Youniversal Leadership Newsletter - Issue #1: The Journey Begins

Welcome to the “Youniversal Leadership” Newsletter. This newsletter serves as an extension of the Youniversal Leadership series on the Youniversal Luv Movement podcast, sharing my reflections related to each episode. If you have not already, we invite you to listen to the series on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is our first newsletter in the series where I will be providing setting the path for the journey ahead.

Setting the Context:

From a young age, as the second youngest of six children, I realized the importance of my actions. My actions determined whether I was first to the last bowl of Fruity Peebles in the morning and granted privileges like playing outside. Observing my older siblings’ choices—both favorable and unfavorable—made me acutely aware of my own decisions. I learned early on the self-direction necessary to achieve desired outcomes. Though I didn’t recognize it then, this was my first brush with leadership.

My earliest memory of leadership was on the playground, playing Ninja Turtles with friends. I was always chosen to be Leonardo, my favorite character with his blue mask and swords. This childhood game subtly taught me decision-making, a skill reinforced by watching shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As I grew older, I continued to make choices that aligned with my goals and purpose, such as avoiding harmful behaviors in high school and pursuing a future-oriented path.

This journey of self-directed leadership eventually led me to hold various leadership positions, from president of the Black Student Union in undergrad to my recent election as president-elect of the Professional Organizational Development Network (POD). These roles and my professional journey, which has included being an Executive Fellow at the Propel Center and owning my own part-time business, have greatly enhanced my perspective. Though it has left me motivated in how I choose to show up, it has also raised more questions for exploration for myself and other leaders.

The past two weeks were particularly purposeful. I took 33 HBCU faculty leaders to the Apple Campus and spoke publicly for the first time on humanizing leadership. It was cathartic, not only because I had been writing about it for close to a year, but also because of the conversations it sparked and the invitation it extended to people to embrace their humanity in our world of hustle and bustle. Just last week, I was fortunate to present on this topic again at the International Conference for Educational Developers in Nairobi, Kenya. The discussion validated the need for such exploration on a global scale. Who would have thought that self-accountability in ways that create healthy outcomes for ourselves and others would be a new frontier in 2024?

Why Youniversal Leadership?

At the heart of Youniversal Leadership lies a profound realization – that leadership is not just about authority or control, but about a deep connection to oneself and others. Throughout history, leadership has undergone myriad transformations, from celestial guidance to authoritarian rule. Yet, amidst these changes, one truth remains constant: effective leadership is rooted in self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to human flourishing.

In today’s complex and interconnected world, the need for Youniversal Leadership has never been more pressing. We are faced with unprecedented opportunities – from global pandemics to social unrest – that demand a new approach to leadership. Youniversal Leadership offers a path forward, guiding us towards a future where leadership is synonymous with compassion, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of the greater good.

Exploring Mind, Body, and Spirit

To truly understand Youniversal Leadership, we must explore the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. These three pillars form the bedrock of human experience, shaping how we perceive the world and interact with others.

The Mind: As the control center of our being, the mind holds the key to unlocking our full potential as leaders. It is not enough to simply have a growth mindset; we must cultivate a way of thinking that fosters healthy outcomes for ourselves and others. Through the lens of positive intelligence, we can harness the power of our minds to regulate emotions, cultivate resilience, and inspire positive change. This is beyond virtue signaling to true embodiment which takes us to the body.

The Body: Our bodies are more than just vessels; they are sacred spaces through which we navigate the world. Taking care of our bodies is essential for cultivating healthy outcomes for ourselves and others. By being present in our bodies and attuned to their needs, we can create environments that foster well-being and vitality. Yet, the body itself needs fuel and a drive to continue on and that comes from the spirit.

The Spirit: At the core of our being lies the essence of who we are – our spirit. It is the energy that animates us and infuses our interactions with others. Nurturing our spirit is essential for cultivating compassionate leadership, as it allows us to connect authentically with others and tap into a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Launching the Newsletter and Podcast Series

This newsletter marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we explore the principles of Youniversal Leadership. It serves as a companion to our upcoming podcast series, where we will delve deeper into the mind, body, and spirit connection in leadership.

Having just returned from Nairobi, Kenya, where I presented on these concepts at the International Conference for Educational Developers, it seems the perfect time to launch this initiative. The feedback and engagement I received there reinforced the importance and relevance of these ideas in today’s world.

In the upcoming podcast series, we will kick off with a three-part series focusing on the mind, body, and spirit:

• The Mind: We’ll discuss the role of the mind in leadership, exploring how cultivating a positive and resilient mindset can enhance leadership effectiveness. We’ll dive into techniques for emotional regulation, fostering mental resilience, and inspiring positive change.
• The Body: This episode will highlight the importance of physical well-being in leadership. We’ll explore how being attuned to our bodies’ needs and maintaining physical health can create environments that foster overall well-being and vitality.
• The Spirit: Finally, we’ll delve into the spiritual aspect of leadership. We’ll discuss how nurturing our spirit and connecting authentically with others can lead to compassionate leadership and a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Upcoming Episodes and Special Guests

Following the initial series, the podcast will feature various leaders deeply immersed in leadership practice and theory. They will share their unique approaches to self-directed leadership and how they humanize spaces for themselves and others. This ongoing dialogue will provide diverse perspectives and practical insights into applying Youniversal Leadership principles in different contexts.

Your Journey Begins Now

Thank you for joining us on this journey. As we navigate the depths of Youniversal Leadership, we aim to forge pathways towards a future where leadership is synonymous with compassion, empathy, and a boundless commitment to human flourishing. Remember, the greatest thing we can do is lead ourselves. As the tagline for Youniversal Luv Unlimited goes: “Love yourself enough to love all those around you.”

This newsletter and podcast series is not just about exploring leadership; it’s about transforming how we lead ourselves and others. Together, we embark on a journey to uncover the transformative power of Youniversal Leadership, creating healthier, more humanizing outcomes for all.

This exploration is a vital part of my ongoing commitment to understanding and promoting human potential, a commitment that underpins all initiatives by Youniversal Luv Unlimited. As we delve deeper into these themes, the Youniversal Leadership newsletter stands as a beacon for those seeking to understand and harness their true capabilities.

Join us on this transformative journey, and let’s make a positive impact together.If you haven’t already, we invite you to listen to the Youniversal Leadership Podcast series on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Join us on this transformative journey by subscribing and sharing your insights.