Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Leaders Haven Transforming Lives Into Callings ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.theleadershaven.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.theleadershaven.com/blog/) - [Tickets for The Ride of Our Careers!](https://www.theleadershaven.com/tickets-for-the-ride-of-our-careers/) - While we never cease evolving, innovating, or responding to the environment we are in, knowing that we are living through a rather thrilling time of abundance[2], as Peter Diamandis has labelled it, can help us to decide what lens we are going to look through. We have been through a lot the last fifteen months, - [CEO Search in the Time of COVID](https://www.theleadershaven.com/ceo-search-in-the-time-of-covid/) - Association CEO searches are changing, even mid-search, as Boards’ expectations shift. Candidates must prepare differently to be successful during and post-COVID. We hope this article will provide insights to help candidates look through new lenses & navigate their search successfully. Read More for tips on: CEO Search in the Time of COVID: - [Hope & Learnings For Now From Another Place & Time](https://www.theleadershaven.com/hope-learnings-for-now-from-another-place-time/) - Back when I lived in another place & time, otherwise known as pre-COVID 19, I shared some insights with CEOs from across the country in a keynote, during a time when we could gather in person. The message journeyed through an unusual kaleidoscope of what was before us in the future, much of which was - [Coaching & Mentoring to Impact Your Bottom Line](https://www.theleadershaven.com/coaching-mentoring-to-impact-your-bottom-line/) - We’ve all heard the one about the critical bottom line impact of our employees – “What if we train them and they leave? What if we don’t, & they stay?” There’s another one that is even worse, and I hear this complaint from young employees and professionals all over the country. “My boss doesn’t have - [Being an Extraordinary Woman Leader](https://www.theleadershaven.com/being-an-extraordinary-woman-leader/) - I was recently asked to create a workshop around this topic, and as I began to do so, my first thoughts were.....Wow – that comes with a lot of loaded questions.Why would we distinguish being a woman leader from being a leader? Should we? Shouldn’t we? Should we tailor education and training opportunities for women leaders - [Be Astute as You Navigate](https://www.theleadershaven.com/be-astute-as-you-navigate/) - Leaders must learn the difference between confidence and arrogance – when leading, when attempting to rise within their organizations and companies, when interviewing for positions, and when attempting to become an influencer. Let’s take the example of engaging with your boss and determining whether you want to influence, convince, or discourage the leader. Influencing means - [The Knowledge Transfer Gulf](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-knowledge-transfer-gulf/) - When researching for a keynote on the workforce crisis, I came across troubling statistic after troubling statistic. The most worrisome has to do with intentionality around developing people and therefore transferring not just knowledge but nuances, judgment calls, behavioral impacts, and the leadership expertise necessary to influence and rally to a cause. Effective leadership is - [CEO Search Questions: Red Flags Not to Ignore](https://www.theleadershaven.com/ceo-search-questions-red-flags-not-to-ignore/) - You’re excited. You’ve finally read that CEO profile that sounds just like you. This is the one that you’re going to go after and nail through every step of the search process. You start authoring a unique cover letter, creating a standout resume that will leap from the desk into the recruiter’s top 3 candidates, - [If Your Leadership is a Mess, Your Strategy Won’t Matter](https://www.theleadershaven.com/if-your-leadership-is-a-mess-your-strategy-wont-matter/) - We had a FABULOUS strategic visioning retreat. The research we conducted was future reaching. The input the staff provided on organizational capacity was inspiring. The right facilitator was hired and had tremendous chemistry with our leaders. The Board was on fire with innovation and creating long-term sustainability. The initial storyline was constructed that would allow - [Chief Partner Officer](https://www.theleadershaven.com/chief-partner-officer/) - In the association and non-profit worlds, the titles of the leader continue to vary: CEO, President, President & CEO, Chief Staff Officer, Executive Director, Executive Director & CEO, Executive Vice President, occasionally COO, and so on. To mirror the corporate world, which also helps tell the story of who is in charge, and to differentiate - [Top 5 Ways to Build Your Leadership Development Playbook](https://www.theleadershaven.com/top-5-ways-to-build-your-leadership-development-playbook/) - Every year, there is another list of leadership skills one must have in order to be successful. Executive presence. Change leadership. Technological savvy. Strategic insight. Public speaking. Collaborative style. Charisma. Team Building….and on and on it goes. Strikingly, some of the latest research indicates that introverts have the edge on extroverts in leadership. What are - [Is Your Career by Default or Design?](https://www.theleadershaven.com/is-your-career-by-default-or-design/) - “I’m stuck.” “I’m not in an environment where I can be creative.” “I’m not provided