Leading Organizations That Matter – Details, episodes & analysis

Strategic plans used to be something boards revisited every three to five years. But today, the pace of change—and the unexpected shocks we’ve all lived through—are forcing boards to ask new questions: How do we stay involved over time? And how will we know when it’s time to shift?

In this episode, I share three practical strategies that can give boards a clearer line of sight into progress, keep goals measurable, and build in a refresh point that ensures plans stay relevant. If you’re leading in health care or the nonprofit sector, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

One of my most popular episodes was about building a personal knowledge management system. And here’s the surprising truth: the system itself matters less than the discipline of using it. Today, I’m sharing a simple life hack that’s saved me countless times—because let’s face it, our future selves are often forgetful, distracted, and, well… a little doltish. The trick? Leave breadcrumbs. Clear instructions. Notes that anticipate what your future self will need, right when they’ll need it. From everyday tasks to professional deliverables, this practice has transformed the way I work and live. Be kind to your future self—they’ll thank you for it.

In this week’s episode, I dive deeper into a powerful lesson drawn from my journey as a photographer—why falling in love with what you create transforms not just your art, but your life and career. From average snapshots to meaningful images, I share how shifting focus from process to passion unlocks greater fulfillment and impact. Whether you’re navigating your career path or reflecting on what truly motivates you, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding joy and purpose in the work you do.

What do photography and career planning have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, I share how years behind the lens—starting with a beat-up rangefinder—taught me the art of seeing, of waiting, and of wandering. Whether you're a sunrise-chasing planner or a thrill-seeking discoverer, this conversation explores how balancing preparation with openness can shape not just your images, but your life.

Because sometimes, the best shot—and the best opportunity—is just around the bend.

Accountability isn’t rocket science—it’s a notebook. In this episode, we skip the complexity and spotlight a painfully obvious yet wildly underused leadership tool: writing things down. From toxic cultures to missed follow-ups, we explore how a simple habit can transform organizational trust, clarity, and follow-through. No apps required. Just a pen, a plan, and a little discipline.

What if the loudest leaders are the most insecure—and the quietest, the strongest? In this episode, we unpack a paradox at the heart of leadership: how humility, not bravado, shapes resilient cultures and lasting impact. From personal reflections to a poignant story of legacy and retirement, this is a candid exploration of what strength really looks like when the stakes are high. If you lead—or aspire to—you’ll want to hear this.

We all learned a lot about life, leadership, values, and priorities during the Covid pandemic. I recently was reminded of one while in the drive-through line at Starbucks. 

Some mission driven organizations benefit from considering their purpose, their objective, their very reason for being as a diamond that is distinct from its setting. This week's quick episode is a thought experiment that several of my clients have found helpful. Perhaps you will as well.

"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"... sang The Clash all the way back in 1982. Let's say you have been debating this same question at your job... and ultimately conclude: I'm so done here.

As an executive coach, I have been in a number of conversations with individuals who can relate. I sometimes then find myself in a "how do I quit?" discussion. I hope my advice here helps if you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Figuring out what went wrong and then learning from our mistakes is vital to an organization's long-term success and impact. Unfortunately, some organizations struggle to move past the woe-is-us wound licking phase. This is a topic of great interest to me personally and one I have studied and written about quite a bit. The key to progress here is for groups to lament... for a bit... and then to move forward into the learning mode. In this episode, I suggest a distinct and simple set of steps - in this case, four questions - to help leaders get over this hurdle.