Thoughts & Musings
from Lorene

 

Welcome to my personal vault of lessons, reflections, and strategies — drawn from decades of leadership experience, global speaking engagements, and real conversations with professionals navigating today’s fast-changing world of work.

 

Navigating What’s Now – and What’s Next

May 26, 2025

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, many of us are leading in uncharted territory—across geographies, across generations, and increasingly, alongside AI.

From hybrid teams to digital overload, from intergenerational expectations to shifting definitions of connection and culture, the leadership landscape is complex. And yet, within this complexity lies opportunity—if we stay grounded in what truly matters.

In a recent leadership session, four clear anchors emerged that can guide us through today’s challenges and tomorrow’s uncertainty:

The Four Anchors of Resilient Leadership

1. Perseverance

Leadership doesn’t always look like forward motion. Sometimes it’s the quiet strength of holding steady. Resilient leaders show up, again and again, especially when the way forward isn’t obvious yet.

 

2. Big Picture Thinking

When change feels relentless, it’s easy to zoom in and get reactive. But resilient leaders zoom out. They remember the “why”—the purpose behind the pressure—and help their teams find meaning beyond the moment.

 

3. Reflection

In a world that celebrates speed, it’s easy to default to immediate action. But reflection is what turns reaction into wisdom. Resilient leaders pause, assess, and respond with intention.

 

 

4. Consideration

Resilience isn’t a solo sport. It’s about how we hold space for others—especially during stress. Empathy, curiosity, and care are not soft skills. They are critical leadership capabilities in today’s human-centered workplace.

 

Why This Matters Now

We’re leading teams that are more diverse—in age, background, and location—than ever before. We’re managing across time zones, tools, and temperaments. AI is here, reshaping how we work and how we lead. And yet, at the heart of all this change is a constant truth:

Connection still matters.

Real, human connection across screens, cultures, and generations is the glue that keeps performance and purpose aligned.

When we lead with perseverance, big picture thinking, reflection, and consideration, we build cultures that don’t just survive disruption—they thrive through it.

 

This week, anchor your leadership in action:

  • Choose one anchor to intentionally practice in your day-to-day leadership.
  • Initiate one real connection—a check-in, a conversation, a moment of curiosity—with someone on your team you don’t regularly engage with.
  • Reflection Exercise for You and Your Team

Take 5-10 minutes at your next meeting to reflect on the following:

  • Which anchor do we model well as a team?
  • Which one do we need to strengthen—and how?
  • What does resilience look like in our context right now?
  • Where are we mistaking busy for effective? How can reflection help?

Let’s keep building workplaces where people—and performance—can thrive. We call that ‘both and...”

CLARENDON WALLACE NEWSLETTER

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