Tag: holistic leadership

How to Stay Grounded, Connect with Others, and Focus on What Really Matters

Conversations are getting harder.

Whether the topic is political, social, technological, economic, or environmental, it’s easy to feel like you’re one comment away from conflict.  People are tired, emotionally charged, and often unsure how to engage without feeling reactive—or retreating altogether.

We’re living in a world shaped by rapid change and high-stakes issues.  From climate policy to artificial intelligence, economic justice to social equity, political polarization to global uncertainty, many of today’s conversations aren’t just complicated—they’re emotionally loaded.

And yet, this is precisely the moment when clear, grounded, human-centered dialogue is most needed.

At InteraWorks, we believe that authentic leadership begins with how we show up—in conversations, in community, and in the heat of disagreement.  That’s why we created this Conversation Compass—a field guide for navigating complex, emotionally charged conversations in any area of life or work.

Whether you’re leading a team, engaging with clients, or just trying to connect with loved ones who see the world differently, these five tools will help you move from reaction to reflection, from division to shared humanity.

 

Shift the Frame: Move from Reactivity to Wisdom

Before you respond, zoom out.  Ask yourself: What’s really going on here?  Is this about the issue – or something deeper?

Try asking:

• “What do you think is underneath all this tension?”
• “It feels like we’re in a bigger cycle of change—have you noticed patterns like this before?”
• “What would leadership (or action) look like if it came from wisdom instead of fear?”

Why it works: These questions invite people to shift from their emotional brain to their thinking brain.  They open up space for reflection, pattern recognition, and deeper understanding.

 

Lift Others Out of Fear & Frustration: Acknowledge Emotion, Then Redirect

People don’t just want to be heard—they want to feel understood.  Validating their emotion can lower the temperature and create space for more constructive thinking.

Try saying:

• “I can tell this really matters to you. What part of this feels most concerning?”
• “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of frustration. What would you like to see change?”
• “These are intense times, for sure. How can we move forward from a place of clarity or personal power?”

Why it works: When people feel emotionally seen, they become more open to dialogue.  This technique also helps you avoid the debate trap and move toward deeper engagement.

 

Prevent Yourself from Being Pulled Down: Observe, Don’t Absorb

You don’t have to mirror someone’s intensity to stay in the conversation.  You can be present, compassionate, and grounded—all at once.

Try saying:

• “That’s an interesting perspective. I’ve been exploring a different angle—want to hear it?”
• “No doubt it’s a complicated issue. But I keep wondering—what’s the real opportunity in all of this?”
• “I hear you, and I respect your passion. I’ve been focusing more on how we move forward than staying stuck in cycles of outrage.”

Why it works: This keeps your nervous system calm while still being engaged.  When you model neutrality with empathy, others may follow your lead.

 

Find Common Ground: Focus on Shared Values, Not Divided Positions

Despite differing views, most people want the same core things: safety, fairness, meaning, connection, and a better future.  Tap into that.

Try asking:

• “At the core, I think most of us want to feel safe and heard. What do you think would really help create that?”
• “It seems like both sides are afraid of losing something important. What do you think the deeper fear is?”
• “No matter the issue, I think we all want leadership that listens. What do you wish decision-makers would do differently?”

Why it works: This creates emotional resonance.  It shifts the conversation from “us vs. them” to “we’re in this together.”

 

Future-Focused Thinking: Redirect from Problems to Possibilities

Fear focuses on what could go wrong.  Leadership asks: What might go right—if we get this right?

Try asking:

• “What do you think leadership could look like in 10 years if we made the right changes now?”
• “What systems or solutions might emerge from this moment of transformation?”
• “Who do you see as a person or organization offering a fresh and wise path forward?”

Why it works: Forward-looking conversations activate hope, creativity, and collective intelligence.  They help shift energy from blame to possibility.

 

The Most Powerful Thing You Can Do?  Hold the Field.

You don’t need to persuade everyone.  You don’t need to “win” the discussion.

You just need to hold the field—a grounded, compassionate space that invites others into thoughtful engagement.  In a world overwhelmed by division and outrage, your calm presence is a form of quiet leadership.

 

Start Today!

