Category: PLJ

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal Why Strategic Surrender is a Mark of Wisdom, Not Weakness “Cut your losses.” It’s a phrase we hear in boardrooms, kitchens, and poker games alike. But in leadership, knowing when to let go may be one of the most undervalued skills. Leaders are taught to persist. Stick… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal What’s Broken Is Older Than We Think Ever wonder why people with good intentions still end up misunderstanding each other? It’s not new. The Tower of Babel story, tucked into Genesis, describes humanity’s first collective project. One language, one people, one voice. Until, boom, God “confused their… Read the full article

By Wema Hoover There are moments in history when a nation must pause—not just to commemorate, but to celebrate achievements, amplify the voices that advance progress, and chart a new course forward. As we observe National Black Business Month this August, celebrating the extraordinary economic contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders, we’re reminded of… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal Strong leaders don’t just know what to say. They know when the climate calls for silence, speed, or stillness. The best leaders don’t impose their voice on the room. They listen to it first. They assess the energy, the risk, the readiness. And only then do they… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal Great change doesn’t happen at the extremes, it happens when a leader moves the movable middle. The loudest voices are often at the edges, either defending the past or demanding the future. But the true leader is the one who quietly engages the uncertain middle. These are… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal Why Influence Isn’t Reserved for the Top Seat Not every leader sits in the corner office. In fact, some of the most influential leaders operate just outside the spotlight, from the second chair. These are the COOs, deputies, vice presidents, chiefs of staff, and team leads who… Read the full article

In 2011, Profiles in Diversity Journal selected Mary Barra as a Woman Worth Watching®—recognizing her early leadership at General Motors. https://womenworthwatching.com/mary-barra/ Today, as Fortune Magazine names her the #1 Most Powerful Woman in Business for the second year running, we join in celebrating a leader whose impact continues to grow. (Fortune, June July 2025) Mary… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal What Children Can Teach Us About Real Influence Children don’t use the word leader. They use hero. To them, the person who stands strong, listens deeply, and helps others feel safe, that’s a hero. And more often than not, that person is a parent, a grandparent, or… Read the full article

By James Rector, Publisher Profiles in Leadership Journal Why Recognition Matters Now More Than Ever Tariffs rise. Budgets tighten. Headcounts shrink. For many companies today, the economic drumbeat is one of restraint, and the instinct is to pull back, preserve cash, and pause initiatives that don’t clearly drive the bottom line. Recognition programs, like leadership… Read the full article