Dear Reader, Let’s take a moment to talk about resilience — not as a buzzword, but as a skill we all need to navigate the ever-changing terrain of life and leadership. Resilience isn’t some innate personality trait or a resource reserved for a lucky few. It’s a dynamic, learnable state that we can cultivate together, one intentional practice at a time. I know. I've overcome clinical burnout by honing the way I understand myself, manage my emotions, and cultivate curiosity and empathy. I'm still on the journey, and it is easy to fall into old, persistent bad habits. We live in a world swirling with uncertainty — from personal challenges like balancing work and home life, to collective stressors like economic instability and social upheaval. These pressures, as overwhelming as they can feel, are also a call to grow stronger. That’s why resilience matters now more than ever. It’s not about simply pushing through hardships; it’s about adapting, thriving, and leading with empathy even when the ground shifts beneath us. It's about learning to be tough on the inside. And that looks very different than acting invincible. In this edition of Whole Leader Dispatch, we’ll explore the real, actionable ways to build resilience — for yourself and those you lead. From practical steps like fostering emotional intelligence to creating space for vulnerability, our focus is on giving you the tools, strategies, and heart to meet challenges with strength, humanity, and purpose. So, how will we face adversity? Together, with presence, courage, and the belief that we can grow not just in spite of hard times but because of them. Let’s get started. With you every step of the way. Clear eyes. Full hearts. PS - It's not too late to enroll in my upcoming live cohort experience - Lead, Empower and Thrive with Emotional Intelligence! Enroll today using "EARLYBIRD" to receive a discounted rate! See details below! PPS – If you are enjoying Whole Leader Dispatch, share it and encourage your colleagues and friends to subscribe. I’d appreciate your help in making others aware. Thanks in advance! Field Report: Leadership InsightsResilience in the Face of Change: A Guide to Emotional Intelligence
Spotlight on Whole Leader Lab Services: Lead, Empower, and Thrive with EIAre you ready to elevate your leadership skills to the next level? Join our transformative Lead, Empower, Thrive with EI Cohort and embark on a unique journey to enhance your emotional intelligence (EI) and leadership effectiveness. In today’s workplace, great leaders don’t just manage — they inspire. Emotional intelligence is the key to connecting with your team, influencing others, and cultivating a high-performance culture. Research shows that emotionally intelligent leaders not only achieve better productivity, but also foster a healthier and more positive workplace environment. Why Emotional Intelligence Matters The way people feel at work directly impacts their performance. Leaders who harness the power of emotional intelligence generate engagement, loyalty, and sustainable success. This isn’t just about being a good leader — it’s about driving real results in a way that aligns with your values and builds thriving teams. Program Details
The learning begins on March 7, 2025, running on Fridays from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST. Register now to take advantage of the early bird rate ($1,500 per seat)!
Curious to learn more? Join our FREE webinar to explore the science behind emotional intelligence, gain actionable insights, and hear how the cohort program can transform your leadership journey. Free Webinar: Grow your presence, empathy, and resilience and see the results follow! When: Thursday, February 21, 2025, at 12:00 pm CST Sign up here for the webinar and take the first step toward enhancing your leadership potential! Dispatch Toolkit
When you have some quiet time to reflect, think back to some challenges that you’ve faced. These could be personal or professional. Maybe, you experienced them in high school, college, or a couple of years ago. What did you learn about yourself as you responded to these challenges? What have you learned about how you manage your emotions? As you reflect on lessons learned, what’s one way you’ve built resilience in your leadership? I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a line - paula.shannon@wholeleaderlab.org |
The Whole Leader Dispatch is ideal for leaders seeking to develop their emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Subscribers gain actionable insights, tools, and resources to lead with resilience, foster connection, and drive impact.
Friends, We find ourselves in challenging times, when leadership is tested not by easy choices, but by moments demanding courage and clarity grounded in our deepest values. Observing the erosion of democratic norms, especially here in Oklahoma under leaders like Ryan Walters, I’m reminded daily of my responsibility—not to remain comfortably silent, but to actively champion the ideals that sustain a thriving society. This isn't about partisanship; it's a moral imperative of leadership. Join me...
Dear Reader, The best team I’ve ever been a part of was built on trust, not control. We pushed each other, grew together, and accomplished more than most thought possible. We took risks. We told the truth. We owned the mission like it was ours—because it was. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of Deborah Gist. Deborah created the kind of leadership culture that made you want to bring your best. She modeled humility and backbone at the same time—giving us space to lead while...
Dear Reader, There’s a moment I come back to often—a memory that reminds me why emotional agility isn’t a “nice to have” in leadership. I was facilitating a high-stakes leadership meeting during my time as Deputy Superintendent. The data was clear, the stakes were high, and I came in ready to lead with logic. But something was off. I could feel it—tightness in my chest, urgency in my voice, a charged silence in the room. In the past, I might’ve pushed through. Data in hand, agenda set. But...