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New Book!
Leading Legends: Female Superintendents Breaking Barriers with Purpose and Power
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Main Character Energy
Main Character Energy explores what happens when leadership becomes too centered on the leader. Drawing from Paul Graham’s “founder mode,” Jamil Zaki’s research, Gallup data, and the idea of supporting-character energy, this post examines how power can narrow perspective and weaken connection. The alternative is a more curious, humble approach to leadership: listening deeply, helping people connect work to meaning, and remembering that leadership is not about owning the whole
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Sep 282 min read
Is Transparency Enough?
Transparency alone does not guarantee trust or alignment. When leaders share more information without helping people understand what matters, why it matters, and what to do with it, openness can become noise. Inspired by Kara Dennison’s concept of narrative clarity, this post explores how leaders can create meaning, reduce confusion, and connect everyday work to a clear sense of purpose. The goal is not simply to share more, but to help people make sense of what they hear.
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Sep 212 min read
Circle of Safety
A strong Circle of Safety empowers teams to do their best work without fear. When leaders create environments rooted in trust, accountability, and protection, people stop managing risk and start investing in shared success. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, this approach shifts leadership from control to care—unlocking creativity, ownership, and meaningful performance through psychological safety and belonging.
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Mar 23 min read
Compounding Leadership
Tiny gains, repeated daily, compound into extraordinary leadership. Inspired by James Clear’s 1% Better mindset, true growth rarely shows up in grand gestures—but in consistent, quiet actions: a thank-you note, deeper listening, one meaningful question. Leadership isn’t built in the spotlight; it’s built in the small, intentional choices made every day. What’s one thing you can do today that your future team will thank you for?
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Feb 232 min read
The Power of Words
Words have power and who gets to decide what they mean (‘which is to be master’) is significant.
Dr. Cindy Petersen
Nov 25, 20242 min read
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