In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
Moving On
In 2012, JG Larochette took a huge leap of faith to start Mindful Life Project (MLP), an organization dedicated to transforming schools from the inside out with innovative and comprehensive mindfulness based socio-emotional learning programming. He started without a budget or business plan. What he did have was a profound knowing that the organization had to be founded.
This summer, he announced his exit from MLP and the startup of Mindful Rising and I’m here for it!
Who is Your Best Boss Ever?
A few weeks ago, a former team member named me as her best boss ever which immediately made me ponder who was mine. It took seconds for me to name Lisa Nash as that person.
What I love most about Lisa is the ease in which she supports her team. We were all young in our careers, including Lisa, and capable of delivering at the highest levels. Lisa encouraged that in us and knew that our success, was her success.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Wilma Wallace
A senior executive leader, Wilma brings experience designing and leading global legal, risk, compliance and ESG programs (including equity) and enterprise transformation. As a legal expert, former Corporate Secretary, Corporate Executive and seasoned public and nonprofit board member, she is known as a collaborative, values-driven partner and trusted advisor. Wilma is a champion for social impact, environmental justice, and human rights and a frequent public speaker and instructor on leadership, law department management, business and human rights, and transforming into a more just, equitable and sustainable society.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Veronica Very
Veronica is the founder and visionary behind Wonder of Women International, and the co-creator of the award-winning WOW Gallery, and the Dear Sista, I See You. Healing Art Exhibition, and WOW Healing Villa South Africa all co-imagined and created and owned with the love of her life, internationally renowned visual artist Hiawatha D. Veronica is a thought-provoking speaker, teacher, and writer, who compels audiences to remember their power and activate their purpose. A beautiful force of love and light, she easily fosters community and invites us to return to our breath and lean into self-care to co-create change in our individual lives, society, and the world.
The “Best Boss” Surprise
It’s Thankful Thursday and today I’m grateful for a surprise text I received last week. The sender said I was her best boss ever!
Who is this wonderful soul, you ask? Her name is Hannah Cardenas and if you want someone incredibly loyal, hardworking, inquisitive, creative, energetic, collaborative and supportive on your team, please consider reaching out to her. I know for certain that you’ll be glad you did!
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Andrea Willis
With a life dedicated to making the world better for children and their families, Andrea lives the mission of every organization she works with and for. She’s the partner on a leadership team who you can always rely on to hold your confidence and share her honest perspective on challenging situations. Underneath all that is a writer with stories to tell!
Highlights from My First 10 In the Cut Leadership Conversations
Not surprisingly, I’ve learned new things as I’ve spoken with my In the Cut guests. I learned about them in new dimensions and how and why leadership found them. I learned what pumps them up during difficult leadership challenges and what they will be celebrating next year. Here are a few of my favorites!
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Ada Williams Prince
A creative leader at the cutting edge of global and domestic philanthropy, Ada is a well-known connector of people and ideas for impact. She has successfully designed and informed programmatic, policy and funding decisions and for 2 decades has advanced the power and influence of women and girls of color. Ada is among the dynamic leaders who are growing a community of funders committed to transformation in philanthropy.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Dr. Nwando Anyaoku
Nwando is known for her strategic brain, compassionate heart and ability to speak into complex decision-making environments with clarity and conviction. Over 2 decades, she has combined clinical and operational experience with advocacy in leading transformative healthcare strategies. Her roles are underpinned by her commitment to innovation and equity and her expertise as a board-certified pediatrician.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Venu Gupta
Committed to fostering solidarity and political engagement among people of color across backgrounds and identities, Venu’s work spans many sectors including law, business, media, education and nonprofit. A compassionate, human-centered leader, Venu works with individuals and clients to explore and promote anti-racism and racial justice practices.
Sheila and Venu discussed Venu’s leadership style and her aspirations to transition into ministry. They also explored the concept of inspiration, the importance of decision-making and the impact of personal values on leadership.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Archita Fritz
Archita says that she was never supposed to be in those rooms. Not in boardrooms where multi-million-dollar decisions get made. Not in private equity meetings where marketing is an afterthought. Not in leadership huddles. The only woman. The only person of color. The only voice asking different questions. And yet, here she is. A LinkedIn Top Voice in Thought Leadership and award-winning product marketing strategist, innovator, keynote speaker, podcaster and board member.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Dr. Thane Kreiner
Dr. Thane Kreiner started his impressive career as a scientist, founding and leading 4 life sciences ventures as the CEO. As the Executive Director of Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, he transformed it into the world’s leading university-based accelerator. Building on his relationship with Santa Clara University, Thane co-founded Black Corporate Board Readiness designed to accelerate the representation of qualified Black leaders in corporate governance.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Sena Kwawu
Sena holds equally the skills of an operator and innovator and has put them to good use over his impressive career in high growth and mature public companies. His transformational leadership instincts started in Ghana and have benefited global teams and the customers they serve. At whatever table Sena has a seat, expect that his contributions will matter today and for many days to follow.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Tsitsi Hampton
Meet Tsitsi Hampton, a career merchant with a strong female family foundation, she leads with a spirit grounded in respect and collaboration. She is always comfortable in her leadership roles and clear about what needs to happen “in the moment” to successfully lead her teams. As she says, “Leadership must be fluid to meet the moment.”
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Delida Costin
Committed to equipping individuals and teams to get to where they want to be, Delida Costin has spent more than 3 decades serving as a chief legal officer, chief people officer, corporate secretary, board member and investor.
I guarantee that if you read this short In the Cut Leadership Conversation, you’ll leave with something new on your mind.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Lisha Bell
My 2nd installment of In The Cut Leadership Conversations, features Lisha Bell, a tech veteran and a fearless warrior in the creation of wealth for underrepresented founders and investors.
Read her inspiring story and why her work is so important… for all of us.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Greg Webb
In my first in a series of In The Cut Leadership Conversations, meet Greg Webb. He’s a veteran in the beverage industry having owned an Anheuser-Busch distributorship in New Jersey and holding management roles with Anheuser-Busch and Miller Coors. He continues his work consulting with distributors on growth strategies and serving on the Advisory Board of the National Black Brewers Association.
You’re invited to read his evolving story of leadership.
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.