Have you ever noticed how spring doesn't just arrive—it unfolds?
First, the soil softens. Then, tentative shoots push through. Slowly but surely, the bloom begins.
Leadership works in much the same way. It often starts with a spark: a question, a fresh perspective, a bold idea. But for inspiration to take root and create a lasting impact, we must do more than feel it. We must cultivate it with clarity, courage, and care.
This is your invitation to shift from discovery to momentum.
The 80/20 Rule of Creative Brilliance
In coaching board leaders and executives, I often come back to the Pareto Principle: 80 percent of outcomes come from just 20 percent of our actions. It's not just a productivity hack—it's neuroscience.
Our brains aren't built for relentless output. They thrive on focus, not frenzy.
So instead of doing more, ask:
- What 20 percent of your efforts create 80 percent of your results?
- Which relationships spark your growth?
- Where can you gently prune to make room for what truly matters?
Like gardeners in spring, we must clear the overgrowth to let our brilliance breathe.
The Spark of Support
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person."
— Albert Schweitzer
At a recent keynote for the Grace Hopper Celebration, I witnessed such a spark. A panelist looked directly at a young woman and said, "You deserve to be paid what you're worth—not just someday, but now. Let's talk."
It was one sentence. But it had the power to change her trajectory.
Later, someone came up to me and said, "Laura, you don't just talk about equity—you help us live it, lead it, and link it to performance."
That's how real momentum builds: One spark. One voice. One leader who chooses to act.
"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves."
— William Arthur Ward
From Idea to Action: A Leader's Toolkit
Inspiration is the seed. But action is the sunlight. Try this:
- Prioritize With Precision. Identify your "vital few." Not everything matters equally; protect your energy for what does.
- Connect With Intention. Reach out to someone who energizes you, or be that person for someone else.
- Advocate With Courage. Whether it's a raise, a new role, or a healthier pace, ask for what moves you forward. Boldness compounds.
What Will You Let Bloom?
This season, pause and ask:
- What's your 20 percent of effort that moves the needle?
- Who's in your ecosystem of support?
- What courageous step are you ready to take next?
Growth doesn't always arrive in full bloom. Often, it begins quietly—in reflection, in clarity, in the smallest acts of bravery.
But the bloom does come.
Start with focus. Nurture with intention. Lead with heart.