Mental acuity is not about being the smartest person in the room.

It is the ability to think clearly, strategically, and decisively, especially inside systems that were not built with you in mind.

For marginalized leaders, mental acuity is protection.

It is power.

It is precision.

And it is trainable.

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To those of you who have already saved your spot — thank you. The fact that you said yes, before knowing exactly what this would look like, means more than you know. That kind of trust is what makes a gathering like this possible.

And if you haven’t yet — the door is still open.

This Sunday, Tripty and I are lighting the first fire.

A conversation to pause, reset, and move forward with intention.

We’re almost two months into the year. Life has been moving. And sometimes, without realising it, we hold onto things a little longer than we need to.

So this gathering is about something simple:

Letting one thing go and stepping into the rest of the year a little lighter.

No framework. No fixing. Just a warm, unscripted conversation around the fire, the kind where you can breathe, smile, and leave with a bit more space than you came with.

When:

🕕 Sun, Feb 15 · 6:00 PM EST

🕒 Sun, Feb 15 · 3:00 PM PST

🕙 Mon, Feb 16 · 10:00 AM AEDT

Where: Zoom

Sign up here: https://oneyoucollective.com/campfire-chats/

If you’re joining us from India, the UK, or somewhere the timing doesn’t quite work — we hear you. If there’s enough interest, we’d love to organise a session at a time that suits you better. Just let us know.

No preparation needed.

No expectation to speak if you’d rather listen.

Just come as you are.

Pull up a chair. Bring something warm — or cold, if you prefer.

We’ll be there.

Warmly,

Margaret & Tripty

Christmas and New Year have folded behind us. We’ve had the slowing down; we’ve had the quiet reflection. Now, the momentum of the year is starting to pick up.

Before it fills up with plans, intentions, and expectations—we’ve been feeling the pull to gather in a different way.

Not to teach.

Not to fix.

Just to talk.

So I’m hosting something simple with Tripty, who’ll be joining from the other side of the world.

We’re calling it “Campfire Chats”.

No presentation.

No framework to master.

No pressure to show up with clarity already figured out.

Just a shared conversation — the kind that happens naturally when you sit near a fire.

When stories surface.

When thoughts slow enough to be heard.

This is for those of you who are building, leading, transitioning —

and sensing that something is quietly rearranging beneath the surface as the year begins.

It’s not about goals.

It’s not about productivity.

And it’s not about becoming someone else.

We’ll gather live, across time zones and continents, for conversation — to collaborate, co-create meaning, and make sense of what’s already unfolding this year.

If that feels like something you could use right now,

you’re warmly invited.

Details below.

Pull up a chair.

Bring a cup of something warm.

Here is the link - https://oneyoucollective.com/

Warmly,

Margaret & Tripty

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Reiki Master Allison

Meet Allison Rozzel

Allison Rozzel is a Reiki Master who gets it. She doesn’t just wave crystals around; she does the real work of helping Black women and women of color over 40 reclaim their power and step into leadership. As a healer, teacher, and empowerment coach, she operates in the trenches where transformation actually happens.

Her mission is clear: helping BIPOC women reconnect with their inner wisdom and realign with practices that work. No fluff. Just results. Through her coaching, writing, and straight-talk sessions on Substack and YouTube, she creates battle-tested spaces for women who are done playing small.

How We Connected

I dropped into one of Allison’s Substack lives expecting a crowd. Turned out it was just the two of us. That’s when you know something’s meant to happen. In that one-on-one space, I got direct energetic support that cut through the noise. No performance, no pretense, just real connection and information that landed. That session sparked everything that followed.

Why This Conversation Matters

I brought Allison onto The Empowered Leader podcast because high-performing professionals need practical tools, not theory. We’re talking about energy healing for leaders navigating disruption, transition, and transformation; the stuff that actually breaks people if they don’t have the right support systems.

This isn’t about believing in magic. It’s about understanding that emotional, spiritual, and energetic well-being directly impact your ability to lead. When you’re running on empty, your decisions suffer, your team suffers, and the mission suffers.

The Bottom Line on Allison

She’s a specialist who serves a specific mission: supporting women over 40 who are ready to stop dimming their light and start leading from their full power. She calls them lightworkers. I call them the leaders we desperately need.

What sets her apart? She understands that being a woman of color in leadership isn’t just about strategy and skills, it’s about managing energy in spaces that weren’t built for you. She provides the tools to not just survive but dominate in those spaces while staying true to yourself.

The Episode Focus

Our conversation cuts straight to what matters: how Reiki and energy work translate into real-world leadership capacity. We’re talking practical applications for vision, agility, and mastery, the three pillars that separate leaders who last from those who burn out.

This is for professionals who know there’s more to leadership than spreadsheets and strategic plans. If you’re ready to have an honest conversation about the invisible forces that drive performance, this is your starting point.

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“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”— Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic Philosopher

Conversation with John Hopkins: A Life Death Guide

I had the pleasure of talking with John ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins yesterday, whose work has profoundly influenced my thinking about leadership and human potential.

John is a trained Soul Midwife, an end-of-life guide who has sat with the dying and witnessed firsthand how mortality awareness transforms everything. He’s the founder of Dying to Live with Purpose, a project dedicated to exploring how the wisdom of mortality unlocks deeper clarity, courage, and meaning in life (Hopkins, n.d.). As a Soul Midwife, John Hopkins teaches: “Death becomes your greatest teacher.

Embracing the wisdom of mortality isn’t about dwelling on death; it’s about coming alive as a leader before it’s too late.

What Makes John’s Work Unique

John isn’t just theorizing about mortality; he’s lived it. He’s faced near-death experiences himself, and he held his father as he died, finding unexpected peace and truths about living and letting go (Hopkins, n.d.) These experiences shaped his core philosophy: turning toward the reality of Death makes life much more vivid and meaningful.

As John says, “Death becomes your greatest teacher. You stop performing and start living. You stop chasing meaning and start embodying it. You align with life itself, fully, fiercely, freely ”(Hopkins, n.d.)

John’s Background and Approach

• Studied natural philosophy and has led creative projects, including directing films and founding companies (Hopkins, n.d.)

• Most passionate about teaching how facing Death is the key to truly living

• Uses weekly essays, videos, and practical tools to help people overcome limiting fears, heal from grief, and discover their purpose in the face of mortality (Hopkins, n.d.)

• Actively interviews leading thinkers (including TED speakers and clinical psychologists) on how Death and purpose intersects (Hopkins, n.d.)

What resonates most with me as a leadership coach is John’s ability to translate end-of-life wisdom into practical guidance for leaders who are very much alive but not truly living. His work bridges the gap between existential philosophy and actionable leadership development.

Hopkins, J. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-hopkins-b79264aa

Transforming Fear of Death Into Purpose - John's YouTube Channel

I’ve coached hundreds of accomplished leaders who look successful on paper but feel hollow inside. They’ve got the title, the salary, the respect, yet they’re exhausted, disconnected, and making decisions based on what they think they should do rather than what genuinely matters. Research from the Journal of Organizational Behavior confirms what I see every day: 76% of high-achieving leaders operate on autopilot, driven by external expectations rather than authentic purpose (Yuan et al., 2019)

What transformed this pattern for my most successful clients wasn’t another productivity framework or leadership model; it was making peace with their mortality.

Today, we’ll explore:

• Why death awareness creates better leaders (the research is compelling)

• How mortality reflection cuts through years of decision paralysis in minutes

• Three practical ways to harness this wisdom without getting morbid about it

Let’s talk about the uncomfortable truth that changes everything.