with the resources to develop professionally.” “I’m unaware of my options.” “I just don’t have what it takes.” “I don’t know how to take the next step.” Are you earning a paycheck, or are you in an environment that allows - [3-D Strategy](https://www.theleadershaven.com/3-d-strategy/) - I see it every day - companies, organizations, and leaders, choosing to live 2-D strategy to accomplish visions for their future, instead of a vibrant 3-D experience. Sometimes, we choose because we don’t know how. The muscles for risk tolerance, innovation, & creativity have not been developed. We need to place ourselves in educational and - [Catastrophizing Your Way to Success!](https://www.theleadershaven.com/catastrophizing-your-way-to-success/) - The big opportunity has presented itself. You’ve been offered the dream promotion you’ve worked so hard for, and you nervously accept it. Or your company gets the opportunity to do the joint venture with the big name partner with which you’ve always wanted to be associated. In a split second, it starts. What if I’ve - [Effort](https://www.theleadershaven.com/effort/) - It’s that time of year! People all over the world have lists of New Year’s Resolutions – the things they’ve committed to paper that they’re going to change. For some it’s a long list of things that they want to be different. For others, it’s one focused behavior that they’ve pledged to change. Within weeks, - [All is Calm, All is Bright](https://www.theleadershaven.com/all-is-calm-all-is-bright/) - It’s that time of year, when we WISH all was calm and bright, as we rush to wrap up the year, get plans in place for the next year, and run from one holiday party to another. Leaders and employees are struggling with overwhelm. The sands are shifting beneath our feet. We’re trying to get - [The Vulnerability of Certainty](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-vulnerability-of-certainty/) - “That’s MINE!” “I KNOW I’m right.” “Of COURSE that doesn’t make any sense.” “Why would we start doing it THAT way?” From childhood to the boardroom we utter our declarations of certainty. So sure we’re right, we miss what’s in front of us. So important in our position, we fail to examine the data that - [Pointless Planning Retreats](https://www.theleadershaven.com/pointless-planning-retreats/) - Millions of dollars are spent annually flying some of the brightest minds and dedicated leaders around the world to engage for a day or two in windowless rooms to "create the new strategic plan." Eyes glaze over as board members or business leadership teams contemplate the "exercise" of planning, while seeing their existing execution lists - [Ignore This at Your Peril](https://www.theleadershaven.com/ignore-this-at-your-peril/) - Succession planning is a term that gets thrown around and can mean a lot of different things. There is the orderly succession planning that happens when you expect to run your business until retirement, and you give thought to an ESOP, selling your business, or passing it on to your children. I’ve watched some very - [Asking Our Children Some New Questions](https://www.theleadershaven.com/asking-our-children-some-new-questions/) - When we’re growing up, our parents notice styles of play, the toys to which we gravitate, whether we’re humming along to music at 2 months, if we seek out others to join in the fun, how often we take things apart and try to put them back together, or if we’re quiet and observant. What - [Before You Say "Yes!" to Board Leadership](https://www.theleadershaven.com/before-you-say-yes-to-board-leadership/) - I encourage my CEO clients to understand their motivations behind wanting their first – or their next CEO position. It is important to understand “the why” before we step into leading others, as it invariably affects behavior and decision-making. The same is true of Board Directors. Understanding why you have stepped into leadership is essential - [Risk and Learn](https://www.theleadershaven.com/risk-and-learn/) - Shifting a company or board culture from dashboards, measurable objectives, and numbers to “risk and learn” is a journey to sophisticated decision-making and ongoing innovation. We have become so entrenched in the terminology of the dashboard and yet are unskilled in understanding its appropriate application. We have ignored the development of the subsequent decision-making process - [“The Big Secret” Teaser - Book Launching May 4!](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-big-secret-teaser-book-launching-may-4/) - ……..Much has been written about Southwest Airline’s alignment, marketplace disruption, and enduring success. Fueling employees’ devotion, passengers’ enthusiasm, and financial fruits, Southwest is a true illustration of positive alignment of vision, values, leadership, behavior, and rewards for all parties - employees, stockholders, and customers. The resulting impact was leveraged exponentially, magnified, and shared! More recently, alleged improprieties - [Overlooked, Under Appreciated, Invisible - NEVER!](https://www.theleadershaven.com/overlooked-under-appreciated-invisible-never/) - The majority of the earth’s people are not famous. They will not be remembered in history books, and in millions of cases, not even with a gravestone. They are not influencers on social media or reality show participants. Millions go about their lives quietly and are overlooked by those around them, even at work where - [If It’s Not Clear, It’s Not