Whether you’re navigating conversations about politics, climate, economics, technology, social change—or all of the above—remember this: you have more influence than you think.

You can turn even the most difficult conversations into opportunities for connection and transformation by showing up grounded, curious, and aligned with your values.

At InteraWorks, we help people cultivate the awareness, courage, and communication skills they need to lead with intention—especially in uncertain times.  This guide is just one small piece of that larger journey.

So take a breath.  Speak with purpose.  And let your presence change the conversation.

 

 

Authors –

Stacy Cross  InteraWorks Programs + Branding Lead

Anne McGhee-Stinson  InteraWorks Managing Partner + Director of Practice

 

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. 

interaworks.com

We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team, or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.

Lessons from Transformational Female Leaders

Throughout history, women have shaped industries, driven change, and rewritten the definition of leadership.  Their influence inspires and challenges the status quo, from activists and entrepreneurs to scientists and CEOs.

Yet, for emerging leaders—especially women—navigating leadership today still comes with challenges: imposter syndrome, navigating bias, balancing authenticity with expectations, and proving credibility in a fast-moving world.  So, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s look deeper at five transformational female leaders and the lessons they offer for emerging leaders ready to make their mark.

 

Embrace Visionary Thinking

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)

When Ada Lovelace, the daughter of poet Lord Byron, studied mathematics in the early 1800s, society had little space for women in STEM.  But Ada didn’t just excel—she revolutionized how people thought about machines.  She worked alongside Charles Babbage on his early mechanical computer, and while others saw only a calculating machine, Ada saw a future where machines could create, analyze, and even compose music.

Her foresight made her the world’s first computer programmer—a century before computers existed.

Lesson for Emerging Leaders:

Visionary leadership is about seeing beyond the present and imagining what’s possible.  Leadership is like quantum superposition—multiple futures exist at once, but only through observation and action does one take shape.  Leaders like Ada Lovelace didn’t just predict the future; they helped create it by daring to see what others couldn’t.  Today’s world is changing at lightning speed—AI, sustainability, remote work, and digital transformation are reshaping industries.  Great leaders anticipate trends and prepare for what’s next.

Tip: Instead of managing day-to-day tasks, ask:

• What trends shape my field?
• How can I think ahead instead of just keeping up?

Train yourself to see patterns and develop a long-term vision.

 

Lead with Relentless Resilience

Malala Yousafzai (1997-Present)

Malala Yousafzai was just 15 when she was shot by the Taliban for speaking up about girls’ right to education.  Instead of being silenced, she became the youngest Nobel Laureate and a global advocate for education.

She didn’t let fear dictate her future.  Instead, she turned adversity into a movement that changed the lives of millions.

Lesson for Emerging Leaders:

Resilience is the ability to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain or full of obstacles.  As an emerging leader, you will face rejection, setbacks, and moments of doubt.  The key isn’t avoiding hardship—it’s building the ability to keep going.

Tip: When facing setbacks, reframe them by asking yourself:

• What is this challenge teaching me?
• What’s within my control, and what do I need to let go of?
• How can I use this experience to grow stronger?

 

Build Movements, Not Just Teams

Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

Rosa Parks wasn’t the first person to refuse to give up her seat on a segregated bus, but she was the one who ignited a movement.  Why?  Because she had built trust, credibility, and strong relationships before that moment.

Her quiet act of defiance wasn’t just about one seat on one bus.  It catalyzed collective action—sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and fueling the Civil Rights Movement.

Lesson for Emerging Leaders:

Your leadership isn’t about managing people but about inspiring them toward something bigger than themselves.

Tip: If you want to create a lasting impact:

• Listen before you lead. Understand what your team or organization truly needs.
• Build trust first. People follow those they respect and believe in.
• Empower others. Great leaders don’t just create followers—they create more leaders.
• Ask yourself: Am I just managing people or creating momentum for something bigger?

 

Trust Your Intuition

Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present)

Oprah Winfrey didn’t just create a talk show—she built a media empire by trusting her gut.  She turned down a lucrative 60 Minutes gig because they wanted her to sound less emotional, and she knew it wasn’t the right fit.

She built her success by listening deeply to herself and others and what truly mattered.