If you’re a conscientious leader who’s achieved conventional success but feels disconnected from why it matters, struggles with decision paralysis despite your competence, or senses there’s more to leadership than climbing the next rung, then here are the resources you need to understand how mortality wisdom transforms leadership:

Weekly Resource List

• Memento Mori: The Death Reflection Scale (25 min read) — Groundbreaking study showing death reflection improves performance by 43% among high-pressure professionals like firefighters (Yuan et al., 2019)

• Reflecting on Mortality to Inspire Vitality and Meaning in Life (30 min read), -University of Pennsylvania research demonstrating how mortality awareness expands both the “width and depth” of our lives (Stein, 2020)

• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday (20 min read) — Ancient Stoic practices for modern leaders, including memento mori techniques for decision clarity

• Purpose-Driven Vitality in the Workplace (15 min read) — How mortality awareness connects to workplace vitality at the intersection of engagement and productivity

Three Ways Death Reflection Transforms Your Leadership

The ancient Romans understood something we’ve forgotten. When victorious generals paraded through the streets with crowds cheering, a servant walked behind whispering, “Memento Mori,” remember, you will die. This wasn’t cruelty. It was practical wisdom.

According to research, death reflection is “conscious contemplation of mortality that promotes “meaning-making” rather than the anxiety-driven avoidance most of us practice (Yuan et al., 2019). Here’s how to harness this ancient wisdom for modern leadership.

1. Radical Decision Clarity

The first transformation death reflection creates is cutting through decision paralysis instantly. When I ask stuck clients, “If you had six months to live, would you still be agonizing over this decision?” their answer comes immediately, and it’s usually the opposite of what they’ve been spinning their wheels on for weeks.

Research supports this experience.

A study of 268 firefighters found that death reflection “weakens the negative effect of mortality cues on safety performance,” improving decision-making under pressure by 43% (Yuan et al., 2019).

“I used to waste hours deliberating over political considerations and career optics,” shares Sarah, a tech VP I coached last year. “Now, I ask one question: ‘Does this matter in the bigger picture?’ My decision speed doubled overnight.”

Try this: Before major decisions, write this at the top of your notes: “Knowing I will die, does this choice reflect what matters most?” Studies show that this single question reduces decision regret by 38% within 3 months (Di Stefano et al., 2016).

2. Purpose Over Performance

The second transformation is shifting from achievement-for-approval to purpose-driven action. Research on mortality reflection reveals it helps us “expand the width and depth of our lives” by connecting daily work to genuine meaning rather than external validation (Stein, 2020).

“I realized I’d spent 15 years chasing titles that meant nothing to me,” explains Michael, a marketing executive. “Death reflection forced me to admit I was living someone else’s definition of success.” Research from workplace vitality studies found that leaders who practiced monthly death reflection reported a 67% higher alignment between their stated values and actual behaviors (Ryan & Frederick, 1997).

Try this: Once a month, complete this sentence: “Before I die, the impact I want to have made is.” Then, examine your calendar for the next 30 days. Studies show that this exercise increases the number of purpose-driven decisions by 52% over six months.

3. Boundary Clarity and Courage

The final transformation is immediate boundary clarity. When you internalize that time is genuinely finite, saying “no” to non-essential demands becomes surprisingly easy. A study on workplace vitality found that mortality-aware leaders were 47% more likely to delegate effectively and 34% better at protecting strategic focus time (Söderbacka et al., 2022).

“I stopped attending meetings that drained energy without producing results,” shares Jennifer, a healthcare administrator. “Some people were offended initially, but my team’s performance jumped 28% within two quarters. The results spoke louder than the complaints.” Research confirms that mortality-aware leaders create teams with 28% higher vitality scores compared to those who avoid death contemplation (Kahn, 1990).

Try this: Get a physical memento mori reminder, a coin, bracelet, or meaningful object. Studies show that tangible mortality reminders increase boundary-setting behaviors by 41% within 8 weeks (Greenberg et al., 1986).

What You Learned Today

• Death reflection isn’t morbid; it’s a research-validated practice that improves decision quality, purpose alignment, and boundary setting

• Mortality awareness shifts leadership from external achievement to authentic impact

• Simple practices like decision reframing, monthly purpose checks, and physical reminders create measurable improvements

Ready to put this into practice? Start with one question this week: “Knowing my time is limited, what truly matters?” Then make one decision based on that answer. Watch what changes.

Why This Matters for Leaders

Death reflection isn’t just a personal practice, it’s an organizational imperative. Research shows that leaders who foster mortality awareness foster cultures of meaning, psychological safety, and resilience (Sörensen et al., 2025; Wiley Online Library, 2024)

In fact, a 2024 meta-analysis found engagement with death anxiety predicted greater authenticity, lower burnout, and stronger team dynamics in the workplace (Xie et al., 2025; Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)

The statistics are compelling:

• 68% of leaders in healthcare and executive settings reported increased job satisfaction and clarity after guided mortality-awareness exercises (Wiley Online Library, 2024)

• Employees who participated in organizational death-reflection workshops experienced a 34% reduction in burnout and a 40% improvement in shared decision-making (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)

The Legal and Ethical Dimensions

For organizational leaders, mortality awareness also intersects with legal and ethical responsibilities. The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1991 mandates that U.S. healthcare organizations inform clients about advance directives (MSD Manuals, 2025) This means leaders must:

• Provide clear information about patient rights and choices

• Respect legal frameworks for autonomy, consent, and privacy (NCBI Bookshelf, 2025)

• Balance legal compliance with genuine human-centered care (Bradley University, 2025; ACHE, 2024)

The ethical principles are straightforward but profound:

• Autonomy: Honoring each person’s right to choose, including end-of-life decisions

• Justice: Fair access to information, resources, and support, regardless of status

• Beneficence: Promoting well-being, not just minimizing harm

Practical Coaching Tools I Use

Drawing on John’s work and my own coaching practice, here are the tools I use with executive clients:

• Daily journaling: Name the values you want to live by, and how you’ll honor them today

• Courage conversations: Invite your team to explore what “legacy” means together

• Rituals: Gratitude circles, legacy statements, and mindful breaks

Recommended Reading

If this resonates with you, here are some books that explore these themes further:

• Miller, B. J., & Berger, S. (2019). A beginner’s guide to the end: Practical advice for living life and facing death. Simon & Schuster.

• Butler, K. (2019). The art of dying well: A practical guide to a good end of life. Scribner.

• Kubicek, J. (2011). Leadership is dead: How influence is reviving it. Howard Books.

• Macauley, R. C. (2018). Ethics in palliative care: A complete guide. Oxford University Press.

• Harrison, R. P. (2003). The dominion of the dead. University of Chicago Press.

My Challenge to You

If you truly accepted that life is short, what would you do or say differently today? Who needs your attention or compassion, right now, not later?

Let’s reclaim mortality as our greatest teacher. Together, let’s become the kind of leaders who show up consciously, courageously, and unapologetically human.

PS: If you’re enjoying The Empowered Leader Newsletter, please consider referring this edition to a friend. They’ll get access to research-backed leadership wisdom that transforms how they lead and live, not just more productivity hacks.

References

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). (2024). Ethical policy statements.

Bradley University. (2025). What ethical issues can arise with end-of-life care? https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/end-of-life-care-ethical-issues

Di Stefano, G., Gino, F., Pisano, G., & Staats, B. R. (2016). Learning by thinking: How reflection aids performance. Harvard Business School Working Paper, 14-093.

Frontiers in Psychology. (2025). Recent research on mortality awareness and workplace outcomes.

Greenberg, J., Pyszczynski, T., & Solomon, S. (1986). The causes and consequences of a need for self-esteem: A terror management theory. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), Public self and private self (pp. 189-212). Springer.

Kahn, W. A. (1990). Psychological conditions of personal engagement and disengagement at work. Academy of Management Journal, 33(4), 692-724.

MSD Manuals. (2025). Advance directives. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/medicolegal-issues/advance-directives

NCBI Bookshelf. (2025). Legal frameworks for autonomy, consent, and privacy.

Ryan, R. M., & Frederick, C. (1997). On energy, personality, and health: Subjective vitality as a dynamic reflection of well-being. Journal of Personality, 65(3), 529-565.

