October 2026 Newsletter

“So, how’s it going now that you’re back to an independent organization?”

It’s a question we’ve heard quite a bit lately, and we’re grateful to say that things are going great!

Since returning to an independent nonprofit organization, we’ve experienced an incredible outpouring of support from people who believe in our work and the difference purposeful leadership can make. Interest and engagement in our programs continue to grow, and we’re finding new opportunities to collaborate with organizations like the ADM Board, Unified Early Learning System, and the Akron Zoo.

But perhaps one of the greatest gifts of this new chapter has been the opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves two important questions:

Why do we exist? And how do we want to work to fulfill that purpose?

Those questions have helped bring renewed clarity to our work.

Our purpose is bold: Changing the world by cultivating purposeful leaders.

We believe leadership isn’t limited to a title or position. It lives in the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the ways we influence the people and communities around us.

And if we’re going to help others lead with greater purpose and intention, we need to be equally intentional about how we operate as an organization.

That means developing stronger rhythms for strategic planning, creating, collaborating, communicating, and delivering our programs. It also means recognizing something we frequently encourage in the leaders we serve: the importance of making space to step back and reflect.

It’s easy to become so immersed in the work that we rarely make time to think about how we’re doing it. But creating that margin allows us to recognize what’s working, consider where we can grow, and make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

And that matters, especially now.

As technology continues to reshape how we live and work, and as many people experience increasing disconnection and loneliness, we see an even greater need for human-centered leadership.

Leadership that values relationships. That makes room for reflection. That recognizes the importance of supporting the whole person, not simply developing skills or improving performance.

We know there’s considerable work ahead. But we’re entering this next chapter with fresh energy, greater clarity, and a deep appreciation for the transformational impact we’re privileged to be part of every day.

And we wouldn’t be here without you.

To everyone who has encouraged us, supported our programs, participated, collaborated, or simply believed in our purpose, thank you.

Your support has helped us do more than reboot. It has helped us become reinvigorated for the work ahead.

And we’re excited for what we’ll continue building together.

But what does that experience actually mean to participants? We think their words tell the story best.

On understanding yourself and your impact:

“The program helps you understand yourself and your impact as a leader. You also learn what it means to lead with intention and integrity. I believe the program helps cultivate leaders who are ready to drive change within and around.” – J. Waters

On gaining practical skills for everyday leadership:

“I feel better equipped for hard conversations and group facilitation. I have a more robust toolkit to lean on when it comes to leading a team effectively.” – A. King

On how personal growth reaches beyond the workplace:

“It has taught me to be more present in everyday activities. I am now more present with my family!” – T. Smith

What stands out in these experiences is that leadership growth isn’t limited to learning something new. It’s also about recognizing the strengths we already bring, becoming more aware of how we show up, and making intentional choices about how we lead.

Applications for the Spring 2027 Purposeful Leadership Program open in November.

If you’re curious about your own growth and ready to deepen your impact, we invite you to explore what this experience could mean for you.

What does it mean to lead people well?

It’s a question worth revisiting as the way we work, communicate and connect continues to change.

We have more technology, information and ways to measure performance than ever before. Yet the human needs at the heart of our workplaces remain familiar. People want to feel valued, know their contributions matter, build meaningful relationships and find purpose in what they do.

This is where human-centered leadership comes in.

Human-centered leadership recognizes that people are more than their roles or performance. Each person brings unique experiences, strengths, challenges and motivations. Leading them well requires more than managing the work. It requires understanding the people doing it.

It also means recognizing that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers or relying on one set of skills. It’s about paying attention, remaining curious and knowing how to respond to what a situation calls for.

Consider a familiar scenario.

One team member is navigating a challenge and needs encouragement and space to find a solution. Another faces a similar challenge but would benefit most from clear direction and a timely decision.

Both deserve support. But that support may look different.

Human-centered leadership isn’t about treating everyone exactly the same. It’s about recognizing what people need and responding thoughtfully.

That might mean knowing when to listen and when to offer guidance, when to encourage independence and when to provide additional support.

The goal isn’t to have one perfect leadership style. It’s to grow in our ability to lead with awareness, flexibility and authenticity.

Another important dimension is recognizing that people have lives, relationships and aspirations beyond their jobs.

Research published in the Humanistic Management Journal explored the relationship between meaningful work and human flourishing. The study found that experiencing work as a calling or spiritual calling was more strongly associated with flourishing in life than motivations centered primarily on a job or career.

It’s a reminder that work can be more than what we accomplish. It can also be a place where we experience purpose, contribute to something beyond ourselves and grow as people.

For leaders, that means considering how we create environments where people feel connected to their work, recognize the value of their contributions and have opportunities to grow while supporting their overall well-being.

Human-centered leadership often takes shape in ordinary moments:

• • Listening with curiosity. Understanding someone’s perspective before jumping to a solution.
  • Leading with clarity. Helping people understand expectations and priorities.
  • Recognizing strengths. Noticing what someone does well and helping them build on it.
  • Encouraging meaningful growth. Supporting professional development and personal well-being.
  • Building trust through consistency. Following through and making space for honest conversations.
  • Connecting work to purpose. Helping people see how their contributions make a difference.

These practices aren’t limited to people with leadership titles. They’re opportunities available to anyone who influences others.

A Purposeful Pause: Three Questions Worth Considering

Human-centered leadership begins with awareness of ourselves and how our approach affects others.

Take a few moments this week to reflect:

1. 1. Where am I already creating space for people to feel valued, heard and supported? What’s working well in your relationships and team dynamics? What strengths could you continue building on?
   2. Am I responding to what each person actually needs, or what comes most naturally to me? Think about a recent interaction. Did you offer advice, listen or step aside? What might have been helpful about your approach, and what else could you have considered?
   3. How am I helping others find meaning and purpose in their work? When was the last time you helped someone recognize the difference their contributions make? How might you connect everyday responsibilities to a larger purpose?

You don’t need perfect answers. Sometimes the value comes simply from making space to ask the questions.

Human-centered leadership is an ongoing practice of learning about ourselves, understanding others and being intentional about how we show up.

It’s about bringing both our skills and our humanity into the way we lead, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for others to grow.

And sometimes, the next step toward leading others well begins with a purposeful pause to look within.

We believe strengthening those relationships is an opportunity worth exploring together.

This work connects with a larger national effort through The Together Project, an initiative led by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, with philanthropic support from the Knight Foundation. The Together Project is focused on helping people place greater value on relationships, belonging, and community.

Here in Greater Akron, we’re asking what those ideas might look like in everyday life.

We’re beginning with research, listening, and learning from others who are already doing meaningful work to bring people together.

Some of the possibilities we’re exploring include simple practices that help people connect more intentionally, opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another, and ways organizations can strengthen relationships and belonging in the workplace.

We’re still discovering where this work will lead, and we believe it’s important to make space for our community to help shape what comes next.

Our hope is to see people come together in ways that strengthen existing relationships, create new connections, and help everyone experience a greater sense of belonging.

Not simply through another event or initiative, but through everyday practices that become part of how we live, work and care for one another.

What might change if we took a little more time to listen? To know our neighbors? To reach out to someone we haven’t connected with in a while?

We don’t have all the answers yet. But we’re encouraged by the possibilities, the people already doing this work and what we might discover together.

Because a more connected community begins with the connections we choose to make.

We look forward to sharing more as the Human Connection Project takes shape.