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

This is issue is to give you a fresh perspective and actionable tips that you can take implement in 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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🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

(Serious question: How long can we keep saying "Happy New Year"? Is it one week? Two days? Would it be weird to say it into February? 🤷🏾‍♂️)

Welcome to the first Monday of 2025!

Now, let’s be real. Some of us powered through the holidays (you’re the MVPs), while others enjoyed the sweet, blissful escape of taking Christmas and New Year’s weeks off.

If this is your first week back, your inbox might already look like it’s throwing a desperate “Welcome Back” party with emails “begging” you to reengage with work.

Maybe you're ready to hit the ground running. Maybe you're just staring at your to-do list like its written in Wakandan.

Either way, I see you.

I thought I’d start the year with a little laughter. Here are a couple of hilarious memes I found that perfectly capture how it feels to face that first day back after the holidays.

Let’s ease into this week, one laugh at a time. 😄

Big Bird always knows what he is doing, I think….

It’s officially “Circling Back” Season!

Set the Tone for the Year

No matter how you’re starting this year, eager to dive in or cautiously easing your way back, there’s an undeniable shift in the air.

And this moment, the first day back, is an opportunity to pause and reset.

It’s tempting to let the day dictate your energy.

The flurry of emails, looming deadlines, and the sheer weight of catching up can feel overwhelming. But what if we took a different perspective?

What if the first day back wasn’t just about “getting to work” but about setting the tone for the week, month or entire year ahead?

Today isn’t just a return; it’s your reset button.

Imagine starting this year not with chaos, but with clarity.

Instead of rushing headfirst into your tasks, take 15 intentional minutes to ground yourself:

1. Reflect on 2024: What were your biggest wins? What lessons do you want to carry forward?

2. Set an intention: How do you want to feel in your work this year—focused, impactful, energized?

3. Prioritize purposefully: Choose just three key things to tackle this week. Let the rest wait.

Why does this matter? Because the way you start something often shapes the journey ahead.

By resetting with purpose, you regain control over your time and energy, and you model an intentional approach for those around you.

This a small, deliberate choice you can make in your leadership. And it’s one you can make every day.

This reset isn’t just for you; it’s for your team, your goals, and the culture you’re helping to create.

So, as you navigate this first day back, take a breath, take a beat, and take back the narrative.

What tone are your setting for this year? What intentions have you set for 2025?

Reply back with your answer.

You’ve got this!

Ray

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!

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