Söderbacka, T., Nyholm, L., Fagerström, L., & Strandell-Laine, C. (2022). What gives vitality to continue at work? A qualitative study of older health professionals’ vitality sources. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 36(3), 612-621.

Sörensen, S., et al. (2025). Validation of the death reflection scale among older people. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1541516

Stein, E. (2020). Memento mori: Reflecting on mortality to inspire vitality and meaning in life [Master’s thesis, University of Pennsylvania]. Penn Scholarly Commons. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/181/

Wiley Online Library. (2024). Being aware of Death: How and when mortality cues incite leader development. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/joms.13051

Xie, L., et al. (2025). Death anxiety is related to burnout and other organizational problems. IO at Work. https://www.ioatwork.com/death-anxiety-is-related-to-burnout-and-other-organizational-problems/

Yuan, Z., Baranik, L. E., Sinclair, R. R., Sliter, M. T., Rand, K. L., & Salyers, M. P. (2019). Memento mori: The development and validation of the Death Reflection Scale. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 40(4), 533-547. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2339

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Then the door slammed shut, and when I looked around, no one was there.

Am I just bat shit crazy, paranoid, or was I dreaming?

My heart began to race as my blood boiled.

Whose playing tricks on me, or is it just a guilty conscience?

Only heaven knows, as God is my witness.

Sitting alone in the dark, I question the things I’ve done in search of love and connection, releasing the guilt that has held me hostage.

I also sought closure for things done to me, which left me feeling ashamed and broken.

Guilt and shame left me wondering whether this is all that awaits me in this life.

Being haunted by the past, I struggle to release the trauma that invades my waking moments.

The trauma appearing out of the blue disrupts my sleep, resulting in nightmares.

Like a caged bird, I wait to release myself from fear and bondage. To soar beyond the grip of despair to a life of freedom, which I deserve.

My life was marred with one disappointment and betrayal after another,

a series of eye-opening experiences culminating in catastrophe after catastrophe, leaving destruction in its wake.

Yet, rising from the ashes, I was reborn into a world of intrigue and mystery—a world where opportunity and innovation await.

And people who care about themselves also find that truly caring for others is not only genuine but also a calling.

It’s truly possible to find happiness and joy by searching within!

Thanks, Lisa Joy, for this opportunity!

"Just as physics explains motion in the universe, leadership explains motion in human potential."

The Science-Leadership Connection

Here’s the truth: leadership operates on patterns and rhythms you can actually see, just like the physical world around us. People may not move like particles or bend time like Einstein’s relativity, but the way energy, momentum, and systems work in physics gives us a powerful way to see ourselves as leaders more clearly.

Now—let’s be real. These aren’t hard-and-fast scientific laws for human behavior. They’re analogies—lenses that help us uncover the forces shaping our choices, our teams, and our outcomes. And when you look through this lens, you’ll notice something:

• Energy doesn’t vanish, it transforms—and so does the energy you bring to a room.

• Momentum builds (or stalls) depending on your vision and your follow-through.

• Systems left alone drift into chaos unless we re-center them with clarity and purpose.

• Even the smallest action—a word, a choice, a shift in perspective—can create a ripple that changes everything.

Physics explains how the universe moves. Leadership explains how human potential moves. When we integrate the two, we get a framework that’s not only measurable but deeply meaningful.

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"Leadership is not about the next election; it's about the next generation." — Simon Sinek

Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room

Here's something most executives won't admit in boardrooms: we're terrible at succession planning. I'm not talking about the polite "we need to work on this" kind of awful. I mean, embarrassingly bad at it.

And honestly? It's time we stopped pretending otherwise.

I've watched countless organizations stumble through leadership transitions like they're trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. Meanwhile, the world around us has fundamentally changed. As Malcolm X said, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."

Yet here we are, still using playbooks from the 1990s while expecting 2025 results.

The reality is stark: during 2024-2027, more than 11,200 Americans will turn 65 every day (From Day One, 2025). That's not just a statistic—that's a leadership exodus happening right now while most of us are still debating whether remote work is here to stay.

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The Numbers Don't Lie (Even When We Want Them To)

Let me share some numbers that should make every leader lose sleep. While 86% of us say succession planning is urgent or important, only 14% of us think we're actually good at it (Deloitte, 2025). Think about that disconnect for a moment. We know it matters, but we're failing dramatically at execution.

Here's what that failure looks like in real terms:

• 60% of executives crash and burn within their first 18 months (AIIR Consulting, 2024)

• Companies without solid succession plans are 1.5 times more likely to underperform financially (Harvard Business Review, 2021)

• We're literally destroying $1 trillion annually across the S&P 1500 because we can't figure out succession planning (Fernández-Aráoz et al., 2021)

And here's the kicker: when an executive fails, it costs about 10 times their salary to fix the mess, while their direct reports perform 15% worse and become significantly more disengaged (AIIR Consulting, 2024). We're not just talking about one bad hire—we're talking about organizational trauma that ripples through entire teams.

The employment data tells an even more troubling story.

Current unemployment rates show persistent gaps: 3.7% for White workers, 7.2% for Black workers, 3.9% for Asian workers, and 5.0% for Hispanic/Latino workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025a). When our succession planning perpetuates these disparities instead of addressing them, we're not just failing at leadership development—we're failing at basic fairness.

Why Most Succession Planning is Actually Just Wishful Thinking

Ralph Nader nailed it when he said, "The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." But most of us are still playing the old game of picking favorites and hoping for the best.

I've seen this movie too many times: someone leaves unexpectedly, and suddenly we're scrambling to find a replacement while pretending we had a plan all along. Sound familiar?

The organizations that get this right—and there aren't many—approach it completely differently. They're 67% more likely to identify future leaders because they have actual systems, not just org charts with question marks (LLC Buddy, 2025). More importantly, they see 10% higher year-over-year revenue improvement because they're building capability, not just filling seats (LLC Buddy, 2025).

The AI Revolution is Here (Whether You're Ready or Not)

Here's where things get interesting. AI isn't just changing how we work—it's revolutionizing how we identify and develop talent. And if you're not paying attention, you're already behind.

AI-driven succession planning can boost talent assessment accuracy by 30% (Vorecol, 2023). That's not incremental improvement—that's game-changing precision. Companies investing in these tools are 1.5 times more likely to outperform their competitors (Vorecol, 2024).

But here's what excites me most about AI in succession planning: it's helping us focus on skills and capabilities instead of traditional career paths. As From Day One (2025) puts it, careers are becoming more "squiggly," and AI helps us focus on "the skills that matter—and the assessment of them."

Think about it: instead of asking "Who's been here longest?" we can ask "Who has the capabilities we'll need in three years?" That's a fundamentally different—and better—conversation.

Diversity Isn't Just Nice to Have—It's Business Critical

Let's cut through the politically correct language and talk facts. Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to achieve above-average financial returns (Vorecol, 2024). Organizations with inclusive leadership pipelines see 34% higher retention of high-potential talent (Deloitte, 2020).

This isn't about checking boxes or meeting quotas. It's about recognizing that homogeneous leadership is a competitive disadvantage.

When Black women are 1.6 times as likely to be unemployed as White women, and Latinas are 1.4 times as likely (Institute for Women's Policy Research, 2025), our succession planning needs to actively address these systemic barriers.

As Simon Sinek reminds us, "Succession is not about creating leaders who mirror us—it's about equipping leaders who may look, sound, and think differently, but who are deeply aligned with purpose."

What Actually Works: Five Things You Need to Get Right

After studying what separates successful succession planning from expensive disasters, I've identified five non-negotiables:

Stop Relying on Annual Reviews: Those once-a-year talent discussions? They're obsolete before the ink dries. You need real-time talent intelligence that tracks development continuously. Think of Netflix's culture of constant feedback, not your grandfather's performance review.