Lesson for Emerging Leaders:

Intuition isn’t just a feeling—it’s high-speed data processing.  Studies show that our brains unconsciously analyze thousands of pieces of information before we consciously make a decision.

Emerging leaders often second-guess themselves, waiting for certainty before acting.  But in leadership, there’s rarely absolute certainty.  Those who wait for perfect conditions often stay stuck, while those who trust their instincts and take decisive action collapse infinite possibilities into real-world success.  Oprah built her empire by acting on intuitive insights—an ability every leader can develop.

Tip: Develop your intuition by:

• Noticing patterns. What’s worked well for you in the past?
• Pausing before reacting. Take a deep breath and check in with your gut.
• Testing small decisions. Start trusting your instincts on lower-stakes choices.

 

Redefine What’s Possible

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

As a Black woman in NASA during the 1960s, Katherine Johnson had to work twice as hard to prove herself.  Yet her mathematical brilliance made space travel possible.

She calculated the trajectories that sent Apollo 11 to the moon—and astronaut John Glenn refused to launch until she personally verified the numbers.

Lesson for Emerging Leaders:

In quantum science, particles can exist in a state of infinite potential until they interact with their environment.  Similarly, your background, title, or industry norms do not define your limits—your choices do.  Katherine Johnson redefined the boundaries of possibility, proving that expertise and excellence can reshape reality.

Tip: If you want to challenge limits:

• Don’t wait for permission. Own your expertise.
• Seek out challenges. Growth comes from pushing past the easy route.
• Be so good they can’t ignore you. Excellence speaks louder than bias.
• Ask yourself: Am I underestimating what I’m capable of?

 

Start Today!

The world needs bold, innovative, and resilient leaders—many of them will be emerging leaders like you.

The future isn’t fixed—it exists in a field of possibilities, waiting to be shaped by your choices.  Step forward, take action, and create the reality you want to see.  So what’s your next step?

• Think bigger. Where do you need to stretch your vision?
• Trust yourself. Where have you been hesitating?
• Lead with courage. What impact do you want to create?

 

At InteraWorks, we believe leadership is more than skill—it’s awareness, intuition, and the courage to act. Like the women we celebrate this month, our work is rooted in helping leaders break barriers, trust their instincts, and shape the future they envision. As a certified Woman-Owned Business through WBENC, we are proud to stand among those advancing equity and empowerment in the workplace. This Women’s History Month, don’t just admire these leaders—step into your own potential and become the next one.

 

Author – Stacy Cross

InteraWorks Programs + Branding Lead

 

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. 

interaworks.com

We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team, or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.

The Role of Serendipity in Leadership

Some people seem to have all the luck.  They land dream jobs, meet the right mentors at the right time, or stumble into career-changing opportunities.  Meanwhile, others feel like they’re constantly missing out—always a step behind, never quite in the right place at the right time.

But here’s the truth: Luck isn’t just chance.  It’s something you create.  Just as quantum science tells us that reality isn’t fixed until observed and acted upon, leadership luck works the same way—opportunities exist in a field of possibility until you engage with them.

Emerging leaders stepping into new roles often assume success depends on being lucky—being noticed by the right boss, happening upon a big opportunity, or making a lucky guess.  But research (and history) show that lucky people aren’t just fortunate—they think and act differently.

This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s explore the science behind luck, what it means for leadership, and how you can engineer more “lucky breaks” in your career.

 

The Science of Luck: Is It Really Random?

Psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman spent over a decade studying people who considered themselves lucky or unlucky.  His findings concluded that lucky people think and behave in ways that increase their chances of success.  In other words, you create your reality by actively shaping the possibilities surrounding you.

The Four Traits of Lucky People:

• They stay open to new opportunities. They’re not rigidly focused on just one goal—they notice and embrace unexpected possibilities.
• They trust their intuition. They act on gut feelings, which are often the brain processing information faster than we realize.
• They cultivate a positive mindset. They expect good things to happen, and this confidence shapes their interactions.
• They turn setbacks into learning experiences. When things go wrong, they see it as feedback, not failure.

In short, luck is less about chance and more about how you interact with the world.

