For me, this year has brought sadness with the unexpected passing of my sister, caring for a sick family member, juggling two kids with unpredictable school schedules, supporting a spouse in an unplanned career transition and keeping at bay the constant low-level anxiety caused by COVID-19 and disruption of normal life (of which I am confident many of you have had similar experiences). All that being said, I have also felt a greater sense of purpose, appreciation and gratitude for what is good in my life and the world. 

In my executive coaching practice, I humbly get to witness the trials, uncertainties, successes (big and small) and, most importantly, what lies behind the mask of strength and composure that most leaders wear. These intimate conversations reveal, more often than not, the common threads between our individual and collective experiences. 

I wholeheartedly believe that great leadership can take many forms. There is no one size fits all approach. That said, there are styles, tools, techniques and competencies that great leaders have learned to inhabit and utilize based on the uniqueness of the ever-evolving situations they face. It is this adaptability and discernment that can make a good leader great. 

Just as there are common threads that weave throughout our individual lives, there are commonalities in our professional experiences. It is with that notion, that I am excited to launch The Thread. 

My goal is to share the common leadership themes that I am witnessing in my practice – the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned, along with tools and resources. I will also introduce you to a few young leaders and what they look for in their leadership and the organizations they choose to work for.

As we navigate the path ahead, I am reassured and inspired by the depth of resilience, compassion and fortitude that is portrayed by those I work with. I hope you find value and inspiration in the common themes that emerge in The Thread.

To close this first issue, I would like to reference a popular children’s book: ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. The premise is that when we are going on a journey, we will eventually find ourselves at an unfavorable and difficult point in the road. No matter how undesirable, we realize to get to the other side:

We can’t go over it.

We can’t go under it.

We have to go through it. 

It is when we weather a storm, we get to realize just how strong we really are, as well as, build up wisdom that will guide us forward. It is clear that we are currently facing a difficult point in our collective journey. So with that said:

We can’t go over it.

We can’t go under it.

We have to go through it. 

… and we will be stronger because of it. 

Until next time, 

Christie