In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
Stronger Together: A Celebration of Women’s Leadership & Resilience
Join me for an engaging conversation that explores both the realities and possibilities facing women today!
Make it New
This week I was in a meeting with a team of folx prepping for a presentation that 3 of us in attendance have to make in a couple of weeks. I should say that we “get” to make the presentation because it’s gonna be good!
As we were running through the slides, the facilitator, Rev. Bobbi Becker, said, “Something doesn’t have to be wrong, to make it new.”
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!
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.”
Remember, You’ve Survived 100% of Your Hardest Days Ever
This line came from a guided meditation I did a few weeks ago and the words struck deep.
Say them again slowly. Remember. You’ve. Survived. 100%. Of. Your. Hardest. Days. Ever.
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.
Create Your Future
Many of us start the new year with resolutions that typically require us to do something different or more than we did in the previous year. You know, go to the gym, reduce our sugar intake, drink less coffee, keep our closets organized, call our friends and family more. Whatever your resolution is, or resolutions are, they require you to yield to the notion that you have to do something different in order to create the outcome you desire.
And isn’t that the drumbeat of all change? Thinking and being in new ways until they become habits.
Agreement or Alignment: A Stacey Abrams Commentary
It’s Try Better Tuesday and today I’m writing about Stacey Abrams.
In September 2025, I heard her speak at the annual fundraiser for Seattle’s Homestead Community Land Trust. During her talk, she was asked about her time serving as the House Minority Leader in the Georgia General Assembly. Specifically, she was asked about how she was able to bridge differences in a conservative-led General Assembly.
Stacey replied, “Agreement isn’t the point – alignment is.”
You’re getting close. That’s why it’s getting tough.
Shoot, there’s something new that you’ve got to do. You’ve got to change the way you communicate with a peer. You’re having a very difficult time of it. It’s like you cannot even hear what he’s saying.
And, it’s not only him that needs to change. It’s you, too.
Get some rest…
Sounds like an order.
Maybe a request.
However you receive it.
It’s for you.
Photo courtesy of Stockholm Paris Studio
The Opposite of Hopeless
Last evening I was invited by my brother and sister-in-law to attend the annual fundraiser for Seattle’s Homestead Community Land Trust. The event included Eric Liu in conversation with the amazing and brilliant Stacey Abrams.
At the conversation intermission, Marcus Harrison Green, a Seattle-based publisher and journalist, took the stage with an impassioned ask of all in attendance. His ask was simple. Move into action to help Homestead Community Land Trust continue their efforts to create permanently affordable home-buying opportunities for income-qualified households.
“Yes, but…”
“Yes, but…” responses are used in conversation more frequently than you might think. It’s one of the most frustrating responses you can receive. Here’s why. When used, the “but” dismisses everything that you said in favor of what your conversation partner has to say. It reduces what you said to mere ash, as if you never said it.
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.
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!
I’m Glad You’re Loving My In the Cut Leadership Conversations!
It’s Thankful Thursday and I’m sending gratitude to my first 10 guests who particpated in my new series, In the Cut Leadership Conversations!
In December of last year, I had an idea and before I knew it, the series was created. To say that I’ve learned a lot from these conversations would be selling each one short of what they delivered.
Take a Career Leap and Learn Something New
My conversations with mentees bring forth thoughts that work specifically for their situation and upon further examination, may work for others. Here’s one.
As you consider your next opportunity, consider stretching. Consider taking a career leap.
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 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.
The Layoff Interview Prep
It may have been a minute since you interviewed for a job. Maybe you’ve been in your position for a while. Or, maybe you’ve been promoted without needing a resume or an interview. And now this. A layoff.
It’s time to plan for what’s next.