Hey there Impact Maker!
AI is everywhere — in our inboxes, comment sections, and even the “personalized” messages that somehow think I’m dying to start a franchise or need to generate thousands of leads for my business.
And while I can spot a bot-written blurb a mile away, I’ll admit it: I use AI too. 😮 In fact, I use it every day to help shape my thoughts, sharpen my writing, and bring more clarity to my voice. (BTW, I'll die on the hill that I've been using em dashes long before AI thought they were cool.)
But the key word there is, help. I bring the raw material — the lived experiences, messy drafts, transcripts of my words, and lessons learned the hard way — and AI often helps me mold my thoughts and ideas into something worth sharing. Our partnership works because I stay connected to my own ideas.
And that’s what I think we’re at risk of losing if we lean too hard on automation: not just our voices, but the wisdom we’ve earned from showing up, getting it wrong, and doing better next time. I don’t want to lose my creative edge the way I’ve surrendered my mental math skills to my iPhone calculator app. Staying relevant means doubling down on what makes us human — curiosity, empathy, and the courage to keep learning.
That’s why this week’s newsletter is all about creativity, leadership in a disrupted world, and yes, a few things that just make me happy.
And a shout out to those of you who replied last week to share what you’re enjoying so far — keep it coming. Your messages go straight to me (a real human), and I will reply. Let’s keep this conversation real — even if all you want to say is, “I love Diet Coke too!”
This Week's Featured Insight
Disruption isn’t coming. It’s already here. And in a world where the pace of change keeps accelerating, leaders can’t rely on yesterday’s playbook to succeed today.
In this week’s featured insight, I break down six essential competencies that can help you lead through uncertainty, build credibility in complex environments, and create real impact — no matter your role or industry. These aren’t buzzwords or nice-to-haves. They’re the foundation for showing up as a future-ready, trusted leader in a time when people are looking for clarity, stability, and vision.
If you’re focused on staying relevant, growing your influence, or helping others do the same, this one’s worth a read.
Read the full article by clicking the link below...
From the Archives: Impact Makers Podcast
Future Fluidity and the Evolving Role of Leadership in the Age of Disruption with Dr. Tanvi Gautam
In this episode from the archives of the Impact Makers Podcast with Jennifer McClure, I was joined by leadership expert and disruptor Dr. Tanvi Gautam for a powerful conversation on the evolving role of leaders in an ever-changing world. We explore why future fluidity matters more than future-proofing, how to lead with authenticity, and what it takes to build a workplace culture that thrives in uncertainty.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts
🎧 Listen on Spotify
3 Resources For You This Week
🤖 Could AI Chatbots Become the Next Workplace Mentors? via Axios
We’ve all heard the chatter about Gen Z turning to AI for homework help, but this article explores how that same behavior is making its way into the workplace. Early-career professionals are increasingly using AI chatbots to guide their work — from email writing to brainstorming and feedback — often in place of asking a manager or colleague. This shift has huge implications for how we think about mentorship, onboarding, and developing talent. If AI becomes the go-to mentor, what does that mean for real human connection, coaching, and development at work?
🎧 The Creativity Choice – Todd Henry’s Daily Creative Podcast
This podcast caught my attention not just for its insights on creativity, but because the practices shared apply directly to leaders looking to disrupt and transform the workplace. Todd explores why creativity is less about waiting for inspiration and more about choosing to create through intentional focus, energy management, and supportive systems. It’s a powerful reminder: innovation isn’t magic. It’s built.
✍️ “Everybody’s Replaceable”: The New Ways Bosses Talk About Workers by Chip Cutter
This article digs into the growing (and troubling) trend of leaders treating people as disposable — especially in the age of layoffs, automation, and "quiet cutting." It’s a reminder that how we talk about people shapes how we treat them. As HR and business leaders, we need to push back on this narrative and lead with humanity, not just headcount.
The Backstage Pass
A peek behind the curtain into what I’m loving, learning, or laughing about lately...
What’s in My Amazon Cart (Besides Hopes and Dreams)
🛏️ Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows
A recent Airbnb stay (thanks, apartment construction) gifted me the best sleep I've had in years. The secret? These glorious pillows. I've been on a Goldilocks-style quest to find the "just right" pillow for far too long, and these are it. I snapped pics of the tags before I checked out and ordered them before I even unpacked. If I look suspiciously well-rested next time you see me, now you know why.
🍵 Heavenly Tea Leaves Organic Loose Leaf Herbal Tea Sampler
In an effort to cut back on my beloved Diet Coke (yes, I hear you, health gurus), I’m trying to glam up my evening beverage routine. Enter this tea sampler — no added sugar, no caffeine, no weird ingredients, and enough variety to keep things interesting. Is it a Diet Coke? No. But it’s warm, flavorful, and makes me feel like I have my life together. So… close enough.
💪 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Powder
Six months into my health journey — daily walks, better food, fewer excuses — and apparently I’ve joined the “eat more protein” cult. I used to get maybe 20 grams a day (sad). Now I’m aiming for 120+, thanks in part to my daily smoothie with a scoop of this protein powder. After way too much Googling and review-reading, I landed on this one. It’s clean, tasty, and doesn’t make me gag. Win-win-win.
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