Maria Stipic

A great strategy is more than just a document with a big, great plan! It’s the story that drives an entire organization forward. The LEAD Forward September is ready for you who wonder how to make your strategy resonate more in the organization. We believe that strategy should resonate at every level of your organization. Our September Brief reveals proven techniques to turn your strategic vision into a compelling narrative that engages leaders and teams alike. When your strategy becomes a story, it inspires action, fosters alignment, and propels success.

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Bring Clarity to your Future - Focus on your Passions Are you recently retired or contemplating retirement? Are you retired and restless? Are you trying to avoid retirement?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, there is a good chance that you are experiencing some angst. Welcome to being normal. Our brains are wired to experience concern when facing uncertainty. Feeling a sense of angst for an extended period of time, however, can be harmful to your brain and your body. The antidote for angst is knowledge – the kind of knowledge that can give you clarity about how to approach the next chapter of your life. How can you gain clarity? Try these three tips. 1.    See your journey into uncertainty as an adventure. It presents you with an opportunity to envision a future that is not an extension of your past. It can be a time for re-invention, exploration, curiosity. 2.    Spend some time reflecting on your passions that you have put aside for one reason or another because life got in the way. Create a journal to capture your thoughts in writing. Nothing elaborate is required. Simple bullet points are fine. For example, your list might say: a.     Photography. I’ve always loved it. Never took time to pursue it. b.    I love dogs, have since I was a kid. I’ve thought about breeding and showing dogs – never had the time. c.     Reading. I’ve always been an avid reader. Ten years ago I stopped. Don’t know why. Seemed like I didn’t have time. Too much other stuff going on in my life. 3.    Envision making them part of your future, either as full-time endeavors, or part-time activities. Relax and allow your imagination to run wild. Don’t edit your thoughts, judge your thoughts, or worry about what others might think. This exercise is for you alone. Go to your journal. Write down your ideas and thoughts. You need not share them with anyone – until you’re ready. Here is one example: a.     I’ve always liked to photograph animals – in the wild and people’s pets. I could invest in some high-quality cameras, lenses, etc., start photographing, create a blog site and start showing my work to people. Maybe advertise as a pet photographer and earn a few bucks to start. I could see where that goes, then maybe do some reading and research, find the breed of dog that I would want to breed and show and see where that takes me. Yeah. I have the time now. Start today. Create a journal and write down your thoughts and ideas. Doing that will accomplish these things: ·      It will help you remember them as you move forward.  ·      It will replace your angst with focused clarity. ·      It will help you develop your plan for a rewarding next chapter. Which passion will you pursue first?  

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🎉 Bragging Time: I Have the Best Clients! 🎉 Last week, I kicked off a new cohort of “Empowered to Lead” at Summit EHSQ Inc. and the energy in the room was fantastic! The team’s eagerness to learn and grow was truly inspiring. 🌟 What excites me even more is partnering with Summit's senior leadership team in supporting their managers, who are bringing Summit's vision to life. Here’s how we will make it happen: 🔹 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬: We’re intentionally aligning leadership practices with Summit’s vision and values with to create consistency and stability. This approach creates space for flexibility where it matters most, like delivering exceptional client service and innovation. 🔹 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: We’re focused on building repeatable, effective leadership practices – from communication and feedback processes to performance management – to ensure alignment across the management team and micro-cultures. 🔹 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: We’ve set up an ongoing feedback process,  so we can work together to achieve the best results. Creating clarity and consistency in leadership behaviors and organizational processes, deeply rooted in organization’s values and vision, is the key to long-term success. 🌱 I’m excited to work with organizations that are open to learning, experimenting, and truly see their people as their greatest asset. I can’t wait to witness Summit’s leaders thrive as they go through the “Empowered to Lead” journey. Jennifer Wittig #leadership #empoweredtolead

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Episode #2 of The Inner Blueprint's Podcast is here… And it's packed with insights that you absolutely can't afford to miss. 🚀 Join us as we sit down with the incredible DJ DesJardins to explore the crucial role of accountability in driving success. DJ DesJardins brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing strategies that will transform the way you tackle challenges and achieve your goals. 🎙️ Why should you tune in? Because we’re diving deeper than ever into the practices that make or break personal and professional growth. 💪 Get ready to be inspired, to learn, and to take your understanding of success to a whole new level. Episode #2 drops tomorrow on your favorite podcast streaming platform, and trust me, it’s full of actionable advice that will elevate your journey like never before. 📈 Apple https://lnkd.in/gU_qMQKE Spotify https://lnkd.in/gTnZAjqH #TheInnerBlueprintPodcast #AccountabilityMatters #LeadershipInsights #ProfessionalGrowth #positivity #mindset #motivation #selfimprovement #growth #attitude #change #happiness #mentalhealth #wellness #nevergiveup #enjoytheride

