Words Make Worlds

The systems we live in today feel shaky at all levels—from the global down to the personal—and impact our bodies, minds and emotions, shaping how we live and lead. It’s simply not possible to show up at work focused purely on business. To pretend otherwise means appearing out of touch and inauthentic.

It can be exhausting to navigate this uncertainty using old ideas of leadership. The certain leader with all the answers lacks responsiveness in constantly changing circumstances. Today’s leaders are required to be sense makers and facilitators, experts at navigating complexity with clear eyes, curiosity, and creativity.

Words Make Worlds is a newsletter dedicated to leaders who are ready to navigate complexity without getting swept away, who know the importance of caring for people and remembering what is truly important.

When you sign up, in addition to the regular newsletter, you’ll receive a series of five emails sharing simple practices that can bring more ease and authenticity to how you show up at work.

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Words Make Worlds was relaunched in September, 2025. Previous issues from the original Words Make Worlds series have been archived as essays in the writing section, where they continue to be available as evergreen resources for leaders developing their coaching skills.

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Issues

• Seeing Ourselves More Clearly

  The stories we hold about how others see us can be totally skewed. How do we get back to a clearer sense of how we’re actually perceived?

• The Ball of Responsibility

  Why do so many leaders leave 1:1s feeling exhausted? Often it’s because they’re holding all the conversational weight—and creating dependency in the process.

• Being Green in a World on Fire

  Is it okay to be green—present, rested, responsive—when the world is on fire? Not only is it okay, it’s exactly how caring leaders can show up without burning out.

• Are You Really on the Same Page?

  Expectations live in your head. Until you share them out loud, get agreement, and write them down, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

• The Surprising Power of Awe

  Awe is the only emotion that can short-circuit overwhelm and drop us directly into a restorative state. No meditation required, just 15 minutes and a willingness to see things with fresh eyes.

• Coming Back to Center

  Life grabs at us constantly—conflicts, news, criticism, uncertainty. Centering helps us see these grabs coming and choose how we respond instead of just reacting.

• Unbundling Leadership

  When you step into a leadership role, you’re actually stepping into four distinct roles—leader, director, manager, and coach. Understanding each one can clarify where to focus your energy.