Clear](https://www.theleadershaven.com/if-its-not-clear-its-not-clear/) - “But we HAVE a strategic plan. Our goals for the next three years are right here in our document and resource deployment is spelled out in our budget. Why aren’t our teams making progress? I’ve sent email after email explaining exactly what I need and ask for weekly reports to update me on where they - [How Far Will You Dare? How Much Will You Care?](https://www.theleadershaven.com/how-far-will-you-dare-how-much-will-you-care/) - York Minster (cathedral) in York, England was begun in 1220 and consecrated in 1472[1]; 252 years of vision, architectural mastery, stone masonry and stained glass design was birthed across three centuries. Those who started the building project on a former Norman site had no hope of seeing or worshipping in the completed Gothic marvel of - [They Need You to Let Go](https://www.theleadershaven.com/they-need-you-to-let-go/) - Organizations and people go through developmental arcs. Sometimes the perfect strategy, business environment, talent, resources, and messaging align like the stars. Leaders are collaborative, communicative, and innovative. Employees are engaged, change masters, and motivated. Risk-taking is measured and effective. The focus is on maximizing possibility and not fixation on metrics. Yes, metrics have their place, - [The Big Question](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-big-question/) - Mid-career professionals considering whether to quit their job and go after the big dream; students at the professional doorstep deciding on a major and a life path; the unexpected job offer; deciding whether and whom to marry; committing to having children – there is usually one key question left dangling in the middle of all - [Shame](https://www.theleadershaven.com/shame/) - “What a shame. That’s unfortunate. Wow. I would never have believed….” Disappointment, that’s what happens when imperfect people, and we all are, fall short of the mark in leadership. Whether personally involved or not, when it becomes public, regardless of whether it’s in our little office circle, in the whole company, or in the press, - [Why Did You Say, “Yes?”](https://www.theleadershaven.com/why-did-you-say-yes/) - As we move towards each other for meetings and teleconferences, and past each other, racing from task to task, we sometimes collide. Other times, we effortlessly meld into one glorious ballet of angelic music, harmony, and athletic poetry. In the business world, we label it teamwork or collaboration or synchrony, and we strive with all - [The Two “D’s”: Discipline & Discernment](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-two-ds-discipline-discernment/) - Busy, busy, busy! That’s what we hear. Our people are busy at work. Ask them. Our companies are busy being productive. Check on those metrics. Our organizations are delivering on the mission. Watch for impact. Everything is in accelerated motion; so speedy, we risk having no idea whether we’re relevant anymore ‘cause just check in - [Inviting Everyone to the Table](https://www.theleadershaven.com/inviting-everyone-to-the-table/) - Book after book is available about the generations and their many differences; less so about their commonalities. We can hear the voices of grandparents or elders who spoke of things going downhill in our own youth, and we can easily craft criticisms now as our comfort in our version of the "good old days" vanishes before - [Who is Calling and Do I Want to Answer?](https://www.theleadershaven.com/who-is-calling-and-do-i-want-to-answer/) - My husband recently reminded me that I had done very little to design my own life. He recalled at key moments before every transition that “out of the blue” the next phone call, brochure, family member, professor, etc. had been the specific catalyst to a significant change in my journey. Of course, “out of the - [When God Works Your Future Before The Influencers are Even Born - "Thank you, my friends"](https://www.theleadershaven.com/when-god-works-your-future-before-the-influencers-are-even-born-thank-you-my-friends/) - When I was 13, my parents and I started going to a campground, which birthed a lifelong friendship between the owners’ extended family and us. One of the family members had her first child the second year, and she immediately crept into my heart like a daughter or a baby sister. Little did I know, - [Get On With Changing](https://www.theleadershaven.com/get-on-with-changing/) - You’ve created the strategic vision, mission, outcomes, and strategies, so everyone should be ready to go! You’ve distributed a digital copy, a paper copy, and it’s on your website. You’re tweeting and blogging about it and talking about it at every employee meeting. Every department has their piece of it. Everyone has the deadline dates. - [The Ego Check: It's Not About You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-ego-check-if-youre-going-to-serve-its-not-about-you/) - Serving others seems like it would be such an easy core value to adopt, until it becomes inconvenient, lowers the expectations of where we will be perceived to fit into society's tiers or we apply it to our marriages. There are millions of people around the world who are serving others on a daily basis - [Transformational Change](https://www.theleadershaven.com/transformation/) - Like our lives, businesses go through seasons. Somewhere along our journey, we grow to believe that things won’t change or desire them not to change. Constant change is all that happens in life. Sometimes