personal growth – Page 2 – Success Strategies

5 Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers

Dead Poets Society

Clarity builds trust and momentum

Summer is almost over and it’s time to make all those back-to-school plans. As we make those plans, lets pause for a minute. Think of a teacher or two who made a difference in your life. Personally, as I age, I think about those teaching experiences and the effect they had on my leadership journey. As I look back, I think of society’s great teachers like Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and the fictional Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society).

Here are 5 lessons leaders can learn from great teachers.

1.Clarity is Powerful

Teachers break down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces.
Leaders must do the same—clearly communicate vision, expectations, and feedback so everyone understands what success looks like.

Lesson: Say less, mean more. Clarity builds trust and momentum.

2. Patience Enables Progress

Teachers know learning takes time and that growth isn’t always linear.
Leaders should extend grace and patience during times of transition, failure, or new learning curves—whether with teams or themselves.

Lesson: Progress often looks like repetition before results.

3. Individual Strengths Matter

Great teachers recognize that not every student learns the same way.
Great leaders acknowledge that not every employee works, leads, or grows the same. They tailor support, roles, and recognition accordingly.

Lesson: Personalize your leadership to bring out the best in each person.

4. Structure Creates Freedom

Teachers use routines and structure to create a safe space for creativity and exploration.
Leaders who implement clear systems give their teams the confidence and autonomy to take initiative.

Lesson: Strong frameworks unlock innovative thinking.

5. Passion Inspires Performance

Teachers who genuinely care spark curiosity and motivation.
Leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart cultivate higher engagement and loyalty.

Lesson: When you model passion, people give their best

As school begins its opening session, the road becomes a task / lesson plan in and of itself. What are your thoughts on the top five lessons? Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.

Don’t forget to connect if you would like to discuss your own leadership growth journey.

5 Great Teachers—Real and Iconic—Who’ve Made a Lasting Impact

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is engraved in the lives of others
Pericles

Behind every great leader is a story of someone who taught them how to think, not what to think. Whether in classrooms, communities, or through powerful stories, teachers like Anne Sullivan, Jaime Escalante, Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and even the fictional Mr. Keating from Dead Poets Society have left lasting legacies. They did not just impart knowledge, but they also unlocked human potential. Their bold approaches, deep empathy, and unwavering belief in those they taught offer rich leadership lessons for anyone seeking to inspire, elevate, and transform others.

1. Anne Sullivan – Teacher of Helen Keller

Why she matters: Sullivan’s unshakable belief in Helen’s potential shows the power of persistence, adaptive teaching, and emotional intelligence.

Leadership lesson: Believe in others, even when they can’t yet believe in themselves.

2. Jaime Escalante – Math Teacher, ‘Stand and Deliver‘

Why he matters: Taught AP Calculus in a struggling inner-city school, proving that high expectations and dedication can change lives.

Leadership lesson: Set the bar high and show people they can reach it.

3. Erin Gruwell – English Teacher, “Freedom Writers”

Why she matters: Helped under-served students find their voices through journaling and literature.
Leadership lesson: Create a safe culture for expression and transformation.

4. Maria Montessori – Founder of the Montessori Method

Why she matters: Revolutionized education by emphasizing self-directed learning, observation, and individual strengths.

Leadership lesson: Foster autonomy and trust people to grow when given the right environment.

5. Mr. Keating – Fictional Teacher, “Dead Poets Society”

Why he matters: Though fictional, Mr. Keating represents the kind of leader who challenges others to think differently, embrace risk, and “seize the day.”

Leadership lesson: Inspire people to think for themselves and lead with courage.

Which iconic teacher has made a lasting impression on you as a leader? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching

Innovation Distinguishes. A group of cross-cultural leaders gathered together to discuss the Cultural Undervaluing of Professional Coaching. Education is a crucial pillar of development, but it is not the full structure. Professional coaching, especially in career planning, mindset growth, and personal branding, is often seen as optional, extravagant, or even unnecessary.

Chris, Maxine, and I, focused on The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching. It has many effects. Here are a few:

Underdeveloped Potential

Talented individuals stay stuck in survival mode. They fail to unlock their genius because no one helps them think strategically about their growth.

Career Plateau

Professionals with great resumes stall out due to poor networking, weak positioning, or self-limiting beliefs.

Global Irrelevance

In our rapidly changing world where soft skills, emotional intelligence, and AI adaptability are premium assets, people fall behind.

Silent Suffering

Many carry silent frustrations; “I’m better than this, but I don’t know how to rise.” Coaching could be the very bridge out of that quiet despair.

