In the Cut
LEADERSHIP BLOG
An intro from Sheila.
Happy New Year!
I start 2026 as I ended 2025, with gratitude to each of you who stopped by to read a post, send an article to someone you know or leave a comment to let me know my message touched you. Thank you!
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.
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.
“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.
A Vacation is Having Nothing to Do
In the early years of owning my first company, it felt like I worked every day of every month of every year, and I probably did. My clients were my priority and when they needed me, I was there.
But they were taking time off. Why wasn’t I?
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.
Uh, oh! What to Wear to My Job Interview?
As a kid, I dreamed of leaving Michigan winters and heading west. I wasn’t sure then where exactly that was, but the west was calling my name. In my mid-corporate career stage, the perfect job opened up at Visa USA, then located in San Mateo, California. I became laser-focused on getting that job!
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!
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.
Happy Birthday, Richard Chacon!
This past week, my friend, Richard Chacon celebrated his birthday. I love birthdays - mine and everyone elses! Take a quick read to learn a bit more about why Richard will always be an important person in my life.
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 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.