Haus of Sonder’s Post

How often do you make time for your personal development? If you're unable to set aside a few hours each month to work on your own leadership - you probably need to prioritize empowering your employees so you can spend more time on the big ideas! Wise words from Dustin D. https://bit.ly/48ojTak #empower #leadershipdevelopment #CEO #businessowner

Reflecting on the past while envisioning new futures: What do you believe are the qualities of great leaders? A Dance Magazine article points out they need to be “out-of-the-box thinkers with an understanding of artistic vision and strong business sense... able to manage diverse personalities while excelling in fundraising.” "Perfection" doesn’t exist, yet many leaders constantly strive for better, pushing themselves to the next challenge—or being pushed out. While some may see constant change as negative, newer generations face barriers to advancement, or with more "freedom" choose not to be bound by traditional structures. With 1099 work rising in our capitalist gig economy, finding stability is increasingly difficult, even in full-time roles, as the cost of living outpaces wages and benefits. The pandemics of 2020 exposed many leadership pain points. We witnessed leaders who either adapted for progress or exited as global and national transitions unfolded. Remember how many retired after the first year? I do. I’ve long advocated for mentorship to cultivate the next generation of leaders. As Michael Kaiser said, “Many of us are past retirement age, and we didn’t train up the next generation of leaders all that well.” Navigating today’s job market is tough, especially when arts organizations want "ready-to-go" employees—yet, as Sonja Kostich mentions, “In arts nonprofits, there’s passion but not always the infrastructure to support it.” So, what would it look like to focus on foundational work? Financial challenges, driven by scarcity mindsets, are real. But investing in social justice and communities who have faced marginalization brings returns—it just might not be immediate. Long-term success depends on accessibility and affordability. While some fear this may undervalue the art, it’s a reminder that foundations, corporations, governments, and wealthy donors can give more—especially given the wealth inequality we face today. Like artists who teach empathy through failure, arts organizations must also embrace their shortcomings to grow. For example, see the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s new strategy plan (I shared more in a previous post). There’s always another way forward, and it’s through creativity and community that we’ll find it. Here’s hoping more leaders invest in that. #Arts #Culture #Dance #Leadership #Mentorship #Nonprofit #ArtsOrganizations #Future #Innovation

Expanding the Narrative: Here are three key takeaways for leaders from the Forbes article Diversity’s at a Turning Point who desire to strengthen relationships with African American communities in influential circles: 1. Cultural Significance: Martha’s Vineyard serves as a vital hub where African American leaders shape and advance community-driven initiatives. #MarthasVineyard #CulturalLeadership 2. Genuine Connections: Cultivate authentic relationships by deeply understanding cultural nuances and contributing to meaningful, shared goals. #AuthenticLeadership #InclusiveEngagement 3. Leadership Representation: Diverse leadership is essential for shaping impactful societal decisions. #DiverseLeadership #RepresentationMatters https://lnkd.in/gXGEDKNK

More Ascend Leadership content is coming but I had to post this first. While waiting for my flight to Chicago, I ran into the legendary Rosanna Durruthy, famed chief diversity officer at LinkedIn, and sporting an equally epic Rebel alliance jacket. We caught up briefly before she headed to Miami and I headed to Chicago, but it was another fun coincidental moment as LinkedIn held its sales kickoff in Vegas at the same time as the Ascend convention. More reminders of the power of connection and relationships! #linkedinalum #linkedinlife #linkedin

Three words that defined Nick Saban- and why they should define you too There will be 10,000 different posts on LinkedIn today about Saban's sudden retirement. Most will celebrate his many accomplishments and the impact he had on college sports. Few will take you under the hood of what made him one of the best leaders we've ever seen. Saban's ability to instill these words into each of his athletes is what truly made him special. The three words that define Saban and why they should define you: 1. Process If you've listened to any press conference or pre-season interview, Nick never minced words about what made his teams successful. They were process-orientated. They set their sights on a National Championship every year, but then went and put in the work to become the team that could actually achieve that goal. The process and journey of achieving big goals is oft overlooked- embrace the effort and work to get there. 2. Discipline Once his teams understood the path to reaching their goal, they set out to do the work. But simply understanding what you need to do is pointless if you don't have the discipline to show up and put in the work. Discipline is the the one word that can define Alabama and the last 16 years. Show up every day and put in the work- even when it's the last thing you want to do. 3. Focus In 15 years, we rarely saw an Alabama team show up to a game unfocused. Think about that for a second and realize how incredible that feat is. For 15 years, his teams showed up every day, put in the work, and focused on what was immediately in front of them. 95% of the battle is having the discipline to show up - but the greats, that other 5%, show up laser focused on the task at hand. As a Tennessee fan, I breathed a sigh of relief when his retirement was announced. As a college football fan, I will miss his leadership and the way he relentlessly stood up for his players. The way he challenged fans and reporters to not get lost in instant gratification. The way he expected excellence in every single thing he did. Embrace the process of getting to wherever you want to go. There is no such thing as an overnight success. Your discipline will define you. #leadership #nicksaban #lifeadvice

