The leaders who thrive in today’s fast-paced world aren’t just reacting to what’s in front of them—they’re seeing around corners.
And here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: you can’t see ahead without energy.
It’s the single biggest differentiator between leaders who stay ahead and those who burn out.
And remember, no one has it all figured out.
Not even the top of the top.
I’ve sat in boardrooms and watched leaders navigate the toughest business situations you can imagine and it’s never a straight line. It’s not about having every answer. It’s a process of vetting options, testing ideas, and making the best choice with the information you have.
Seeing around corners is about creating the conditions to think clearly and make smarter moves when it matters most.
I don’t have it all figured out and neither does anyone else.
What I have learned is that seeing around corners takes practice. And here are 5 ways I help leaders and business owners do it (and what I’m working on myself):
1️⃣ Protect Your Energy (Your Leadership Edge)
Your energy is your advantage. Without it, decision-making slows, opportunities get missed, and leadership feels like survival instead of strategy. Take this one to heart, it is key!
Working with my coach has been a game-changer for me. Yup, I need coaches too, it keeps me sharp, challenges my thinking, and helps me lead from a stronger, more grounded place.
2️⃣ Make Research a Mission
I don’t do this perfectly, but for years I’ve made it a priority to block time to see what’s happening in business, wellness, food, and other areas I care about.
It hasn’t been about chasing every trend but always staying curious. Those insights have often led to innovations that kept my business ahead.
Now, you can even set up ChatGPT to pull weekly reports tailored to what you care about most. Saves me a good amount of time!
3️⃣ Dial in a Future Skill
Pick one skill you know you’ll need for the next level and learn everything you can about it now.
This year, I realized I had a gap in marketing and communication, so I’ve been dialing that in. Next, I’m diving into AI—learning how to use it to streamline processes and support smarter decision-making.
This one is a key way that I’ve stayed ahead throughout my career. It’s not flawless, but it works and it’s a big part of why people know me for anticipating change before it hits.
4️⃣ Seek New Rooms
Growth rarely happens in echo chambers.
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Engineers only talking to engineers
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Small business owners only with other small business owners
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Corporate leaders staying in corporate circles
That’s groupthink. Modern leaders intentionally put themselves in diverse rooms where new ideas and perspectives challenge their assumptions.
In the past few years, I’ve made a key shift, I try to meet new people every week. Sometimes it’s a coffee chat, sometimes just a quick conversation, but even one connection can open doors (and often does) and elevate how I think and lead.
My personal goal is to meet at least two new people every week this way, it’s one of the most valuable leadership habits I’ve built.
5️⃣ Build a Personal Board
Your personal board doesn’t have to be formal. Think of it as a circle of people who test your thinking, expand your vision, and keep you grounded.
Mine isn’t fancy—it’s a mix of:
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Peers from other industries who challenge me
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Coaches and advisors who keep me accountable
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Trusted challengers and connectors who call out blind spots
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Generational and financial perspectives to keep my thinking long-term
It’s not perfect or rigid, but this mix gives me advice, perspective, and people who aren’t afraid to push back. It’s made me a stronger, more future-ready leader.
Seeing around corners isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about having the mindset, energy, and perspective to lead with clarity while everyone else is scrambing to get through.
If you want to learn more about seeing around corners, that one area that we focus on in the Modern Leadership Collective. We help leaders like you protect your energy, sharpen your edge, and stay ahead while leading teams and businesses that thrive.
🚀Enrollment reopens next week. The first 10 members to join this round get exclusive bonuses designated to accelerate your leadership edge.
👉Enter your name to be first on the list here.
Late Summer Reset: Eating for Energy as Seasons Shift
August has a strange rhythm. It's still summer, but the back-to-school/back-to-work energy is starting to kick in. Routines shift, to-do lists grow, and somewhere between the beach and your inbox, you might notice your energy feels...off.
This week, we're focusing on how to eat with the season - not just to feel better physically, but to help you transition more smoothly into the structure that late summer and early fall tend to demand.
Seasonal Foods That Help You Stay Grounded
This is the time to lean into foods that are still fresh and hydrating, but offer a little more staying power than popsicles and watermelon.
Some seasonal standouts:
- Cucumbers + tomatoes: Hydrating, great for digestion, and easy to toss into a grain bowl or salad
- Berries: Still in season, packed with antioxidants, great brain support
- Zucchini + summer squash: Light, versatile, and great roasted or sauteed with herbs
- Herbs like mint, basil, and parsley: Support digestion and refresh tired palates
Try this: Add roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil to a bowl with quinoa and chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon + olive oil.
Transitioning from Light to Grounding Meals
It's tempting to keep eating like it's peak summer (chips + guac, smoothie bowls, or skipping meals all together.) But as your calendar fills up and your nervous system takes on more load, your body likely needs more support. That doesn't mean jumping into heavy stews just yet - but consider:
- Swapping raw salads for lightly sauteed greens
- Adding roasted sweet potatoes or lentils to lunch bowls
- Planning an actual lunch instead of grazing all afternoon
One Small Shift: Eat Before the Crash
If you're finding yourself reaching for caffeine or sugar around 3pm, it's likely your body needed fuel hours earlier. A well-timed lunch with carbs, protein, and fat (even if it's small) can prevent that crash and help you stay more prsent through the end of your workday.
Where can you add one moment of food-based support this week? Not a detox. Not a diet. Just one intentional choice - because your energy, your brain, and your leadership deserve to be fed well.
Join Us!
Tuesday, August 12, 3 PM ET
Want to see how we help leaders stay ahead?
Join our free masterclass:
The 5 Moves Modern Leaders Make to Stay SOLID, Energized, and Ahead
It’s designed for business owners and organizational leaders ready to evolve how they lead with clarity, presence, and strategic momentum that moves businesses forward.
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