In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
One-Year Later
Last year, I had the good fortune of speaking with Dr. Nwando Anyaoku about leadership and life. Nwando dropped some serious pearls and you can revisit her entire interview here. I recently caught up with this in-demand global speaker and here’s what she had to say about her 1-year celebration.
One-Year Later
Last year, I had the good fortune of meeting and speaking with Thane Kreiner about leadership, something he knows a lot about. His career has provided him with opportunities at a variety of tables where he often finds himself with the keys to influence and the means to make things happen. I caught up with him recently to see how things have gone since we last spoke.
Overthink the Best
It is often human nature to consider the worst possible outcome long before we dream of the best. And at time such a time as this, the worst can seem far more likely.
We all know that depending on how you view the glass, it can be half full or half empty.
I’ve got to say that my view sees a glass overflowing!
One-Year Later
In April 2025, I asked Archita what she would be celebrating one year later. A few days ago, I asked her how that celebration is going. Here’s what she shared in only the magical, vulnerable and inspiring way Archita can.
One-Year Later
In March of last year, I spoke with Lisha Bell and Greg Webb about leadership in my new In the Cut Leadership Conversation series. One of the questions I ask of all the leaders I interview is, “It’s a year from now, what are you celebrating?”
I reached out to Lisha and Greg to check in on their celebration. Here’s what they shared with me!
One-Year Later…
A year ago this month, I launched my In the Cut Leadership Conversation series and had the good fortune of speaking with Sena Kwawu and Tsitsi Hampton. One of the questions I ask of all the leaders I interview is, “It’s a year from now, what are you celebrating?”
I recently caught up with Tsitsi and Sena to see how they did with that!
Does Your Nonprofit Board Have Strategic Chops?
It’s Try Better Tuesday… and today nonprofit boards are on my mind.
I’ve had the privilege of serving on 15 nonprofit boards that focused on arts and culture, economic development, entrepreneurship and spirituality. Focus areas that speak to me and are easy for me to get behind. And I’ve held leadership positions from Board Chair to leading marketing to strategic planning committees. It’s that last one that has my attention these days. Strategic planning.
Leadership. It’s about being a good human. Period.
There are a gazillion books about leadership. Literally. A gazillion. And every year, people write new ones.
Over the years, I’ve been asked to consider writing a book on leadership. What I have siad in response is, “There are already a gazillion books about leadership.”
How’s that Leadership Coaching Working Out for You?
I hold 2 portfolios of work and they both make me happy.
One is consulting, where I’m hired to recommend to executives what I believe is best for them in setting growth strategies and preparing for organizational transformation. The other is coaching, where I help executive leaders reveal their truths as they work toward improving their leadership instincts and being better humans.
In the Cut Leadership Conversation with Tuti Scott
Born in a rural town and shaped by adversity and resilience, Tuti’s participation in basketball provided her with her first taste of belonging, leadership and achievement. Acknowledging her white privilege, Tuti forged a path of equity for women leading change in companies, nonprofit organizations and in the game of money and power. A lifelong feminist, Tuti’s passion for humanity and the survival of our planet are at the core of what motivates her.
Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself
I’m Sheila. Sheila E. to be exact and since there’s a brilliant musical artist who goes by that name, Sheila will do just fine.
I’m a strategist, builder and leader.
I’m a Midwest transplant to the west coast.
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!
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.