Research & Insights
Across industries and time zones, we’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of leaders navigating constant change, complexity, and new expectations. One thing is clear: leaders today need more than technical skill—they need the ability to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations with clarity, connection, and purpose.
That’s why we created Thrive365: The Connected Leader, a new leadership development experience inspired by the Simmons Leadership Conference, a global convening with a rich legacy of over 125,000 alumni worldwide. For years, our attendees have voiced a growing desire for ongoing development, deeper connection, and actionable insight that fits into real life.
Thrive365 was built to meet that need—and to help leaders grow where it matters most. Here are four essential leadership dimensions that today’s organizations can’t afford to ignore—and that Thrive365 is designed to elevate:
Your Foundation for Impact
At the heart of effective leadership lies a simple but powerful truth: it all starts from within. As a leader, gaining clarity about who you are, what you stand for, and how you respond emotionally is essential—especially when your organization is facing change, uncertainty, or even burnout.
By leading from within, you not only boost your own performance—you create the conditions for your whole team to thrive.
Why focus here?
Because leading with inner clarity and purpose creates the foundation for connected, agile leadership that lasts. When you know your values and can manage your energy and emotions well, you’re better equipped to guide your team through challenges with confidence and calm.
What does this look like in practice?
Start by exploring your leadership identity and developing emotional agility—the ability to adapt and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Learn to set a sustainable pace by recognizing burnout signals, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience. You’ll also want to clarify your core values and leadership purpose to ensure every decision aligns with what truly matters to you and your organization. Finally, tapping into your strengths and practicing intentional reflection will help you set meaningful goals that fuel lasting growth.
Building Influence, Impact and Mentorship
In today’s fast-paced, hybrid, and diverse workplaces, leadership isn’t just about directing—it’s about deeply connecting. Strong relationships, built on trust and intention, are the key to unlocking collaboration, engagement, and lasting impact.
By sharpening your relational leadership, you won’t just strengthen your own impact—you’ll become the kind of mentor and leader who helps others rise, feel seen, and do their best work together.
Why now?
As teams span locations and lived experiences, leaders must become fluent in building connection, navigating difference, and creating space for honest conversations that drive innovation and inclusion. This is about leading through authentic connection, courageous communication, and meaningful mentorship.
What does it look like in practice?
It looks like hosting one-on-one conversations that go beyond status updates to build trust. It means mentoring a colleague by sharing insights, listening actively, and helping them grow with confidence. It’s turning tension into open dialogue, creating space for feedback to flow both ways, and intentionally cultivating relationships that move work—and people—forward. Whether you're leading remotely or in person, you're showing up with empathy, curiosity, and purpose.
Step Boldly Into Your Power
Right now, more than ever, leaders—especially women—are being called to step up, lead boldly, and claim their space. But doing this authentically means having clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose behind your leadership.
By leading with vision and voice, you’ll not only elevate your own leadership impact—you’ll inspire others to follow your example.
Why focus here?
Because stepping into your full leadership presence isn’t just about being seen or heard—it’s about leading with intention and strategic clarity that inspires trust and drives results. This focus area is about sharpening your vision and amplifying your voice.
What does it look like in practice?
It looks like speaking up in a high-stakes meeting with confidence and clarity. It means translating complex challenges into a clear path forward that others can rally around. It's being intentional about how you show up—in your words, body language, and presence—and using self-awareness to turn doubt into growth. It also means building relationships that expand your influence and open doors to new possibilities.
Creating a Culture of Belonging
Step back and reflect on the kind of culture you’re helping to shape—through your actions, your presence, and your leadership. In today’s world, leadership isn’t just about hitting goals. It’s about creating healthy, inclusive environments where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to contribute.
Leading for impact means showing up every day in ways that build the kind of culture where everyone can thrive.
Why now?
Because thriving organizations are built by leaders—at every level—who understand that culture drives performance, engagement, and lasting success. This is an invitation to lead with intention and impact by fostering belonging, aligning values, and creating connection.
What does it look like in practice?
It looks like creating space for every voice in the room, celebrating difference, and ensuring team norms reflect shared values. It means identifying subtle barriers to inclusion and shifting systems that don't serve your people. It’s checking in with empathy, modeling vulnerability, and making sure your actions align with the kind of culture you want to grow. Whether you're leading a team or influencing from within, you're shaping a workplace where people feel they belong.
Your Leadership Journey Starts from Within—and Grows Outward
Effective leadership is a journey that begins with deep self-awareness and grows through meaningful relationships, bold vision, and a commitment to lasting impact. Across the year, our four themes—Leading from Within, Leading Through Relationships, Leading with Vision & Voice, and Leading for Impact—guide you step-by-step to build clarity, connection, confidence, and culture.
Whether you’re navigating change, fostering trust in hybrid teams, stepping into greater influence, or shaping inclusive environments, each phase equips you to lead with intention and drive real results.
Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Discover how Thrive365 can support your growth with practical tools, expert coaching, and a vibrant community of leaders dedicated to making a difference.
Start Your Journey Today
Learn more about how Thrive365: The Connected Leader can impact your leadership growth.
Speak with an Institute expert today.
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Kerry Seitz
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