change comes in small increments, and sometimes it’s significantly larger and longer. I've recently been through a transition that began in 2009 - [Inquiring instead of Accusing](https://www.theleadershaven.com/inquiring-instead-of-accusing/) - It’s about 3:30 PM on a Monday. Outlook is bulging from an email binge. Your cell is hot to touch from Gen Y texts. VMs from boomers are stretching your phone network capacity. Requests to like vendors’ Facebook pages are exponentially mounting up. LinkedIn invitations and recommendation requests need attention. You’ve had meetings scheduled back - [Custodians of the Future](https://www.theleadershaven.com/custodians-of-the-future/) - John Kabat-Zinn’s quote, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” was recently shared with me by a colleague. It brought to mind the many leaders I have watched not just learning, but UN-learning, in order to remain relevant in the present, while trying to reposition their companies and organizations against an - [The List](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-list/) - We get up each morning with the known before us – or as I call it “The List.” There is one at home. There is one at the office. There is one that includes responsibilities to other people and commitments. There is the one full of dreams to get to one day. We move from - [Stewarding Others' Dreams](https://www.theleadershaven.com/stewarding-others-dreams/) - When we're little, we think about getting our first bike and then getting to play with our siblings in their advanced on-line video gaming world. Then we want our own mini iPad and smart phone. When we're teenagers, we think about that first car and really hope it has sizzling style. As newlyweds, we may think about moving from an apartment - [The Shift](https://www.theleadershaven.com/the-shift/) - There is no greater joy in life than watching others’ exceed their expectations of themselves. My journey has afforded me the opportunity to walk with leaders and developing professionals as they reach and stretch, doubt and fall short, dream and try, and fail and get back up. Whether an individual, company or organization, the moments - [When It Works](https://www.theleadershaven.com/when-it-works/) - I've had the distinct pleasure and honor to partner with leaders of a variety of organizations and companies. Where there is vision and passion mixed with competency, drive, and resources; there is an unmistakable flow and repetitive success that builds on each incremental improvement and achievement. The momentum accelerates. More people want to buy, participate, - [Where Leadership Begins](https://www.theleadershaven.com/where-leadership-begins/) - While everyone has lots of tryptophan running through their systems from extra helpings of turkey, we feel cozy and safe wrapped in the warmth of our family's presence during the holiday season. When we come together with all of our glorious differences, we recognize the dynamics of life we have to negotiate during even the - [Creating the Magic](https://www.theleadershaven.com/creating-the-magic/) - Innovation, breakthroughs, stellar sales, growth, strategic leaps; we yearn for those moments when it all comes together. Whether it's a scientist who through years of observation, in an instant, spots what is now the obvious solution or the writer who has conducted painstaking historical research to author the masterpiece; or the sports team that has - [When It Comes Back To You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/when-it-comes-back-to-you/) - Leaders work on a daily basis in ways that those who are partners rarely have a complete understanding. While we succeed through full partnership and collaboration, we are often working years ahead visioning and making the dominoes fall in the interim with our partners. We are most fortunate when everyone sees the same picture and - [Reframing Success as Leaders](https://www.theleadershaven.com/reframing-success-as-leaders/) - It used to be the teacher, the preacher, and the house-calling doctor were the most respected professions in a town. These perceptions were not based on money but upon the contribution to the community. Ask the doctors who used to be paid in chickens and flour. Success as we define it in our culture now - [Coloring Inside and Outside the Lines: Living a Life Well-Designed](https://www.theleadershaven.com/coloring-inside-and-outside-the-lines-living-a-life-well-designed/) - When someone is entering the last stages of their lives, whether or not there are regrets may arise - adventures not taken, love lost, words unspoken, and missed turns in the road that may have led to different outcomes. Our lives are messy. Only occasionally are we ready for the "Southern Living photo" of our - [First Thing Every Morning](https://www.theleadershaven.com/first-thing-every-morning-2/) - Enjoy this beautiful reminder from Simple Truths that we can control how we approach and experience our days. First Thing Every Morning - [Going Off the Grid](https://www.theleadershaven.com/going-off-the-grid/) - Our world today contrives to make us fill up every second of our lives; so much so that we don't take the time to consider how we are using the most important finite resource we have. We just keep doing, and all of a sudden another year has passed. When I think back to pre-Internet, - [Collecting Experiences](https://www.theleadershaven.com/collecting-experiences/) - My Grandfather played a remarkable role in my development