Join the conversation. Let’s hear your thoughts.
Rather a private chat? Chat me now.

The Story Behind Success Strategies (And What’s Coming Next …

I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.

As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.

That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!

Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.

Goal Setting & Achievement

The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.

Discovering Purpose & Passion

Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.

Stress Management & Work Life Balance

The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.

Embracing Change & Personal Growth

Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.

Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building

For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.

Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.

Subscribe Now! Get on Board

Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!

Cheers!

Top 12 Places to Donate Your Books

With so many books to choose from, you’ll have the hard part of deciding which one to donate.

On Instagram I shared the hard task of purging my books. I have a million with little or no storage space. But what happened was…. During my purge, I ended up reading and re-claiming books.

I decided to share my work (purge in process), and an interested person asked, “where can you donate books?” I responded briefly but decided to post more here on the blog.

Popular and Unique Places to Donate Books

Local Donation Options

Public Libraries
- Many libraries accept gently used books for their collections or book sales.
- Call ahead—they often have specific donation days or guidelines.
Schools & Colleges
- Especially helpful for children’s books, young adult novels, and textbooks.
- Contact local principals, librarians, or teachers to ask if they need donations.
Community Centers / YMCA / Local Clubs
- Often accept books for literacy programs, tutoring, or community libraries.
Hospitals & Nursing Homes
- They may accept clean, gently used books for waiting rooms or patient use.
Churches / Faith-Based Organizations
- Great place to donate devotionals, spiritual books, or children’s materials.

Charitable Organizations

Goodwill or Salvation Army
- Accepts a wide range of books. Proceeds support their employment programs.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
- Some locations take books to sell in support of housing projects.
Books for Africa / Books Through Bars / Better World Books
- Organizations that distribute books to under-served communities locally or globally.
Little Free Library
- Find a nearby box via littlefreelibrary.org and drop books off for community sharing.

Online / Specialized Options

Freecycle.org / Buy Nothing Groups (Facebook)
- Offer books locally for free and connect with those who want them.
Local Prison Programs
- Many prisons accept paperback books only. Check with local chaplains or nonprofits.
Book Drives / Literacy Nonprofits
- Check with local literacy organizations or Rotary Clubs—they may be running book drives.

The Power of the In-Between: Leading Through Life’s Transitions

Sometimes God brings times of transition to create transformation. ~Lynn Cowell

Transition is not a sign that something’s gone wrong.
It’s often a sign that something deeply right is trying to emerge.

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, stepping into leadership, returning to yourself after raising children, grieving a loss, starting over, or simply outgrowing who you used to be — you are not lost.

You are in motion.
And motion is sacred.

Transitions Aren’t Detours

So many of us have been taught to treat transitions like detours. Inconveniences. Delays.
But in my experience — and maybe in yours too — transitions are not detours. They are invitations.
Invitations to pause.
To listen.
To lead our lives more deliberately.

There’s a quote I love:

Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried but actually you’ve been planted

So if you’re feeling buried right now — by uncertainty, or fear, or change — know this:
You’re not stuck.
You’re becoming.

Whether it’s career change, motherhood, empty nesting, loss, or reinvention — transitions are not delays. They’re sacred invitations to pause, realign, and step into something deeper.

Who You Are Becoming is Just as Important as What You’re Doing

Our default in transition is to rush into action.
Update the resume. Apply for roles. Rebrand the business. Hustle harder.
But what if the first step wasn’t “What should I do?”
What if it was: “Who am I becoming?”

Because clarity doesn’t come from more motion.
It comes from alignment. From asking:

What do I no longer want to carry?
What am I being called to step into?
What version of me is ready to emerge?

This is your opportunity to shape your next self, not just your next job title, or business pivot, or life chapter.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

One of the hardest things about transitions? They can feel so lonely.
Especially for women who are used to being the strong ones, the fixers, the go-to for everyone else.

But here’s what I want to say to you today:
You are not alone. And you’re not the only one feeling “in between.”

Let this season be one where you ask for help.
Where you find community.
Where you give yourself permission to rebuild — slowly, honestly, bravely.

Because you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
You just have to decide you’re worth the becoming.

Wrapping it Up

So if you’re in transition today — good.
It means you’re alive.
It means something inside you is shifting. Growing. Healing.
Honor that.

You don’t need to go back to who you were.
You are being invited to rise into who you’re becoming.

And I promise — she is worth the wait.

Going through a transition and feeling confused? Let’s connect

Cheers!

Give Her the Gift of Growth This Mother’s Day

How Can Leaders Take Charge of Limited Resources to Achieve Better Outcomes?

