March Madness. Major Leadership Moves.

Hey Leader!

Welcome to the Leader’s Lens: The Perspective Shift issue!

This issue offers a fresh perspective and actionable tips to enhance your leadership this week.

Send me an email and let me know how you plan on implementing this perspective shift in your leadership!

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Above The Frame

Here are two announcements I want to share with you!

Quick Check-In for Mid-Level Leaders

I’ve been reflecting on how you, the mid-level leader, are often the backbone of company culture—yet leadership development rarely speaks directly to your experience.

That’s why I’m building a Leadership Accelerator specifically for mid-level leaders who want to lead with clarity, build trust with their team, and make culture change happen from the middle.

Would something like this support your growth?
Hit reply and tell me:

• What skills, support, or structure would make this actually helpful for your journey?

Your insights will directly shape what this looks like — and you'll be the first to know when it drops.

The Leader’s Lens Show

Let’s dive into this issue:

Through the Lens: Culture Wins Before the Championship Does

I’ve been a hoop fanatic since a kid!

My uncle used to tell me he would sit me up in front of the tv at 2 years old to watch all the March Madness games with him. (Shout out to you, unk!)

This time of the year is one of my favorites as a sports fan!

But besides the buzzer beaters, bracket busting and cinderella stories, NCAA tournament can also be a masterclass of leadership lessons happening in real time.

This year, both the men’s and women’s Final Four teams are led by coaches who remind us that high performance is built on high culture.

I’ve pulled together 4 key leadership takeaways, each one modeled by two coaches, one from the men’s and one from the women’s tournament, that feel especially relevant for the work you and I are doing every day: leading teams, building culture, and creating belonging that actually sticks.

Let’s get to it!

1. Lead From Who You Are, Not Who You’re Replacing

Jon Scheyer (Duke) + Dawn Staley (South Carolina)

These two are shaping programs that reflect their values, not just the traditions that came before them.

Jon Scheyer stepped into legendary shoes and brought his own presence. Dawn Staley built a dynasty by seeing her players as humans first.

The Insight: When leaders lead from their identity, not their inheritance, trust grows.

The Takeaway: You don’t have to fill someone else’s shoes. You have to walk fully in your own.

The Reflection: What are you bringing to your team that’s uniquely you?

2. Culture is Built in the Reps

Kelvin Sampson (Houston) + Geno Auriemma (UConn)

In addition to coaching plays, these two coach from identity: Defense. Discipline. Daily habits.

For them, culture moves beyond a retreat or mission statement. It’s what happens on the hard days, tough games, road trips, and in the in-between moments.

The Insight: Culture is never a one-time conversation. It’s a daily practice.

The Takeaway: What you consistently model will become what your team consistently mirrors.

The Reflection: What’s one repeated action that defines your team culture — and is it intentional?

3. Balance the System with the Soul

Todd Golden (Florida) + Cori Close (UCLA)

Both of these coaches understand the tension leaders live in: structure vs. connection. Systems matter. But people matter more.

Golden leans into data, but never at the expense of trust. Close builds identity-driven teams that win with purpose.

The Insight: Great leaders know when to zoom in on strategy and when to zoom out to see the people in front of them.

The Takeaway: Metrics can help you guide, but they can’t help you care.

The Reflection: Are you leading numbers… or are you leading people?

4. High Standards and High Support Can Co-Exist

Bruce Pearl (Auburn) + Vic Schaefer (Texas)

These two bring intensity, but not at the cost of connection.

They expect a lot from their players, and in return, create environments where people feel part of something bigger. It’s about trust with teeth.

The Insight: Belonging and accountability don’t cancel each other out. They reinforce each other.

The Takeaway: The right culture will challenge your team because it believes in them.

The Reflection: How does your leadership invite both growth and grace?

Eight coaches.

Four themes.

One reminder: The best teams don’t just work hard. They belong together.

And that belonging is shaped by leaders who choose presence over perfection, culture over control, and consistency over charisma.

You don’t need a championship to lead like that.

Just a willingness to start where you are.

I want to know what you think! How do you see these themes taking place in your leadership? Reply back with your thoughts!

Lead well!

Ray

Whenever you are ready, here are ways you can work with me:

• 🎤Speaking - As a Speaker and Facilitator, I will engage your team on how belonging and inclusivity can increase your team dynamics! ​Book Ray Now

• 🤝Coaching - As a Coach, I will help you enhance the power of inclusivity and empathy to be an effective leader through an equity lens! Book a Call Now

• 📘Consulting - As a Consultant, I will help strengthen your organizational culture to increase the employee experience and retention! Book a Consultation Now

P.S. - Thank you to those who have filled out the survey letting me know more about your leadership journey! I am excited to dive into the results over the next couple of weeks to provide you with resources and content that will support your leadership! If you haven’t filled it out yet, do so by clicking the link here!