in many ways, but with one small purchase, he planted seeds that continue to influence my life today. He bought me a subscription to National Geographic. Most people would immediately assume that this was part of educating me to become a citizen of the world, and - [Just Being](https://www.theleadershaven.com/just-being/) - I'm reminded of the lyrics from Paul Simon's song "The Sounds of Silence" when I consider just being. Think about any normal day and what transpires. We get up in the morning to the accompaniment of some type of noise - an alarm clock, the smart phone alarm, the TV, music, kitchen sounds, or showers - [New Beginnings](https://www.theleadershaven.com/new-beginnings/) - As we head into a New Year, many of us make promises to ourselves about how we are going to live our lives differently. We sense the opportunity for second chances and arbitrarily focus on it when the calendar changes. We seek renewal again and again and again in our lives, when in fact, a new beginning - [Waking Up](https://www.theleadershaven.com/waking-up/) - I was blessed with the opportunity to participate with a diverse group of peers who spent concentrated time together examining our lives. Our days together were created in a confidential setting so that the space was there for us to be fully present, completely authentic, and wholly open to what the experience could bring to - [Your Life's Open Rate](https://www.theleadershaven.com/your-lifes-open-rate/) - Anybody involved in business today knows that communication with the customer requires getting above the noise of everything flooding at us – tweets, video, RSS feeds, blogs, digital newsletters, streaming content, texts, and targeted emails. It’s all about SEO maximization, pushing content and open rates. An open rate gives you an idea of whether your ## Pages - [Home](https://www.theleadershaven.com/) - [Articles](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/articles/) - Articles Designing Conversations to Serve & Succeed (Published by British Columbia Legal Management Association, Spring 2021) CEO Search in The Time of COVID & The Disruptive 2020s - Part II for Boards (Published with Vetted Solutions, August 2020) CEO Search in the Time of COVID - Part I For Candidates (Published with Vetted Solutions, May 2020) Leading - [Podcasts](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/podcasts/) - Podcasts Business & Servant Leaders: The Deeper Work of Leadership Mills is interviewed by Mary Byers on The Deeper Work of Leadership, especially in this era when the 2020s were always going to be the most transformational decade any of us will ever lead through. Click here to select your listening method & then choose - [Coaching for Professionals](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/coaching-for-professionals/) - Coaching for Professionals “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.“ — Alvin Toffler The current business environment includes: Millenials are now the majority in the workplace. Every month a quarter-million Americans turn 65. Millenials have been unprepared for leadership - [Poems](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/poems/) - Poems Peace is at Hand When others stumble, we watch them crumble. We pause to gloat, thinking their experience is remote. Our Father taught us better. He who casts the first stone must be unfettered. Love, Always Love Have you had your crucifixion moment? Been unjustly accused? Taken on the burdens of multiple people? - [Blessings of the Journey](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/blessings-of-the-journey/) - Blessings of the Journey Cynthia’s journey has been blessed with opportunities to engage with those who lead, those who rise to great power, those who entertain and lift spirits, and those who gift of their time and talents with no expectation for glory or return. Working with business leaders and volunteers around the world has been - [Founder's Bio](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/founders-bio/) - Founder's Bio “Find your passion, know your values, pray for guidance, live your dream” “Walking beside others is one of the greatest privileges people can give you, as you receive their invitation to accompany them on their journey, and their trust that you will have their best interests at heart. To each person, company, and - [Strategic Visioning](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/strategic-visioning/) - Strategic Visioning “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” — Dwight Eisenhower It’s not just about the next product or service, it’s about what your company or organization is willing to become and to what it is willing to commit. We can write strategic plans all day long, but working with you on your corporate destiny - [Strategic Board Dialogues](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/strategic-board-dialogues/) - Strategic Board Dialogues “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.” — Bill Gates Boards know they need to have deep and expansive conversations within time limits. Facilitation provides the extra ingredient - [Associations/Nonprofits](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/associationsnonprofits/) - Associations, Non-Profits, Charities, Civic Service Organizations, NGOs, & Churches “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill - [Keynotes](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/keynotes/) - Keynotes “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams