexecutioncandestabilizethe entireorganization.
2. EmployeeDevelopmentandGrowth:Asthe workforceevolves,understandingemployeeneedsis vitalforengagement,retention,andsuccession planning.
Leadingmultigenerationalteamsisanessential aspectofmodernleadershipandcaneffectively addresssuccessionplanningchallenges.With approximately30%ofcurrentleaders(boomers) expectedtoretirewithinthenext5-10years,
businessesfacepotentialdisruptionswithoutasolid planinplace.
Millennials,highlymotivatedbyprofessional developmentandgrowthopportunities,arekeytothis strategy.Craftingastrategicsuccessionplanthat caterstothesemotivationscanensureasmooth leadershiptransitionandbusinesscontinuity
3. LeadingDiverseandRemoteTeams:Withtherise inworkforcediversityandremotework,leadersmust developskillstopromotecollaborationand inclusivityacrossvariouslocationsandcultures. Agileandadaptableleadersinourpost-pandemic businessenvironmentcanbettersupportremoteand hybridteams.
Today,diversityandinclusiongobeyond recruitmenttoincludeclearpromotionpathsto leadership,sothatallemployeescanseeand achieveafuture.
MirrorReview:Couldyouelaborateontheleadership developmentservicesthatHoneLeadershipoffers? Whatmakesyourcoachingservicesunique?
Regan:HoneLeadershipprovidesacomprehensiverange ofservicestosupportbothindividualsandorganizations. Ourofferingsincludeone-on-oneandsmallcohort coaching,workshops,andleadershipdevelopmenttraining.
Whilewecatertoadiverseclientele,wespecializein supportingwomenleadersinbusinessandtechnology
Ourapproachistailoredtothespecificneedsofeachclient. However,twoprogramsareparticularlypopular:Positive IntelligenceandmyproprietaryPIVOTProgram.
PositiveIntelligenceisdesignedtohelpclientsbreakaway fromnegativepatternsandshifttowardsamoreconfident andoptimisticmindset.
ThePIVOTProgram,ontheotherhand,isgearedtowards thosenavigatingacareertransition.Itprovidesastructured frameworktoguideclientsthroughwhatcanoftenbea confusingtime,layingoutaroadmaptoreachtheirend goal.Thisprogramincludespersonalizedstrategiesand supporttohelpclientsachievetheirobjectives.Ithas provenparticularlyusefulforclientsconsideringcareer transitions,eventhoseintheearlystagesoftheircareers. Whenworkingwithorganizations,inadditiontocoaching
theirleaders,wealsoofferoutplacementservicesfor exitingemployeesandspotcoachingprogramsfora broaderrangeofemployees,typicallyrecommendedbya manager.Oneareathatorganizationsfindparticularly beneficialisourassistanceindevelopingtheirinternal mentoringandEmployeeResourceGroup(ERG) programs.
ThemostcommonleadershipchallengeI’maskedtohelp with,whetherforindividualsorteams,revolvesaround communication.Effectiveleadershiphingesontheability tocommunicatewithclarityandconfidence-whether managingconflicts,establishingexecutivepresence,or gainingalignment.Theseskillsarecrucialforinfluencing othersanddrivingpositiveoutcomes.
MirrorReview:Beingatthehelmofthecompany, whatareyourprimaryrolesandresponsibilities? We’dalsolovetohearaboutyournotableawardsand achievements.
Regan:AsthefounderandprincipalofHoneLeadership, myprimaryroleinvolvesservingastheLeadershipand ExecutiveCoachforindividualclients,aswellasacoach andconsultantfororganizations.Iholdanadvanced coachingcredential(PCC)fromtheInternational CoachingFederation(ICF)andaspecializedcertification inExecutiveandLeadershipCoaching.
Inadditiontotheseroles,Iserveasamentor,author, contributor,andspeakerforvariousmentoringand professionalwomen’sorganizations.Thisinvolvement hasledtoindustryrecognition,includingtheFemale VoicesAwardandaTop5FemaleCoachrankingin2023.
HoneLeadershipisaU.S.GovernmentRegisteredEntity ContractorandaCertifiedWoman-OwnedSmall Business,championingdiversityandinclusion.Eachyear, Idedicateaportionofmypracticetodiscountedorpro bonowork,offeringcoachingtonon-profitsand individualsfocusedondrivingpositivechangewithin theirindustries.
MirrorReview:Tellushowyourcoachinghashelped yourcurrentorpreviousclients.
