EWF International

The concept of 'leadership' is constantly evolving. Here are 5 qualities that define true leaders today:

- Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Collaboration & Inclusivity
- Visionary Thinking
- Ethics & Responsibility


Swipe to learn more about the practices of genuine leaders.

Attention mid-career professionals seeking to better navigate their career paths and leaders who want to empower their teams, check out our latest blog post, “Career Management Skills: The Key to Career Success," for insights on in-demand workplace skills like data analysis, digital literacy, and project management.

Learn how to assess skills, create a career development plan, and maximize potential.

Dive in here: https://bit.ly/3A6IJjp

Career Management Skills: The Key to Career Success In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving job market, the power to manage your career has become more crucial than ever. However, many professionals find themselves in a state of uncertainty and disempowerment due to the lack of a professional development track. Developing these employment manag...

Looking for speakers who can ignite passion and drive change for your organization or professional association? delivers customized talks and discussions on innovation, culture, peak performance, collaboration, and more.

We craft impactful events, from formal speaking engagements to diverse fireside chats. Specialized discussions, including women's leadership panels, are available upon request.

Discover how our speaking engagements can inspire and motivate your leaders at https://bit.ly/3UPx4xL

We can all agree that leadership development is essential. Research indicates that a lack of career advancement is a primary cause of poor retention. Equally important is to avoid making employees feel as if they are training for unattainable positions.

Coaching employees for roles that they can't attain means preparing them to take on those roles at a different company. Instead, motivate and provide real growth opportunities for your emerging leaders within your own organization.

Want to learn more? Read our blog on “Employee Retention: Are You Coaching Employees Out of Your Organization?” here: https://bit.ly/3L4XwgF

As we reach this year's halfway mark, it's crucial to remember that our teams' active engagement and motivation directly contribute to our company's success.

A recent Gallup survey shows that only 32% of workers feel genuinely engaged in their roles. How can you inspire your team and encourage better productivity?

Try these action steps:

1. Regular Check-Ins and Feedback Sessions: Open lines of communication are key. Allow your team to address concerns, set clear goals, and celebrate achievements.
2. Professional Development Opportunities: By empowering your team with the skills and knowledge they need to grow and succeed, you're not just boosting productivity but also paving the way for their personal growth and career advancement.
3. Foster a Collaborative Culture: Your role in creating an environment where ideas are shared freely and people feel valued for their suggestions is crucial to your team's success.
4. Start a Leadership Development Program: Preparing future leaders to inspire productivity is essential. By focusing on empathy, communication, and strategic thinking, these programs can make a huge difference.

Unlock your leadership potential with these six different styles outlined in a recent Harvard Business Review article:
1. Coercive
2. Authoritative
3. Pacesetting
4. Affiliative
5. Democratic
6. Coaching

Swipe to discover when and why each style is essential.

Burnout is becoming more common in the workforce. This summer, consider slowing down and taking a break as a proactive step towards a healthier work-life balance.

According to the 2024 Global Talent Trends report published by Mercer, an HR consulting firm, over eight out of 10 employees are at risk of burnout this year. About 43% of that group cited financial strain as a contributing factor, 40% cited exhaustion, and 37% said they struggled with an excessive workload.

How do you manage burnout? Share your tips in the comments!

In today's business environment, effective mentorship can be a game-changer for employees and organizations. Our blog dives deep into:

- What corporate mentorship programs are and their significance
- Different types of mentorship programs to suit various organizational needs
- Best practices for designing and implementing successful mentorship initiatives
- Strategies to drive the results you expect from your mentoring programs

Whether you're looking to nurture leadership skills, enhance employee engagement, or accelerate career development, this guide provides valuable insights to help you build a thriving mentorship culture within your organization.

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3Vuq9sG

Corporate Mentorship Programs: Building a Culture of Learning, Growing and Support Whether you're a young executive seeking career guidance, a mid-level manager prepping an employee growth program, or a leader seeking ways for early-career team members to kickstart their growth, a corporate mentorship program is the ideal solution. When implemented effectively, mentoring in the wo...

Happy Early Father's Day!

This Father's Day, let's acknowledge the crucial role of fathers in their children’s lives and advocate for improved parental leave policies that support all parents.

Did you know? The U.S. lags significantly behind many other countries in this regard. For instance, Sweden offers 480 days of leave for both parents, with 80% of their regular wages. In Japan, leave laws are ahead of the curve, offering 12 months of paid leave to new fathers and providing one full year of paid parental leave exclusively for fathers.