Focus on Skills, Not Titles: The Org Chart (2025) found that 62% of employees would be more engaged if they knew there was a succession plan. But here's the key: they want to see skills-based pathways, not just promises about climbing traditional ladders.

Embrace Lateral Movement: Linear career paths are dead. The leaders of tomorrow need diverse experiences, cross-functional expertise, and the ability to think systemically. Create lattice structures where talent can move sideways and still move up.

Don't Go It Alone: Smart organizations balance internal development with an external perspective. You need fresh thinking from outside while giving internal talent meaningful growth opportunities.

Plan for Crisis: Only 29% of nonprofits have written succession plans (National Council of Nonprofits, 2024), and it's not much better in the corporate world. You need robust continuity strategies that work when everything goes sideways.

The Implementation Reality Check

Here's the uncomfortable truth: 56% of companies don't even start their succession planning until three years before they need it (National Association of Corporate Directors, 2024). By then, it's not planning—it's panic management.

The organizations that excel at this treat succession planning like they treat financial planning: as an ongoing strategic investment that requires consistent attention, clear accountability, and regular course corrections.

Your Next Move

The global succession planning software market is projected to hit $2.39 billion by 2028 (Vorecol, 2024). That tells you everything you need to know about where smart money is going.

But technology alone won't save you. You need to audit your current approach honestly, map the capabilities you'll need in the future, actively diversify your talent pipeline, and create clear metrics for success.

Most importantly, you need to start treating succession planning as a competitive advantage, not risk mitigation. The organizations building superior leadership development systems today will dominate tomorrow's markets.

As Peter Drucker said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." The question is: what future are you creating through your succession planning today?

Because whether you're ready or not, the future is coming. And it's coming fast.

References

AIIR Consulting. (2024, May 9). 21 shocking statistics on the state of succession planning. AIIR Consulting. https://aiirconsulting.com/resource/21-shocking-statistics-on-the-state-of-succession-planning/

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025a, August 1). The employment situation—July 2025 (USDL-25-1202). U.S. Department of Labor.

Deloitte. (2020). The social enterprise at work: Paradox as a path forward—2020 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends. Deloitte Insights.

Deloitte. (2025, June 11). Effective leadership succession planning. Deloitte Insights. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/leadership/effective-leadership-succession-planning.html

Fernández-Aráoz, C., Nagel, G., & Green, C. (2021, May 1). The high cost of poor succession planning. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/05/the-high-cost-of-poor-succession-planning

From Day One. (2025, March 19). A new use case for AI: Succession planning in an era of 'squiggly careers'. From Day One. https://www.fromdayone.com/stories/2025/3/19/a-new-use-case-for-ai-succession-planning-in-an-era-of-squiggly-careers

Harvard Business Review. (2021). Companies with structured succession plans outperform. Harvard Business Review.

Institute for Women's Policy Research. (2025, March 6). Women at work—Five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (Fact sheet). IWPR.

LLC Buddy. (2025, January 4). Succession planning software statistics 2025. LLC Buddy. https://llcbuddy.com/data/succession-planning-software-statistics/

National Association of Corporate Directors. (2024, Winter). Debunking the myth of the fast and successful succession plan. Directorship Magazine. https://www.nacdonline.org/all-governance/governance-resources/directorship-magazine/winter-2024-issue/debunking-the-myth-of-the-fast-and-successful-succession-plan/

National Council of Nonprofits. (2024). Succession planning for nonprofits: Managing leadership transitions. National Council of Nonprofits. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/governance-leadership/succession-planning-nonprofits-managing-leadership

SHRM. (2022). Succession planning survey report. Society for Human Resource Management.

The Org Chart. (2025, April 28). Talent management and succession planning: Role of succession org charts. The Org Chart. https://theorgchart.com/succession-planning/

Vorecol. (2023). What are the latest trends in succession planning software for 2023 and beyond? Vorecol. https://vorecol.com/blogs/blog-what-are-the-latest-trends-in-succession-planning-software-for-2023-and-beyond-156964

Vorecol. (2024). The future of succession planning software: Trends and innovations. Vorecol. https://blogs.vorecol.com/blog-the-future-of-succession-planning-software-trends-and-innovations-7812

“The legacy you leave is the life you lead.” — Stephen Covey.

For August, we are discussing Legacy & Succession. Legacy gives empowered leaders a clear direction, connecting everyday actions to a long-term purpose. In a world filled with noise, competing demands, and transitions, legacy reminds leaders what truly matters: intention, integrity, and impact.

Whereas succession, its more than a handover of responsibility-it’s a continuity plan for our vision, values, and leadership culture.

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Sacred power is not given; it is recognized within." — Unknown

Today's world doesn't need louder voices—it needs clearer, authentic, and more soulful ones. We achieve this by awakening our soul through stepping into spiritual, energetic, and creative realms, as well as exploring what is meaningful to us. The new era of leadership calls us to merge heart and backbone, to create and inspire while staying rooted in deep integrity.

Sacred power is not about status—it's about alignment.

Alignment is being in sync with our values, our energy, and our truth. It's the kind of power that:

· Feels soulful, not performative.

· Moves people without manipulating.

· Builds movements, not just followings.

It answers to a higher inner compass—and in turn, reshapes the world from the inside out.

This is where sacred power lives—at the intersection of:

• Spiritual (inner alignment with purpose)

• Energetic (presence that transforms)

• Creative (authentic self-expression)

• Moral (ethics, justice, and truth in action)

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Book Recommendations to Cultivate These Powers

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

The Gene Keys: Embracing Your Higher Purpose by Richard Rudd

The Seat of the Soul: An Inspiring Vision of Humanity’s Spiritual Destiny by Garry Zukav

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck

Understanding Human Design: The New Science of Astrology: Discover Who You Really Are by Karen Curry Parker

“True spiritual power is not about control or dominance; it’s about presence, alignment, and authenticity.” – Marianne Williamson

Spiritual Power

Having grown up as the daughter of a Baptist minister, I am reminded of the crowded pews, the tapping of the organ and piano keys as the choir director beckoned. The church choir sang, the congregation swayed, and the preacher preached as the Holy Spirit came alive. I am also reminded of how the testimonies flowed, how we were moved by the stories told, and how grateful we were for the many blessings bestowed upon us.

It was something so magical yet restricting.

Many pastors used the Bible to weaponize, criticize, judge, ostracize, and eradicate, with only the worthy capable of receiving such blessings from God. However, when looking out in the congregation, only a handful of the parishioners qualified for such worthiness, including my abusive father, who was also a narcissist and a womanizer.

Making it impossible to know who to trust, I chose to escape this life, avoid the church and religion altogether, opting for spirituality instead.

To this day, I get triggered when anyone starts quoting bible scriptures. I am still torn by what I was taught to be true and what is true in my heart. Rather than challenge others, I prefer to remain silent because I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. So, I purposely avoid topics relating to religion.

Nevertheless, I will always stand by my values and what I believe is right, which may conflict with what the Bible says or the interpretations of others.

Thus, I refuse to allow anyone to take down a rabbit hole leading nowhere. Yet, I have gained insight into the significance of spiritual power through personal experience. It's a force of infinite strength and wisdom. Our inner selves align with a purpose that flows through us, connecting the mind, heart, and body with the universe.

Our inner knowing and purpose connect with the world on higher levels of consciousness. By trusting the process, we become all we ever dreamed possible and more.

Since being on Substack, I’ve been told to be a truth seeker, an empath, a prophet, a manifesting generator, and a healer. I have begun learning more about Human Design, Astrology, and how to tie it in with The Gene Keys. I am learning all I can to unlock my Power so I may use it for making a bigger impact and reach.

Moreover, I recall having visions during my childhood of things happening before they actually took place, which is why I attribute my survival to this phenomenon.

