Preparing for Change, Leading with Impact

That’s a wrap folks. Last week we were given the gift of closure. We found out who will lead our cities, our state, and our nation. What now?

• Don’t gloat.

• Don’t whine.

• Get to work

Look, I’m not saying we shouldn’t give ourselves some time to process and/or enjoy the wins and losses we experienced. We should. But limit that action. Set a time to take action and move forward. In my opinion, that time was yesterday at the latest.

If you have ever worked with me it is likely you’ve heard me say that 99% of the skills I use today, I learned either through punk rock or pizza. With pizza, the analogy usually leans towards the lunch rush. (I once made 176 salads in 2 hours at the OG US Pizza Hillcrest, NBD.) The lunch rush is usually pretty wild or at least has moments of high stress and pressure. You’re gonna mess something up. Someone will likely be disappointed. But this is for sure, it will end.

You have to set yourself and your team up for success as best you can before you turn on the “Open” sign.

• Show up on time.

• Take inventory.

• Prepare your ingredients.

• Know your menu.

• Understand your role.

• Keep moving.

• Treat your teammates with respect and grace.

• Choose singing and dancing over yelling and screaming.

The point is, you got this. As we prepare to enter 2025 under a new administration, our communities and organizations face a unique opportunity: to unite in the face of challenges and create solutions that foster healing, growth, and resilience. In Arkansas, where we already grapple with critical issues like health disparities, education gaps, and economic inequality. You’re in a position to help move this vital work forward.

Anticipate Policy Shifts, Adapt Strategically

The political and economic landscape in 2025 will demand adaptability from both community organizations and businesses. With anticipated changes in immigration policies, education funding, and healthcare reform, it’s critical to:

Stay Informed: Regularly monitor legislative updates to understand their impact on your mission and operations.

Advocate Locally: Engage with policymakers to represent your community's needs and perspectives.

Collaborate: Build partnerships that leverage shared goals and resources to mitigate risks and maximize impact.

By preparing strategically, you can remain resilient in the face of shifting policies while continuing to serve your stakeholders effectively.

Heal Divisions Through Leadership and Dialogue

The divisive nature of recent campaigns has left communities fractured. Leaders have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to heal these divides, rebuild trust and cultivate a sense of unity in their communities and workplaces.

Create Space for Dialogue: Host open forums and listening sessions that invite all voices to be heard.

Model Empathy: Lead with compassion and actively seek understanding of differing perspectives.

Include everyone: Build a bigger boat by implementing  strategies that demonstrate your commitment to diverse ideas and conflicting viewpoints. 

Invest in Your Value Proposition

Organizations and businesses that deliver clear, impactful value are best positioned to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing environment. For business leaders, this might mean showcasing how your company supports local economic development or addresses workforce challenges. For nonprofits, it could mean highlighting your role in addressing health, education, or equity gaps.

Clarify the Mission: Revisit your core purpose and ensure it aligns with the needs of those you serve.

Measure and Communicate Impact: Use data to demonstrate outcomes and share stories that connect with your audience.

Safeguard Sustainability: Invest in strategies that ensure your financial and operational health in the long term.

Empower Arkansas for the Future (plenty of work to go around)

You have a responsibility to lead in areas where improvement is urgently needed.  Leaders and organizations committed to improvement will not only strengthen their communities but also position Arkansas as a model of resilience and innovation.

Health: Partner on solutions for rural and highest risk populations.

Education: Collaborate with schools and nonprofits to close gaps in literacy, access to technology, and workforce readiness.

Economic Development: Create pathways for upward mobility by addressing attainable housing, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.