We’re excited to share the first edition of The Leadership Lens. In each edition, we’ll explore a few standout stories through a leadership perspective, highlighting what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for leaders and organizations. We created this with you in mind, so let us know what you think, we’d love your feedback!

1. Why is retention suddenly a board-level issue?

The Gallagher 2025 U.S. Talent Benchmarks Report shows 59% of employers now rank retention as their #1 operational priority, above efficiency or cost control. (Gallagher, September 2025)

  • What’s the leadership takeaway? Retention has become a CEO-level concern, not just an HR issue.
  • Why does it matter? The financial and cultural stakes are enormous — from turnover costs to the impact on engagement and customer experience. Boards are treating retention as a strategic risk.
  • What does this mean for leaders? Retention isn’t solved with pay or perks. It’s about trust, safety, and meaningful growth opportunities designed into the system.

2. Are your leadership priorities keeping pace with global shifts?

Harvard’s 2025 Global Leadership Development Study surveyed 1,159 HR, L&D, and functional leaders across 14+ countries. It found that capability priorities are shifting: 47% say emotional and social intelligence is more critical than in 2024, 4 in 10 say leading organizational change and managing workplace polarization are more important this year, and 39% point to AI fluency as a rising need. (Harvard Business Impact, May 2025)

  • What’s the leadership takeaway? The challenge isn’t a lack of leaders — it’s that development is lagging behind what the future demands.
  • Why does it matter? Organizations are asking leaders to adapt faster than current systems prepare them, leaving readiness gaps at the very moment disruption is accelerating.
  • What does this mean for leaders? Sustainable depth comes from experiential growth that builds self-awareness, agility, and trust — not from more modules or check-the-box courses.

3. Can mastering your breath make you a better leader?

In National Geographic, former Navy SEAL and FBI agent Errol Doebler shared how breathwork, the practice of consciously controlling your inhale and exhale, helped him manage everything from combat missions to parenting stress. Techniques like box breathing (used by Navy SEALs to steady focus and override the body’s fight-or-flight response) are now finding their way into leadership and everyday life. (National Geographic, October 2025)

  • What’s the leadership takeaway? Self-regulation is the foundation of effective leadership. The ability to manage your physiological and emotional state determines how well you lead others under pressure.
  • Why does it matter? Chronic stress erodes decision-making, empathy, and trust. Breathwork offers a proven, immediate way to reduce cortisol, lower heart rate, and restore clarity—without needing technology or long sessions.
  • What does this mean for leaders? Integrate “micro-resets” into your day: a minute of deep, paced breathing between meetings or before high-stakes conversations. Staying composed in chaos isn’t instinct, it’s a trained response.

We hope this first edition of The Leadership Lens gives you something to think about — and maybe something to practice. See you next month with new perspectives, and as always, we’d love to hear what’s resonating with you.