Well-organized ERGs provide a supportive space for diverse groups to collaborate, enhance career development, and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace.

Running an ERG is a noble endeavor, but it's not without its challenges. Most ERGs are led by dedicated volunteers who juggle their regular jobs with organizing events and promoting engagement. Often, they need help to consistently deliver content that educates and inspires. This is where EWF steps in to provide the necessary support.

EWF provides clear roles, accountability, and structure to help ERGs succeed through lunch and learn sessions, workshops, annual and quarterly programs, and development days.

Learn more about our services: https://bit.ly/3vKnstR

According to a 2023 DDI study, only 40% of leaders feel their companies have effective leadership practices in place.

It's time to break free from the notion that leadership development is solely reserved for the C-suite and senior teams. Personalized training initiatives tailored to all employees allow for continuous growth and advancement.
Failure to invest in corporate leadership training can breed toxic workplace cultures, escalate turnover rates, and stifle innovation.

That’s where we come in. EWF’s mission is to help companies invest in leaders across every career stage. We're dedicated to guiding organizations in cultivating impactful, inclusive, and diverse leadership pipelines.

Visit our website to learn more about how EWF is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

As summer begins, working parents face the challenge of balancing work and family life amidst changing schedules and the end of the school year. This transition can often lead to work-life conflict and exhaustion for many.

According to the Deloitte Workplace flexibility survey, 30% of workers believe that flexibility significantly enhances their overall efficiency and productivity. Recognizing the importance of supporting working parents year-round, especially during these months, is crucial for both employees and employers alike.

By implementing creative and compassionate strategies, employers can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for working parents, ultimately enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.

Many women in leadership positions often find themselves feeling isolated at the summit of their careers. In fact, according to the 2023 Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey, in partnership with LeanIn.Org, women represent only 28% of C-suite leaders, and only 6% are women of color.

EWF’s peer advisory group, tailored specifically for women at the Director level and above, provides a supportive and non-competitive environment for female leaders to connect.

Not only do our sessions focus on honing strategic decision-making skills and enhancing performance, but they also offer a sense of camaraderie and fun. Just last month, our group embarked on an enriching retreat centered around transformational leadership and change management, blending learning with entertaining activities.

Join us and discover the power of community and collaboration in our executive peer advisory forum. Learn more today: https://bit.ly/4beGI2n

Did you know that according to White House Data published last year, 70% of women in the workforce are mothers to young children? This statistic underscores the significant role mothers play in our workplaces and society as a whole.

However, despite their immense talent and potential, many mothers face challenges in balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Too often, women are forced to scale back their careers or take sporadic leaves to meet family needs. Without adequate support for caregivers, it remains difficult for mothers to fully pursue their career aspirations and educational goals.

This Mother's Day, we celebrated mothers and continue to advocate for policies and practices that support their professional advancement. At EWF, we strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where all mothers can thrive both at home and in the workplace by giving them the tools to be productive and effective leaders

To all the amazing moms out there, thank you for everything you do.

Succession planning isn't just about filling leadership positions—it's about safeguarding the future of your organization.

Here's why it matters:

Costly Mistakes: Mismanaged CEO and C-suite transitions in the S&P 1500 wipe out close to $1 trillion in market value annually.
External Hiring Challenges: Large companies' tendency to hire leaders from outside can disrupt organizational cohesion and culture. Harvard Business Review analysis shows that outside CEO hires have low chances of outperforming insiders, leading to potential underperformance.
Rising CEO Compensation: Poor succession planning contributes to escalating CEO compensation. S&P 500 chief executives made $16.7 million on average in 2022, which is 272 times the pay of their median workers.

Here's how to mitigate these risks and foster effective succession planning:

Start Early: Plan succession well before the need arises. Begin the process when a new CEO is appointed to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of leadership.
Monitor and Adjust: Maintain a robust succession planning process, with directors constantly monitoring and adjusting the pipeline of potential successors.
Develop Rising Stars: Purposefully identify and develop high-potential individuals within the organization. Expose them to diverse experiences and opportunities to cultivate leadership skills.
Board Involvement: Make room for one to three executives who are potential successors to the current CEO on the board. Board experience prepares them for future leadership roles.

By prioritizing succession planning and nurturing internal talent, organizations can build a pipeline of capable leaders ready to navigate future challenges and drive sustained success.

