Leah Parkhill Reilly’s Post

  What’s the one concept that promises to make us better decision-makers and leaders, unleashing our potential and productivity?   AI? Possibly. Stillness? Definitely.   As summer unfolds, I’m excited to share the book that tops my list of those that have inspired the most positive changes in my personal and professional life: "Stillness is the Key" by Ryan Holiday. Alongside the broader Stoic philosophy the author promotes, this book is a game-changer.   In the fast-paced world of business, especially in roles demanding strategic foresight and decision-making, maintaining a calm and balanced mind is crucial. This book is NOT for those who live by the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mantra. It’s for those who believe we are at our best when we cultivate the tools, habits, and lifestyle that foster stillness in mind, body, and spirit.   Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to support highly successful strategic leadership teams. Here’s how I’ve seen Holiday’s stillness principles applied by these leaders:   🔹 Be Ruthlessly Efficient and Mindful About Work, Rest, and Recharge Time  Ryan Holiday draws inspiration from the Stoics, who coined the phrase “memento mori” (remember you will die) as a reminder to stay grounded in the present. Think of it this way: we have, on average, 4,000 weeks on this planet. Each week, day, and minute is important and should be lived mindfully.   🔹 Stay Calm and Carry On The best strategies emerge from a place of clarity and purpose. Practicing stillness clears our minds of distractions and focuses us on what truly matters. Cultivating inner calm helps us show up with confidence and grace, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges.   🔹 Keep Things in Perspective In today’s VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world, we juggle multiple responsibilities. "Stillness is the Key" reminds us to slow down, prioritize, and maintain a balanced perspective. Strategic leadership is about mastering the three horizons (short, medium, and long-term); without perspective, we can easily fall into the trap of reactive thinking.   This small book is full of big ideas. Ultimately, "Stillness is the Key" is a guide to becoming a more mindful and effective leader.   Happy reading! 📖✨   #leadership #mindfulness #VUCA #strategic

What if your most intense emotions could become your greatest leadership assets? In the high-stakes world of leadership, emotions often run hot. But instead of suppressing these feelings, what if you could harness their power to drive positive change and inspire your team? Picture the frustration of a project falling behind schedule, the anger at a team member's repeated mistakes, or the anxiety of facing a major organizational challenge. These emotions are real, raw, and sometimes overwhelming. But imagine transforming that frustration into determination, that anger into constructive feedback, and that anxiety into proactive planning. Hot emotions are not the enemy of good leadership – they're often the catalyst for meaningful action. The key lies in translating these intense feelings into positive, purposeful responses. Here's how: 1. Acknowledge your emotions: Don't suppress or ignore them. Recognize what you're feeling and why. 2. Pause and reflect: Take a moment to step back and consider the bigger picture. What's really at stake? 3. Identify the core issue: Look beyond the immediate trigger. What underlying problem needs addressing? 4. Reframe the situation: How can this challenge become an opportunity for growth or improvement? 5. Choose a constructive response: Focus on actions that will lead to positive outcomes, not just emotional release. 6. Communicate effectively: Express your concerns clearly and calmly, focusing on solutions rather than blame. 7. Lead by example: Show your team how to handle intense emotions productively. By mastering this emotional translation, leaders can turn potentially destructive moments into opportunities for team growth, improved processes, and stronger relationships. How will you approach your next "hot" emotional moment as a leader? Can you commit to pausing, reflecting, and choosing a constructive response? Remember, your ability to translate intense emotions into positive action can set the tone for your entire organization. #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipSkills #ConflictResolution #TeamManagement #ProfessionalGrowth

If you know the man in this picture, you understand why I am smiling so big. He pushes me harder than most people do in my life. We don't know each other. We met for 2 minutes over a year ago. I woke up at 5 a.m., rearranged my morning school carpools, drove to the city, and stood in line for an hour to take his class when he visited Chicago. Somehow, Adrian Williams, a Peloton Interactive instructor who doesn’t know I exist, inspires me to dig deeper—not just on the treadmill, but in life. Remember this: as a leader, manager, or even just a colleague, you’re someone’s Adrian—whether you realize it or not. There are people watching you, learning from you, and admiring you, even if you don’t know them personally. Your words, your actions, the way you handle challenges, setbacks, and successes—these things matter more than you might think. Every day, in big ways and small, you have the opportunity to leave an imprint on those around you. And often, you won’t know the full impact of your leadership until much later, if ever. That’s why leading with authenticity is so critical. People crave realness. They respond to leaders who are genuine, who show up consistently, and who care. So even when it feels like no one’s watching, know that someone is. Your influence reaches farther than you can see. And that’s why staying true to your values, showing empathy, and leading with purpose isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. So in the great words of Adrian Williams... "You are kind, you are powerful, you are loved." AND "Never give up because great things take time."