The Leadership-Luck Connection: How Serendipity Fuels Success

Think about the most significant breakthroughs in business and leadership.  Most weren’t carefully planned—they came from serendipity, adaptability, and being in the right place at the right time.

Luck Is About Potential

In 1928, Alexander Fleming accidentally left a petri dish uncovered, and mold killed the bacteria inside.  Many would’ve discarded the dish—but Fleming saw potential.  His curiosity led to the discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic.

Now, imagine you’re leading a team and a project doesn’t go as planned.  Do you dismiss it as a failure or ask, “Is there something unexpected here that could lead to something bigger?”

Great leaders don’t just see mistakes; they see possibilities.  Quantum science tells us that everything exists in a state of possibility until action is taken.  Similarly, opportunities are all around in leadership—you must be aware enough to notice and bold enough to act.

 

How Emerging Leaders Can Cultivate More Luck

You don’t have to wait for luck—you can create it.

• Say Yes to More Random Encounters. Lucky people put themselves in environments where good things can happen.
• Attend industry events, even if you don’t know anyone. Accept that coffee invite or virtual networking call—you never know where it might lead.
• Engage in cross-team collaboration. The more people you know, the more opportunities come your way.

Tip: Challenge yourself to meet one new person this month who could expand your perspective.

 

Train Your Brain to Spot Opportunities

Many people walk past opportunities because they’re too focused on their existing plans.  Lucky leaders stay curious and adaptable.  Like entangled particles remaining connected across time and space—leaders who cultivate strong networks and open minds remain attuned to opportunities others might miss.  The more you expand your awareness, the more ‘luck’ seems to find you.

• Instead of “This isn’t what I expected,” try “How could this be useful?”
• Instead of “I don’t have time for this,” ask, “What if I gave it 10 minutes?”

Tip: Start a serendipity journal—write down unexpected conversations, ideas, or insights that seem insignificant but could lead somewhere.

 

Learn to Trust Your Intuition

Many of history’s best leaders relied on gut instinct.  That’s because intuition is not random—it’s rapid, subconscious pattern recognition.

• Steve Jobs trusted his instincts when launching the iPhone, even when experts doubted him.
• Oprah Winfrey built an empire by sensing what her audience needed before they said it.

Tip: The next time you have a gut feeling, pause.  Instead of dismissing it, explore it.

 

Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones

What do lucky people do when they fail?  They ask better questions.

• “What can I learn from this?”
• “How could this setback lead to something unexpected?”
• “Where is the hidden opportunity?”

Consider Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx.  She failed the LSAT twice and was rejected from multiple jobs.  But instead of feeling unlucky, she pivoted, created her own product, and became one of the world’s youngest self-made female billionaires.

Tip: Train yourself to look for the hidden advantage when something doesn’t go your way.

 

Start Today!

Luck is a leadership skill.  The difference between “lucky” and “unlucky” leaders isn’t chance—it’s mindset, awareness, and action.

What You Can Do Today to Start Cultivating Luck:

• Put yourself in more serendipitous situations. Show up, even when you’re unsure.
• Reframe setbacks as opportunities. Every roadblock contains a lesson or a new direction.
• Sharpen your intuition. Pay attention to those gut feelings—they’re valuable data.
• Embrace the unexpected. Some of the best opportunities aren’t planned.

Luck isn’t magic—it’s leadership in motion.  Just as possibilities remain in flux until observed and acted upon, your future will be shaped by the choices you make today.  The question isn’t whether luck exists—it’s whether you’re ready to create it.

At InteraWorks, we believe leadership isn’t about waiting for the right moment but creating the conditions for success.  We help leaders, like you, develop the mindset, intuition, and strategic awareness needed to recognize and act on the opportunities surrounding you.

 

 

Author – Stacy Cross

InteraWorks Programs + Branding Lead

 

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. 

interaworks.com

We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team, or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.

How to Motivate and Inspire Your Team

Great leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about connection. The most effective leaders don’t just manage people; they inspire, empower, and bring out the best in their teams. But motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just as individuals express and receive love differently in personal relationships, they also experience recognition, appreciation, and support differently in the workplace.