Cynthia’s experience, expertise, passion, and belief in the power of transformation will leave your participants ready to work on their companies and organizations, their lives, and their missions with a newfound - [Workshops & Retreats](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/workshops-retreats/) - Workshops & Retreats Facilitated Dialogues: Design your next meeting or retreat with a facilitator who enhances the dialogue around the particular strategic focus, opportunity, challenge, or innovation that your team is working on. Bring your executive team/leadership team, board, department, or council to the table and achieve more results in a day or a weekend - [Soul Sittin’ Podcasts](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/soul-sittin-podcasts/) - Soul Sittin’™ Podcasts “Transforming Lives into Callings” Listen to Cynthia’s presentation on “Transforming Lives into Callings” “Transforming Lives into Callings” Elisa Gary’s Interview of Cynthia Mills on “Transforming Lives into Callings” “Soul Sittin’ to Reconnect, Redesign, & Renew” “Returning to the Heavenly Front Porch” Listen to “Returning to the Heavenly Front - [Speaking/Workshops/Retreats](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/speakingworkshopsretreats/) - Speaking/Workshops/Retreats Soul Sittin’ Retreat: Come to the mountain and do some Soul Sittin’ with a group of like-minded seekers and believers who desire the space to see what God has for them next, personally and/or professionally. In a weekend of fellowship through structured and unstructured time, you will have the opportunity to stop, reconnect with - [The Empty Front Porch](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/the-empty-front-porch/) - The Empty Front Porch: Soul Sittin’ to Design Your porch to Porch Plan “Take the first step in faith…” — Martin Luther King, Jr. “Find your passion, know your values, pray for guidance, live your dream” Join me on the porch for some Soul Sittin’ to spark your renewal. This is your time to fill - [Thank You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/the-leaders-companion/thank-you/) - Thank You Thank you for requesting a copy of my "CEOs' First 90 Days: Breathing Tips for the Other End of the Fire Hose". You will also receive my newsletter "The Leaders' Companion". Click here to download your copy. - [The Leaders' View](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/the-leaders-view/) - The Leaders' View™ Are you a business owner, board member, CEO, or senior leader, who would like a new angle to think through your business or organizations’ challenges and opportunities? “The Leaders’ View™” Online TV Show & Video Series is designed to tempt you to spend a few minutes pondering strategy as a dynamic - - [Client List](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/client-list/) - Client List The Leaders’ Haven serves a wide variety of clients nationally and internationally, including: Below is a sampling of our clients: Stine St. Romain Oil Company Columbia Property Trust Allied Building Stores Golden Pantry The Cypress Welltower Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation Hickory Tavern Synergos The Advocates Society American Society of Consulting Arborists Claim Leadership - [Leadership Development](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/leadership-development/) - Leadership Development "Survival of the fittest is not the same as survival of the best. Leaving leadership development up to chance is foolish." — Morgan McCall Talent acquisition, retention, and development are primary drivers of success. This is not your father’s, grandmother’s, or even your older cousin’s business environment anymore. Opportunities abound for those who - [Privacy Policy](https://www.theleadershaven.com/privacy-policy/) - This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally Identifiable Information’ (PII) is being used online. PII, as described in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, - [The Leaders' Companion](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/the-leaders-companion/) - Subscribe to our newsletter and download a free copy of Cynthia’s book “CEOs’ First 90 Days: Breathing Tips for the Other End of the Fire Hose” or “The Journey of 15’s” - an article to guide you on life leadership. Subscribe to our mailing list Click here to subscribe - [Books & E-Books](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/books-e-books/) - Books The Big Secret Joining Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul renown, and other successful professionals and entrepreneurs, Cynthia unveils the commonalties that drive success across varied experiences leading national and international organizations as CEO, and today, consulting with diverse businesses, industries, organizations, and leaders. “Align for Impact,” received an Editor’s Choice Award - [Rave Reviews](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/rave-reviews/) - Rave Reviews Coaching for Professionals & Executives Introduced by caring colleagues I was encouraged to talk to Cynthia as the ‘go to person’ – a critical stopover – before leaping over a career cliff. Working in a small organization and juggling lot’s of balls and ready to lambaste my Board, I paused to seek a - [Succession/Transition Planning](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/successiontransition-planning/) - Succession/Transition Planning “One of the things we often miss in succession