“The Triumph of Fascination Over Fear in the AI Era”
“Like generations before us, we’re asking profound questions: Will AI empower or replace us? Is it a threat, an opportunity, or both?” AI is everywhere. Some envision Skynet, others utopia, while most of us hover uncertainly in between. From the Luddites smashing looms during the Industrial Revolution to contemporary anxieties around DNA technology, history shows […]
Kevin McKenzie 
“Crisis Into Catalyst: 7 Ways to Spark Breakthrough Growth”
“Transparency breeds buy-in, accelerating the pace at which growth ideas become reality. People support what they help create.” In recent Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letters, we explored empathy as a leadership superpower and the crucial role of teams in the turmoil around tariffs. Now, let’s push further and discuss growth as a bold, strategic leap forward. […]
“From Crisis to Cohesion: How Teams Can Rise Above Market Turmoil”
“In a landscape fraught with volatility, the teams that stand out are those that maintain open communication, collaborate empathetically, and consistently look for opportunities hidden in the chaos. “ What a difference a week makes. Last Wednesday, I wrote about “Tariff Day 2025” and how leaders could navigate the storm of new U.S. tariffs with […]
“Tariff Day 2025: Will You Lead with Empathy or Wait and See?”
“Playing it safe isn’t safe. It erodes trust and loyalty, while leading with empathy and courage creates resilient teams and loyal customers.” April 2, 2025 – “Tariff Day.” Today, President Trump’s new tariffs take effect, and businesses and global markets are reacting with uncertainty dominating the headlines. For many business leaders, the instinct is to […]
“Elon Musk Says Empathy is a Weakness. I Say It’s Your Superpower.”
“Empathy is how you keep people with you – not just working for you.” Elon Musk says empathy is a weakness. I say it’s your superpower. That’s not just a difference of opinion. It’s a fork in the road for how we lead. Musk’s approach might appeal to those who believe leadership is about speed, […]
“Leading in 2025: Are You Ready for What’s Next?”
“What if continuous learning became your organization’s most decisive competitive advantage?” As we conclude our five-part series on Leading in 2025, let’s reflect on the interconnected challenges defining the future of leadership. It’s evident that leaders face a rapidly changing world filled with complexity and constant disruption. At Whatif? Advisory, we’ve identified five critical challenges […]
“What If Tariff Uncertainty Helped You Build a ‘Blue Zone’ Workplace?”
“In a turbulent world, we need more than standard wellness perks to attract and retain top talent.” In last week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we discussed turning your organization into a “Blue Zone” by creating a purpose-connected culture that fuels a strong sense of meaning and community. This week, we’re adding the fifth of the five challenges […]
“What if your company was a Blue Zone business?”
“Purpose alone isn’t a silver bullet, but it consistently appears to be a key factor in higher engagement, innovation, customer and employee loyalty, and long-term value.” In this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we discuss the fourth of the Five Key Challenges on the 2025 Horizon, purpose-connected cultures. What if your company was a Blue […]
“In the war for talent, who’s really winning?”
“The real differentiator is how authentically an organization cultivates a sense of meaningful work, relationships, and recognition.” In this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we discuss the third of the five key challenges on the 2025 horizon. What if attracting and retaining top talent had less to do with fancy offices and free food and more […]
“Unlocking the Power of ‘We’ in a Hybrid World”
“By reframing the workplace, whether city-wide or globally, we can capture the full potential of distributed teams.” In this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we discuss the second of the five key challenges on the 2025 horizon. What if the future of teamwork wasn’t about where you work but how you connect? Despite some organization’s […]
“Leading Through Two Major Disruptions: A Vision for Bold Leadership”
“Highlight the human edge by helping your people see AI as a support system for their ideas and expertise. Emphasize the ways AI frees them to do more creative, people-focused work.” Last week, we discussed the need for adaptive and resilient leadership to manage the change and uncertainty ahead of us in 2025. Since then, […]
“Adaptive & Resilient Leadership: Navigating the Challenges of 2025”
“Resilient leaders see each disruption as an opportunity to learn and grow, and, as a result, their teams learn to do the same. “ In last week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we discussed the challenges leaders will face in 2025, from digital-first workplaces to reimagining workforce well-being. This week, we’ll focus on the first of […]
“Leading in 2025: Five Key Challenges on the Horizon”
“We can’t just rely on what worked before; we need to steer our organizations with a fresh perspective that balances financial outcomes with people-centric values.” I’ve been conversing with leaders from various industries lately – CEOs, heads of strategy, and rising managers—and one thing stands out: the landscape in 2025 looks markedly different from just […]
“The Year of Presence”
“Break free from autopilot – when you choose to be fully present, you inspire those around you to do the same, creating a ripple effect throughout your organization.” The Year of PresenceHappy New Year! Each January, we set ambitious goals—yet most fizzle by spring. This year, I challenge you to prioritize something genuinely life-changing: being […]
“What if the best version of you is just one thoughtful question away?”
Remember, your brand is what others say about you when you’re not in the room. Embracing Reflection and Possibility This Holiday Season As the year winds down and festive lights illuminate our homes, it’s the time of year when we take time off for the holidays to spend with family and friends. It’s also when […]