StartHuman

As leaders, we often talk about purpose, impact, and resilience—but we don’t always talk about the personal cost of overachievement or the courage it takes to lead from wholeness rather than worthiness.

My friend and fellow Conscious Leadership alum, .chen has written a breathtaking memoir called Like a Wave We Break. It’s the story of a woman who built a world-changing company—and then faced the unraveling of everything she thought defined her.
Jane’s story is a mirror for so many of us who’ve chased impact while quietly burning out. She invites us to explore what it really means to live and lead from authenticity, presence, and truth.

I couldn’t be prouder of her vulnerability and her voice. This is a book for anyone walking the path of conscious leadership and personal transformation. 🌊

Quitting gets a bad rap.

But what if it’s not failure?

What if it’s… wisdom?

At StartHuman, we believe good leadership isn’t just about persistence — it’s about discernment. Knowing when to keep going, and when it’s time to walk away.

One of our favorite tools from Annie Duke’s Quit?
🛑 Kill criteria.
A way to decide — before things get charged or muddled — what signs would let you know it’s time to stop, shift, or pivot.

We’ve seen leaders use this to:
✔️ Prevent burnout
✔️ Make clearer strategic decisions
✔️ Align with evolving values

✨Quitting isn’t giving up.
It’s making space for what’s next.

New blog post from Amber on how quitting can be a leadership skill — and a deeply human one:

When Quitting Is the Smartest Thing You Can Do A reflection on Annie Duke’s book, “Quit: The Quiet Power of Knowing When to Walk Away”

Check out our latest blog about power dynamics.

Stepping Into Your Power: Moving Beyond Power Dynamics in Culture Change How to Reclaim Your Power and Drive Culture Change from Any Role

🌟 Language Matters: How HR Phrases Can Impact Workplace Culture 🌟

As a culture transformation facilitator, I’ve seen how the language we use in HR policies and practices can make or break an organization’s culture. While these policies aim to provide clarity, structure, and accountability, they can sometimes unintentionally erode empowerment and trust.

In my latest blog post, I dive into common HR phrases that may need a refresh and offer alternatives that prioritize people and connection. Phrases like “failure to comply” or “zero tolerance” can create a tone of caution and control, rather than collaboration and growth.

Here are a few examples of how we can reframe our language:

🔹 Instead of: “Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.”
Try: “These guidelines are here to support everyone’s well-being. Let’s work together to create a safe, positive environment for all.”

🔹 Instead of: “Please be aware of our zero-tolerance policy.”
Try: “We’re committed to a respectful workplace where everyone feels empowered. Here’s how we can work together to uphold these values.”

These small shifts in language can help create a culture focused on trust, authenticity, and genuine connection. 💬✨

💡 Action Step: I encourage you to review your HR communications. Are your phrases building trust or creating barriers? Let’s work together to foster a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.

👉 Check out the full blog post BELOW for more insights and tips.

Language Matters HR Phrases That Can Damage Your Workplace Culture