LEMONAID

Lemonaid is an invite-only executive community with a vision to create a world-class, value-driven network for our Executive Members. Our mission is to elevate executives to grow boldly and lead effectively.

We turn lemons into lemonade by hosting world-class summits and providing executive elevation opportunities for improved digital presence, speaking engagements, board seats, advisory roles, and exclusive VC angel investments.

Executive Elevation Partner

Forbes Coaches Council

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading coaches recognized for their expertise and are hand-selected by the Council’s selection committee.

Official Member and Contributor

Atlas Elite Publishing

#1 Amazon Best Seller in Strategic Management and Business Systems & Planning | #3 Strategy & Competition | #4 Business Tech Innovation | #14 Business Leadership
Do you know how business leaders struggle making sense of the latest technology trends? In this book I provide a framework to help them lead and navigate innovation and translate emerging tech into commercial success. The world of innovation can be overwhelming given the rapid pace of change these emerging technology trends bring about, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Author, Become an Innovation Navigator: Secrets to Translating Emerging Tech into Commercial Reality

#1 Amazon Best Seller in Entrepreneurship, Sales & Selling and Small Business Sales & Selling
The top thought leaders share their secrets for living an extraordinary life!

Co-Author, The Abundant Life - Volume 2

NTT Ltd.

Stood up new businesses within the larger NTT Ltd. corporation in collaboration with executive leaders. Led initiatives to create leverage and consistency related to technology strategy definition, partner ecosystem investigation, co-innovation enablement, market development and adoption to promote scale and accelerate product and service offers.

Group Senior Vice President, New Ventures & Innovation

Drove technology strategy and vision in collaboration with go to market (GTM) leaders across technology domains, included identifying and investigating key emerging technology domains, defining global technology strategy and GTM technology standards. Steered joint innovation with clients and partners and provided guidance around co-innovation models, assessing co-innovation opportunities with strategic partners, and leading global co-innovation projects.

Group SVP Technology Strategy Group CTO Office

Dimension Data

Defined strategic technology direction across several technology areas that impacted global business units, and clients, across workplace transformation, networking, security, collaboration, and data center; involved examining current trends in enterprise client markets and evolving market trends from concept to revenue generating solution strategies.

Group VP Technology Strategy, Group CTO Office

Defined start-up businesses for the group and managed business innovation projects, take market trends from concept through to development of revenue-generating solution strategies. Managed selection of technology standards and priorities worldwide. Assisted business line owners in determining technology strategy and direction and facilitated evaluation and selection of vendors for inclusion in partner portfolio.

Global Technology Director, Group CTO office

Led global wireless and mobility business within global networking business unit, entailed defining GTM solution strategy around wireless service offerings. Raised awareness and provided thought leadership externally and internally. Developed execution plans within regional businesses across 6 continents, growing global wireless business from ~$10M at the start to $100M+ within 3 years and eventually to $200M by the end of tenure.

Business Development/GTM Director, Group Networking

Led technology delivery organization in UK: people, capability, and process with P&L responsibility. Built technology alliance relationships across the European region. Grew technology delivery organization to almost 100 multi-disciplinary personnel, resulting in increased support for all UK (and some European) projects, which added revenue from solution delivery.

Technology Director, United Kingdom

Proxicom UK, Ltd.

Launched and led technology delivery organization in the UK, as part of global expansion. Determined and implemented technology vision and direction in the region. Assessed & built technology alliance relationships across the European region.

Director of Technology

Proxicom, Inc. 

Provided technical vision and thought leadership to clients during development of web-enabled technology solutions, supervised all aspects of a technical client engagement, from proposal through implementation.

Lead Consultant

Cutting Edge Computer Solutions, Inc.

Participated in all stages of client server software production from business analysis to programming to integration and support.

Software Consultant

Dad | Leadership Advisor | 2x Bestselling Author | Helping leaders navigate change & turn ideas into income | Follow for leadership & innovation insights

I’m Nadeem, a former tech exec turned leadership advisor, bestselling author, and someone who believes the best ideas come alive when leaders feel clear, confident, and supported.

In my 25+ year corporate career, I helped scale teams from zero to 100s… led go-to-market business growth from $10M to $200M… and drove tech strategies that didn’t just sound good in boardrooms, but delivered results in the real world.

Today, I advise ambitious leaders on how to navigate change, build influence, and turn smart ideas into real revenue.

