25 years ago today, the world changed. September 11, 2001, is one of those days so many of us can still remember with incredible clarity. For me, that day came only three weeks after I had lost my mother in a car accident. I was already grieving deeply when the events of September 11 unfolded. I remember the shock, the fear, the sadness, and the overwhelming realization that life can change in an instant. That season shaped something I still carry with me today: Don't take the ordinary days for granted. Tell people you love them. Value the time you have. Notice the moments that seem small. And never underestimate the difference you can make simply by showing up for someone who needs you. Today, I remember the lives lost on September 11, the families forever changed, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless acts of courage, compassion, and service that followed. And perhaps that's something worth carrying forward 25 years later: How we show up for one another matters. Today, we remember. We honor. We never forget. 💜 If you'd like to share, where were you on September 11, 2001, or what do you remember most about that day?

Think about a leader who made you feel like what you said genuinely mattered. 💬 What did they DO that made you feel heard? Was it the questions they asked? Their body language? Following up later? Not interrupting? Actually acting on what you shared? I'd love to hear your experience. And while you're here, read someone else's answer. We can learn a lot about leadership by understanding how other people experience it.

It’s live! Yesterday marked the beginning of a new chapter for my podcast. The first episode of the newly rebranded podcast, Create Culture on Purpose: The Leadership Impact Show, is officially live. This show grew out of something I have seen again and again in leadership: Your team’s culture is being shaped every day. It is shaped by the conversations you have. The expectations you clarify. The questions you ask. The behaviors you address. The way your team experiences your consistency, communication, and support. That is what this show is about. Practical conversations to help you strengthen your leadership and become more intentional about the culture your team experiences. Because culture is always being created. The question is whether you are creating it on purpose. Listen to the first episode here: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/media I would love to know what stands out to you after you listen. And if you lead a team, what is one area of your culture you are working to strengthen right now? #CreatingCultureOnPurpose #LeadershipImpact #LeadershipPodcast #TeamCulture #LeadershipCommunication #WorkplaceCulture #DoGoodLeadership

When something feels “off” on your team, resist the urge to immediately fix the symptom. Instead, do a quick 4C Check: 🔹 Clarity: Does everyone know what is expected? 🔹 Communication: Are we creating shared understanding? 🔹 Connection: Do people feel heard, valued, and included? 🔹 Consistency: Do our actions match what we say matters? You don't have to solve everything at once. Sometimes simply identifying where the gap is helps you determine what needs your attention next. 🎯 Try this today: Think of one situation on your team that isn't working as well as you'd like. Ask yourself: “Which of the 4 Cs might be missing or need strengthening?” Then choose one small action you can take to address it. 💬 Which C do you find yourself paying the most attention to in your leadership: Clarity, Communication, Connection, or Consistency? Awareness helps us identify the gap. Intentional action helps us close it. — Dr. Stephanie Duguid

Happy Monday! Culture is not created only through major initiatives, important meetings, or words displayed on a wall. It is created through the everyday moments people experience: How we respond. How we communicate. How we handle challenges. How we make others feel. As you begin this week, choose one word to describe the culture you want to help create. My word is: intentional. 💬 What is your word for the week, and why did you choose it? “Culture is always being created. Let’s create it on purpose.” — Dr. Stephanie Duguid