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In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, hosted by leadership coach and former media executive Amy P Wilkins, we delve into the complexities and pivotal moments women leaders face in transitional phases of their careers. Amy provides an introspective look into the concept of building a guiding coalition within organizations and what it tells you when you aren’t willing to do so. This is inspired by her engaging conversation with Sarena Diamond, CEO & Founder of Diamond Solutions Group.

Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a shift is necessary, whether it involves continuing to invest in the current organizational structure or acknowledging a misalignment that demands action. Drawing on her personal leadership experiences and insights gained from her conversation with Sarena, Amy emphasizes the importance of guiding coalitions in driving change and shaping company culture. This episode encourages leaders to reflect deeply on their commitment to their current roles and the potential impact of their influence.

Key Takeaways
  • Understanding the importance of building a guiding coalition as a leader to influence change within an organization.
  • Realizing that willingness to invest in a guiding coalition can signal alignment and belief in the organization’s potential.
  • Differentiating between frustration and misalignment to make informed decisions about staying or leaving.
  • Acknowledging the courage it takes to shape culture internally and the invisible nature of this work.
  • Reflecting on personal willingness to lead and influence as a signal for career direction and alignment.
Quotes

A guiding coalition exists to help leaders influence change from within. It’s how ideas travel and silos loosen, and it’s how culture actually shifts.
Frustration says, this is hard, but I care. Misalignment says, I no longer believe my effort here will matter.
Staying doesn’t mean everything is aligned. It means the misalignment feels workable.
Sometimes the messy middle isn’t asking you to try harder; it’s asking you to be honest with yourself.
When that willingness disappears, it’s not a character flaw; it’s just data.
Staying doesn’t mean everything is aligned. It means the misalignment feels workable.
The messy middle isn’t something we pass through once. It shows up again and again, and each time we meet it with a bit more awareness, a bit more choice, and a lot more self-trust.

Related to this Episode
How to Empower Leaders During Organizational Transformation

About Amy P Wilkins

Amy P Wilkins is a leadership coach, former media executive, and the founder of Choose Awe—a coaching practice devoted to helping women leaders navigate transitions with clarity, courage, and self-trust. After decades in senior leadership roles, Amy now empowers women to lead with purpose and thrive through the “messy middle” seasons of life and leadership.

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