My bestselling book "Become an Innovation Navigator" captures what I’ve learned, a blueprint for leading and integrating innovation within your business, without the jargon or hype.

Here on LinkedIn, I write about the future of leadership, blending human insight with practical frameworks designed to work in fast-moving, messy, real-life environments.

Here are two truths I believe:
1) Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the most trusted.
2) Innovation doesn’t have to feel complicated. It just needs to feel doable.

If you’re trying to lead in a world that’s changing faster than ever, follow me for insights on how to navigate it.

The future belongs to the leaders who can adapt faster than they resist.

Italians live longer, love deeper, and stress less.
Here's why:

Thanks to Nathan Crockett, give him a follow, for this helpful post which outlines…

15 Lessons the World Can Learn from Italians:
(Warning: This might make you want to book a flight)

1/ Eat slowly
↳ Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

2/ Walk more
↳ The best views aren’t found in a car.

3/ Enjoy silence
↳ A long pause says more than words.

4/ Beauty is everywhere
↳ Pay attention.

5/ Dress well, always
↳ Even a quick errand deserves style.

6/ Tradition matters
↳ But so does innovation. Balance both.

7/ Take care of what you own
↳ From shoes to friendships.

8/ Take your coffee seriously
↳ No syrup. No foam. Just espresso.

9/ Sunday is sacred
↳ Not for work. For God. For family. For rest.

10/ Laugh often
↳ Life is dramatic enough…find the humor.

11/ Argue loudly, love deeply
↳ Intensity means you care.

12/ Food is not just fuel
↳ It’s culture, history, and art.

13/ "Dolce far niente" is real
↳ The sweetness of doing nothing. Learn it. Live it.

14/ Talk with your hands
↳ Passion should be seen, not just heard.

15/ Love where you live
↳ Even if it’s not Italy.

The secret to happiness?
Italians have known it for centuries.

Forget hustle culture.

Italians do life differently on purpose.

🧨 Their Hard Truth:
The world moves fast. 
Remind yourself to slow down and savor it.

Italy isn’t just a place…it’s a mindset.

❓ Which lesson's your favorite?

—

♻️ Repost to help others slow down and enjoy.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more mindset truths.

Nadeem Ahmad

#1 Ranked LI Creator Family Life (Favikon) | Owner of 17 companies, 44 RE properties, 1 football club | Believer, Husband, Dad | Follow for posts on family, business, productivity, and innovation

Dad | 2x Bestselling Author | Leadership Advisor | Helping leaders navigate change & turn ideas into income | Follow for leadership & innovation insights

15 Life Changing Lessons from Italians

Bernd Boketta

You don’t keep talent by offering more money.

You keep them by building better leaders.

Let’s be real:
People aren’t quitting because of pay.
They’re quitting because of leadership.

⚠️ Because they’re not growing.
⚠️ Not challenged.
⚠️ Not trusted.
⚠️ Not seen.

If you’re afraid of losing your best, 
here’s what to do instead:

1/ Skill them up like they’re already leaving
↳ If they quit tomorrow, would you be proud?
✔️ Build coaching into 1:1s every 2 weeks.

2/ Make staying feel like progress
↳ No one sticks around to stay stagnant.
✔️ Tie growth to new roles or stretch projects quarterly.

3/ Trust is built when you shut up
↳ If they can’t challenge you, they’ll leave you.
✔️ End meetings with: “What am I missing?”

4/ Lead like they chose you
↳ Because they did. And they can choose again.
✔️ Say thank you. Often. (and mean it)

5/ Recognize real impact, not loud effort
↳ Quiet performers leave when they feel invisible.
✔️ Celebrate substance weekly, not just volume.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
If your best people aren’t growing, they’re going.
They just haven’t told you yet.

Retention isn’t about perks.
It’s about progress.

People stay where they feel seen and stretched.
Build that… and they won’t want to leave.

❓ What made you stay in your best role?

—

♻️ Repost to help others build real retention.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Inés Lambertini

Rested? Sure. Recovered? Not even close.

You need 7 types of rest to avoid burnout.

Shout out to Justin Wright (give him a follow) for this post which helps answer the question...

Why do you feel exhausted after a full-night's sleep?

