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Inspirational leadership is not always a keynote moment. More often, it shows up in the small, everyday choices that shape how people feel and what they believe is possible. In our latest tip sheet, we share eight real examples of inspirational leadership drawn from leaders inside Speak by Design University. You will see leaders who: ➤ Make hard work feel lighter ➤ Create inclusion in real time ➤ Name fear and still move people forward Plus more.

Three minutes into an update, a senior leader asks, “How will this work?” Most leaders hear a request for detail. It isn’t. It’s a test of judgment and whether you’re operating at the right level of detail for the room. Before you walk into your next meeting, pressure-test your update through a senior lens. If you had only two minutes, could you explain the value creation clearly and confidently? This post will help.

Holding the room when the energy turns negative requires calm leadership and intentional presence. Instead of matching the tension, it's your place to steady it. Acknowledging concerns while guiding the group back toward clarity and purpose. This one skill turns difficult moments into opportunities for trust and influence. Read more.

Ideas aren’t scarce anymore. Follow-through is. In meetings, leaders aren’t positioned by their title. They’re positioned by their language. In this week’s post, Stephanie breaks down the difference between Change Agents and Change Makers, and shows how small language shifts signal whether you own adoption or outcomes in the room. If you want your words to move work forward, not just sound smart, this one is worth your time. Read the post →

“I think I have a condition.” That’s how one accomplished leader described her fear of presenting. What she actually had was a belief problem, not a diagnosis. Here’s how to reframe the fear of public speaking and lead the room with confidence. Read the full post →

“Got a Minute?” has quietly turned into a 45-minute therapy session for too many leaders. You walk in ready to talk strategy and performance, and walk out carrying everyone’s childhood wounds and workplace pain. In this tip sheet, Stephanie shows you how to say “I’m not your therapist” with gravitas and grace, while still being the leader people trust.

AI can analyze patterns, but it cannot read the room — and that’s where most leaders lose influence without realizing it. There’s one mistake people make in high-stakes meetings that instantly weakens their impact. This short read breaks it down, and once you see it, you won’t unsee it.

Starting a new position should feel exciting, but for many leaders, it comes with quiet pressure. You want to make a strong impression, build trust quickly, and show the organization they made the right choice, all while navigating expectations you’re still discovering. Your Ideal Onboarding Plan breaks down the communication moves that make those early days easier. Here’s a 30–60–90 day framework to keep you focused and confident in your new role.