planning is that it should be gradual and thoughtful, with lots of sharing of information and knowledge and perspective, so that it's almost a non-event when it happens.” — Anne Mulcahy Never have there been so many generations and such a difference in the - [Rave Reviews](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/rave-reviews/) - Rave Reviews Consulting Our $500 million co-op serves companies in twelve states. We hired The Leaders’ Haven as a partner to create a new strategic plan and work with our board on high performance governance. The retreat was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cynthia Mills. She was outstanding in leading this effort. Dale Mercer - [Experiences & Feedback](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/experiences-feedback/) - Client Experiences & Feedback “Walking beside others is one of the greatest privileges people can give you, as you receive their invitation to accompany them on their journey, and their trust that you have their best interests at heart. To each person, company, and organization that has extended that privilege to The Leaders’ Haven, please - [Rave Reviews](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/rave-reviews/) - Rave Reviews Our $500 million co-op serves companies in twelve states. We hired The Leaders’ Haven as a partner to create a new strategic plan and work with our board on high performance governance. The retreat was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cynthia Mills. She was outstanding in leading this effort. Dale Mercer President, - [Home New](https://www.theleadershaven.com/home-new/) - [Quotes](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/quotes/) - Quotes “A leader's role is to raise people's aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.” — David Gergen “Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” — Proverbs, 29: 18 “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as - [Soul Sittin’ Videos](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/soul-sittin-videos/) - Soul Sittin’™ Videos The Empty Front Porch Inspirational: The Dash Movie Secrets of the World Class The Richest Man in Town Movie The Essence of Leadership The Butterfly Effect The Change Is Good Movie You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School Pulling Together Finish Strong Movie The Power of Discipline One Solitary Life Movie - [Soul Sittin’ Quotes](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/soul-sittin-quotes/) - Soul Sittin’™ Quotes “Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” - Proverbs, 29: 18 “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell “Take the first step in faith…..” - Martin Luther King, Jr. “We’re all just - [Generational Transitions](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/generational-transitions/) - Generational Transitions “I want to be the bridge to the next generation.” — Michael Jordan Never has the gulf been so wide or the chasm as deep as the generations in the workforce today. The bonus is that the differences provide opportunities for diverse learning if a sharing environment is created. Let us work with - [Board Orientations/Development](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/board-orientationsdevelopment/) - Board Orientations/Development “I’ve always respected those who try to change the world for the better, rather than just complain about it.” — Michael Bloomberg Board members give of their time to organizations and companies that matter to them. Being a fiduciary is often new to Board members, along with the division of roles, high performance - [Board Governance/Nominations/Bylaws](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/board-governancenominationsbylaws/) - Board Governance/Nominations/Bylaws “How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” — Anne Frank The structure of many Boards has been changing in recent years from down-sizing to difficulty finding successors to authoring bylaws that streamline restrictions. We’ll review your association’s life cycle location, its current - [Change Management](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/change-management/) - Change Management “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.” — Jack Welch Does your leadership team have the skills, talent, and understanding of what it takes to lead change management? Do you know where each of your employees are on the change - [Rave Reviews](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/rave-reviews/) - Rave Reviews You knocked it out of the park!” Thank you so much for helping us to lend affirmation to our global Champion message. Everyone loved your talk. (Keynote on the occasion of the 2014 international company-wide meeting.) Jim Ingram President & COO, Bartlett Tree Expert Company We’re all still beaming from your presentation on - [For Meeting Planners](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/for-meeting-planners/) - For Meeting Planners Speaking Programs/Workshop Retreat Topics: Meeting Planners should feel free to use the topic descriptions on this website for their program materials unless we are tailoring the description to a theme or program. Alterations to descriptions should be approved prior to publication on the web or in print materials. Geographic Scope: Cynthia works - [Audiences Around the World](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/audiences-around-the-world/) - Audiences Around the World CoreNet Global Oracle Columbia