Research by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻-𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 shows you need 7 types of rest to truly thrive:

1/ Physical rest – when your body whispers before it starts to scream

2/ Mental rest – because your mind needs space to breathe between thoughts

3/ Sensory rest – in a world that never stops beeping, pinging, and glowing

4/ Creative rest – to refill your well of inspiration and wonder

5/ Emotional rest – because carrying everyone's weight gets heavy

6/ Social rest – stepping back from connections that drain your spirit

7/ Spiritual rest – reconnecting with what gives your life meaning and purpose

It's okay to stop glorifying the grind.
And start honoring your needs.

Because showing up for yourself isn't selfish. 
It's essential.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
The world doesn't need another burnt-out hero.
It needs you at your best.

Your family needs your presence.
Your team needs your energy.
Your work needs your clarity.

But first, you need to rest.

❓ Which type of rest helps you truly thrive?

—

♻️ Repost to help others get better rest.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Success doesn’t run late.

It shows up exactly when you’re ready for it.

You’re showing up.
You’re doing the work.
But it feels like nothing’s moving.

That’s where most people quit.
Not because they’re not capable.
But because they confuse silence for failure.

6 Truths to Keep You Moving 
(Even Without Proof Yet):

1/ Your job is consistency
↳ Timing? Not your department

2/ The drought tests your roots
↳ Keep growing underground

3/ Belief is a practice
↳ Not a feeling… Do it anyway

4/ You’re becoming the person the win needs
↳ It takes time to level up

5/ Progress hides in the boring reps
↳ Keep swinging

6/ Momentum starts invisible
↳ But it’s already building

🧨 The Hard Truth:
You’re not waiting on the win.
The win is waiting on you to not give up.

Trust the work, not the clock.
The when doesn’t matter…

If the who (𝘺𝘰𝘶) stays ready.

❓ What helped you keep going when things felt slow?

—

♻️ Repost to help others stay the course.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

📷 Image credit: motivationdirector on IG

Better goals don't change your life.

Better habits do.

Shout out to Jen Blandos (give her a follow) for this insightful post!

As James Clear said:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems."

We don’t need better goals.
We need better habits - repeated consistently.

That’s what creates identity-level change:
You stop chasing outcomes.
You start becoming the person who earns them.

Here’s what that looks like in action:
↳ Saving $5 daily = $1,825 saved
↳ Learning 1 skill weekly = 52 new skills
↳ Complimenting 1 person daily = 365 smiles
↳ 10 minutes of meditation = 61 hours of clarity
↳ Reading 10 pages daily = 12–18 books a year
↳ Documenting 1 small win daily = a year of progress
↳ Meeting 1 new person weekly = 52 new connections

Earlier this year, I committed to just three:
✔️ Daily meditation
✔️ Complimenting others
✔️ Documenting small wins

Not perfectly - but intentionally.
And that’s what made it stick.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Big change doesn’t come from pressure.
It comes from structure, repetition, and self-trust.

❓ Is there one habit you keep wanting to start?

—

♻️ Repost to help others shift from goals to habits.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Everyone’s addicted to complexity.

But actions that spark breakthroughs are simple.

Shout out to Ed Manfre (give him a follow) for this post which reminds us… 

Not everything needs a system.
Not everything needs a strategy.

Sometimes, you just need to act:

Wanna be understood? → EXPLAIN
Want something? → ASK FOR IT
Don’t like something? → SAY IT
Love someone? → TELL THEM
Like something? → STATE IT
Missing somebody? → CALL
Wanna meet up? → INVITE
Have questions? → ASK

Don’t complicate life.
Keep it simple.

Especially in leadership.

When you drop the drama and speak directly, 
you protect your energy and your relationships.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Leaders don’t need more frameworks.
They need the courage to speak simply and clearly.

❓ What's a simple action was a breakthrough for you?

—

♻️ Repost to help others keep it simple.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Leadership Growth, Delivered | Bestselling Author • CEO Coach • F500 Advisor | Partner @ Heidrick Consulting | Follow for proven C-Suite strategies that drive real results

Norrapon Ruangchan

12 powerful truths successful people embrace daily 
(Mindset shifts that get you ahead):  👇

Many thanks to Ashley Couto (give her a follow) for this post which reminds us…

Burnout isn't a badge of honor. 
Success requires new thinking.

Most people feel their career or business "happened to them" rather than being intentionally built.

Here are 12 mindset shifts that will transform you:

1/ Work like a lion: sprint when inspired, then rest 
↳ Intense focus beats endless hours at your desk. 

2/ The only person coming to save you later is you now 
↳ Take responsibility for your own growth and understand that life does not happen to you.

