Have you ever stopped to consider the impact your feedback can have on others? Its power is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most potent tools we have to propel growth. Early in my teaching career, I had a student who was constantly disengaged, and they seemed stuck in a limbo of underperformance. School and life dealt then stiff challenges: absent parents, poverty, the pressure of being the eldest sibling. Yet, amidst such adversity, their spirit was unbroken — a spark was waiting to ignite. During a math lesson, the student solved a problem in a way I'd never seen. It was a creative solution, demonstrating how underappreciated their potential was. I decided to test a theory– Could targeted, effective feedback ignite a spark? Over the next few weeks, I offered them specific, actionable feedback — not just unpacking what they did right or wrong, but explaining why. I praised his creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience, reinforcing each compliment with clear examples...

Do your reflections ever bring you full circle?  For me, that point is the elementary classroom—a place where leadership, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning collide. Early in my career, I stepped into the chaos, creativity, and wonder of guiding young minds. As a teacher, you learn to lead with softness without losing sight of your purpose, to empathize deeply but still organize your day around the undeniable truth of a ringing school bell. Fast-forward a decade, and I found myself navigating a starkly different landscape—the corporate world. Yet, the emotional lessons ingrained in my role as an educator stayed with me, secretly guiding my approach to leadership in learning and development.  In both scenarios, at the heart of success lies an underlying thread—Emotional Intelligence. This idea holds the power to make or break our leadership styles—be it in the classroom or the office. A study by TalentSmart, testing EQ alongside 33 other essential skills, found tha...

What can elementary teaching possibly have to do with corporate leadership? As unexpected as it may initially seem, it’s this intriguing intersection that has defined my 15-year journey in learning and development.  Early in my career, I stood before a group of bright-eyed second-graders, captivated by their curiosity and simple joy in discovery. Meanwhile, years later, as a learning and development leader, I found myself in and out of conference rooms, strategically planning next-step scenarios and leading teams into unknown territories.  Could these two worlds appear more different? While contrasting at first glance, their intersections became glaringly apparent as I delved deeper into my leadership journey. The common thread? Learning — the all-encompassing, never-ending process that has the power to transform both a second-grade classroom and a non-profit organization. As both an educator and an L&D leader, I’ve learned that fostering an environment conducive to learni...

Is it possible that our best lessons in leadership unfold not in the corporate world, but in classrooms filled with curious children?  Years back, I found myself standing in front of a classroom of seven-year-olds —each with their unique blend of curiosity and energy. As their teacher, it was my responsibility to channel their enthusiasm into learning and growth, a challenge that felt monumental on some days. Fast-forward a decade, and my work is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom. Today, as a leader in Learning and Development, my pupils are now professionals in a corporate setting, yet one thing holds true — the fundamentals of teaching and learning remain surprisingly similar across these two vastly different landscapes. What I've learned from these different, yet connected arenas, is that good teachers, like effective leaders, operate from a place of empathy and understanding. It is empathy that allows us to connect deeply with our students or team members, app...

As an elementary teacher, every day presented learning opportunities – not just for my students, but for myself.  Among the many lessons, the importance of active listening stood out.  One particular parent-teacher conference highlighted this. I remember preparing for it; I was armed with the student's achievements, areas of struggle, and an action plan for progress. But the meeting took an unexpected turn. The father, began sharing how shifts at his work, combined with the struggles at home due to the passing of a close relative, were impacting the family dynamics. He was, in essence, opening up about the turbulence his child was navigating. As he spoke, I resisted the urge to interject with my pre-considered points, taking a step back to actively listen instead. That decision significantly changed the trajectory of our conversation and, ultimately, the student’s progress.  The same principle holds true in organizations. In our rush to execute, solve, and innovate, it'...