If I had a penny for every time I've heard a new leader say "I've achieved nothing today, I spent the whole day helping my team"… It's a common feeling for leaders, especially those who are 'doers' and measure their productivity by crossing off items on their to-do list. Often, the natural instinct is to try to do it all - meaning late nights catching up on your 'own' work. This leads to stress, and over time can result in burnout. Being a leader means shifting your focus from your own tasks to your team’s success. Here are three things that have helped me and my clients balance this transition: 🔸 Redefine productivity As a leader, your success is measured by your team’s achievements, not just your own. Shift your mindset from crossing off to-do lists to asking yourself - how am I helping my team succeed today? Pop that on your to-do list if it makes you feel better 😉 🔸 Prioritise delegation Delegate tasks that don’t require your direct input. This frees up your time and empowers your team to take ownership. Yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's key to developing your team’s capabilities. 🔸 Create time blocks Set aside time to focus on high-priority tasks without interruptions. Block it out in your calendar and communicate these boundaries to your team, so they know when they can come to you and when you're focused on critical work. You might even want to move to a different environment that you can start to associate with your own focus time. Leadership is a journey and you'll be learning and adjusting as you go. It’s not about doing more. It's about doing the right things to support your team to achieve results together. How have you found the balance between helping your team and getting your own work done? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 👇 #Coaching #CareerCoach #Leadership #FirstTimeLeader

Elite performers enact and strictly follow personal conditioning plans to keep a balanced mindset. By doing so, they return to work with fresh mindsets that cultivate innovation and creativity. When creating your executive conditioning plan, turn to Transcend’s Elite Performance Checklist: --> View performance preparedness, daily rituals, and time management as elite athletes do in preparing for competition. --> Set aside time to rest, repair, and dream. --> Create a regimen to keep yourself steady, de-stressed, healthy, and mindful. --> Embrace activities that keep you thinking, feeling, playing, and learning. To see the rest of our Elite Performer’s Checklist, click the link in the comments. Give one of your executives or C-suite colleagues a little dose of leadership inspiration to practice an elite mindset. Tag someone in the comments, and we’ll send both of you our newest leadership tool. This set of special playing cards is guaranteed to drive meaningful conversations and strengthen team connections in any meeting! #Mindset #Performance #ExecutiveDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #Rejuvination #Burnout #Performance *Wiley, Craig (2024). The Elite Performer’s Checklist. Transcend Insights. LinkedIn is not responsible for this promotion. Limit one set of cards per person.

Have a great week ahead!! Colossians 3:12-13 Effective leadership requires more than just strategic thinking and decision-making. It calls for true compassion—a deep understanding and empathy for those we lead. But how do we balance this compassion with the need to set and maintain healthy boundaries? Here are some thoughts: 1. Compassion is Key True compassion in leadership is about genuinely caring for the well-being of your team. It's about listening to their concerns, understanding their challenges, and supporting their growth. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive. 2. The Importance of Boundaries While compassion is essential, so is the ability to set clear boundaries. Boundaries help prevent burnout, ensure clarity in roles and responsibilities, and foster a healthy work environment. They protect your time and energy, allowing you to be the best leader you can be. 3. Finding the Balance Balancing compassion and boundaries involves: - Communicating Clearly: Set clear expectations and be transparent about what you can and cannot do. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. - Being Approachable Yet Firm: Encourage open communication and be approachable, but also know when to say no or delegate tasks to maintain balance. - Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being. A leader who is overwhelmed or burnt out cannot effectively lead with compassion. - Empowering Your Team: Trust your team to take ownership of their tasks. This not only builds their confidence but also creates a sense of accountability and independence. 4. Leading by Example As leaders, we must model the behavior we wish to see. Show compassion in your interactions, but also demonstrate the importance of boundaries by respecting your own limits and those of others. 5. Continuous Learning Leadership is an evolving journey. Stay open to learning and adapting. Seek feedback from your team and be willing to adjust your approach as needed. By integrating true compassion with firm boundaries, we can create a supportive and productive work environment where everyone thrives. Let's lead with empathy, clarity, and strength. 💪✨ #Leadership #Compassion #Boundaries #TeamWork #EmployeeWellbeing #EffectiveLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth

Are Your Leaders Expressing the Right Emotions in the Moment? In today’s fast-paced environment, leaders are constantly navigating packed schedules and unexpected interruptions. It’s easy for their emotions to get out of sync with their behavior, unintentionally influencing the team around them. Did you know that a leader’s emotions can impact others in just 0.04 seconds? That’s faster than the blink of an eye. Picture this: A leader, moments before a meeting, is told that a key sales leader is resigning. Without taking a moment to reset, they step into the room, carrying visible frustration and anger. In mere milliseconds, the entire team feels it, and the room is charged with tension. How can leaders avoid this emotional contagion? The key is Arriving Mindfully—a simple yet powerful approach to ensure that leaders are present, focused, and intentional with their emotions: 1. Shift to Now: As you move from one setting to another, mentally acknowledge you are leaving one scenario for another. 2. Take a Mindful Breath: Pause. Inhale deeply, reminding yourself of your present moment. 3. Name Your Emotion: Before stepping into the new situation, decide what emotion you want to bring into the room. 4. Focus: Intentionally observe those around you and the tone of the room. Be fully aware of the environment and its nuances. Leadership is about connection, and managing emotions in real-time is essential for building trust and creating a positive team dynamic. Want to have a conversation about how to manage your emotions in real-time? Give me a call at 203-561-9946 or email [email protected] #Neuroscience #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipEvolution #GrowthMindset #PositiveChange #Compassion #Empathy #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingForLeaders #VulnerabilityInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipIdentity #ChangeManagement #GrowthMindset #SelfAwareness #CoachingStrategies #FearOfChange #CoachingROI #Empowerment #LeadershipSkills #Transformation #ResistancetoChange #ExecutiveLeadership #Emotions #EmotionalIntelligence