3/ Nobody is thinking about you 
↳ They're too busy with their own worries, so stop worrying about it.

4/ The self-work you do in silence echoes everywhere 
↳ Internal growth creates external results when done consistently

5/ Energy flows where attention goes 
↳ Focus on what energizes, not what drains and outsource the rest

6/ We're drowning in information yet starved for knowledge 
↳ Seek wisdom, not just more content. 
↳ Create, don't consume.

7/ When you can't move forward, repair your tools 
↳ Use downtime to prepare for future opportunities learning from past mistakes.

8/ Fear is just a shadow of your thoughts 
↳ It only has power when you focus on it, so don't give it screen time.

9/ No risk, no story 
↳ Your boldest moves create your best chapters. 
↳ Take a risk now and again.

10/ Pronoia: believe the universe is on your side 
↳ The opposite of paranoia is powerful and makes success automatic.

11/ Don't leave your potential on the table 
↳ Act on those quiet nudges toward growth and discomfort

12/ Confidence comes from action, not thinking 
↳ Start before you feel ready. 
↳ Manifesting isn't just "think about it and it will come."

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Your leadership is too important to leave to chance. 
Make your move today. 

❓ Which of these resonates most with your journey?

—

♻️ Repost to help others shift their mindset.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

📷 Images credit: drex.dsgn on IG

I help ambitious women move up the leadership ladder | Senior tech leader | Management Career Coach | Award-winning 3x ex-COO | Words in Business Insider, Forbes, SUCCESS | 5’0” w/ 6’2” energy

2x Bestselling Author | Leadership Advisor | Helping leaders navigate change & turn ideas into income | Follow for leadership & innovation insights

Mindset Shifts to Help You Grow

Waqar Ahmed

Should you quit your job?
You don’t need a sign from the universe.
These 16 are more than enough.

Thanks to Rob Dance this sheet which reminds us you don't need to feel ready, you just need to feel done. 

You can fake it for a while.
Smile through the meetings.
Push through the dread.

But your body keeps score.
Your sleep. Your gut. Your joy.
They all whisper the truth.

And every Monday feels like a countdown, 
not a kickoff.

16 signs it's time to quit your job:

1/ You're not learning
2/ You have a terrible boss
3/ You're experiencing abuse
4/ Your workplace is a toxic environment
5/ Your feedback and ideas are not heard
6/ You dread going to work in the morning
7/ Your health is being negatively impacted
8/ Your company seems financially unstable
9/ You are being asked to do unethical things
10/ You feel that there is no growth left for you
11/ Your knowledge and skills are under-utilized
12/ You have lost interest or passion for your job
13/ There is a high turnover rate among employees
14/ You don't get any feedback about your performance
15/ Your responsibilities have increased, but the pay hasn't
16/ You're consistently stressed, negative, or unhappy at work

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Staying too long in the wrong place can quietly damage the best parts of you.

It’s not weakness to walk away.
It’s wisdom.

❓ What signs have told you it's time?

—

♻️ Repost to help others make the right choice.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

12 rare traits that separate high performers
from everyone else:

Thanks to Justin Wright (give him a follow) for this post!

They're not born this way.
They build these habits over time.

And you can too.

Here's what top performers do differently:

1/ They don't wait to be asked.
↳ They see what needs doing and handle it.
↳ They take action without being told.

2/ They stay out of drama.
↳ Office politics drain energy. Solutions create it.
↳ They focus on results, not rumors.

3/ They fix what's broken.
↳ Anyone can point to problems. They solve them.
↳ They bring answers, not just complaints.

4/ They admit what they don't know.
↳ "I'll find out" shows strength, not weakness.
↳ Then they learn fast to close the gap.

5/ They turn ideas into action.
↳ Talk is easy. Execution is rare.
↳ While others discuss, they deliver.

6/ They truly listen.
↳ Not just waiting for their turn to speak.
↳ They hear what others really need.

7/ They balance data with instinct.
↳ Numbers matter. So does intuition.
↳ They know when to trust each.

8/ They spot hidden patterns.
↳ Where others see random events, they see connections.
↳ This ability to anticipate creates massive value.

9/ They handle challenges with high EQ.
↳ Pressure reveals character. Stress tests resilience.
↳ They respond thoughtfully, not just react emotionally.

10/ They finish what they start.
↳ Starting is common. Finishing is valuable.
↳ Their word is their bond.