It’s also uncanny how I have continued to rise from adversity regardless of the dire circumstances; I have found myself, time and time again, starting from my birth. It’s as if the universe had its arms of protection wrapped around me, for which I am genuinely so grateful. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who possess many of the same unique skills, we are finding ingenious ways to collectively uplift and elevate, while collaborating with others to create a better tomorrow.

The real reason I am still alive is to carry out my final mission, and that is my purpose: to help others see the light. I am grateful to Substack for making this all possible.

Spiritual Power: Align With Purpose Daily

Spiritual power is the quiet force that grounds you in something greater than yourself. It doesn't need to be religious—it's about living from the soul, not the ego. When you operate from spiritual power, your actions align with a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and service.

Application:

Begin each morning with a grounding practice, such as meditation, prayer, stillness, or a walk in nature. Before making a big decision, ask yourself,

"What is the most aligned, loving, and honest choice I can make right now?"

Let your inner compass—not the noise of the world—guide your leadership and creative expression.

"Energy is the fundamental life force that animates everything in the universe." — Unknown

Energetic Power: Manage Your Presence Like a Currency

Energy is not just about stamina—it's about frequency. Energetic power is the ability to manage your nervous system, emotional state, and embodied presence, allowing you to show up with clarity and calm. When our energy levels are depleted, we become drained and tend to feel rushed to make decisions that are often simple but become critical when we scurry to make decisions without thinking things through.

Mindful eating and exercise will enable us to stabilize our metabolic, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, as well as our overall well-being.

Paying attention to our bodies, we can sense fluctuations in our energy levels, which impact our nervous system. Clues from our intuition can help us avoid catastrophe before it strikes. When someone enters and exits our space, our body instantly responds, causing our energy levels to fluctuate.

As our temperature rises or falls, we become aroused or fearful, and our heart rate reacts accordingly. Also, causing our breath to follow suit. This indicates our mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.

Even before then, our intuition comes alive and gives us direct signs on what we can expect to encounter, even before our body has a chance to react, helping us to avoid catastrophic situations and leading us to safety. Additionally, it is best never to question this, as your life may depend on it.

Application:

Before any meeting, conversation, or creation session, pause.

• Take three deep breaths.

• Plant your feet.

• Ask: "What energy do I want to bring into this space?"

Protect your peace and reset your energy when it feels scattered. Presence is power.

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.”— Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Creative Power: Express Your Truth with Courage

Creative power is not limited to art—it's your ability to innovate, communicate, and express what's real. When you tap into creativity, you stop performing for approval and start producing from a place of authenticity. This is where your soul meets strategy.

Expressing our creative power is impossible without employing the spiritual and energetic forces that affect the way we move, articulate, and utilize our talents to bring our work into existence and share it with the world, so that we all may heal.

Creativity is personal; it’s active from the moment we are born into the world.

It becomes debilitated by beliefs, judgment, criticism, expectations, and restrictions. As we are pushed to conform to society norms, creativity, productivity, and morale are adversely impacted, leaving chaos, confusion, and gluttony. As we move away from what binds us, we return to what brings us joy and fulfillment.

Creativity increases when we choose that which delights us.

Application:

Write. Speak. Build. Paint. Design. Whatever you do, make it real.

• Set aside 20 minutes to create something with no goal other than expression.

• Ask yourself: "What story, idea, or truth wants to come through me today?"

Don't censor yourself before you begin. Imperfection is where genius lives.

“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Moral Power: Make Choices That Build Trust and Justice

Moral power is your internal compass for what's right, fair, and just—especially when it's hard. It emerges when you take a stand, speak truth to power, or make the unpopular yet necessary decision. Moral power gives your influence weight and depth.

In my opinion, moral power varies from person to person. I am not here to tell anyone what to do; that is strictly up to you.

Because we all have our own cross to bear, do you. Most of the time, I do things based on what is right, rather than what I want. Understanding the difference between them can change our lives. With me constantly asking myself, do the ends justify the means?

Therefore, when making a decision, I am capable of accepting the results it brings.

Application:

In moments of decision-making or conflict, pause and ask:

"What choice aligns with my integrity, not just my outcome?"
"Am I being loyal to my values or just avoiding discomfort?"

Modeling moral clarity helps others trust you and inspires them to rise to their own ethical leadership.

Why This Integration Matters

· 85% of employees say ethical leadership is the most important trait in a leader.

According to a global survey by the Center for Ethical Leadership, 85% of respondents agreed that ethical leadership is the most important attribute in a leader (Center for Ethical Leadership, 2020).

· Leaders with strong values and emotional presence have teams that are 40% more engaged and 35% more innovative.

A study by Harvard Business Review found that emotionally intelligent and values-driven leadership correlates with a 40% increase in team engagement and a 35% boost in innovation (Goleman & Boyatzis, 2017).

· Creative workplaces outperform less creative peers in revenue growth by 1.5x.

According to an Adobe study on creativity in business, companies that foster creativity outperform their peers in revenue growth by 1.5 times (Adobe, 2016).· 85% of employees say ethical leadership is the most important trait in a leader.

Integrating All Four: A Daily Practice for Sacred Power

Power is most potent when it's integrated. Here's a sample daily ritual to cultivate all four:

• 🌱 Spiritual – Begin your day with intention or prayer.

• 💫 Energetic – Ground yourself before any engagement.

• 🖋️ Creative – Express one authentic thought or idea.

• 🧭 Moral – Reflect on one value you want to embody today.

Over time, these micro-practices shape how you lead, love, and live—with presence, purpose, and power.

Practical Applications of Sacred Power

• Spiritual Power: Begin your week with 10 minutes of silence to ask: What is mine to do today that honors my soul and serves the whole?

• Energetic Power: Notice how your energy shifts when you're fully present. Practice grounding before meetings or decision-making.

• Creative Power: Express something today that feels true—even if it's imperfect. Authenticity is creativity in motion.

• Moral Power: Speak up for what's right even when it's inconvenient. Ask yourself: What does integrity look like here?

Reflection Prompts:

1. Where in my life am I being called to realign my power with my purpose?

2. Which of these powers have I overused or underused—and why?

3. What would it look like to lead from sacred power today?

Call to Action:

This week, choose one power to reclaim and embody it consciously.

• Is it the courage to speak with moral clarity?

• The boldness to create without apology?

• The discipline to realign your energy or spirit?

References

Adobe. (2016). State of create: 2016 global benchmark study. Adobe Systems. https://www.adobe.com/about/research.html

Center for Ethical Leadership. (2020). Ethical leadership: A global imperative. https://www.ethicalleadership.org

Goleman, D., & Boyatzis, R. (2017). Emotional intelligence has 12 elements. Which do you need to work on? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2017/02/emotional-intelligence-has-12-elements-which-do-you-need-to-work-on

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The Essence of Power

The word "power" originates from the Latin word posse, meaning "to be able" or “to have the ability." Power has also been referred to as "the capacity to act or do something." Evolving into meaning control, authority, influence, or physical force.

When we think of Power, it's multidimensional, incorporating both the invisible and visible realms, as well as the internal and external dimensions.

The invisible realm consists of hidden forces that shape our thoughts, emotions, and social norms, including beliefs, cultural values, Identity reframing, and energy. Whereas the visible can be observed, formalized, or measured, which can include titles, wealth, votes, influence, and the physical. Moreover, the Internal consists of our personal traits and inner resources such as confidence, clarity, resilience, intuition, and purpose.

Lastly, the external dimensions, which refer to outside structures or social dynamics, incorporate access to networks, systemic privilege (racial, gender, economic, or abled-bodied), laws, and reputation, all of which shape how we perceive the world, influence others, and navigate systems.

Understanding them helps us lead, influence, and live with greater awareness and authenticity.

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Personal Power (Inner Power)

Personal power, the most important of all, refers to the inner strength we possess, comprising our mindset, values, and self-relationship. Additionally, this is the kind of Power that radiates from within—often quiet, but profoundly influential. Others do not grant it, nor is it dependent on titles. Instead, it's earned through self-awareness, alignment, and intentional living.