The concept of love languages, originally developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, outlines five ways people express and receive love: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and Physical Touch. While these were initially framed in the context of personal relationships, they also have powerful applications in leadership.

By understanding how your team members feel most valued, you can tailor your leadership approach to inspire greater engagement, trust, and motivation.

Words of Affirmation: The Power of Encouragement and Recognition

Some people thrive on verbal encouragement. They feel most valued when their contributions are recognized and their efforts are acknowledged. For these individuals, a simple “great job” or “I appreciate your hard work” can make a world of difference.

How to use this as a leader:

• Offer genuine praise regularly. Instead of vague compliments, be specific: “I really appreciate how you took the initiative to solve that client issue so quickly.”
• Celebrate small and big wins. Don’t wait for annual performance reviews—recognize outstanding work in the moment.
• Encourage openly and often. Sometimes, a quick check-in or a supportive word can boost confidence and motivation.

When people know their work is seen and valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best.

Quality Time: Being Present and Engaged with Your Team

For some, feeling valued comes from quality interactions. They appreciate leaders who invest time in them through mentorship, one-on-one meetings, or meaningful conversations.

How to use this as a leader:

• Hold regular one-on-ones. These shouldn’t just be status updates—make time to listen, understand challenges, and offer support.
• Be fully present. Put your phone away in conversations, maintain eye contact, and actively listen. Presence matters.
• Invest in team bonding. Encourage connection through team lunches, retreats, or informal check-ins to build trust and camaraderie.

Time is one of the most valuable resources a leader can give. By being fully engaged, you show your team that they matter.

Acts of Service: Leading by Helping

For some employees, actions speak louder than words. They feel most valued when their leaders support them—removing obstacles, offering guidance, or rolling up their sleeves to help.

How to use this as a leader:

• Be a servant leader. Ask, “How can I support you?” or “What do you need to succeed?” and follow through.
• Make life easier for your team. If you see a bottleneck, address it. Advocate for resources, tools, or process improvements.
• Lead by example. If a project requires extra effort, show willingness to be in the trenches with your team.

Supportive leadership fosters trust and loyalty, making employees more likely to go the extra mile.

Gifts: Meaningful Gestures of Appreciation

Some employees feel most appreciated through tangible tokens of recognition. This doesn’t mean extravagant gifts—it’s about thoughtful gestures that show you recognize their efforts.

How to use this as a leader:

• Personalized thank-you notes. A handwritten note expressing appreciation can be incredibly meaningful.
• Small rewards for achievements. A coffee gift card, book, or even a favorite snack can show you notice their hard work.
• Company-sponsored perks. These gestures reinforce appreciation, whether it’s a professional development course, wellness benefit, or team celebration.

The key is to make it personal—knowing what matters to your team members makes these gestures more impactful.

Fostering a Culture of Connection and Belonging

In personal relationships, physical touch can be a way to express support and appreciation. In the workplace, that same sense of connection is fostered through inclusivity, encouragement, and shared experiences. Employees who feel a strong sense of belonging are more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work.

How to use this as a leader:

• Create moments of connection. Whether it’s a team-building activity, a shared meal, or simply checking in with employees regularly, small efforts to build relationships go a long way.
• Celebrate together. Recognize milestones, wins, and achievements in ways that unite people—whether through virtual shoutouts, team events, or collaborative celebrations.
• Build psychological safety. Ensure your team feels comfortable expressing ideas, asking for help, and sharing concerns without fear of judgment.

At its core, this leadership “love language” is about cultivating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and connected.

Leadership as an Energy Field

Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the energy you bring to your team. Studies in quantum science suggest that the energy we emit—positive, negative, or neutral—directly influences our environment. The same applies to leadership: when leaders operate from a place of trust, appreciation, and intention, they create a resonant field that lifts the entire team.

Think about the leaders you’ve worked with. Some walk into a room and immediately elevate the energy, making people feel motivated, engaged, and inspired. Others bring tension or stress, causing disengagement and hesitation. This isn’t random—it directly results from the emotional and energetic signals they send out.

Just as particles can become entangled and influence each other at a distance, workplace relationships are built on unseen but powerful connections. When you lead with authenticity, care, and vision, you set off a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.