Your team’s performance starts with YOU. 💼 As a leader, you set the tone for your entire organization.. whether you realize it or not. The energy you bring to your team every day is reflected in their engagement, productivity, and morale. If you’re constantly tired, burnt out, or running on empty, don’t be surprised if your team starts to mirror that. But when you’re fueled by fitness, you bring more than just energy—you bring focus, clarity, and resilience. You’re able to handle stress better, make clearer decisions, and lead with confidence. And that’s exactly what high-performing teams need in a leader. Here’s the truth: Fitness isn’t just about you—it’s about the impact you have on everyone around you. Your health and well-being are the foundation for leading a thriving team and building a successful business. 💡 In my Executive Protocol, I’ve seen the difference it makes when leaders make fitness a priority. They don’t just transform their own health—they transform their leadership, their team’s morale, and even their company culture. So the real question is: Are you prioritizing your energy and fitness to lead your team at your highest level? 💪 Let’s start there. DM me or comment ‘LEAD’ below, and I’ll help you create a plan to elevate your fitness, boost your energy, and lead by example. #ExecutiveFitness #Leadership #EnergyMatters #LeadByExample #HighPerformance #FitnessForLeaders #TeamMorale #WellBeingAndLeadership

Ah, the lessons we learn from crappy leaders. While painful, these experiences can be incredibly enlightening. Here are a few gems I’ve picked up from the worst of the worst: 🚫 Micromanagement Masterclass: Want to demotivate your team? Hover over their every move. Nothing screams "I don't trust you" like constant interference. 🙈 Communication Chaos: Keep everyone in the dark. Ambiguity and mixed messages are sure-fire ways to create confusion and frustration. ❌ Praise is Overrated: Why recognize hard work when you can focus solely on mistakes? A little negativity goes a long way in crushing morale. 🔍 Vision? What Vision?: Operate without a clear vision or goals. Make sure your team has no idea what they’re working towards or why it matters. 👑 Play Favorites: Show blatant favoritism. It’s a great way to foster resentment and division within your team. 🛑 Avoid Accountability: When things go wrong, always blame someone else. Personal responsibility is for suckers. 📟 Resist Change: Cling to outdated methods and resist new ideas. Innovation is the enemy! 🕳️ Feedback Black Hole: Never provide constructive feedback. Let your team guess what they’re doing wrong (or right). 🔥 Burnout Bonus: Encourage long hours and ignore work-life balance. Burnout is just a sign of dedication, right? 😱 Lead by Fear: Rule with an iron fist and instill fear. It’s much more effective than earning respect. These experiences have shown me exactly what not to do as a leader. Crappy leaders teach us the importance of trust, clear communication, recognition, vision, fairness, accountability, openness to change, constructive feedback, work-life balance, and leading with respect. #LeadershipLessons #WorkplaceWisdom #BetterLeadership #TeamSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipFails #WorkSmart P.S. If you feel like I’m talking about you, it might be time for some self-reflection and/or therapy. 😉

Today’s joy note is about the value of DECISIVENESS to you as a leader. Clarity of purpose is essential to being decisive as the focus is the goal and not emotions. Decisiveness starts with a clear understanding of your goals. Know exactly what you wish to accomplish, as this provides a foundation for all your decisions. When your objectives are well-defined, making decisions becomes more straightforward, aligning each choice with your overarching vision. Act on Situations: Recognize that 80% of decisions can be made as situations arise. Trust your judgment and act swiftly. Procrastination often leads to missed opportunities. By making timely decisions, you demonstrate confidence and reliability to your team. Adapt and Adjust: If a decision doesn’t work out, make another one. The key is to keep moving forward. Indecision leads to stagnation, while a series of informed decisions builds momentum. Learn from each outcome, and use those insights to refine your approach. Building Momentum: Decisiveness builds momentum. As a leader, your decisiveness can inspire and energize your team. When they see you taking clear actions, it instills confidence and encourages them to do the same. This dynamic can significantly enhance team productivity and morale. Living a Decisive Life: To live a decisive life, cultivate a mindset that values action over hesitation. Embrace risks as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only benefits your leadership but also fosters a culture of decisiveness within your team. A decisive leader sets a positive example, leading to a more cohesive and motivated team. Decisiveness reduces uncertainty, allowing your team to focus on execution rather than second-guessing decisions. This clarity and direction are crucial for achieving success and fostering a high-performing work environment. #Self-Improvement #Clarity #Decision #JoyNotes Today’s Playlist Believer – Imagine Dragons I Can – Nas High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco Drive – Incubus