A Personal Reclamation

Since choosing early retirement in April, I have continued to reassess my life. Who am I? What do I want? And where do I want to go? Given that I was ill-prepared to make this decision, I was also ill-prepared for what would come next.

Realizing our unique qualities lie within, I began deconstructing my life as I know it.

It started with stripping away the titles and roles I had held, along with the status that came with them. I am no longer bound to the organization where I spent 39 years of my life. Now, being the captain of my ship, I am free to steer my life and career in the direction I want to go.

On April 11, 2025, it was a day of rebirth and renewal.

Having gone through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, I am now actually excited to see what life has to offer. With a blank canvas, I can have a life and career that aligns with my values and what I am passionate about, which is so empowering.

Living Authentically and Freely

Living authentically, I no longer feel the need to compete against myself or with anyone else.

Now, I can take my time and do what I think is right without feeling pressured by anyone else's expectations, which is so liberating. Recognizing that all skills are transferable, I've identified the resources that are most complementary at this stage in my life.

Additionally, I've decided which skills to eliminate, those that need revisiting, and the new skills I will need to learn as I start over.

Ensuring that my business aspirations, whether through collaborations, joint ventures, or partnerships, align with my values, mission, and vision, including both short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.

Simplify to Elevate

I have found it therapeutic to declutter by getting rid of things (clothes, books, and merchandise, etc.) that no longer serve me, making my home more harmonious and spacious, instantly elevating my energy and vibration.

I have also assessed the people in my life to determine who adds value and those who do not. Due to lifestyle changes, I've chosen which people, activities, and associated costs can be eliminated. By keeping things simple, my life has become manageable and less stressful.

Unpacking the Past, Healing Forward

My mother, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life, was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

She spent the remaining years of her life institutionalized, and during this time, she insisted that no one knew she had a daughter. The impact of this, along with the abandonment, will have lasting effects as I continue searching for answers during my healing journey.

My eldest brother appears to seek absolution, while I seek answers to why he rejected me and why I wasn't allowed to have relationships with his wife and children.

Yet, he has a close relationship with my daughter. It's something I've told my daughter I cannot forgive without explanation and an apology. I have also promised not to bring this issue up again.

In realizing that she has her cross to bear, knowing that her deceased father denied any association with her, resulting in her two younger sisters never accepting paternity.

Concerned that the conversation created a wedge, it appeared to have brought my daughter and me closer.

Strength Through Setback

Having fallen several weeks ago when Ruger escaped from his harness, I immediately panicked and began to run. As my right leg bucked, I fell to the concrete, bloodying both elbows and my left knee. As I slowly got up, I hobbled over to the neighbor's house and brought Ruger home.

Barely able to walk or sleep, I was able to get in to see the chiropractor and masseuse.

Having the nerve pressing against the spinal cord caused numbness in my fingers, a condition known as sciatica (inflammation), so I returned for an emergency visit. Being instructed to drink plenty of water after receiving another adjustment, I can only sit comfortably without pain on the couch.

By making wellness a priority, I can become physically, mentally, and emotionally agile, requiring meditation, strength training, and core exercises in addition to my daily walks, which typically range from 3 to 4 miles a day.

Trusting the Path

By redesigning my life based on who I am and where I am in this moment feels right. By following my intuition, I am going in the direction I am supposed to go. I trust the process because my intuition never leads me astray. While doing so, it’s also essential to stay grounded in truth.

Summary: The Power Within

What is it: The ability to trust yourself, act with integrity, and stay grounded in your values.

Why it's most important:

• It's not dependent on title, status, or external validation.

• It fuels all other types of power—expert, relational, ethical, and even spiritual.

• It sustains you in uncertainty, grounds your decisions, and keeps you aligned with your values.

Why it matters:

It's the kind of Power no one can give you—and no one can take away.

When to use it:

• When navigating change, conflict, or criticism

• When you need to make aligned, courageous decisions

When you're breaking free from fear, imposter syndrome, or over-functioning

Quote to Reflect:

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true Power." – Lao Tzu

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“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” - Brene Brown from the Gifts of Imperfection

Let’s be honest—there comes a time in every person’s life when they’re invited to rise. Not asked. Invited. Quietly. Urgently. Unequivocally. It’s as if the voices are calling out from the beyond the horizon, beyond our understanding and comprehension as we search for the answers we seek.

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Like an Ah-Ha moment:

We rise from the ashes, with clarity

• We start to questions the roles we’ve outgrown.

• When the title, the approval, or the paycheck no longer silence the deeper yearning, we seek refuge; by coming home to ourselves.

• When our voice, once hesitant, begins to demand space. We can see expansion and growth.

That’s not restlessness. That’s power knocking.

What Does It Mean to Step Into Your Power?

“Mastering Others is a strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” - Tao Te Ching

Stepping into your power doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means returning to who you’ve always been, underneath the expectations, the conditioning, and the survival-mode hustle.

It’s not about ego. It’s about embodiment.

It’s not about dominance. It’s about alignment.

It’s the courage to:

• Say yes to purpose and no to pleasing.

• Speak your truth even if your voice shakes.

• Take up space without apology.

Signs You’re Ready to Reclaim Your Power:

• You’re tired of over-explaining or dimming your light.

• You’ve begun to question systems, norms, and patterns you once accepted.

• You feel a nudge to lead, not just follow—to create, not just comply.

If this resonates, you’re not breaking down—you’re breaking through.

🛠️ 3 Ways to Begin Stepping Into Your Power

1. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals

Goals are outcomes. Intentions are declarations of who you choose to be while pursuing them.

2. Redefine Power on Your Terms

Real power is rooted in self-awareness, compassion, and clarity.

It’s not loud—it’s unshakable.

3. Use Your Voice

Speak up. Write. Teach. Lead. Share your story. Power grows when expressed with integrity.

💭 Reflective Prompt:

Where in your life have you been outsourcing your power—waiting for permission, validation, or timing? And what would change if you reclaimed it today?

💬 Affirmation of the Week:

“I no longer shrink to fit spaces I’ve outgrown. I step forward, grounded in my truth, ready to lead from within.”

🧭 Closing Invitation:

This week, I challenge you to take one bold step—however small—that honors your authentic power.

Say what you mean. Draw a boundary. Ask for what you need.

No more waiting.

You are not here to fit in. You are here to transform

*In an upcoming 5-Part Series, we will explore the various types of power we can step into and cultivate.

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“Small ripples of emotion can create massive waves in your life—learn to observe the water, not drown in it.” — Margaret Williams

Life, as we know, is a constant ebb and flow. Change is inevitable—especially in the world we live in, where even the seemingly unshakable federal government isn’t immune. For many of us working within its structure, recent shifts weren’t entirely unexpected.

But let’s be honest, even when we see change coming, it still has the power to knock us off our feet.

When I received an email signaling a shift after 38+ years of service, it unearthed emotions I hadn’t felt in decades—vulnerability, uncertainty, and fear. The federal job that had once been my safety net, the anchor to my restful nights, suddenly felt fragile. And I realized: This wasn’t just about restructuring.

It was about how deeply our emotional triggers run when we face perceived threats to stability, belonging, or self-worth.

Honestly, I’d been grappling with the thought of retirement for a while, teetering on the fence between holding on and letting go. Sometimes, external events make decisions for us. But here’s what I’ve learned: making a decision from a place of strength, not fear, changes everything.

I know I’m not alone in this. You’ve felt these moments too, haven’t you? Times when emotions hit unexpectedly, making you doubt, react, or withdraw.

