🚨 The leadership pipeline is crumbling. Gen Z doesn't want in. Current leaders want out. So… what now?

In this episode of the Courageous Leadership Series, Dr. Rosie Ward brings it all home with urgent, research-backed insights into what it truly takes to become a future-ready, human-centered leader. This isn't just another chat. Rosie unpacks the "why" behind her years of research and gives a bold reality check: without rethinking how we lead, workplaces will continue to feel lonely, disconnected, and unsustainable

With Nikki Lewallen Gregory guiding the conversation, Rosie dives into sobering data on burnout, disconnection, and the leadership pipeline crisis, but also offers a path forward. Learn about her three-pronged approach to future-proof leadership that begins with inner work, strengthens team trust, and embeds systems for real, lasting change.

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or questioned your place in leadership, this episode will reignite your sense of purpose and provide practical tools to lead with courage, connection, and clarity. Let's build workplaces where people actually want to show up. 💡

Additional Resources:

Get the Future Proofing Leadership White Paper!

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn

Learn more about Salveo Partners

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Human connection is irreplaceable in the AI age.
• Leadership must start with personal transformation and self-awareness.
• Current and future leaders are avoiding formal leadership roles.
• Culture change requires systemic, not just individual, transformation.
• Emotional safety and team trust are foundational for change.

What if the key to stronger leadership isn't pushing through, but slowing down?

Rosie gets personal about what it really takes to lead well when life gets messy. From unexpected stressors to brain fog and simple mistakes, Rosie shares how she's learning to extend more grace, to herself and others, and how that shift is actually making her more effective.

She explores how to move from judgment to curiosity, chaos to clarity, and exhaustion to empowerment. By applying leadership tools like "above the line" thinking to her own challenges, Rosie models what it looks like to recalibrate without shame. It's not about perfection. It's about presence, intention, and progress.

Whether you're leading a team or just trying to get through a tough season, this one's a must-listen reminder that giving yourself more grace isn't letting go, it's leveling up. 💫

Additional Resources:

Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn

Learn more about Salveo Partners

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Slow down to avoid avoidable mistakes.
• Ask for and accept help.
• Build buffer time into your schedule.
• Practice self-compassion over self-judgment.
• Grace fosters resilience and effectiveness.

What if the key to transforming workplace culture isn't perks or programs, but one powerful, overlooked human need?

Rosie sits down with Zach Mercurio, author of "The Power of Mattering" and one of Inc.'s top 50 leadership experts, to explore why mattering might just be the most important leadership skill of our time.

Together, they unpack how feeling seen, valued, and essential isn't just a "nice-to-have," it's a basic human need that directly impacts engagement, trust, and performance. Zach gives insights on why intuition doesn't scale, how "soft" skills are now business-critical, and why the future of leadership depends on how we treat each other in the next interaction.

From practical tools like the "Noticing Notebook" to powerful mindset shifts that rehumanize the workplace, this episode is packed with soul and strategy. 💡💬

Additional Resources:

Get Zach's book: "The Power of Mattering"

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

Learn more about Zach's work

Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn

Learn more about Salveo Partners

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Mattering is distinct from belonging or recognition.
• Mattering happens in micro, everyday interactions.
• You can't program your way to engagement.
• Soft skills are essential leadership capabilities.
• Intention and presence matter more than perfection.