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Leadership in 2025: Adaptability, Bold Vision, and Generative Wholeness™. As we navigate the fast-paced, uncertain terrain of 2025, one thing is clear: the leadership styles that served us yesterday may not suffice tomorrow. The world no longer rewards transactional leadership—the kind that prioritizes structure, task completion, and compliance. Instead, leaders must embrace adaptability, creativity, and a human-centered approach to inspire innovation and resilience in their teams. ▶️A Story of Generative Change I want to share a story of a corporate executive named Cassandra. Known for her operational efficiency, Cassandra was tasked with integrating AI into her organization’s customer support functions. However, her transactional approach emphasizing rigid metrics and compliance alienated her team, stifling creativity and innovation. Realizing the need for a shift, she adopted a “generative leadership mindset.” Instead of directing her team, she began asking open-ended questions: What opportunities can AI create for us? How can we ensure that everyone on the team feels equipped and empowered to explore these tools? By fostering a culture of curiosity and trust, her team not only embraced AI but also identified creative ways to use it! This story illustrates the transformative power of moving beyond the transactional. Generative leadership isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about creating conditions for teams to thrive in the face of uncertainty. ▶️ From Founder Mode to Agile Adaptation Cassandra’s journey also highlights the duality of effective leadership in 2025: the need for founder-mode decisiveness and agile adaptability. Founder-mode leaders bring bold vision and long-term focus. They anticipate challenges, embrace calculated risks, and articulate a compelling “why” behind every decision. Agile leaders, on the other hand, thrive in the nuances of change, encouraging experimentation and pivoting strategies as circumstances evolve. Together, these approaches form a powerful framework. Take the case of labor shortages. A founder-mode leader might address this by investing in robust upskilling programs, while an agile leader ensures these programs adapt to employees’ real-time needs. The result? Teams feel empowered, valued, and aligned with a shared vision of success. ▶️ Leadership as a Human-Centered Journey At its core, leadership in 2025 requires embracing what Harvey describes as “Generative Wholeness™.” This approach sees tension not as a problem but as an opportunity for growth. Leaders who practice Generative Wholeness™ create environments where authenticity, collaboration, and creativity flourish. They move beyond managing to truly inspiring—helping individuals connect their personal values with organizational goals. As we stand at the intersection of innovation and complexity, the question is Are you creating conditions for your team to thrive, or are you holding onto outdated habits that stifle potential?

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves in a season of quiet reflection—a time to honor the connections that sustain us and the work that inspires us. In a world growing ever more complex, your trust and collaboration remind us of what truly matters: the unshakable essence of shared purpose and unwavering integrity. We extend our deepest gratitude to you, our customers, and to our extended team spanning six continents. Your commitment to ethical quality and meaningful impact inspires us daily. Together, we continue to do work that doesn’t just meet expectations but resonates with the highest aspirations of human potential. This is a time to embrace stillness, to reconnect with our inner selves, and to dream of what’s possible for a thriving 2025. Let us move forward with intention, knowing that our partnerships are rooted in values that endure. As we close this message, we’d like to share an ode that encapsulates the spirit of the season: Ode to Solstice ~Hello Darkness you bring us healing flannel woolen dreams cashmere hugs extra hours to kiss the stars and embrace the Milky Way inside our long-sleeved hearts Sweet Pillow you breathe new Galaxies into the Light waiting for us - Carol Lynn Cole May this season bring you peace, inspiration, and a galaxy of possibilities. If we can support your journey into the new year, from being a sounding board to a partner in growth, we’re here to help. (Artist: Jennifer Starr, Watercolor 2024)

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💎 Honored to Be Named Among the World’s Top Executive Coaches! Behind every transformative leader is a moment of truth—a moment where the status quo is challenged, and potential is fully realized. For me, this honor is a testament to the power of Generative Wholeness™ and the art of creating spaces where leaders are not just productive but purpose-driven. Being recognized by Thinkers50's Coaches50 is both humbling and inspiring. This acknowledgment represents more than a personal milestone; it’s a reflection of the incredible clients, peers, and communities who’ve trusted me to journey alongside them through tension into transformation. As I share this moment, I am reminded of a core truth from From Tension to Transformation: “When leaders embrace their sovereignty, they unlock the courage to lead others with authenticity and integrity.” Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being present, resilient, and open to growth. This recognition belongs to every conversation, every question, and every brave choice made by the leaders I’ve had the privilege to coach. To them, I say thank you—for leaning into curiosity, facing fears with optimism, and embodying the truth that leadership is not a destination but a continuous act of becoming. To my fellow coaches and mentors, here’s to cross-pollinating wisdom and championing the best in one another. And to those aspiring to lead with greater purpose, the invitation is always open. Together, we can create a world where leadership transforms not just businesses, but lives. With gratitude, Janet M. Harvey