by Laurie | Jun 12, 2025 | Capacity-building, Leadership, Strategic planning, Taking action
In my last newsletter, I discussed the need for leaders to get comfortable building while flying. The most effective and sustainable organizations are those that manage to work on both process and mission at the same time. “Easier said than done,” you’re probably...
by Laurie | May 28, 2025 | Capacity-building, Leadership, Strategic planning, Taking action
When I work with clients on strategic planning or launching new initiatives, I’ve noticed a common tension between two types of thinkers: There are the process-oriented folks, who want to create the optimal system before doing anything else. They often fear taking...
by Laurie | May 14, 2025 | Communication, Leadership, Taking action
My career has taken a number of unexpected turns over the years: I’ve moved between academic editing and academic medicine, university administration and international policy, performing arts and gender equality. There’s one unifying element to my work: I help...
by Laurie | Apr 29, 2025 | Communication, Leadership, Taking action
One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that a busy leader is not responding to an important e-mail. The frustration is clear. Even if they don’t say it out loud, the underlying sentiment is Why aren’t they responding? Don’t they get how important...
by Laurie | Apr 16, 2025 | Leadership, Taking action
I’ve worked with leaders across a variety of sectors over the years: healthcare, higher education, NGOs, political advisory boards, and intergovernmental organizations. From surgeons to university rectors, UNESCO and the G7 to local nonprofits, I’ve observed one...
by Laurie | Apr 2, 2025 | Meetings, Strategic planning, Taking action
Has this happened to you? You’re meeting with a group of smart and motivated people, brimming with ideas about how to develop or improve a policy, program, or organization. There’s a sense of shared purpose, the discussion has a gratifying flow, and the atmosphere is...