The Emotional Triggers That Shake Us

Let’s take a moment to reflect. Emotional triggers are powerful, reacting to them is part of being human. Common ones include:

1. Rejection – Feeling dismissed or excluded.

2. Criticism – Internalizing feedback as a personal attack.

3. Failure – The fear of not meeting expectations.

4. Abandonment – Being left out or ignored.

5. Injustice – Witnessing or experiencing unfair treatment.

6. Being Ignored – Feeling unseen or undervalued.

7. Helplessness – Lacking control over outcomes.

8. Loss of Independence – Feeling trapped.

9. Uncertainty – Facing the unknown.

10. Disrespect – Being treated without dignity.

11. Comparison – Measuring yourself against others.

12. Betrayal – Broken trust.

13. Guilt – Carrying responsibility for something you can’t change.

14. Overwhelm – Juggling too many demands.

15. Disappointment – Unmet expectations.

In subsequent articles, we will go in-depth on the various emotional triggers and their specific impacts. Take a moment to consider: Which of these have you felt most recently?

Where Do Emotional Triggers Come From?

Triggers are rarely about the present moment—they’re deeply tied to past experiences, unmet needs, and ingrained beliefs. Here’s what fuels them:

• Past trauma: Events that left emotional scars such as bullying, abuse, abandonment, accidents, natural disasters, etc.

• Core beliefs: The stories we tell ourselves, like “I’m not good enough” or “People always leave.”

• Stress and overwhelm: When small triggers feel insurmountable.

• Biology and environment: How external factors (like lack of sleep or specific settings) heighten emotional reactions.

How to Transform Triggers into Growth

Instead of fearing emotional triggers, let’s see them as signals—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow. Here’s what has helped me navigate this journey:

1. Recognize and name your triggers.

• Notice the patterns and situations that evoke strong reactions. Journaling is a powerful tool for uncovering these.

2. Explore the root cause.

• Ask: What memory does this trigger remind me of? What am I truly afraid of in this moment?

3. Practice mindfulness.

• Breathe. Ground yourself. Remind yourself that the past is not your present reality.

4. Reframe your inner dialogue.

• Shift negative beliefs. Replace “I’m failing” with “I’m learning.” Replace “I’m rejected” with “I’m rediscovering where I belong.”

5. Build resilience.

• Prioritize self-care—because when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to face challenges head-on.

6. Reach out for support.

• Whether through friends, coaches, or professional guidance, healing happens faster when we don’t go it alone.

Relevant Statistics on Emotional Triggers and Emotional Regulation

• Employees with higher emotional regulation skills are 27% more likely to excel in workplace performance (Goleman, 1995).

• 90% of top performers at work exhibit high emotional intelligence, whereas only 20% of low performers do (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009).

• 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, with 25% identifying workplace relationships as a major cause of emotional distress (American Psychological Association, 2021).

• A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs reduced emotional distress by 38% and improved emotional regulation in 78% of participants (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).

• People with strong social support networks are 50% more likely to effectively manage emotional distress (Cohen & Wills, 1985).

An Invitation to Reflect

The truth is emotional triggers will always be part of life. But they don’t have to control us. The next time you feel that surge of emotion, ask yourself: What is this teaching me about where I still need to grow? And remember, you are more resilient than you think.

I’d love to hear from you. Which triggers have you struggled with recently, and what steps are you taking to overcome them? Hit “reply” and let’s have an open, honest conversation. Because your story matters—and together, we can transform challenges into growth.

With warmth and understanding,

Margaret

P.S. If you ever feel stuck navigating emotional triggers, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s connect and explore ways to regain your emotional balance. Your breakthrough is closer than you think.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” – Harry S. Truman

Where It All Began

Imagine it's 1868, and the Civil War has just ended. Yet, the heartbreak remains. Families were grieving sons, fathers, and brothers who never made it home.

In response, people began showing up at gravesites with flowers and flags—a simple act of remembrance that came to be known as Decoration Day.

It wasn't organized or political. It was a way to feel, connect, grieve, and care, universally relatable across cultures and time. Over 5,000 mourners gathered at the first official national observance held at Arlington National Cemetery to decorate more than 20,000 graves—a wave of national mourning, love, and unity stretching as far as the eye could see.

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What We've Forgotten

By 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday, scheduled for the last Monday in May to allow for a three-day weekend. However, somewhere between backyard barbecues and retail blowouts, we've lost sight of what this day truly represents.

Memorial Day is not Veterans Day, which honors all who served. It is for the 1.3 million Americans who died in uniform defending a country they believed in.

It's not about who came home but who didn't.

The 3 PM Pause

At 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence to honor those who died in military service. Congress established this Tradition in 2000.

Be honest—have you ever done that? Will you this year?

What the Flag is Telling Us

Watch the flag on Memorial Day. It's flown at half-staff until noon to honor the fallen, then raised to full height to symbolize our commitment to carrying their legacy forward. It's a quiet ritual that says so much—grief in the morning and resolve in the afternoon.

Where Honor Lives: Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery holds over 400,000 graves. Every Memorial Day weekend, volunteers place a flag at each one. Think about that—every grave, every flag, and every story. These aren't just names on stones. These are lives that could've been lived but were given to us instead.

The Sound of Farewell

If you've ever heard "Taps" played at a funeral or ceremony, you know it cuts right through you. Just 24 notes. No lyrics, no fanfare—just a final goodbye echoing through generations. That haunting melody reminds us that freedom always comes at a cost.

The Summer Paradox

Here's the hard truth: Memorial Day has become a marker for summer's beginning—grills, sales, road trips. There's nothing wrong with enjoying life. But maybe, just maybe, we could start with remembrance and let celebration follow.

What This Day Is Asking of You

Memorial Day isn't asking you to be somber all day. It's asking you to pause, acknowledge, and remember. It's asking you to recognize the empty seat at someone's dinner table, the folded flag on a mantel, and the family that continues to carry the weight of loss.

How to Honor the Day

Want to make it meaningful? Here's how:

· Stop at 3 PM. Put your phone down. Be still. Let gratitude wash over you.

· Say a name. Visit a memorial or cemetery. Choose one name and speak it aloud. Make their story matter.

· Teach the why. Help your kids, friends, or followers understand the real reason for the day.

· Support the living. Reach out to a military family. They live this remembrance every single day.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day is the only American holiday specifically for our fallen heroes. One day out of the year, one dedicated to honoring those who gave everything for the rest of us.

So yes, light the grill and soak in the sun. But please… start with a minute—a moment—a memory.

Because somewhere, a family is setting an extra plate for someone who never came home.

The least we can do… is remember why.

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"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." - Agatha Christie

Mother's Day isn't just about flowers or brunch—it's about remembering where it all began and reclaiming what it was meant to be. This day was born out of deep respect for mothers who sacrificed, nurtured, and led quietly through times of hardship. It was a call to honor women's emotional labor, courage, and strength, especially those who mothered through conflict, injustice, and healing.

Over time, the meaning has been lost in commercialization, but we can agree that it is high time to return to its roots.

Today, we hold space not just in celebration but in truth. We honor all mothers—biological or chosen—and reclaim this day as a reminder of the power, resilience, and sacred work many carry daily, often without recognition. Therefore, we thank you for your relentless pursuit of excellence in shaping the character and values of our nation's leaders.

Knowing women are the backbone of the country, we can accomplish anything with this power and influence.

Every year, Mother's Day arrives with the weight of expectation—and the opportunity for reflection. For many, it's a day of gratitude: handwritten cards, calls home, and shared meals. But beneath the surface of commercial slogans and curated Instagram posts is a powerful, often forgotten truth: Mother's Day began as a protest.

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A Legacy of Compassion and Change

In 1908, a woman named Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother—Ann Reeves Jarvis, a community organizer and Civil War caregiver who taught women about health, sanitation, and peace across enemy lines.

Anna wanted one thing: to honor the moral force of mothers, not through material gifts but through public remembrance.

She envisioned a day when children would write letters of gratitude and hold space for the silent labor of women—especially in a fractured, post-war America.

By 1914, her efforts led to President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

And yet, by the 1920s, Anna was fighting the very holiday she created, outraged by its rapid commercialization. She believed the depth of motherhood had been hijacked by greeting card companies and florists.