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In the dynamic world of leadership, one name stands out for its unwavering commitment to making a difference – Debra Beagle. With over a decade of working together professionally, I can attest to her exceptional qualities that make her the perfect candidate for the role of RRC CRS First Vice President. They say great leaders don't aspire to lead. They set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role. It’s always about the goal. Debra embodies this wholeheartedly. Her leadership isn't about titles; it's about transformation. She listens with a genuine curiosity and empathy, understanding the pulse of the community she serves. What truly sets Debra apart is her genuine care for both the outcome and the people involved. She's not just a leader; she's a catalyst for positive change. Her influence has created ripples throughout our industry, touching countless lives along the way. Every life touched by Debra's kindness and vision sets off a chain reaction of events, shaping the future of our industry for years to come. That's the power of her leadership – it leaves a lasting impression on all those she encounters. As we approach the time to cast our votes, remember this: Debra Beagle isn't just a choice; she's an investment in the future of our CRS organization and the lives it impacts. Let's choose a leader who not only talks about change but embodies it every step of the way. Vote Debra Beagle for RRC CRS First Vice President and witness the lasting impression she'll leave on us all.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About the Connections Leadership Journey® Attend our Connections Leadership Journey beginning October 17, 2024 and experience this comprehensive program. Real experiences, real growth. Discover how CLJ has transformed leaders and teams! #LeadershipJourney #FacilitatorCertification #UnlockPotential #TransformativeLearning #OpenEnrollment #Empowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #SkillsBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth

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What gets your Spidey senses twitching? When that SteerCo struggles to be scheduled, or gets cancelled at the last minute? When the big Exec tells the world that you are one of their top two priorities, but you know they can’t find the time to speak to you. When the resources that are offered, turn up late, are part time, or their poor performers. I bet your Spidey sense is twitching now. We like to believe that our Stakeholders and Sponsors believe too. As much as we do. They don’t. We look for the signs that they love us (confirmation bias), not the ones that they don’t. If we thought they didn’t love our project, that would mean extra work, or consequences, or even the failure of our project, that we have invested the time and effort into (IKEA bias). Humans survival systems are honed to pick up on signs of threats. We spot them, even if we don’t act on them. Spotting them faster means you can catch them early to reframe, reignite or regroup. We use a checklist; because we know we are human and sometimes we don’t *want* to know, but that we should. We check it weekly. It keeps the action recent. We constantly scan. When we see a sign, we triangulate. One sign is not actionable. Triangulated data gives us confidence. Then you can act, with intention. You can achieve as much change as you have the Leadership Conviction for. Know how much you have. And if you want a copy of our Leadership Conviction Checklist; then buy our Irrational Change Planner. #irrationalchange #spideysense #icanfeelit

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As a business professional at StrongStar-Simplified, I can confidently say that implementing quality systems is crucial for organizational excellence. From my experience, businesses that prioritize quality systems see improved efficiency, increased customer satisfaction, and higher profits. But how do you know if your organization is truly excelling? That's where organizational excellence assessments come in. By conducting thorough evaluations, we can identify areas for improvement and create strategies for sustainable growth. This is a game-changer for any company looking to stay ahead in today's competitive market. #qualitysystems #organizationalExcellence #businessgrowth #efficiency #customersatisfaction #StrongStarSimplified

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One of our counterintuitive pieces of advice.  One that change agents miss every time. It matters, and it needs action, quickly. If you don’t, the situation is just going to get worse, not better. It isn’t sexy, it is basic, but it really matters, and you need to hear it: ▷ Your project or program team is your first round of change targets   ▷ Your stakeholders are your second round of change targets     We can be quick to focus on those that need to adopt the change, the real change targets.    We assume our project or program team are on our side, aiming for the same goals and full of trust in us.  They aren’t. They are focused on THEIR goal; to deliver the product and are full of expectations of what you will, or won’t do, based on their past experiences.  The project has been running a while, and that it feels as though everything is late, due to all the slippages before you arrived.  The pressure is on to deliver and deliver fast.  You focus on your Change Targets and make big assumptions. Assumptions that can prove to be dangerous.  You realise that you are causing discomfort in your project team. They want to micro-manage or constrain you. Stakeholders aren’t seeing their role as you see it, or are simply unavailable.  You pause.  You reflect.  You realize your project team or stakeholders don’t trust you, and that you may be heading in different directions.  What do you do?  Awareness is the first step.  Take a moment to pause and prioritise.  Build relationships, FAST.  ▷ Build rapport.  If necessary have the ‘we have got off on the wrong foot’ conversation. ▷ Ask questions and listen to the answers.  Understand their position, their goals, what success looks like for them, and what (if anything) is causing the pressure, or fear they have.    ▷ Run with the horse: If they are under pressure, and just want you to get things done, it can be hard to find the moment of pause, if so give something so that they feel progress is being made, and as an entry to a conversation.  ▷ Bring Gifts:  Overtly signal that you are here for their success.  (Gifts are not ‘gifts’, they are insights, data, shared secrets; something they value in helping the project move forward).  If you can be mindful, and offer something which is more likely to delight, rather than the bare-minimum.    ▷ Prepare for a hard fail:  If you can’t build the relationships, or establish the access, there is a chance that you (and the project) will not be successful. It will be hard to reframe.  ▷ Learn for the next time:  Your project team are your first round Change Targets. Use the 'golden window' when you first join the project to establish the trust. It is hard to build relationships and trust once the rituals have been settled.  It is rare that you will be given an environment in which you are set up for success.      Spot these dynamics early, act on them and create your own.  Invest in your success. #Irrationalchange #tactic 