As we stride into Q2, accountability remains key in realizing the ambitious goals we set at the year's outset. It's an opportune moment to reflect on how we can bolster our teams in achieving these milestones effectively.
Here are three proactive measures leaders and companies can adopt to foster a culture of accountability:

1. Clear Goal Setting: Ensure that objectives are well-defined, measurable, and aligned with the organization's overarching vision. By establishing clear expectations and milestones, team members can better understand their roles and responsibilities, fostering a sense of ownership in achieving collective success.

2. Regular Feedback and Communication: Encourage open dialogue and transparent communication channels within the team. Regular check-ins and constructive feedback sessions provide valuable insights into progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. By creating a culture of transparency and support, teams feel empowered to take ownership of their actions and outcomes.

3. Invest in Executive Coaching: Consider EWF's Executive Leadership Coaching to identify collective and individual strengths and weaknesses, encouraging positive changes from the ground up. EWF executive leadership programs can help identify blind spots, boost your leadership confidence, and improve your goal-setting capabilities.

Are you ready to elevate accountability within your organization? Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the full potential of your team!

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month, providing us with an opportunity to prioritize health and wellbeing in the workplace.

According to an American Psychiatric Association (APA)’s Healthy Minds Monthly poll conducted at the start of 2024, more than one-third of adults express anxiety about their mental health—a trend consistent with prior years.

These statistics underscore the importance of addressing stress and promoting mental wellness while on the job. With the arrival of warmer weather, we encourage team leaders to help their associates embrace outdoor activities. Whether it's a brisk walk during lunch breaks, quick outdoor yoga sessions, or team building activities out in nature, taking advantage of the sunshine can work wonders for our physical and mental health.

By creating a culture that values wellbeing, we not only enhance productivity and morale but also reduce absenteeism and promote a healthier, happier workforce.

Sound off in the comments: what are some things you do to reduce stress at work?

In today's quickly evolving world, developing a mindset that welcomes change is more important than ever.

In the face of this constantly shifting environment, explore strategies that promote innovation and expansion. Building a change-friendly culture involves investing in mid-level management and embracing diversity for innovation and adaptability.

Discover how our corporate leadership development programs can empower your team to thrive in a world of perpetual evolution.

https://bit.ly/3T7XCaW

To excel amidst daily work and life pressures, leaders must be intentional about recharging through various activities like nutrition, exercise, mindfulness practices, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Rather than aiming for major lifestyle changes, focusing on small habits is far more effective. While these changes may appear minor, their cumulative impact can significantly enhance overall well-being.

Building daily resilience improves well-being while preparing leaders to stay effective in crises.

Effective leadership succession planning is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of any organization. In our latest blog post, we delve into the intricacies of developing robust succession plans and why they matter in today's dynamic business landscape.

Discover key insights such as:

- Understanding the essence of a Leadership Succession Plan and its pivotal role in organizational continuity.
- Unveiling strategies to prepare the next generation of leaders, ensuring seamless transitions and preserving company culture.
- Exploring the significant role of current leaders in mentoring potential successors and setting the stage for a smooth transition.

At EWF, we understand the critical importance of leadership development in succession planning strategies. Our comprehensive approach includes tools like our Emerging Leaders program, designed to start supporting leaders early in their careers. Additionally, our Executive Peer Advisory Forum offers invaluable support to leadership teams, while our Corporate Leadership Workshops equip individuals with the tools needed to flourish.

Click the link below to read more about leadership succession planning best practices.
https://bit.ly/4ackLzQ

Corporate Leadership Succession Planning Succession planning is a strategic investment that safeguards organizations from disruptive leadership vacancies, often taking years of thoughtful provision. This seamless change in leadership roles protects company survival. Yet, many US corporations fail to identify and prepare potential future le...

This month holds special significance for us as we reflect on the profound impact EWF has had on the lives and careers of countless women. We honor the visionary leadership of our former CEO, Tanis Cornell, and our current CEO, Jennifer Carter, whose passionate strides have propelled us toward a future of better leadership and representation across US businesses.

Join us in celebrating Women's History Month by exploring the wealth of opportunities EWF offers. Whether you're embarking on your leadership journey or seeking to elevate your skills, our programs and personalized coaching are designed to empower emerging leaders like you. Visit our website at ewfinternational.com to discover how we can support your leadership aspirations.

Research indicates that only 9% of people accomplish their New Year , and 43% abandon them by the end of January. Similarly, tends to dwindle as time passes.

