Leadership with intention

15th July 2026 |   Michelle Shander

An autoethnographic exploration of values, culture, and growth

How does inspiration affect a leader’s ability to drive change? Is it possible for a leader to be too empathetic, and if so, does that hinder results? And how does culture factor into all of this? These are the questions I explore here, to better understand what it takes to lead transformative change not only operationally but culturally.

Another key question is how to inspire others to join me on this journey. What does it take to motivate a team, not just to follow, but to engage, contribute, and believe in a shared vision? I’ve come to understand that recognizing individual motivations and tapping into them authentically is a critical piece of that puzzle. The ability to make someone feel seen, heard, and valued is critical in getting them onboard with the change.