Over the years, I have spent a lot of time writing about people, work, personal growth, and the decisions we make when life becomes complicated. One thing I have noticed is that many people have valuable experiences that rarely get shared unless someone takes the time to ask.
A person can spend years managing a business, leading a team, running a nonprofit, or serving a community, yet many of the lessons they learn along the way remain with them. They know what worked, what failed, what surprised them, and what they would do differently if they had the opportunity to start over.
Those experiences are worth listening to.
As part of my doctoral studies in Leadership in Administration, I am completing coursework on communication and leadership. One of my assignments involves interviewing an organizational leader about growth, sustainability, community relationships, and the challenges involved with leading an organization.
The assignment is academic, but the reason behind it is something I have been interested in for years: understanding what happens behind the scenes when people make decisions that affect others.
Organizations are not built by plans alone. They are built through relationships, resources, communication, and the ability to adjust when circumstances change. A leader may have a vision for growth, but they also have to consider financial realities, stakeholder expectations, community needs, and the people who help make the organization successful.
Those decisions are not always easy.
Sometimes leaders have to determine whether expansion is the right move or whether strengthening what already exists is more important. Sometimes they have to communicate difficult changes while maintaining trust. Other times, they have to find ways to connect with people who may not immediately understand or support the organization's direction.
These are the types of experiences I hope to learn more about through this interview process.
I am looking for professionals with leadership experience who are willing to share their perspectives. This could include business owners, nonprofit leaders, managers, directors, community leaders, educators, or others who have helped guide an organization or team.
To make participation easier, I created several options depending on availability. Participants can choose a brief Zoom conversation, a phone interview, or a written response via a Google Form, which can be completed at their convenience.
The questions focus on topics such as organizational growth, financial sustainability, community culture, stakeholder relationships, and communication practices.
If you have leadership experience and would be willing to participate, I would appreciate the opportunity to learn from your perspective. If you know someone whose experience would provide valuable insight, I would also appreciate an introduction.
The interview form can be found here:
https://bit.ly/NichollLeaderInterview
I have always believed that learning does not happen only in a classroom. It also happens through conversations with people who have spent years solving problems, making decisions, and serving others.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their knowledge, encouragement, and experiences with me throughout my professional and academic journey.
— Nicholl McGuire