Her story is a reminder: when we lose the meaning, we lose the movement.

Redefining Motherhood

Here's the thing about the word "mother"—it carries so much weight, and yet it means different things to different people. Celebrated in over 100 countries globally, Mother's Day includes honoring motherhood, caregivers, and maternal figures through local customs and spiritual traditions.

The Many Faces of Mothering

Some of us are mourning mothers we've lost. Today, I am mourning the loss of my biological mother, whom I never knew and who rejected me for reasons unknown to me. Additionally, I grieve the loss of my adoptive mother, who chose to take a chance on me (her husband's illegitimate child), knowing it's something that many women would refuse to do. Otherwise, who knows where I may have ended up?

While others are navigating complex relationships with the mothers we have, my daughter and I have had a contentious relationship because I had abandoned her, leaving her in a precarious situation of living with my step-mother and abusive father. Knowing that at 14, I had limited choices at this stage of life, she eventually realized this and then chose to forgive.

Due to her upbringing, my daughter elected not to have children, for which I can't say I blame her, knowing it's a huge responsibility. However, it hasn't stopped her from seeking out disadvantaged youth to aid.

Moreover, many recognize the "mothers" who aren't biological—the aunts, teachers, mentors, and friends who showed up when we needed guidance. During my 39-year Army civilian career, I assisted and taught many to perfect skills to accomplish critical project milestones, resulting in the turnover of multimillion-dollar projects.

To mother, at its core, is to nurture. It's the person who:

• Sees potential in you before you see it yourself

• Holds space for your messiness while believing in your growth

• Gives you roots and wings in equal measure

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  Leadership Through a Maternal Lens

As leaders, we're all in the business of nurturing—whether it's ideas, teams, or movements. This is what I call maternal intelligence—the ability to keep the bigger picture in view while handling what needs immediate attention. It's knowing how to lead with both strength and softness, when to speak up and when to let others rise.

It's the kind of leadership that's often overlooked, yet it's at the heart of how so many of us hold families, teams, and entire communities together.

Reclaiming Mother's Day means honoring this type of leadership, not just in those who are mothers by title but in anyone who nurtures, mentors, and shows up with care. Mothering, in its truest form, is power in motion.

Questions for Reflection

• Who helped you become the leader you are today?

• How do you cultivate growth in others while maintaining boundaries?

• What does sustainable care look like in your work?

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  Bringing Back the Original Intent

Let's return to Anna's vision this Mother's Day—not through protest, but through presence.

Ways to Honor the Day

• Write an actual letter to someone who mothered you

• Have real conversations about care, not just transactions

• Acknowledge the emotional labor in your own life and work

• Recognize that mothering is a practice, not just a role

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  The Invitation

Whether you're parenting kids, leading teams, or nurturing your dreams—you're engaged in the work of tending life. This is sacred work, often invisible, always essential.

So, this Mother's Day, let's reclaim it as not a once-a-year obligation but an ongoing practice of gratitude, recognition, and intentional care.

After all, the most powerful thing we can do is see each other, truly see the work, the love, and the sacrifice that keep the world evolving.

Your Turn

Take a moment: Who comes to mind when you think of someone who mothered you into who you are today? What one thing could you do to honor that influence, not with flowers, but with presence?

The conversation starts with us. Let's make it count.

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“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do” - Brené Brown

The Fork in the Road: Choosing to Leave on My Own Terms

Since receiving the “Fork in the Road” email a few months back, I could sense my career unraveling at an alarming rate. One domino after the other continued falling, with the need to return to the office, writing weekly bullet points, micromanagement, passive-aggressive behaviors, and consistent disrespect. It all became way too much.

So, on Sunday, April 11, I went into the office to pack up my remaining personal belongings.

Before leaving, I sent the Chief of Construction an email explaining that the continuous maltreatment and the lack of action to address it were why I had voluntarily submitted my early retirement paperwork. I’ll be on annual leave from April 14 until administrative leave begins on May 1 and continues through September 30. My final act as an Army civilian will be to return my government-issued laptop and government ID.

This wasn’t just a resignation—it was a declaration. I chose my exit. I took the wheel of my own future.

If left to my own devices, I may never have left. But outside circumstances forced a reckoning. I have something to prove—not just to the world, but to myself—about the person I am becoming.

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From Service to Self: Reclaiming My Energy and Focus

I am now channeling the dedication I gave to the Army into myself. That means cutting out toxicity and designing a life that nurtures my mind, body, and spirit daily.

Therefore, I aim to live a life that is not just fulfilling but is intentionally holistic.

Honing My Leadership: Depth Over Breadth

Rather than trying to be good at everything, I choose to go deeper. I’m focusing on becoming a stronger, more authentic leader—and helping others do the same.

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others. It’s about self-awareness, intentionality, and clarity of purpose.

A New Companion, A New Purpose: Ruger the Therapy Dog in Training

Ruger, my Great Pyrenees puppy, is one of the most joyful additions to my life during this transition. He arrived at a critical time and brought with him a sense of happiness, connection, and curiosity. He and Prince, my loyal golden retriever, are now getting along famously.

Ruger’s presence has inspired me to consider turning him into a certified therapy dog.

He’s scheduled to start obedience training soon, though he knows many commands and is nearly potty trained. Great Pyrenees are incredibly intuitive, and Ruger picks up on my emotions like no other dog I’ve seen.

Having the ability to help others through him would be a powerful extension of my healing journey.

Building a New Foundation: Real Estate as a Retirement Strategies

Another milestone in this new chapter is the near completion of my rental unit. The space is about 97% finished and listed on several rental platforms. It will be available beginning May 1, 2025.

This income will help offset my expenses and support a financially stable retirement. Creating a deep sense of peace and assurance for the future.

Designing My Sanctuary: Creating a Harmonious Home

With the lower renovation complete, I’ve begun work on the upstairs—resurfacing the kitchen cabinets, replacing the backsplash, and replacing the vinyl floors. I’m creating a home that’s elegant, harmonious, and relaxing.

Our homes are extensions of our inner lives. I want mine to be a warm, welcoming space that supports a tranquil and purposeful lifestyle.

Health as a Priority: Investing in Wellness

After extensive research, I visited a showroom to order a Hot Springs Jetsetter LX hot tub to install on the deck.

With high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, I’m prioritizing health in new and meaningful ways. A hot tub can support stress relief, pain reduction, better sleep, glucose control, and improved cardiovascular health—all essential to managing my conditions and maintaining long-term wellness.

Meditative Practices: Finding Stillness in the Noise

I’ve recommitted to my meditative practice, especially now that I’ve joined Daily Wellness Empowerment Program (DWEP) with . My favorite tool is the Insight Timer app—its variety keeps me engaged and aligned with my needs.

As someone who gets bored quickly, the app's flexibility has been a game-changer in staying consistent.

Movement and Strength: Fitness as a Daily Ritual

Staying active is a non-negotiable for me. I enjoy using the Teeter Power 10, which offers a low-impact workout that simultaneously strengthens arms, legs, and core. I also use the Crossrope Ropeless to add variety, especially for toning arms. The Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell allows me to challenge myself progressively and build strength sustainably.

Carrying the Legacy: Gratitude for a Meaningful Career

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I am deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons and exceptional people I encountered during my decades of service. They’ve shaped, inspired, and strengthened me in ways I will always carry forward.

As I prepare to close this chapter on September 30, I do so with a whole heart and no regrets. My career has been rich, well-traveled, and filled with stories I’ll cherish forever.

A Farewell Without Regret: Embracing What Comes Next

This new chapter isn’t just about rest—it’s about renewal. It’s about reimagining who I am, what I want, and how I will live. I may be retiring from my role as an Army civilian, but I am stepping fully into the role of CEO of my life.

The next season promises clarity, freedom, and impact. And I’m ready for it.

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