Signature Leaders

We've all had moments we'd like to take back.

The email sent too quickly. The conversation handled poorly. The decision we'd approach differently today.

What often matters most isn't the mistake itself. It's what we learn from it and the grace others extend while we learn.

In our latest blog, Kate Bryja reflects on an early-career mistake that became one of her most important leadership lessons.

A thoughtful reminder that accountability and grace are not opposing forces. Growth often requires both.

Read "Grace in the Workplace": https://signatureleaders.com/grace-in-the-workplace

Change rarely unfolds as neatly as the vision we create for it.

The future may be exciting. The strategy may be sound. The opportunity may be undeniable. But for the team experiencing the transition, uncertainty, questions, and frustration can still be part of the journey.

In his latest blog, Rob Seymour reflects candidly on leadership lessons learned during a major organizational transition and what he wishes he had done differently along the way.

A thoughtful reminder that leading change isn't just about communicating the destination. It's about helping people navigate the path forward while recognizing that they may be at a very different place in the journey than you are.

Read the full blog, "Leading Through Change Is Messier Than It Looks":
https://signatureleaders.com/leading-through-change-is-messier-than-it-looks

“What gets you noticed is not just what you do. It’s how you do it.”

This idea sparked many honest and thought-provoking conversations during this week’s Signature Select in Chicago.

As executive panelists Aimee Davis (Alliant Energy), Donna Dorsey (Alight Solutions), Noelle Valente (Amrize), and Mike Zora (ADM) reflected on pivotal moments in their careers, the conversation centered on how leadership evolves over time through perspective, intentionality, and the experience of working through and with others.

Key insights included:
🔹 Leadership expands when your perspective expands.
Our panelists shared the importance of thinking beyond your immediate role and understanding the broader business, the priorities of senior leaders, and the impact decisions have across teams.

🔹 Great leaders elevate others while continuing to evolve themselves.
Seeking feedback, investing in talent, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying open to growth are critical leadership capabilities.

🔹 Visibility is often something leaders have to create intentionally.
Not through self-promotion, but through consistently leaning in, contributing perspective, and helping others understand the value you bring.

Thank you to our panelists for sharing your experiences with such openness and honesty, and to Signature faculty Kim Jones, Tracy Spears, and Kara Mohr for guiding such an energizing and impactful three days.

To this cohort of leaders in Chicago, thank you for the energy, vulnerability, and generosity you brought to the experience. We are excited to now welcome you into the Signature Collective alumni community and look forward to seeing how you continue growing and leading.

“The faster you can move a team from confusion to clarity, the faster you’ll get to buy-in.”

This insight from Signature faculty member Tracy Spears sparked a powerful conversation during our recent alumni session on Change Management for Leaders.

A few reminders that resonated with this group:
💡 People don’t resist change as much as they resist confusion.
When leaders clearly communicate the purpose, direction, and impact of change, teams move forward with greater trust and alignment.

💡 Leaders often become the “speed bump” without realizing it.
Your tone becomes your team’s tone. If leaders sound uncertain or frustrated, teams hesitate too.

💡 The goal isn’t always consensus. It’s alignment.
“You don’t have to agree, but we do have to align and move forward.”

One of the greatest gifts of the Signature community is that learning doesn’t stop when the program ends.

Thank you, Tracy, for leading such a practical and honest discussion with our community. And to our alumni who continue showing up with curiosity, openness, and a commitment to grow, we love seeing you!

What scripts might you be running without realizing it?

As leaders, it’s easy to fall into patterns we’ve picked up over time. Polished phrases. Overexplaining. The language we think is supposed to create confidence or trust. But people can usually feel the difference between something that’s carefully scripted and something that’s genuine.

This reflection from Carrie Carpenter feels especially relevant right now. A thoughtful read for leaders navigating pressure, change, and the challenge of showing up authentically.

Read the full blog: https://signatureleaders.com/the-moment-the-script-dropped

“What makes you successful as a doer is not what makes you successful as a leader.”

That idea came to life in a real way at this week’s Signature Select in Atlanta as our executive panelists Kate Anderson (Arconic), Tonya James (ADP), Lauren Sayeski (The Coca-Cola Company), and Nick Slappy (Georgia Power Company) shared how that leadership shift has shown up in their own careers.

A few insights that stayed with us:

💡 Leadership requires a different muscle.
It is less about having the answers, and more about asking the right questions, creating clarity, and getting work done through others.

💡 Visibility is happening whether you realize it or not.
You are often “interviewing” without realizing it and setting examples at the same time. Not just in big moments, but in how you show up every day.

💡 Doing great work isn’t enough if no one sees the impact.
Staying “heads down” limits what others can see. Visibility often comes from connecting your work to outcomes in a way others can understand and advocate for.

Thank you to our Signature Leaders team and faculty, Kim Jones, Kara Mohr, PhD, and Tracy Spears, CSP for facilitating an impactful three days.

And to this cohort of leaders, thank you for showing up with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to challenge your own thinking.

This is the spirit of Signature. Leaders learning from leaders, shaping leaders of the future through lived experience and fresh perspective.

“The relationships that shape us most are the ones we choose to continue.”

Grateful to see our alumni coming together in Amsterdam, making space for conversation, connection, and shared leadership wisdom.

Huge thank you to alumni Aylin Bumin and Nataliya Malhanova for bringing this group together locally.

This is the spirit of Signature—leaders building connections beyond their organizations that spark fresh perspective and meaningful connection. ✨