Remember that your leadership presence matters. By consciously bringing positivity, encouragement, and intention into your daily interactions, you can create an environment where people feel supported, empowered, and excited to do their best work.

Start Today!

At InteraWorks, we believe in Inside Out Leadership—the idea that great leadership starts with self-awareness, intentionality, and a deep understanding of what drives both you and your team. Leading from the inside out creates an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to do their best work.

Here’s how to apply this concept in practice:

• Know yourself first. Leadership starts with understanding your strengths, motivations, and leadership style. When you lead with clarity and authenticity, you set the foundation for meaningful connections with your team.
• Tune in to your team’s unique needs. Pay attention to how each team member responds to different forms of recognition and support. Everyone is motivated differently, and knowing what works best for each person builds stronger relationships.
• Create a culture of engagement. Recognition, appreciation, and support should be woven into the fabric of your leadership—not just reserved for special occasions. A consistent, thoughtful approach makes the most significant impact.
• Lead with intention. Motivation isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. By being intentional in how you lead, you inspire others to bring their best selves to work every day.

Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence, trust, and the ability to bring out the best in others. When you lead from the inside out, your team doesn’t just follow you—they believe in the work they’re doing, and that’s where real impact happens.

So, what’s your leadership love language? And how can you use it to elevate and inspire your team?

 

Author – Stacy Cross

InteraWorks Programs + Branding Lead

 

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About InteraWorks

InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most. 

interaworks.com

We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team, or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.

Denver, CO

InteraWorks, a global leader in providing transformative leadership development training and coaching, is setting a new standard for employee growth and holistic development. The company’s commitment to elevating the human experience at work is not just a mission statement; it’s a way of life.

“I’m fortunate to work for a company that embodies a commitment to growth and development and that understands that creating and cultivating high-performing teams requires more than just job-specific training,” said Charity Wilkins, Director of Shared Services.

Last year, Charity attended the CFO Conference, a testament to InteraWorks’ dedication to investing in its people. The immersive experience offered valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and inspiring speakers, broadening Charity’s understanding of emerging technology, data leverage for strategic decision-making, and innovative approaches to employee benefits and retention strategies.

Technology Lead, Royann Schmigdall attended Microsoft Ignite in November of 2023. Ignite is held annually and offers attendees the chance to check out the latest tech Microsoft has to offer. “I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a wealth of impactful and informative content,” she said. Royann gained valuable strategic information about new technologies, which empowers InteraWorks to continue its thought leadership in deploying and engaging evolving technologies to support business leadership strategies.

Sales Director, Steve Crawford, took his commitment to self-improvement to the next level by completing a rigorous six-month Coaching for Coaches program and attending the Landmark Forum and the Facilitator’s Xchange. Steve shared, “I’ve always engaged in self-improvement throughout my life. It’s really important because times change, and we evolve. I like to put the foot on the gas of my evolution of always growing.” Steve emphasized the importance of growth for leaders at InteraWorks, stating that it adds arrows to the quiver of his coaching and facilitation game. He highlighted the impact of appreciative inquiry strategies on building deeper connections, not just in business but also with his family.

Director of Practice, Anne McGhee Stinson, recently completed a certification in Vertical Holistic Leadership Development that has validated and bolstered InteraWorks’ approach to leadership development. She noted, “As we look at organizational and leadership development, we’re flattening out the organization and fostering more of an ecosystem than a hierarchy; it’s far more adaptable, far more resilient, far more effective in this new age we’re living into.” Anne explained the focus on vertical development, emphasizing the importance of accessing one’s own resources and wisdom to apply to their skill building development. “We make that holistic and apply it to the entire way we work and live and be in the world, and that is the leadership development of the future,” she reflected.

CEO Laurie Oswald took part in the Leading Personal and Business Transitions Program on the Harvard main campus, hosted by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and sponsored in part by Wells Fargo for women business owners. The program was facilitated by Harvard Business School Professors and explored key leadership and ownership transitions as well as topics key to small business execution including expansion, M&A, funding, product innovation and exit planning via case reviews and discussion. The program participants were an international group of women business owners from diverse industries and businesses.

