by Eva Van KrugelConscious, creative leadership doesn’t fit in a mold. It’s not about mimicking what’s been done or shaping yourself to match someone else’s expectations. It’s about creating from the inside out, anchored in your truth, shaped by your values, and expressed through your unique voice and vision. You get to choose the canvas and the colours, […]
by Eva Van KrugelGrief is an unpopular topic, but a necessary one. We’re uncomfortable with it. And yet, it’s all around us in the news, our communities, at work, in our homes and families. Whether we name it or not, grief is present for so many of us. Some of the senior leaders I work with feel frustrated […]
by Eva Van KrugelAssuming someone’s intentions is a tricky game. What if, instead, we considered that they’re doing the best they can with what they have? When I took Dare to Lead™ training years ago, the masterful Laurie Hillis posed a powerful question in the BRAVING Trust component of the curriculum: “What if we believed people are doing […]
by Eva Van KrugelWhy is asking for help so hard in leadership? Some fear looking incompetent or weak. Others were raised and/or socialized to believe they should always have the answers. If that’s been your experience, I get it. As leaders, we’re wired to be resourceful and self-sufficient—but that doesn’t mean we have to go it alone. Sometimes, […]
by Eva Van KrugelSo many of us look outward—seeking validation, striving to contribute, giving endlessly. It’s natural. We want to belong, to make an impact. But in that pursuit, we often neglect the most important relationship: the one with ourselves. I see it all the time—leaders, business owners, and high achievers pushing so hard they become depleted, even […]
by Eva Van KrugelWe’ve all heard “there’s no such thing as failure, only learning.” But how that lands really depends on the culture you create. If we treat failure punitively, we: Undermine confidence and belonging Demotivate others Create fear Disempower ideas and perspectives Stifle creativity, productivity, and growth It’s a heavy toll to pay. But when we view […]
A huge thank you to my Personal Board of Directors—you know who you are! Some of you are here, others are in different parts of my life, and I’m deeply grateful for all of you. People sometimes ask if working for myself feels lonely. My answer? Never. I just have to remember to ask for […]
by Eva Van KrugelWhen we reality-check the people side of change management, we see a grief process unfold. Change means losing what’s familiar—some embrace it, while others feel threatened or saddened. As leaders, we can either acknowledge and support this emotional journey or ignore it. Uncomfortable with emotion, especially when leading others through it? That’s part of change […]
by Eva Van KrugelCrying at work happens. I’ve been there in my first career, and thankfully, I’ve had peers and leaders who made space for it without shame. Often, the tears came from frustration, stress, or overwhelm. In the past, I’d leave work, embarrassed. Now, I see tears as information that can sometimes lead to new awareness and […]
by Eva Van KrugelOn this International Women’s Day, I deeply honour some of the women who have lifted me with their energy and grit over the years. · My mother: “Always learn… you can do anything you believe in.” · My Wicked Stepmother: “Edit yourself less.” · My late paternal grandmother of Honolulu: “Be independent, never rely on a (partner), have […]