In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Layoff Confidence Drain
Last week I received a text from a mentee sharing her frustration and disappointment in her ongoing job search, leading to sadness and a strong lack of confidence. She said, "I have never had a problem finding a job." She’s not the first to share this sentiment with me, and she will likely, and sadly, not be the last.
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?
Use Your Voice
Invitations to important decision making or critical discussion tables don’t happen every day. And even if they do, something is required of you. Your voice.
Middle Managers, Often Unsung and Unsupported
It’s Try Better Tuesday and I’m focused on middle-managers, the often unsung and most unsupported talent in organizations. How much better would we be if our middle managers were as prepared for their leadership role as we think they are in their functional expertise?
Try Better Tuesday: Leaders as Listeners
It’s Try Better Tuesday and my focus in on leaders as listeners. We need far less talking and far more listening.