When I first started writing on LinkedIn (and in this newsletter), I had a clear purpose:
- Share my new venture, Volante
- Build visibility and credibility
- Spark interest in my services
And if I’m honest, I still want and need to do that.
But something unexpected happened.
People started reaching out to thank me for the content itself. Some told me they’d shared excerpts with their teams. Others said it helped them think differently. A few admitted they didn’t have the budget to bring me in, but still felt supported through what I shared.
That really landed with me. It made me rethink who I’m writing for and why. I realised my writing isn’t just about visibility - it’s also a way to genuinely help leaders navigate the kinds of challenges I’ve lived through myself.
Leadership Rituals - The Power of a Monday Email
What’s the leadership ritual your team would miss if you left tomorrow?
At Living Goods, many of my team would say it was my Monday morning email.
Every Friday (or, truthfully, sometimes on a Sunday morning) I’d sit down and write:
- A look back on the week: wins and challenges
- Priorities for the week ahead
- Timely updates and thanks for milestones hit
- A short reflection from my own leadership journey - often where I was still learning - maybe admitting something had not gone well
- And something personal - photos from a holiday, a family visit, even our new pets
It was a simple ritual. But it became an anchor.
It gave clarity, connection, and a human face to leadership.
Now, in some ways, LinkedIn and these emails feel like the continuation of that ritual - sharing learnings, being honest about struggles, and creating clarity for a new kind of “team.”
Over to You
What’s your leadership ritual that creates connection?
And if you were to step away tomorrow, what would your team say they’d miss?
And while you’re thinking about that, I’d love your input:
What topics would resonate most with you next?
Here are a few I’ve been considering:
- Working with your board (and what I wish I’d done differently)
- Building (and protecting) organisational culture
- Leadership transitions and sabbaticals
- How to truly delegate without losing grip
If you have ideas or reflections, just hit reply - I would love to hear from you.
And just to be clear - none of these posts/emails are AI-generated fluff (though I do use AI to make them a little more succinct and polished… why not be honest about that!).
Until next time,
Liz
Strategic Advisor | Former CEO | Founder, Volante
Based in Kenya, available globally