11/ They make work better for others.
↳ Value isn't just about your personal output.
↳ It's about helping the whole team shine.

12/ They lift others up without seeking credit.
↳ True help comes with no strings attached.
↳ They cheer for team wins like their own.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
These traits aren't about talent or IQ.
They're about daily choices and commitment.

Anyone can develop them.
Few actually do.

❓ Will you be one of them?

—

♻️ Repost to help others grow their career.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Your success, my mission | 3x founder & CEO | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally | Sharing 24 years of hard-earned leadership & self-mastery wisdom

Heather Lawrence

You’re not bad at interviews.
You’re just telling the wrong kind of story.

Most people ramble in interviews.

When asked about their work experience…
They start with “Back in 2019…” and lose the room.
(𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵!)

Use this cheat code instead:
🎯 The STAR Method = your story, but with structure.

1/ Situation → What was happening? Set the scene fast.
2/ Task → What was your role? Get clear.
3/ Action → What steps did you take? Be specific.
4/ Result → What changed because of you? 
↳ Bonus if you can measure it.

More details and key questions in the pdf below. 👇

Practice answering real questions using this format.
Write it out. Say it out loud. Tighten your story.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
If your story feels fuzzy, your value sounds invisible.

Start clear, end strong.
You’ll sound confident without trying to be perfect.

❓ Which step do you skip when nerves kick in?

—

♻️ Repost to help someone prep with clarity.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Your title doesn’t make you a leader.

Showing your team you care does.

Let’s be real.
Most leadership training skips the human stuff.

They teach frameworks and models.
But they forget people want to feel seen and supported.

I’ve led global teams through chaos, change, and burnout.

And this is what always held us together:
Kindness. Practiced daily. 

(Especially when things got tough)

6 Daily Moves That Make You a Kind (But Strong) Leader:

1/ Active Listening and Empathy
↳ Stop multitasking during 1:1s
↳ Look them in the eye, make them feel heard
✔️ Say: “What’s been hard lately?”

2/ Recognition and Appreciation
↳ Vague praise is forgettable
↳ Specific praise sticks
✔️ "You nailed the brief, your insight caught what others missed."

3/ Support and Encouragement
↳ Don’t just ask what’s wrong; show them they're not alone
✔️ Say: “I believe in you, and here’s why.”

4/ Creating a Positive Environment
↳ Your energy sets the tone - every day
✔️ Start meetings with warmth; end them with gratitude.

5/ Vulnerability and Authenticity
↳ Want trust? Show you're human
✔️ Say: “I got this wrong. Here’s what I learned.”

6/ Inclusivity and Empowerment
↳ Invite voices that don’t always speak
✔️ Say: “I’d love your take on this, what do you think?”

🧨 The Hard Truth:
The best leaders don’t manage people.
They care about them. On a daily basis.

You don’t have to be perfect to lead with heart.
Just present.
Just real.
Just kind.

❓ Which kind move have you made in your leadership?

—

♻️ Repost to help others lead with heart.
➕ Follow Nadeem more leadership truth.

Delegation seems easy from the outside.

But letting go feels like losing yourself.

Leaders are always told:

“Just delegate more.”

😡 😡 😡 😡 

As if it’s that easy.

But people don’t see:

❌ The fear of losing your edge
❌ The dread of becoming replaceable
❌ The quiet voice whispering “what if they fail?”

They don’t feel the ache of watching someone struggle with something you could do in your sleep.

Or the pride you secretly guard in being “the go-to expert.”

They don’t see the identity crisis...

🤔 "If I’m not doing, what am I worth?"

But here’s the reality:

Letting go isn’t losing control.
It’s gaining space to lead.

Delegation doesn’t erase your value.
✨ It multiplies it.

Because your team doesn’t need you to do everything.
→ They need you to see what’s next.
→ To hold the bigger picture.
→ To think when no one else has time to.

And yes, they’ll fumble sometimes.
But so did you when someone first trusted you.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Delegation isn’t about freeing up your calendar.
It’s about freeing up your mind.

You’re not losing your worth.
You’re expanding it.

❓ What part of delegation feels hardest for you?

—

♻️ Repost to help others rethink delegation.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Most leaders talk louder in chaos.

The best leaders create clarity.

When the sh*t hits the fan, most people freeze.

⚠️ They overthink.
⚠️ They avoid.
⚠️ They wait for direction.

