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.
​Paula

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 Insights

​Resilience in the Face of Change: A Guide to Emotional Intelligence ​

• In my LinkedIn I emphasize the critical role of emotional intelligence in building resilience for leaders navigating change. I highlight that resilience goes beyond bouncing back; it involves adapting and thriving amidst challenges.
• Key strategies include developing self-management to regulate emotions, fostering team resilience through open communication, and cultivating other emotional intelligence competencies like self-awareness and emotional reasoning.
• I share an example of a successful school leadership transition to illustrate how emotionally intelligent leadership can reduce stress, foster collaboration, and create a positive organizational culture during times of uncertainty.​

Spotlight on Whole Leader Lab Services: Lead, Empower, and Thrive with EI

Are 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​
Engage in a 3-month cohort program designed to empower you with critical insights and strategies to maximize your leadership potential using emotional intelligence. Delivered in partnership with Genos North America, this program leverages neuroscience to help you enhance your ability to connect, inspire, and influence. (I'm a Genos certified practitioner!)

• Start Date: March 7, 2025
• Schedule: Fridays from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST
• Early Bird Savings: Register now to save $245! Use the code EARLYBIRD.

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

• Paula’s Recommendations–
  • Book: Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning emphasizes that finding purpose, especially in the face of suffering, is vital to human resilience and psychological survival.
    • Frankl’s experiences in a concentration camp illustrate how holding onto a sense of meaning can help individuals endure even the harshest adversity. I bought my hardcover copy years ago in the Shakespeare And Company, an independent book shop in Paris. I return to it often for inspiration and a reminder of the powerful role meaning plays in overcoming challenges and thriving amidst life’s uncertainties.
  • Article: From The Next Big Idea Club magazine -
    • Listen to 5 key insights from Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness.​
  • Practical Tools:
    • Download the Whole Leader Resilience Self-Assessment. ​​
    • Take 15 minutes once a week to reflect on your health in these five areas. Palena Neale shared this self-care checklist for leaders in the Harvard Business Review.

​

​

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