Every day brings with it a new opportunity to take action: to say something if we see something and to act in service of people and the planet. Because if you don’t act when you see the fog rising, what can you expect other than disaster? 

The late civil rights leader Vincent Harding posed and lived a question, “Is America possible?” He wondered whether America's noble experiment in creating a multiracial democracy could work. Before he died in 2014, he was asked if he thought it was still possible to create a democracy that worked for all of us. He answered, “Yes, but only as we make it possible.” I believe we can, and the people joining us today in conversation are proving it.

When we’re faced with a barrier, it’s easy to become consumed by the barrier. Focus on looking beyond the barrier. The answer may be right beyond your current line of sight. 

Don’t let your present-day become ordinary. Be present in the present and sensitive with your time. Like a photo, there’s something worth capturing right here and now. 

As I’ve learned, there’s always more than one happy ending, regardless of what we’ve been told in fairy tales.  So, as you think about the stories you tell, the ones you’ll pass down, and the ones you share in your work, ask yourself if you’re creating the conditions to tell the whole story—  not just the story you think people want to hear.  

From her body language to her focus and strategic use of story, Kamala Harris took the stage last night to connect with voters. She conveyed calmness under pressure and experience over ego, and she showed the power of communication when used as a force for good.

Disagreement and debate don’t have to be bad words, and they shouldn’t be written off before they begin. Consider opportunities to disagree better on issues as a practice to bring people closer together.

Lederach is a renowned peacebuilding leader who has engaged with peace processes around the world for four decades. In his latest book, available as a free download on his site, he offers practical insights grounded in global experience to help readers navigate and address the conflicts we face in our communities and country. John Paul gives context, structure, and a frame for finding common ground, and for re-investing in the power of "improbable dialogue."

Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging matter, and they always will. But labels, lexicon, and technical talk can get in the way of explaining why. So, ditch the DEI speak and get back to the heart of what matters: treating people fairly, caring about each other, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

When it comes to preparation, there will always be forces of distraction. Stay focused on your audience, your objective, and your preparation, and success will follow.

As if the scorching summer temperatures weren't enough, American politics have also heated up to a rolling boil this summer, with this past weekend's assassination attempt on one of our presidential candidates being considered by many a critical tipping point. Parties and politics aside, leaders at every level are being called to comment, weigh in, and do something.

So, what are you to do? What role do these weekend’s events have on you, your organization, and your community? If you think none, I suggest you think again.

Knowing when to step aside can be difficult, but it can be made easier by asking one key question: Am I prepared to let go? Knowing when to lead and when to make room for others is one of the single greatest leadership skills. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start practicing it.

Don't underestimate what is possible when you let your head and heart align. You may just find your greatest sense of purpose.

Progress can feel hard and, on some days, downright impossible. But progress is always possible, and it can be joyful. Do what you can do, day after day, to stay committed to learning and growing toward a better world of tomorrow.

Wherever you are in life, and whatever new chapter you may be entering, may there be wonderful possibilities ahead for you.

93% of what we communicate is nonverbal, so the little things we communicate through our bodies make a big difference to our audience. Use your body, tone, and the instrument that is your voice to help convey confidence, trust, and engagement to your audience. It may never be as good as face-to-face communication, but good digital body language can do wonders to bridge physical divides.

When it comes to communicating confidence, remember this: we are often much better than we let ourselves believe. Start with some appreciation—for yourself, your skills, and how far you’ve come—and see how much more confident you'll feel as a result.

Just as in gardening, delivering hard messages can be made more effective with preparation and care. Practice planting seeds to help your audience process information and support them in understanding important news. With time and attention, your audiences will hear just what you need them to, and they’ll grow through the news, too.

Every day, ordinary people do extraordinary things. It is on each of us to display and practice the characteristics of the leader we need. So, the next time you lament current-day leadership, pause and look in the mirror. You are the leader you need.

We will all have bad days and losses that can feel hard to swallow. Those moments may discourage you, but don’t let them distract you from your values. Because when your values are clear, the impact is undeniable.