That’s your window.

Not to control, but to create clarity.

Here are 5 ways to lead with clarity:
(Especially When It’s a Mess!)

1/ Draw It Out
↳ Words confuse. Visuals guide.
✔️ Sketch 3 clear priorities on the whiteboard.

2/ Shrink the Target
↳ Big goals stall action.
✔️ Ask: “What can we solve in 24 hours?”

3/ Kill the Noise
↳ More options = more panic.
✔️ Say what 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 matter right now.

4/ Say the Thing
↳ Being “unclear” doesn’t mean being “behind.”
✔️ Say it out loud. Watch your team exhale.

5/ Pass the Mic
↳ Clarity grows when shared.
✔️ Let the team share, and then lead next steps.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
If you’re not creating clarity,
you’re creating confusion.

You don’t need all the answers.
Just the courage to go first, 
when no one knows the way.

❓ How have you seen others lead with clarity?

—

♻️ Repost to help others lead with clarity.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

You don’t rise by being impressive.

You rise by being consistent.

Execution gets noticed.
And noticed gets promoted.

Let’s be real.

No one tells you how confusing new leadership feels.
Everyone’s watching.
You’re expected to lead… but still learning how.

Here’s what no one teaches in training:

10 Execution Habits Every New Leader Needs 👇

1/ Default to Action
↳ Ship something every week. Progress > perfect.

2/ Make it Real
↳ Post your 30-day goal where the team can see it.

3/ Decide Faster
↳ Use a 24-hr decision rule for $1k-or-less calls.

4/ Remove Bottlenecks
↳ Audit your approval chain. Cut it in half.

5/ Kill the Slides
↳ 1 page. 3 priorities. Weekly. That’s it.

6/ Track It Weekly
↳ Friday: “I said, I did, next week I will.”

7/ Spot the Blockers
↳ Ask daily: “What’s slowing us down?”

8/ Celebrate Movement
↳ End each day with 3 things that moved.

9/ Shrink the Goal
↳ Every Monday: name 1 win that matters.

10/ Finish Small
↳ Pick 1 tiny goal. Crush it by Friday.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Strategy talks.
Execution walks.
Those who walk the walk, get promoted.

You won’t always feel ready.
But if people can count on you, 
you’re already leading.

❓ What habits help you get sh*t done?

—

♻️ Repost to help others drive better execution.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Leadership isn’t about what you say.

It’s how deeply you listen.

Most leaders try to communicate clearly.
After all, great leadership = strong communication, right?
But they don’t actually listen.

Big difference.

Because talking gets attention.
But deep listening?

That makes people feel seen.

Once, a team member told me:
“That’s the first time anyone here actually listened to me.”

Not because I agreed.
But because I was present.

✅ 5 Small Listening Shifts That Build Real Trust:

1/ Drop the "fix-it" reflex
↳ We rush to solve before we fully see
↳ People don’t always need a solution, they need a witness
✔️ Try this: “Do you want advice or just space to talk?”

2/ Reflect, don’t hijack
↳ Ever hear “That happened to me too…” mid-story?
↳ That’s not empathy… that’s stealing the mic
✔️ Say: “That sounds tough. What was that like for you?”

3/ Silence is your power tool
↳ The pause after they speak? That’s where the truth lives
↳ Fill it too soon and you miss what matters
✔️ Count to 3 before responding in your next 1:1.

4/ Listen like it’s the last thing you’ll ever hear
↳ Eye contact… No phone... Zero multitasking
↳ Show them they matter more than your to-do list
✔️ Block 15 mins today for undivided 1:1 presence.

5/ Mirror what you hear
↳ Reflect back key words or feelings
↳ It makes people feel understood, not corrected
✔️ Try: “So what I’m hearing is [their words]… did I get that right?”

🧨 The Hard Truth:
You don’t need to agree to make someone feel heard.
You just need to be fully there.

People don’t remember most of what you say.
But they do remember how safe they felt with you.

That’s the legacy of a leader who listens.

❓ What shifts have you made to listen more deeply?

—

♻️ Repost to help others listen more deeply.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Staying “professional” won’t protect your peace.

It protects toxic people.

Toxic coworkers don’t usually shout.

⚠️ They interrupt.
⚠️ They take credit.
⚠️ They withhold info.
⚠️ They twist your words.

And they get away with it.

You keep telling yourself:
“Stay professional. Be the bigger person.”

