eLeader August 2024

Recently, I made a bold decision: I cut off nearly 12 inches of my hair. What started as a plan to donate it became a personal challenge. As I watched the strands fall away, it felt like shedding a significant part of my identity. Every glance in the mirror or seeing myself on Zoom call now serves as a reminder of this change. While I’m proud to contribute to a worthy cause, adjusting to this new look has been more than just a physical transformation—it's been a mental shift, too.

As leaders and professionals, we often tie our identity to what we do or have. A job title or role can signify who we to others and even for ourselves. For entrepreneurs, their company becomes a significant part of who they are. When faced with changes — an exit, a business failure, or a major transition or pivot — it can feel like a personal identity crisis.

Whether it's a new hairstyle, a career shift, or a business transformation, we often find ourselves clinging to external markers of our identity. However, true fulfillment comes from understanding who we are beyond these elements—our character, values, and the impact we make.

Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle” framework is a powerful tool for this. It encourages us to start with “why” we do what we do, then move to “how,” and finally “what” it is. By focusing on our core purpose and values, we can realign our identity with what truly matters and navigate change with resilience.

Remember, who we are goes beyond 12 inches of hair, a job title, or a business idea. Embracing change and focusing on our core purpose helps us lead by example and connect with the parts of ourselves that genuinely matter. So, as you face your own changes, keep your “why” in sight and embrace each step forward — whether it’s one inch or one leap at a time.

How might others describe your value or impact? What is your “why” or personal purpose? What part of your life — personal or professional — could benefit from change? Write out your personal Golden Circle.

For leadership.

What is Game Theory? ??

Read here

One of the biggest challenges in business is making the right decisions. We may not have a crystal ball to tell us the outcomes of each choice, but game theory can help us make good decisions with the information available. Read this introduction to game theory and how it can be applied to decision-making and leadership.

For entrepreneurship.

Maximize Productivity and Supercharge Your Business ??

Register for free here

Join Inc. Magazine and Rahul Vohra, founder and CEO of Superhuman, on August 15 for a free virtual event to learn how successful founders use their time wisely to avoid burnout. Not only will you learn strategies to maximize your own productivity, get ready to also explore how to keep your team just as productive through the ebbs and flows of growth.

For innovation.

Streamline Video Content ??

Streamlabs | OpusClip

Here are two easy ways to edit like a pro and convert your long-form recordings into bite-sized clips that are perfect for your social media channels! Streamlabs helps you edit your podcast and interviews in fast, dynamic ways. And OpusClip turns long videos into short, viral clips ready to be published. Free and paid versions are available for both.

For culture.

Community Connections ??

Register for free here

Join the Small Giants Community on August 21 to help find solutions to your most urgent business challenges. Bring a current or future challenge or opportunity that you’d like help navigating. Be ready to jump into breakouts alongside other leaders and take turns being on both the giving and receiving end of sharing advice, feedback, ideas, and experiences. Not only will you grow your toolkit of new tactics to try, but you’ll also grow your peer network of support!

For personal growth.

From Saboteurs to Sage ??

Register for free here

Unlock your inner potential on August 7 by attending a free online event hosted by The Charmm’d Foundation — From Saboteurs to Sage: Empower Your Inner Self. It’s time to understand your inner critics and regain your inner strength. Gain awareness of your negative thought patterns and behaviors, and cultivate a more positive mindset through Sage practices to unlock your true potential.