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On episode 10 of Courageous Conflict, I sit down with Damon Pistulka √ Pistulka, Co-founder of Exit Your Way®, in the latest podcast episode. We delve into the importance of setting clear goals and the pitfalls of misaligning family members with roles that don’t match their strengths. Communication is key in any successful family business, especially when passing the torch. Discover the crucial role it plays in ensuring a smooth transition, the necessity of recognizing each family member's contributions, and the value of external advisors in guiding these complex conversations. Listen to our candid discussion about the potential for conflict when ownership and responsibilities are unequally distributed among siblings, and how proactively addressing these issues can preserve both family harmony and the business legacy. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ebhn6CW

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👉Business Owners and Executives: Why do people like you choose to work with a professional executive coach? 1. Business, management, communication, and interpersonal skills development: To enhance their skills, style, and effectiveness in guiding their organization and teams. 2. Performance optimization: To identify personal and professional improvement areas, set goals, and develop strategies to achieve peak performance. 3. Strategic thinking and decision-making: To gain an outside perspective on complex business challenges and refine their strategic planning and critical decision-making approach. Would you find value in having someone 100% dedicated to your success? Would it feel good to know your fears and doubts are normal and there are highly effective strategies to manage them? Would you like a safe space to think out loud in a no-judgment zone? If you are open to exploring how working with me as your coach might be helpful, use this link: https://lnkd.in/ecGiNgne #business #managementdevelopment #success

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Using the Coach Approach is the best way to lead your team and yourself. Get the results you want by putting good people in good places.

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Check out this great article from 4xis John Schmidt - What's your flying formation for work experience transformation?

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Only 1 Day Left! Don't miss my free online webinar "Business Scams: How to Avoid Being Swindled" on June 6, 2024, at 5:30 PM Pacific / 8:30 PM Eastern. Learn: How to verify business experts - 4 steps to turn around a failing business. Check out the sneak peek video below! Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gWHMBW_F   Secure your spot today and protect your business from scams. See you there! #Webinar #BusinessScams #RegisterNow #BusinessTips #FreeWebinar #darlenemziebell #entrepreneurs   See less

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Check out these (free) upcoming workshops for Christian Business Owners. Thanks to for sharing these workshops, Mark Thomas ••• Mark and Shelly Photography as well as for the headshot of yours truly! #christianbusiness #professionalgrowth

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Stop talking about marketing with your marketing provider. Talk about your business. 🤷‍♀️ #marketing #businessgrowth #bcbusiness

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"Leadership is magnanimity, the spirit of striving for greatness by bringing out the greatness in others." Tim Dumas of Servus Leadership Inc. In this inspiring episode of the Practical Leadership Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Dumas, an expert in fostering champion mindsets. Tim shared profound insights on how true leadership involves striving for personal greatness while bringing out the greatness in others, a concept he encapsulates with the term "magnanimity." Tim elaborates on practical methods and frameworks that any leader can apply: 1. Personal Mission Statements: Emphasizing the importance of having a clear personal purpose that aligns with one's professional activities. 2. Dream Audaciously: Encouraging leaders to not only set grand visions for themselves but also to champion the dreams of their team members. 3. Operationalizing Love in the Workplace: Discussing how to embed a culture of care and commitment, transforming standard business operations into a more supportive and engaging environment. Throughout our conversation, Tim reinforced that the essence of leadership is magnanimity—aiming for greatness and enabling others to achieve their best. Here are a few standout quotes from our session: "Leadership is magnanimity, the spirit of striving for greatness by bringing out the greatness in others." - Tim's philosophy on the true essence of leadership. "Dream audaciously and champion the dreams of the people around you." - the importance of supporting others' aspirations as a cornerstone of effective leadership. "Operationalize love in your workplace to see magical results." - how do we infuse daily business operations with genuine care and support for colleagues. Join us in this enlightening conversation to learn how you can transform your leadership approach and champion the dreams of those around you. How to champion the dreams of those around you.

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