But professionalism doesn’t mean silence.
And keeping the peace shouldn’t cost you yours.

So what do you do?

You use the SBI method. Calm, clear and drama-free.

7 Simple Lines for Dealing with Toxic Coworkers

1/ Name the moment (𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻)
→ “Yesterday, during our team standup…”
→ Be specific. Vague feedback gets ignored.

2/ Describe the action (𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿)
→ “You interrupted me three times in that meeting.”
→ Stick to facts. Don’t add judgment or labels.

3/ State the ripple effect (𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁)
→ “It confused the team and delayed key decisions.”
→ Show impact, not intent. Let facts do the work.

Supporting tips to deliver SBI, professionally:

4/ Ask for better, not perfect
→ “I’d appreciate space to finish my thoughts.”
→ You’re setting a boundary, not asking permission.

5/ Pause
→ Say it. Then stop. Let it land.
→ Let the discomfort do its job.

6/ Repeat if needed
→ If they deflect, calmly repeat your statement.
→ Boundaries require consistency, not volume.

7/ Document
→ Follow up with a short recap in writing.
→ Protect your peace, and your credibility.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
You can’t control toxic people.
But you can control how you protect your peace.

Use your voice, not your volume.

Silence doesn’t keep the peace.
It protects the problem.

❓How have you addressed toxic coworkers?

—

♻️ Repost to help others address toxic coworkers.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Remote teams don’t fail because of distance.

They fail because no one sets the rhythm.

Your first 30 days leading a remote team?
They make or break the culture.

→ Everyone’s watching
→ No one’s saying much
→ And silence can feel like success… until it’s not

Most remote leaders either vanish or hover.
Both destroy trust.

Here’s what NOT to do:

❌ Let recurring calls run wild
❌ Assume they “get it”
❌ Favor HQ time zones
❌ Only talk about work

Do this instead:

✅ Cut 30% of invites in Week 1
✅ Set clear outcomes by Day 10
✅ Create shared hours across zones
✅ Start a fun-only Slack thread today

Check out the graphic for more. 👇

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Remote leadership isn’t about being available.
It’s about being intentional (in every interaction).

Consistency. Clarity. Culture.
That’s what earns trust… fast.

❓ What remote leadership move has worked for you?

—

♻️ Repost to help others lead remote teams better.
➕ Follow Nadeem for more leadership truth.

Supporting her dreams isn’t extra.
It’s leadership.

Julie: thank you for showing our daughter (and all others) what powerful, fearless women leadership looks like.

You lead with courage, creativity, and conviction.

Within The Women's Gallery, you’ve created a space where women artists are 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯, not just shown.

I do believe it's a mission bigger than both of us.
And I’m proud to stand 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 you.

To the men out there:
If she’s got a dream… support it, fight for it, believe in it.

It’s not a “nice” thing to do.
It’s leadership.

And it’s how we shape the world our daughters (and sons) will grow up in.

🧨 The Hard Truth:
Strong women don’t need saving.
They need champions.

And someone to build with them.

❓ Who are you building with right now?

—

♻️ Repost to help others support women leaders.
🔗 Follow The Women's Gallery by Julie Ahmad to support the mission!

Abstract Artist & Owner of The Women’s Gallery | Specializing in Contemporary Art | Transforming Spaces Through Original Art by Women

There are some people whose belief in you changes everything. For me, that person is my husband, Nadeem Ahmad — the gallery’s biggest supporter and a true partner in every sense.

From late-night installs to funding our renovations and expansions, Nadeem has stood behind The Women’s Gallery every step of the way. His support isn’t just about love — it’s rooted in a belief that the future we build for our daughters starts with what we invest in today.

Through his actions, he reminds me daily that real change begins close to home — and that when we support women, we shape a world where they can rise, create, and lead without barriers.

💫 Thank you, Nadeem, for believing so deeply in this mission — and for helping create the world we all want our daughters to grow up in.

If you believe in this mission too, here’s how you can help make it thrive:

✔️ Partner with us to bring art experiences to life.
✔️ Collect with purpose — invest in art by women artists.
✔️ Attend our events, go to the link below to RSVP 
     to our next event: 

     The Austin Studio Tour 2025  
     November 8–9 & 15–16 from 12-6pm each day.
     RSVP HERE →  https://bit.ly/3J0looj

Together, we’re creating a world where women artists are seen, supported, and celebrated. Nadeem Ahmad

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