66 Percent of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96 percent of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.

Begin with the end in mind. ~Steven Covey

It was a pleasure to speak on the topic Prioritizing Workloads at the HR and Business Leader’s Council of Florida
Education, Social Impact and Networking event.

A fitting topic as 66% of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96% of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.

As we forge through the new year, it’s statistics like these and the impact on organizational and personal stress that led to the Council’s forward thinking to bring it to the forefront of the business leader’s mind.

How can we prepare? How can leaders take charge of their limited resources to achieve better outcomes?

Covey steered strategists to Begin with the End in mind. 🎯 Prioritizing limited time and resources work wonders. Most of all learn to say ‘No’
to time wasters and set boundaries. 🚫

Suffice it to say, there was much to synergize and Dave & Buster’s Inc.
provided the right space.

It’s time to take charge of your priorities. Stay tuned for more on the Urgent vs. Important Matrix.

Understanding Emotional Exhaustion: 5 Key Signs

Self-care is how you take your power back
Lalah Delia

Long days at work, inability to meet financial needs, household chores, relationship strains. All these can take a toll on us at times. Here are 5 signs associated with burnout. Read and examine each. Then apply it to yourself.

1.Emotional Exhaustion

Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from daily stressors, with persistent mental and physical fatigue.

2.Decreased Performance

Reduced productivity, struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, and experiencing a significant drop in work quality.

3.Detachment and Cynicism

Developing a negative, indifferent, or callous attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities. Feeling disconnected and unmotivated.

4.Physical Symptom

Experiencing frequent headaches, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, weakened immune system, and increased vulnerability to illness.

5.Lack of Work-Life Balance

Feeling constantly preoccupied with work, inability to disconnect, neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities.

Are you experiencing one, two, or a few of these signs? Stay tuned for practical solutions. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

_{Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com}

7+ Ways To Prepare For A Public-Facing Leadership Role

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch

More than two decades ago I started my first leadership role. Always facing an audience through years of athletic performance, the arts, other leadership roles, I was always confident. But this was different. In my HR Leadership role, I faced responsibilities on behalf of the company. No more hiding behind other senior leaders. My boss gave me no choice but to step up to my full responsibilities.

After going through a bout of nervousness that lasted months, I found that it got easier each time. Before long, I prepared for each meeting when I had to address employees performance, achievements and areas of development across the region with confidence.

On observation these days, we see politicians and society’s leaders in public service assuming new roles. Consequently, the question was raised; “can a person from behind the scenes excel in a new public-facing role?” The answer is absolutely!

Public-facing means a role where the (individual) exercises managerial authority or control of an entity’s activities.

Here are 7+ points to prepare for a public-facing leadership role. Focus on:

1.Communication Skills

Develop clear, compelling public speaking abilities
Practice articulating complex ideas simply
Learn media training techniques

2.Personal Brand Development

Build a professional, authentic public image
Be consistent across different platforms
Develop a strong personal narrative

3.Continuous Learning

Stay updated on industry trends
Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
Cultivate emotional intelligence

4.Professional Appearance

Dress appropriately for your industry
Project confidence through body language
Work on your on-camera and in-person presence

5.Media and Presentation Preparation

Take media training workshops
Practice handling tough questions
Learn crisis communication strategies

6.Networking

Build relationships with key industry influencers
Develop a supportive professional network
Seek mentorship from experienced public leaders

7.Digital Literacy

Manage social media presence professionally
Understand digital communication etiquette
Be mindful of online reputation

Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability

Develop thick skin for public scrutiny
Learn to handle criticism constructively
Maintain composure under pressure

Consistent practice and self-reflection are the keys to becoming an effective public-facing leader.

What has been your experience with getting ready for a leadership role? Did you use any of the above strategies? If so, what worked for you? Any other strategy that comes to mind? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

10 Ways To Help You Achieve Your Goals

Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar

Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.

