Leadership today isn't what it used to be. The world’s changing faster than ever. Politics, technology, society, you name it. What worked yesterday doesn’t work now. So, if you want your team to thrive, not just survive, it’s time to…
Author: munwaic
More Than Coffee: Starbucks’ Bold Bet on People Over Profits
“We’re not a company based on technology. That enables us. We’re a company based on people.” In 2025, this quote almost feels rebellious. But coming from Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks chief who grew the chain into the world’s largest,…
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Why Being Told You Have “Too Much Influence” Is Actually a Compliment
Leadership Memo 2025-7 In my last newsletter, I shared the moment a CEO called an executive meeting with one item on the agenda: me. I was just a director. Not on the executive team. But apparently, I had "too much…
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The Secret to Leading People Well? Start with Appreciation.
If you want to lead well, there’s no secret. Most leaders just miss one simple habit: showing appreciation. It’s not fluff. It’s not optional. It makes others feel seen and valued. Genuinely appreciating people strengthens trust, boosts morale, and inspires…
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You Don’t Need to Agree on Everything: The Power of Reconciliation in Leadership
In a mini-series that we started last month, we’ve been unpacking how to navigate conflict, starting with owning your part even when the conflict may be 99.99 percent their fault. Then listening for the other person’s hurt and perspective. Today,…
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The Paradox of Independence: Why We Need Each Other to Thrive
The fireworks have faded, the flags are folded away, and the 4th of July has come and gone. As we reflect on what it means to celebrate America’s independence, it’s worth asking a deeper question: What does independence mean for…
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From Influence to Impact: 10 Non-Negotiables of Modern Leadership
Leadership Memo 2025-6 Leadership isn't about job titles or fancy offices. I learned that the hard way when a CEO once called an executive meeting with one agenda item: me. At the time, I was just a director, not even…
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Want to Resolve Conflict? Start Listening Differently
Last time, we started a mini-series on conflict resolution, one of the most important life skills that we have to learn. And if you’re leading or influencing others, it’s even more crucial, because how you respond to conflict sets the…
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Start with Yourself: The First Step to Resolving Any Conflict
One of the most important life skills that you have to learn is conflict resolution. If you don’t, you’re going to spend a lot of your life miserable, because we’re imperfect people, and we have conflict almost every day of…
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Work-Life Balance Is Broken—Here’s What Leaders Actually Need
Work-life balance sounds like a noble goal… until the fires just. keep. coming. I recently spoke with a CEO who’s newly married, newly short-staffed, and deeply stressed. He had just let someone go, and in the aftermath, found himself doing…
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