Stephenie Rockwell, Director of Culture and Client Experience, highlighted InteraWorks’ culture of encouraging employees to pursue learning opportunities, fostering an environment where personal and professional growth is not just encouraged but championed. She praised the impact of having the opportunity to take the company’s innovative courses herself on both her personal and professional life. Stephenie reflected, “For over a decade, I’ve embraced the Effective Edge system in Outlook as an integral part of my life. Despite my extensive experience, I make it a point to undergo the full program annually to reinforce sustainability and gain fresh perspectives. Without a doubt, it stands as the most impactful program I’ve ever encountered. I am more present, confident, and balanced as a result.” She said the Best Year Yet program was another highlight for her; she left feeling completely transformed, empowered, and extremely confident that she could achieve every one of her well-designed goals.

Other InteraWorks team members attended a variety of other conferences and trainings, including the Chief Learning Officer Conference, the NeuroLeadership Institute Conference, Facilitator’s XChange trainings, and the WBENC Supplier Diversity Certification, to name a few. InteraWorks continues to lead the way in innovative leadership development, affirming its commitment to the growth and well-being of its employees and the organizations they serve.

For more information on InteraWorks contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Partner Lead

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of workingat all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

InteraWorks Director of Practice Anne McGhee Stinson join returning guest And InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald on The Servant Leadership podcast with host Greg Aden. At the top of the discussion is the critical role of a leader to create the future. It couldn’t be more timely. Listen in at the link below.

The Servant Leadership Podcast – Annie McGhee Stinson and Laurie Oswald

 

 

 

 

 

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Denver, CO

Anne McGhee-Stinson will join host and conference creator Greg Aden in the anchor presentation of the August 11^th Leadership Development Conference. McGhee-Stinson is Co-Founder and Director of Practice for international training and development company InteraWorks. “[The focus will be] the complexity of our environment that demands new ways of thinking,” said McGhee-Stinson. “Our speakers will be demonstrating these concepts and challenges through words and action. The question is then how will YOU break through to new ways of thinking and being in the upcoming years.”

Part two of the 2022 series that featured InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald in April, this livestreamed day of learning brings together leaders from around the country and across a wide range of channels to share their wisdom and insights. The purpose is to help viewers and participants uplevel their own leadership skills personally and professionally. The event will be recorded in full to allow registrants to view the conference content on demand.

The event will include both live-onsite and remote options for attendance. Use the code Interaworks for a 10% discount on registration.

 

For more information of THE LEADERSHIP Development Day conference:
https://adenleadership.com/leadership-development-day

For more on Anne McGhee-Stinson
https://www.interaworks.com/about-us/team/anne-mcghee-stinson/

Contact:
Greta Hartmann
gretahartmann14@gmail.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, they offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Their integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, they’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

We are excited to announce that InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald has been nominated for the prestigious 2022 ATHENA Award in Nashville, Tennessee. Now in its 32^nd year, the annual award celebrates women who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession, contribute to their community, and unselfish assistance to women and women’s issues.

“I am incredibly honored to be nominated alongside so many amazing women, all of whom are changing the landscape for professional women at all levels,” said Oswald, a first-time nominee. “I look around me and am both humbled and inspired by the other nominees. The impact we’ve made individually and collectively continues to create more support, resources, and opportunities for women to rise and lead. It makes me hopeful and excited about the future.”

Previous ATHENA Award winners include Middle Tennessee luminaries Mendy Mazzo, corporate senior vice president of national business development at Skanska USA, Kee Bryant-McCormick, an attorney with Bone McAllester Norton, PLLC, Katherine Brown, Director of Communications for the Tennessee Community Engaged Alliance Against COVID-19 (TNCEAL), Nancy Corley, attorney with Corley Henard Lyle Langford PLC, Linda Peek Schacht, founding director of Lipscomb University’s Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, and DarKenya W. Waller, JD, MBA, Executive Director at Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands.

Named for the mythological Greek goddess of the same name. Athena represents attributes including wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, strength, strategy, and skill. Her spirit lives on in women who use their vision and persistence daily to excel, while reaching out to open doors and blaze new trails for others to follow.