🚀 We say that BoldHaus is the place bold change makers call home. 💪 That's because our community of founders of boutique firms and self-employed experts are making a HUGE impact on major organizations, and the world is finally starting to catch on. 🌍 That’s why I’m beyond excited to give a shoutout to our long-time BoldHaus member, Dr. Maria Church, CSP, and her incredible team at Government Leadership Solutions. 🎉 Her firm’s groundbreaking research report, "2023 State of Local Leadership Pipeline," was featured in Newsweek’s recent article: "This Election Season We Must Ask: Where is America's Farm Team?" 📰 🔥 It's no surprise that Newsweek picked up on this study because it's the first-ever deep dive research into the lack of leadership pipelines in America’s counties, cities, and local municipalities — and it’s shaking things up in a big way! 👏 👉 Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dX-TJVzQ #LeadershipRevolution #BoldChangeAgents #ThoughtLeadership #BoutiquePower #LeadershipPipeline #BoldHaus #CEOmindset #WinCorporateClients #GovernmentLeadership #InnovativeLeadership #NextLevelLeadership

Business schools! Last few spaces remaining. Are you showing leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? Join us for our DEI in business school marketing webinar and create an authentically-inclusive brand. For more details and to sign-up, visit: https://lnkd.in/ey-ftUbF #businessschool #DEItraining #marketing

More learning from "Legacy" by James Kerr, and the All Blacks: "Leave the Jersey in a Better Place." Leave a Lasting Legacy We are results oriented people. As we work to achieve new more aggressive goals, we often forget about what is true success. True success goes beyond individual accomplishments—it's about the legacy we leave behind. In the words of Kerr, "When you pull on that jersey, you are not just representing yourself. You are representing all those who have gone before you." The All Blacks understand that they are custodians of a legacy that extends far beyond their time on the field. They strive to honor the jersey by adding to its rich history and passing it on in an even stronger position than they received it. It's a powerful reminder to all of us that our actions today shape the future for those who will come after us. Takeaway: Lead with a long-term perspective. Invest in building something greater than yourself, and ensure that your contributions leave a positive impact for generations to come. Let's challenge ourselves to leave our own "jerseys" in a better place—in our teams, organizations, and communities. By embodying this principle, we not only elevate our own success but also create a legacy that inspires others to strive for greatness. How do you prioritize leaving a lasting legacy in your work and leadership? Share your insights below! ⬇️ #LeadershipLegacy #AllBlacksValues #LegacyBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #ContinuousImprovement

Proud to Present: Through Black As a proud part of Through Black, I’m excited to share the journey of our strategic think tank, where we turn vision into reality and creativity into strategy. We aren’t just another agency; we are a team of innovators and dreamers with one mission: To build BRANDS that leave an IMPACT. From Branding and strategic Design to Creating and Executing Events, we put our heart and soul into every project we touch. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about HOW we do it — with Passion, Precision, and Purpose. Why Through Black? - Tailored solutions - For businesses ready to Elevate. - A team of Industry Experts - With a Creative Edge. - A focus on Growth-driven strategies - That deliver Results. As we continue this incredible journey, I invite you to join us. Let's collaborate, innovate, and grow together. Feel free to reach out—exciting opportunities are just a conversation away! #ThroughBlack #CEOPerspective #BrandingWithImpact #Innovation #Leadership #StrategicDesign #BusinessGrowth

Guess what today is? Nope, it's not Taco Tuesday, but something just as exciting—it's the 111th birthday of Vince Lombardi! Yes, the legendary coach who famously said, "Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing," was born today in 1913. For those who know me, you're aware that I can't resist a good football story, especially one that ties into my passion for diversity and inclusivity. So let's huddle up and dive into some interesting facets of Lombardi's life. 🏈 Breaking Barriers in the NFL - While Lombardi is best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, a lesser-known yet vital chapter of his legacy was his tenure coaching Washington. It's crucial to highlight that the NFL, which once completely barred Black players, saw its last team to integrate—Washington—not draft its first Black player until 1962. By the time Lombardi arrived in 1969, he was determined to foster a culture of inclusivity in a league that had long resisted change. 🏈 Championing Diversity and Team Unity - Lombardi built a team where loyalty transcended racial and personal differences. During an era rife with discrimination, he championed Black and gay players, ensuring that no one was left out or treated differently. This boosted team morale and established a new standard for uniting teams through diversity. 🏈 Advocacy Beyond the Game - Off the field, Lombardi's influence was just as profound. He challenged societal norms and pushed for changes that extended beyond sports. His leadership style was inclusive, protecting his players regardless of their backgrounds or identities, at a time when tensions were at a peak. 🏈 Lasting Impact - Though Lombardi's time in Washington was brief, his impact was significant. He left a lasting mark not only on his team but on the sport at large, demonstrating that inclusivity and success in professional sports are not mutually exclusive. As we reflect on Lombardi’s contributions today, it’s clear that champions of inclusivity have always been among us. They remind us that embracing inclusivity is not just a modern trend but a timeless strategy for winning, in sports and in business alike. Lombardi's commitment to inclusivity not only changed the game in sports but also demonstrates how visionary leadership has the potential to catalyze significant shifts across industries. . . . #privateequity #nfl #diversity #dei #packers