If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:

1.Break Down Large Goals

Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
Create a step-by-step action plan
Make each milestone specific and measurable
Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal

2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan

Write down your goals in detail
Specify exactly what you want to achieve
Include specific deadlines
Identify potential obstacles in advance
Create strategies to overcome these obstacles

3.Prioritize and Track Progress

Use tools like:

Goal tracking apps
Physical planners
Digital spreadsheets

Regularly review and assess your progress
Adjust your plan if needed
Celebrate small victories along the way

4. Build Accountability

Share your goals with trusted friends/family
Find an accountability partner
Join support groups related to your goals
Consider working with a coach or mentor

5. Develop Consistent Habits

Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
Practice discipline and consistency
Use habit-tracking techniques
Start small and gradually build momentum

Goals: Killing me Softly

6. Enhance Motivation

Visualize success
Create a motivational vision board
Use positive affirmations
Reward yourself for reaching milestones
Maintain a growth mindset

7. Continuous Learning

Acquire necessary skills
Read relevant books/materials
Take courses
Seek mentorship
Stay updated in your goal’s domain

8. Manage Time Effectively

Use time management techniques
Prioritize tasks
Eliminate distractions
Practice focused work sessions
Use productivity tools

9. Practice Self-Care

Maintain physical and mental health
Get adequate rest
Exercise regularly
Practice stress management
Maintain a balanced lifestyle

10. Stay Flexible and Resilient

Accept that setbacks will happen
Learn from failures
Be adaptable
Maintain a positive attitude
Continuously reassess and adjust your approach

Follow these steps to achieve your goals as you step into a new phase of your career. Need help? Let’s connect

Cheers!

Why Year-End Triggers Career Reflection

You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind. ~Hillary DePiano

The end of the year naturally invokes a period of career reflection, which serves as a psychological milestone that compels professionals to pause and assess their journey. As the calendar approaches its final weeks, individuals are instinctively drawn to introspection, triggered by a combination of cultural traditions, personal goal-setting practices, and an innate human desire for growth and meaning. This time of reflection is fueled by the contrast between the year’s accomplishments and unfulfilled aspirations, creating the opportunity for honest self-evaluation (hint …that common ideal weight loss plan).

Natural Evaluation Period

Annual performance reviews
Reflecting on past year’s achievements
Setting new personal goals
Psychological reset moment

Emotional Triggers

Holiday season brings perspective
Family gatherings prompt life discussions
Increased time for self-reflection
Motivation from new year anticipation

Professional Burnout

Accumulated workplace stress
Desire for meaningful change
Recognizing current job’s limitations
Seeking personal fulfillment

External Evaluation

Social conversations about resolutions
Seeing others make bold moves
Increased motivational content
Feeling inspired by potential

Strategic Approach

Budget reassessment
Career growth opportunities
Market trend observations
Personal development planning

Motivational Approach

Embrace fear as growth signal
Start with small, low-risk steps
Build confidence gradually
Seek professional guidance
Create solid transition plan

Recommended Actions

Self-assessment
Skill inventory
Informational interviews
Part-time exploration
Professional coaching
Continuous learning

Are you experiencing any of these signs? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Adapt the motivational approach along with the recommended actions. But if you need the expertise of a coach who can help. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate for a friend experiencing these signs and help him/her kick off the new year with a difference.

1.Clarity is Powerful

2. Patience Enables Progress

3. Individual Strengths Matter

4. Structure Creates Freedom

5. Passion Inspires Performance

Share this:

1. Anne Sullivan – Teacher of Helen Keller

2. Jaime Escalante – Math Teacher, ‘Stand and Deliver‘

3. Erin Gruwell – English Teacher, “Freedom Writers”

4. Maria Montessori – Founder of the Montessori Method

5. Mr. Keating – Fictional Teacher, “Dead Poets Society”

Share this:

Underdeveloped Potential

Career Plateau

Global Irrelevance

Silent Suffering

Share this:

Goal Setting & Achievement

Discovering Purpose & Passion

Stress Management & Work Life Balance

Embracing Change & Personal Growth

Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building

Subscribe Now! Get on Board

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Popular and Unique Places to Donate Books

Local Donation Options

Charitable Organizations

Online / Specialized Options

Share this:

Transitions Aren’t Detours

Who You Are Becoming is Just as Important as What You’re Doing

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Wrapping it Up

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Subscribe to continue reading

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1.Emotional Exhaustion

2.Decreased Performance

3.Detachment and Cynicism

4.Physical Symptom

5.Lack of Work-Life Balance

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1.Communication Skills

2.Personal Brand Development

3.Continuous Learning

4.Professional Appearance

5.Media and Presentation Preparation

6.Networking

7.Digital Literacy

Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability

Share this:

1.Break Down Large Goals

2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan

3.Prioritize and Track Progress

4. Build Accountability

5. Develop Consistent Habits

6. Enhance Motivation

7. Continuous Learning

8. Manage Time Effectively

9. Practice Self-Care

10. Stay Flexible and Resilient

Share this:

Natural Evaluation Period

Emotional Triggers

Professional Burnout

External Evaluation

Strategic Approach

Motivational Approach

Recommended Actions

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