You Don’t Need a Title to Lead

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: Tap in to the Leader’s Lens Show!

The latest episode, How to Stop Team Burnout and Actually Reach your Goals cuts deep into what I am working towards in my leadership to increase team effectiveness. You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or watch it on Youtube!

Through the Lens: The Everyday Influence We Overlook

Last week, I had the honor of moderating a leadership panel for our Salem, Oregon city’s chamber with some incredible local leaders.

At one point in the conversation, one of the panelist said:

We all took a collective deep breath after that…

Too often, leadership gets boxed in as something reserved for the person at the top of the org chart. The one with the official title or one who gets the final say.

But what if that’s not where real influence starts?

Real leadership shows up in how you treat people when no one's watching. It shows up when you raise your hand to help. Not to be seen for the personal praise or a reward, but to make something better.

It shows up when you coach a team, mentor a peer, volunteer at a nonprofit, or start a tough conversation in your workplace.

You don’t need a title to lead.

Here’s what the panel reminded me: leadership is more about how you show up than where you sit.

So if you’re navigating that in-between space (leading from the middle, unsure if your voice holds weight), this is for you.

Honestly, this is for me too… so let’s learn together!

Try these three simple Perspective Shifts this week:

↳ From Position to Practice

Ask yourself: “What do I want to model for others today?” Start there. Lead from intention, not permission.

↳ From Authority to Availability

Leadership isn’t just about answers. It’s about presence. Be the person who listens deeply, not just the one who talks confidently.

↳ From Being in Charge to Being in Service

Step into spaces where you can make an impact such as your team, your family, your community. Sometimes the most transformative work happens outside the walls of our 9 to 5.

As many of y’all know, I tend to show up as a empathetic, bridge-building leader that helps people feel seen and valued.

Over time, I’ve learned to create spaces for belonging beyond my workplace because that type of perspective is needed in my household, my neighborhood, as a chaperone for my kids’ field trips, within the teams I coach, and for leaders I consult.

It’s hard to fit that into a social media profile bio, but that’s not the point.

The point is you living out your leadership through every aspect of your life. Even if it goes beyond your 9-5.

And that’s when we start to see transformation in our community.

I’d love to hear from you:

Let’s chat soon!

Ray

Behind The Lens: Advocacy in Action Book and Study Guides are now available!

Did you know I wrote a book on inclusive leadership and advocacy?

It’s called Advocacy in Action, and I wrote it for leaders like you who care about justice, belonging, and building communities where every identity thrives.

The book breaks down 9 practical steps to move from awareness to action, using real-life examples, reflective prompts, and everyday leadership strategies.
It’s not just something to read—it’s something to practice.

And if you're ready to go deeper, there’s a full Book Study Kit you can use to guide courageous conversations with your team, your community, or your circle.

Inside the kit:
✔️ A 12-session Participation Guide
✔️ Chapter-by-Chapter Companion
✔️ A full Facilitator Resource Pack

If you’ve ever felt unsure of where to start, or how to help others join you, this was made for you.

👉🏾 Explore the Book + Study Kit 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

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!