Empathy: The Hardest Skill in Leadership Today
Lia James Lia James

Empathy: The Hardest Skill in Leadership Today

Empathy isn't a soft skill. It's the hardest skill. Adjusting to today's demands may feel challenging, but recognizing and addressing your team's personal challenges can transform your leadership. In a landscape where change is constant, consider how leading with empathy can drive impact today.

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What Is Connective Design?
Lia James Lia James

What Is Connective Design?

Our approach to human connection often mirrors our "To Do" list—scheduled, rushed, and transactional. But what if our spaces were designed to encourage genuine, meaningful interactions? Could connective design be used to reshape urban centers, public activations, and shared environments into places where authentic engagement and community naturally unfold?

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The Connection Economy
Lia James Lia James

The Connection Economy

People are looking for spaces where connection feels intentional, not incidental. What happens when we choose presence in a world designed for distraction? For decades, we’ve traded authentic connection for efficiency, scrolling instead of sharing, transactions instead of relationships. That empty feeling is harder to ignore, and now, both people and businesses are starting to prioritize what truly matters: connection.

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We’re designed to be together.
Lia James Lia James

We’re designed to be together.

Modern life pulls us toward isolation, yet research shows connection is key to our health and happiness. This article explores the cost of loneliness, the rising demand for meaningful relationships, and the potential of the “connection economy” to reshape our lives, work, and communities. Ready to discover what’s possible when we prioritize connection?

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Designing a Career to Fit Your Life
Lia James Lia James

Designing a Career to Fit Your Life

What if your career could align with who you are—not just the skills you bring to the table, but the life you want to live? In this piece, I share how one client turned a passion for deep-sea fishing into a fulfilling career, and why understanding yourself as a whole person is the key to designing work that feels meaningful. Ready to take the first step toward a career that fits your life?

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Quiet Quitting the Hustle and Reclaiming My Happiness
Lia James Lia James

Quiet Quitting the Hustle and Reclaiming My Happiness

What happens when you reject the hustle culture and start prioritizing your well-being? In this article, I share my personal journey of stepping back from the grind, embracing rest, and redesigning my life to center happiness. Whether you’re burnt out or ready to rethink what success looks like, this is a must-read for anyone seeking balance and purpose.

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The Impact of Belonging
Lia James Lia James

The Impact of Belonging

Have you ever considered leaving a career you love because you didn’t feel like you belonged? I almost did. In this piece, I share my journey through burnout, self-doubt, and the power of a few key people who helped me rediscover my place in tech—and the value of fostering belonging for others.

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Embracing Career Growth: The Power of Letting Go and Moving Forward
Lia James Lia James

Embracing Career Growth: The Power of Letting Go and Moving Forward

Does the fear of “letting go” hold you back in your career? You’re not alone. In this article, I unpack the stigma around quitting and why moving on is often the most empowering step toward growth, fulfillment, and purpose. If you’ve been feeling stuck or ready for change, this is your reminder: letting go is the beginning of something better.

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