To maintain high motivation levels and avoid in the workplace, follow these tips:

1. Set realistic goals: Ensure that your resolutions and goals are clear, concise, and achievable. Consider how you will measure your progress and whether you have the necessary resources to accomplish them.
2. Avoid routine: When things become monotonous, many of us become bored with the lack of challenge. Consider setting stretch goals or encouraging more efficient processes for yourself and your team.
3. Define success: Promotions, raises, and recognition are excellent morale boosters, but they must occur regularly. Help your team identify a personal vision of achievement that can be repeated.
4. Focus on the positive: Instead of dwelling on the negative, seek out what works and why. Share the positives with your team and encourage them to do the same.
5. Foster connections: Create instances of simple connections, such as showing interest in your team members or sharing something about yourself. Encourage gratitude between each member of your team through your actions.

Although work will always be work, you can encourage a more positive environment that keeps people motivated and engaged in what they do.

On , we pay tribute to our past leaders who have significantly impacted all Americans. is both a privilege and a responsibility that presents an extraordinary opportunity to better the lives of others and should never be taken lightly.

As we honor and remember these Presidents, let their inspire us as leaders today. Whether we are involved in government, business, or community service, the principles of hard work, courage, and selflessness are timeless and essential guidelines for effective leadership.

Congratulations on your recent promotion to team manager! So now what?

Nearly 60% of first-time managers say they either had poor training, or none at all as they transitioned into their first leadership role.

At EWF, we understand the importance of practical leadership training. We offer some of the best leadership programs and personalized coaching for emerging leaders. Our training programs develop the competencies and skillsets to prepare early- and mid-career talent for leadership success.

Gain the edge you need to thrive as a new leader through our many different leadership offerings: https://bit.ly/42l2bDf

What is your most for this year? Are you ready to motivate your team towards success?

Achieving big goals requires a creative, collaborative environment, leading to improved work performance. Here are seven characteristics of high-performing leaders that they should pass on to their teams:

1. A clear understanding of common purpose and shared goals
2. High trust and mutual respect
3. Effective and open communication
4. Collaboration and teamwork
5. Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
6. Innovation and creative thinking
7. Flexibility and adaptability

Ready to learn more? Check out this for tips on motivating underperforming team members and effectively managing your
https://bit.ly/3HJZYri

Smart executives and senior leadership realize that they will face tough challenges this year.
Smarter ones turn to EWF.

Our executive workshops support the work and the challenges that your team is facing. These workshops help leaders better understand themselves and their leadership style, explore their challenges, and strengthen their ability to drive impacts for themselves and their organizations.

Some of the workshops we’ve put together for organizations include:

- Banishing burnout
- Building trust in teams
- Unleashing performance through emotional quotient (EQ)
- Building resilience in teams
- Lumina Spark® Leadership Assessment and workshop
- Custom workshops

Learn more about how we can help your leadership team grow: https://bit.ly/3HKp3m4

Effective leaders possess high emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient (EQ). This includes combining five key components: empathy, effective communication, self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation.

Successful leaders maintain a positive self-image even during challenging times. They view obstacles as opportunities for growth, and regularly set new goals and seek fresh challenges to keep motivation levels high.

Learn more about emotional intelligence and how it relates to leadership in one of our most popular blog posts: https://bit.ly/3ukLivM

Your business may face a crisis this year. Have you thought about what your strategy should be when faced with such a challenge? With your current leadership approach, are you ready?

As per David Noble and Carol Kauffman's article in the Harvard Business Review, there are four leadership approaches. To be an exceptional leader, you should be able to develop and employ all four approaches:

1. Lean In: An active approach to resolve an issue.
2. Lean Back: An analytical approach that begins by observing and analyzing data.
3. Lean With: A collaborative approach that prioritizes connections.
4. Don't Lean: An approach that creates space to calm yourself and create a solution.

90% of Fortune 500 companies have Employee resource groups (ERGs). When well-organized, ERGs can bring together individuals around a shared identity, offer a supportive space to collaborate; enhance career development and foster a sense of belonging.

ERGs are still vitally important in our increasingly diverse workplaces, playing a major factor in many companies’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) strategies.

Despite these powerful statistics, ERGs often lack budget, resources, authority, and allies within their organizations. This leads to them feeling like their work is unappreciated by leadership.

EWF can help you organize and structure ERGs that appeal to your employees by providing maximum engagement, variety, and impact. From lunch & learn sessions that offer actionable take-away insights to workshops that deliver content that aligns with your workforce and company-specific goals, we’re ready to help.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3vKnstR