Regan:Mycoachingfocusesonhelpingclientsachieve significantprofessionalmilestones.Thisincludessecuring promotions,tacklingcareerchallenges,andprogressingin theirorganizationalsuccessionplans. Iguidethemthroughtargeteddevelopmentthataligns
withtheirambitions,whethertheseissuesareidentified bythemselvesortheirleaders.Insomecases,clientsare lookingtomakecareertransitions.Regardlessoftheir goals,thisstrategicapproachnotonlyaddresses immediateneedsbutalsolaysthegroundworkfortheir futuresuccess.
MirrorReview:Whenmotivatingtheirteam,what commonmistakesdoleadersoftenmake,andhow cantheyavoidthem?
Regan:Onecommonmistakeinleadershipisnot providingenoughfeedbackandrecognition.When employeesfeelignoredorunderappreciated,their motivationcanplummet,leadingtodisengagementand eventuallyturnover
Asaleader,it’scrucialtoprovidefeedbackthat’snot onlytimelybutalsoconstructiveandactionable.Also, regularlyacknowledgingtheeffortsandachievementsof yourteamcangreatlyenhancemoraleandengagement.
Secondly,leaderscansometimesfallintothetrapof usingthesamemotivationaltactics(overgeneralizing) foreveryone,whichcanoverlooktheuniqueneedsand dynamicsofindividualteammembers.
Peoplearemotivatedbydifferentthings,whetherit's careeradvancement,skilldevelopment,orachievinga betterwork-lifebalance.Byconductingregularone-ononemeetings,leaderscanunderstandwhattrulydrives eachmemberoftheirteam,whichhelpsindeveloping moreeffectiveandpersonalizedmotivationalstrategies.
Lastly,itisalackofcleargoals.Ateamwithoutclear goalscanquicklybecomedirectionlessanddemotivated. Leadersneedtosetspecific,well-definedgoalsand revisitthemoftentokeepeveryoneontrack.
Aligningthesegoalswiththebroadermissionofthe organizationalsohelpsteammembersunderstandhow theirworkcontributestothelargerpicture,whichcanbe apowerfulmotivator.
MirrorReview:Howdoyoumanagetohaveaperfect work-lifebalance?Whatareyourhobbies/interests beyondthecabin?
Regan:WhileIcan’tclaimtohavecompletelymastered theartofwork-lifebalance,IdobelieveI’veachieveda harmoniousblendofthetwo.Contrarytotheadage,“If
Leaders Who Excel At Change Management Are Exceptional Communicators And Give The Team Confidence.
youdowhatyoulove,you’llneverworkadayinyour life,”IfindthateventhoughIlovewhatIdo,Istill workquiteabit.ThekeydifferenceisthatIderivereal happinessfrommywork.I’mnotstressed,anxious,or burntout.I’mgenuinelycontent,butI’malsoaware thatI’mworking.Makingthisdistinctionhelpsme maintainharmony,balance,andboundariesinmylife.
Asformyinterestsbeyondwork,Ihaveadeeplove fortravelingandbeinginnature.Ialwayshavea mentallistofthenextcountriesIwanttovisit!Infact, mylovefornaturehasledmetobecomeaCertified CaliforniaNaturalist.
MirrorReview:Asanexperiencedleadership coach,whatarethe3tipsyouwouldliketogiveto modern-agebusinessleaders?
Regan:Certainly,Ibelievethefollowingthree principlesarecrucialforanyleaderintoday’sdynamic businessenvironment:
1. EmbraceAdaptiveLeadership:Today’s leadersmustbereadytochangecoursequickly Adaptabilityiscrucial-notjustinrespondingto immediatechallengesbutalsoinbeingreceptive tofeedbackanddifferentviewpoints.This flexibilityallowsyoutosmoothlynavigate changes,seizeopportunitiesastheyarise,and fortifyyourteam.
2. CreateaFeedbackCulture:Feedbackshould bethelifebloodofyourorganization.Encourage everyonetocommunicateopenly,whetherit’s top-down,bottom-up,orpeer-to-peer When leadersdemonstratethisopenness,itsignificantly enhancestheorganization'shealthandimproves teamdynamics.
3. CultivateEmotionalIntelligence:Never underestimatethepowerofemotional intelligence.Skillslikeactivelistening,empathy, andemotionalregulationarevitalforconnecting withandmotivatingyourteam.Leaderswho managetheiremotionseffectivelyand understandtheirteammembers’feelingscan maintaincomposureinstressfulsituationsand buildacommitted,collaborativeteambasedon trust.