Each year, during Women’s History Month in March, Nashville joins more than 500 communities throughout the United States, Canada, China, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Bermuda, Greece, India, and the United Kingdom in honoring exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence in their own professional and personal lives.

Under the auspices of Cable, Tennessee’s premier leadership organization for women’s professional advancement, this year’s ATHENA Award ceremony will be held March 31^st in Nashville. In addition, the ceremony includes the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and Scholarship. The scholarship was created in 2011 to highlight emerging women leaders between the ages of 25-40 who demonstrate excellence in their profession and improve the quality of life for others in the community while serving as role models for other young women both personally and professionally.

The 32nd Annual Nashville ATHENA Award and Scholarship Program will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Learn more about the Athena Awards here: https://nashvillecable.org/advocacy/athena/

Contact:

Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Relationship Lead
cathey.stamps@interaworks.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, they offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Their integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, they’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

Global learning and development company InteraWorks continues to expand with the recent acquisition of Denver-based McGhee Productivity Solutions. The addition moves InteraWorks and its mission forward on multiple fronts as the company continues to redefine learning and development in the workplace.

McGhee Productivity Solutions is a longtime industry leader helping enterprise companies create cultures of productivity through coaching, training, and change management programs. Their blended-learning portfolio provides professionals with skills and systems to execute at higher levels and increase well-being along the way. They are well known around the world for their Take Back Your Life! productivity programs and thought leadership as well as planning and accountability programs for teams, executive coaching and more.

“Our businesses share a commitment to helping organizations and the people in them generate more of the results they want in business and in life,” said InteraWorks CEO Laurie Oswald. “InteraWorks is now more well-positioned than ever to help companies who value their human capital most of all to develop, engage, and empower the leaders of tomorrow.” InteraWorks Managing Partner Anne McGhee-Stinson shared, “Our collective portfolios are meant to be together particularly to serve our clients and the challenges they face at this time.” Laurie added, “The combined company will reflect an expansion of capacity, content, technology, ideas, geographic coverage, and terrific additions to our talented team. We expect to be operating as one company by mid-year 2022 with integration activities already underway.”

For more information on McGhee Productivity Solutions, please visit www.mcgheepro.com.

Contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Relationship Lead
cathey.stamps@interaworks.com

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About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, they offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Their integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, they’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com

Denver, CO

InteraWorks is proud to be represented by both CEO Laurie Oswald and Director of Practice Anne McGhee-Stinson at THE LEADERSHIP Development Day conference in Denver, CO on February 3^rd, 2022.

Started by Aden Leadership founder and coach Greg Aden, the event brings together leaders from across verticals to share approaches, insights, and strategies for effective leadership in business and beyond. The event notice makes clear that its producers hand-selected speakers and leaders who represent the best of us, can guide us into better futures, and whose stories are important to share as a way to inspire others to be better leaders.

A two-time presenter, Oswald will join a panel on Women in Leadership that includes Emily Robinson (COO FirstBank), Dr. Janell Allen-Davis (President and CEO Craig Hospital), and Tami Fischer (CEO/Executive Director at Metro West Housing Solutions). McGhee-Stinson will co-present with her brother Doug McGhee (Realm.Men) on Wisdom and Courage: Own Who You Are.

“This is a great opportunity for people who are committed to more meaningful servant leadership to come together and build community, as well as share ideas and insights,” said Oswald. “We’re thrilled to be included in the stellar company of so many others who are leaning into a holistic approach to leadership – one that can change the experience of people in the workforce.”

The event will include both live-onsite and remote options for attendance. Use the code Interaworks for a 10% discount on registration.

For more information of THE LEADERSHIP Development Day conference:
https://adenleadership.com/leadership-development-day

For more on Laurie Oswald
https://interaworks.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/laurie-oswald.pdf

For more on Anne McGhee-Stinson
https://www.interaworks.com/about-us/team/anne-mcghee-stinson/

Contact:
Cathey Stamps, Marketing and Relationship Lead
cathey.stamps@interaworks.com

 #####

About InteraWorks: InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, they offer top-rated learning programs including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Their integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, they’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. www.interaworks.com