Reading Now
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Superagency offers a roadmap for using AI inclusively and adaptively to improve our lives and create positive change. While acknowledging challenges like disinformation and potential job changes, the book focuses on AI’s immense potential to increase individual agency and create better outcomes for society as a whole.
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The best leaders, in the biggest moments, know how to read the situation, respond in the most effective way possible, and move forward. You can, too.
The hardest part of leadership is mastering the inevitable high-risk, high-stakes challenges you will face. Whether you're making a split-second decision when your business is knocked sideways or you're finding the best strategy to navigate business-critical long-term circumstances, how can you be in peak form in those most crucial moments?
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From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us.
“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin
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The Agile Board
In today’s environment, it is particularly important to examine closely board composition, board refreshment and board performance, all in the context of agility and effectiveness. As we think about what constitutes an agile and effective board as a whole, several questions come to mind.
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Core Values
Impact & Growth [ Change Management ] Leading with Purpose [ Community ] Creativity [ Innovation ] Gratitude [ Generosity ] Authenticity [ Integrity ] Intellectual Curiosity [ Mental Agility ]
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The Value of the Independent Board Leader
All stakeholders will benefit from a strong board, and from a leader of the board who can bring out the best of every individual director. Here’s how a strong leader can bolster the relationship between the board and the CEO.
By Phyllis J. Campbell and Jennifer Monroe
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Top of the Game Podcast: Culture is Everything
Phyllis talks Culture with podcast host Top of Your Game. Tune in on Apple iTunes.
Phyllis J. Campbell, iTunes (April 3, 2024)
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The Family Business - To board or not to board?
September 20, 2024 - Part 1 of 3: The Strategic Advantage of External Boards in Family Businesses. In our dealings over the years with family-owned businesses, there is much to admire in the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit of the founder(s). All of this has brought about a built-to-last business that provides great products/services and jobs, community and employment impact for so many…
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The Family Business - To board or not to board?
October 23, 2024 - Part 2 of 3: How Family Businesses Can Frame Their Vision Before Recruiting Outside Directors. Before recruiting an outside board, however, it is important to frame the criteria of the founder/controlling shareholders on the following: What do we(family) wish for the future of our business: what do we want to preserve, achieve, and avoid?
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The Family Business - To board or not to board?
November 23, 2024 - Part 3 of 3. In Part 1 and 2 of the Series of “To Board or not to Board”, we examined the barriers, opportunities and framework questions that need to be considered before recruiting outside board members. This third part of this series of articles will layout practical steps in getting effective outside directors into the company. First acknowledge that independent directors need to be truly independent advisors…
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Leveraging the Power of an Inclusive Board in Family Businesses
December 10, 2024 - Five Practices of Effective Board Leadership (Part I)
To kick off a short series on “Leveraging the Power of an Inclusive Board,” I wanted to begin by examining and spotlighting the critical roles of board leaders with a focus on family-owned businesses. Chairs, whether they are a family member or in some cases a lead independent director, have an intrinsic responsibility to create and foster an inclusive board culture…
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The Top 3 Responsibilities of a Highly Effective Board (Part II)
January 10, 2025 - In Part I of this 3-part series, I highlighted the critical role and best practices of board leadership. This article highlights the top three responsibilities of a highly effective board as a whole. This series pays particular attention to family-owned businesses, where multiple agendas and increased complexities often come into play in the boardroom…
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Honored to Be Among Women of Excellence
June 2, 2025 - I have always been struck by the energy of the Women's University Club — women of all backgrounds, bound by a shared spirit of curiosity, generosity, and lifelong learning. Their motto, “Leading, Learning & Living Life to its Absolute Fullest,” isn’t just aspirational — it’s alive in every conversation, class, and connection that happens here…
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Leadership Tenets for Building a Healthy Board
August 28, 2025 - It was my distinct pleasure to be a panelist for the kickoff of a series with the downtown Seattle Rotary Club on “Building a Healthy Community”. The Seattle Rotary Club is one of the most prominent service clubs in the country, leading the way for decades in its mission to better the lives of people who are underserved and in building civic engagement…
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Lessons from a Chemo Warrior
September 2, 2025 - As I headed into my official retirement from full-time work in 2023, I believed life was finally settling into a sweet, predictable rhythm. I was healthy. I had time to choose where I wanted to engage, whether in travel, family, friendships, or professional opportunities. For the first time, I felt a real sense of control over my time. That sense of certainty shifted dramatically in October 2024 when I received news I never expected…
Directors of the Year, a Lasting Legacy of Leadership (Puget Sound Business Journal)
“My professional work has always been a big part of my life, but I tend to ask myself, ‘How well am I integrating all of the pieces of the puzzle into a whole, and not ignoring one part or another?’” Campbell said. “That’s not easy, but paying attention to all the pieces is important.”