Happiness and Revolutions (Issue #28)
We're celebrating International Day of Happiness and the future of leadership
Hello and welcome to all our new readers and leaders! (Sounds like a great book club name 😂)
📌Tip of the Week
Let’s celebrate happiness!
International Day of Happiness is celebrated every year on March 20 to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being as a universal goals in people’s lives.
The creation of this day was first proposed in Bhutan, a country well known for prioritizing a statistic called Gross National Happiness.
Fast forward to the 2000s the United Nations and other countries began to recognize the importance of happiness in global development and on June 28th, 2012 the day was declared!
Check out Action for Happiness a company focused on spreading happiness and mindfulness (not unlike this newsletter).
A revolution is happening and it’s about damn time…
If you’re fired up about all the amazing—empathetic, authentic, supportive—leaders but also a little ticked about all the shitty leadership going on then get ready to be a part of the revolution!
For years, the leadership path in most organizations has been predictable:
✔ Do great work.
✔ Get promoted.
✔ Start managing people.
✔ Climb the corporate ladder.
It’s a model that has shaped careers for decades, in fact, it’s a path I’ve been on for a long time. But today’s workforce is questioning whether it’s the right path for them.
And many are deciding it’s not.
So, let’s talk about why leadership needs redefined
A recent study found that 52% of Gen Z professionals don’t want to be middle managers. And, can you blame them?
The traditional leadership model—filled with endless meetings, constant firefighting, and little time for deep work—is losing its appeal and quickly.
Many professionals today aren’t looking for bigger teams or a corner office. They’re looking for growth, impact, and influence—without the burnout.
Things are changing quickly
This shift is being brought on by multiple factors: The rise of AI, multi-generational workplaces, mass layoffs (especially in tech), and evolving career expectations.
It’s forcing us into a new era—a new way of looking at leadership. And to that, I say finally.
The old model—climbing the corporate ladder—has been dying for some time, and we now need to start thinking differently about how leadership is defined and how careers are shaped.
As a result, professionals are adapting by acquiring new skills, exploring portfolio careers, and rethinking traditional leadership models.
Organizations are also shifting their expectations, now seeking leaders who can navigate uncertainty, manage remote teams, and drive innovation in challenging times.
So, what does leadership look like now? And more importantly, how should we define it?
Leadership is no longer about titles, hierarchy, or managing large teams. Instead, it’s about influence, adaptability, and impact.
Leadership is the ability to create meaningful change, empower others, and navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence regardless of title or position.
This shift means that leadership isn’t reserved for executives or managers. It’s accessible to anyone willing to step up, take initiative, and drive impact.
📰 Hello, AMA!
Q: “As a leader, I feel like I’m constantly navigating uncertainty. There’s so much pressure to have a clear vision for the future but honestly, I feel overwhelmed. I don’t always know the ‘big picture’ next step, and it makes me doubt myself. How do I lead confidently when I don’t have all the answers?”
A: I recently heard a quote from the book ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ that captures the idea that when the big things (the future) feel out of control, focus on what you can see right in front of you.
In the book, the boy and the horse are walking in the forest. The boy says, “I can’t see a way through.” And the horse responds, “Can you see your next step?” The boy says, “Yes.” And the horse replies, “Then just take that.”
This reflects the idea that even if you can’t see the whole path ahead (the forest), taking the next step is what matters.
And that’s the same advice I would give you here.
Leadership isn’t about always having a perfect roadmap—it’s about trusting yourself to take the next right step, even when the future feels uncertain. Focus on what’s right in front of you, the people you support, and the values that guide you. The big picture will unfold as you keep moving.
Have a leadership question or topic you’d love to see covered here—send them my way!
Wellness Corner
Touch some grass and enjoy happiness day
My favorite way to decompress is to get outside and enjoy some nature. Just 10 minutes outdoors can reduce stress, and 120 minutes a week improves overall well-being.
Here some ways to celebrate International Happiness Day and nature:
Start your day outside with coffee or journaling
Take a mindful walk without distractions
Plant flowers or herbs for a small happiness garden
Visit a park, beach, or trail for fresh air and movement
Join a clean-up effort to give back to nature
Community Insights
Introducing the first of its kind digital publication dedicated exclusively to redefining the future of leadership.
Leadership & is a movement, a revolution and a community for forward-thinking leaders. Ready to join the movement? Join here and share with a friend.
Next week preview…
Tired of wasting time on bad 1:1 meetings? Next week I am sharing my 3 step method I use to make the most out of my 1:1s with my teams.
Until next time, stay well.
Colleen