Rethinking Paranoia: What Andy Grove Got Right About Leadership
Great leaders don’t lead from fear. They lead from awareness. Here’s how shifting from anxiety to attunement transforms teams and fuels smarter decisions.
Less Is Louder: What The White Stripes Teach Us About Innovation Through Constraint
The White Stripes’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction reminds us that innovation often comes from limitation. Explore how leaders can harness constraints to fuel creativity and focus.
When One Person Is Coached, an Entire System Begins to Move
Discover how coaching creates lasting change within organizations — not just by transforming individuals, but by shifting the systems, relationships, and cultures around them.
Can People Truly Innovate When They’re Exhausted?
Innovation doesn’t thrive on overwork—it thrives on renewal. When teams are stretched thin, creativity gives way to survival thinking. Rest isn’t a reward for productivity; it’s the foundation for it. This post explores why true innovation requires energy, focus, and psychological safety—and how leaders can create the space for new ideas to emerge.
How Many Direct Reports Should a Manager Really Have?
How many people should a manager directly oversee? It’s a classic organizational design question with no perfect answer.
Many companies lean on the “rule of seven”—the idea that a manager should have no more than seven direct reports. The logic is straightforward: with seven or fewer, a manager can devote enough time, attention, and coaching to each individual. Go beyond that, and the risk grows that some people slip through the cracks.
But like most rules, this one has trade-offs.
Think Big. Act Now.
Vision without execution is just a daydream. Execution without vision is running in circles. Legendary leaders live in both worlds — they build today with tomorrow in mind.
You Don’t Need a Cape to Be a Hero
If you’re solving every problem yourself, you’re not leading — you’re firefighting. Superhero leaders get tired. Empowered teams win championships.
Speed Up Without Burning Out
Perfection is the enemy of progress — but so is carelessness. If you’re always polishing, you’ll miss the moment. If you’re always pushing, you’ll sacrifice quality. Want to win? Learn when to perfect and when to press forward.
Stay Grounded, Aim Higher
Hope is not a strategy. But without hope, no strategy matters. Great leaders don’t choose between optimism and realism — they build bridges between what is and what could be.
Speak Boldly, Listen Fiercely
The best communicators aren’t the ones who talk the most — they’re the ones who know when to stop talking. If you want buy-in, clarity, and trust, you’ve got to speak with strength and listen like your leadership depends on it — because it does.
Trust Your Gut, Back It Up with Data
Every high-performing leader has felt it — that gut instinct whispering, “Go for it.” But intuition without insight is a gamble. Insight without courage is paralysis. The real magic? Blending both.
Lead with Power, Share with Purpose
If you’re the smartest person in the room... you’re in the wrong room. True leadership isn’t about holding all the power — it’s about knowing when to wield it and when to give it away.
The Rise of the Learning Leader
Discover why continuous learning, leadership agility, and a growth mindset are essential traits for today’s leaders. This article explores the rise of the learning leader and how organizations can build adaptive leadership development programs to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Learn how to future-proof your leadership strategy through a culture of learning.
Learning Alone Isn’t Enough. Tech Alone Isn’t Either.
Discover why combining AI literacy with a strong learning culture is the key to building resilient, future-ready organizations. This post explores how Augmented Learners outperform their peers in adaptability, innovation, and business results.
Want to Be a Leader? Start by Lifting Others Up.
When Alex Ovechkin passed up an easy empty-net goal to help his teammate Aliaksei Protas score his first NHL hat trick, he showed the world what servant leadership truly looks like. This post highlights how real leaders create moments for others to shine—even when the spotlight could have been their own.
The Journey Is Long—But You’re Not Alone
This post explores the heart of my coaching philosophy: the belief that all great journeys are long—and no one should walk them alone. Rooted in our core mantra, the post empowers leaders to embrace growth, navigate challenges, and find strength through transformational coaching. Whether you're stepping into a new role or facing a pivotal moment, this article reminds you that the path to meaningful leadership is one of courage, clarity, and powerful support.
The Role of Emotion in Leadership and Coaching
Effective leadership isn’t just about strategy and decision-making—it’s about emotional intelligence. At Tomiko Consulting, we help leaders recognize the critical role emotions play in engagement, motivation, and team dynamics. Through leadership coaching, we guide professionals in understanding and managing emotions to improve communication, build stronger relationships, and drive organizational success. Discover how coaching can help you lead with authenticity and impact.
From Diagnosing to Empowering: The Shift from Consultant to Team Coach
Great leaders don’t just solve problems—they help teams solve their own. This post explores the shift from consulting to team coaching, sharing practical strategies to foster ownership, collaboration, and lasting change. Learn how asking the right questions and building reflection habits can transform team dynamics and performance.
Leadership: It’s Not Handed to You—You Step Into It
Leadership isn’t something handed to you—it’s something you step into. True leaders take responsibility before they’re given authority. This blog explores how leadership is a mindset, not a title, and offers practical ways to lead from where you are. Start your leadership journey today!
Renewing My CPTD Certification: A Commitment to Excellence in Talent Development
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially renewed my Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certification!
When I first earned the CPTD back in 2019, it was a defining moment in my career as a learning and development professional. Now, several years later, renewing this credential is more than just a checkbox—it’s a reaffirmation of my commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and organizational impact.