Hi, Jim Fielding here! As some of you have read, I have taken a step away from corporate America to continue my journey of sharing Authentic Leadership.

As part of that journey, I am re-branding the All Pride, No Ego Newsletter to Field Notes!

Why Field Notes?

Through my work as an executive coach, speaker, writer, and advocate, I am seeing the power of authentic leadership and inclusive workplaces first hand. I’m out in the field, so to speak, and sharing my observations along the way.

You can expect similar content in Field Notes, including BIG IDEAS in leadership and social justice, authentic leaders spotlights, links to my favorite things… and advocacy work worth fighting for.

All Pride, No Ego is not going away… it is just evolving. It’s still your friend, Jim Fielding, just more… it’s new and a little daunting!!

But, if you’re not a little scared, how can you be brave? I am eager to start this new journey with you. Let’s get into this week’s post.

As a leader, you need to stay informed, open-minded, and interpret trends for your company. I have worked with amazing leaders in my career … and a few bad ones. I’m not perfect… I know I’ve had my moments! But the key is to learn from your mistakes and keep the lines of communication open.

Here are some insights I’ve learned over the years about what makes a good leader…

Stay open, actively listen, take notes, and seek clarification when necessary. It is not always easy to hear the truth, but you need to prepare yourself to accept the insights with humility and gratitude.

Authenticity is the degree to which a person’s actions are congruent with their values and desires, despite external pressures to social conformity.

Successful managers and leaders need to have a good balance of both IQ and EQ.

Examine your current actions to see if they align with the ultimate vision. Be Proactive, rather than Reactive, and believe that decisions you make today can pay off 3-5 years in the future if you have the patience, determination, and fortitude.

One of the best leaders I have ever had a chance to work for was Bob Iger. This week I shared some of the lessons on leadership Bob taught me:

What do you think makes a good leader? I’d love to hear from you!

Chip Conley is on a mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the U.S., and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Conley co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018.

Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a ‘modern elder’ at Airbnb, where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary transformation from fast-growing start-up to the world’s most valuable hospitality brand, MEA is the world's first ‘midlife wisdom school.’ Dedicated to reframing the concept of aging. MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

A New York Times bestselling author, Conley's 7th book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage and he was asked to give a 2023 TED talk on the "midlife chrysalis."

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One more thing…

I will be speaking at the SHRM Inclusion 2024 Convention in Denver, Co from November 4th-7th, come say hello! I am excited to be speaking on a topic that I love… Authentic Leadership!

Thank you again for your love and support!

Until next time…

Jim