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Shades of Trust: Real Conversations on Connection, Character & Compassion

Webinar on August 28, 2025

Shades of Trust Webinar Promo Graphic

Think about a time when you were working in a team with members who didn’t trust each other.

Lack of trust presents a host of challenges and can ultimately derail the effectiveness of an otherwise talented team.

But, in order to trust people, you first have to connect with them. And in order to connect with them, you have to be open.

It takes courage and vulnerability to connect. The results though are worth it.

I’m looking forward to sharing more about the relationship between connection and trust in an upcoming webinar titled “Shades of Trust: Real Conversations on Connection, Character & Compassion.” The event is free and features a wonderful panel of speakers.

Register today to join me on Thursday, Aug. 28th, from 12:00-1:00 pm Pacific Time.

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The Life and Leadership of Quiet Revolutionary Frances Hesselbein

Frances Hesselbein

I have a film recommendation for you: the beautiful and timely award-winning documentary Defining Moments: The Life and Leadership of Quiet Revolutionary Frances Hesselbein. I attended a screening in New York City in May and it deeply resonated with me. If you are not yet familiar with Frances Hesselbein, I can tell you she was a positive, connection-minded leader and one to emulate.

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TCU Chancellor Boschini Shares Why Connection is Essential for Leaders

SmartBrief on Leadership Article

Chancellor Victor J. Boschini at Texas Christian University

The month of May marks a time of transition across college campuses in the U.S. as students who have completed their degrees celebrate graduation and prepare to embark on their next chapter.

On the campus of TCU (Texas Christian University), Victor Boschini recently handed out diplomas and paused to pose for photographs for the final time as the school’s chancellor. Thankfully for the TCU Horned Frog family, the transition for this “super connector” has him remaining on campus in his new role as chancellor emeritus.

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The Best Leaders Connect, Encourage, and Coach

Leader connecting with and coaching an employee

Organizations with supervisors who connect with, encourage, and coach their employees often outperform those that do not. Years ago, Southwest Airlines discovered that reducing the ratio of frontline employees to supervisors enabled supervisors to build stronger relationships, provide better support, and ultimately improve employee performance. As a result, Southwest Airlines maintained a frontline employee-to-supervisor ratio of 10:1, whereas some airlines have ratios as high as 40:1.

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SmartBrief Article: Will Starbucks Return to Howard Behar’s “It’s All About the People” Leadership?

Photo of Howard Behar used with permission

Current Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has signaled that the company is looking back to its past to rediscover its greatness.

In a recent article published by SmartBrief, Katharine Stallard and I share why part of that return to the past should include a people-first leadership philosophy exemplified by former Starbucks leader Howard Behar.

To learn more about Howard’s connection-focused leadership style, and how it could benefit Starbucks again, check out the SmartBrief article.

Photo of Howard Behar courtesy of Howard Behar

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The Global Stakes of US Democracy

Article published by IE University

Photo of the White House South Lawn by Wikimedia user Matt Wade

I write and speak about leadership, advocating for a group culture rich with the kind of positive social connection that brings out the best in individuals and thus the collective group. My focus is on what leaders should do to connect people: inspire and unite them around a shared vision and mission, value each individual, and give them a voice.

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HR at a Crossroads: Article Published by SmartBrief

Business woman experiencing burnout

In the past four years, HR professionals have encountered a host of challenges, including seismic work shifts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Great Resignation, and much more. Caught between the dictates of upper management and the wrath of employees in response to policy changes, HR professionals are feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and disengaged.