Property Trust WellTower Hickory Tavern Central States Bankers Conference International Congress, Varese, Italy ISA European Conference, Maastricht, The Netherlands National Alzheimer’s Association First World Congress on Brain Injury, Copenhagen, Denmark Club Managers Association of America The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation Hartney Greymont - [Requirements for Success](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/requirements-for-success/) - Requirements for Success Successful client partnerships are formed when we are able to maximize the following together: Successful Client Engagements Require: OPENNESS: To explore and design alternatives to lead you from where the present is confining you to a new future WILLINGNESS: To consider committing to alternative scenarios, cultural, or behavioral changes ENGAGEMENT: Dedicated participation - [Coaching](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/) - Coaching When To Call A Coach What?/Why?/ROI? Coaching For Professionals Coaching For Boards Coaching For Life Coaching Packages Coaching Resources Rave Reviews "I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way - [Soul Sittin'™](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/) - Soul Sittin'™ The Empty Front Porch Speaking/Workshops/Retreats Coaching Soul Sittin' Videos "Soul Sitters" Blog Soul Sittin' Podcasts Soul Sittin' Quotes Poems “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell Transformation can occur in a moment in time, - [Our Partners](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/our-partners/) - Our Partners The Leaders’ Haven affiliates’ capacity covers the breadth of your company’s or organization’s needs, helping you to discern the next step of your journey. Contact Us to assemble a stellar targeted team to address your project. Abiding Wealth Eagle Point Investment Advisors Exceptional Leaders International Gabriel Eckert Results Technology The Infrastructure Company The - [Products](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/products/) - Products Annual Strategic Renewal Discipline What are the 4 simple steps that will allow your organization to stay focused in the coming year on a reasonable number of strategies, develop action plans and budgets in a timely fashion, and keep your strategic vision and plan from sitting on the shelf? This one-pager walks you through - [Speaking](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/speaking/) - Speaking Keynotes Workshops & Retreats For Meeting Planners Audiences Around The World Rave Reviews Cynthia’s speaking career began in high school when she won the District Extemporaneous Speaking Medal. The Valedictory address followed, as did speaking internationally as a Rotary Ambassador Scholar in graduate school, three to five times per week. One of her most - [Videos](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/videos/) - Business & Servant Partner Topics: Soul Sittin’ Moments: - [Thank You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/thank-you/) - Thank you Thank you for requesting one of our resources and signing up to receive our newsletter "The Leaders' Companion." Please use the links below to download your resource: CEOs' First 90 Days: Breathing Tips for the Other End of the Fire Hose The Journey of 15's Honeycomb of Life Coaching Investments in the Workforce: - [When to Call a Coach](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/when-to-call-a-coach/) - When to Call a Coach “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford PROFESSIONALS & BUSINESS OWNERS ------------ EXECUTIVE, CAREER COACHING CEOs & BOARDS OF DIRECTORS ------------ LEADERSHIP COACHING EVERYONE SEEKING AN ENRICHED LIFE ------------ LIFE COACHING Career Path Design Positioning First Time/New CEO for Success Intentional Design of - [Thank You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/contact/thank-you/) - Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you very soon. - [Coaching Packages](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/coaching-packages/) - Coaching Packages Getting Started Exploration: Our first conversation involves introductions, a discussion of the reasons for seeking a coaching partnership, goals you plan to achieve or your desire to define them through coaching, and how the coaching relationship works. In order for the partnership to be successful, it is important for the coach and coachee - [Consulting](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/) - Tailored Consulting/Facilitation Packages Strategic Visioning Turn-Arounds Operational/Organization Assessments Change Management Succession/Transition Planning Leadership Development Generational Transitions Creating A Coaching Culture Strategic Board Dialogues Board Orientations/Development Board Governance/Nominations/Bylaws Associations/Nonprofits Rave Reviews “It is not necessary to change; survival is not mandatory.” — Edward Deming Strategic visioning, operational assessments, leadership development, change management, succession planning, and board - [Overview](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/overview/) - Walking beside others is one of the greatest privileges people can give you, as you receive their invitation to accompany them on their journey and their trust that you will have their best interests at heart. The Leaders' Haven takes very seriously the mutual commitment to partnership that is entered into when the decision is - [Coaching for Life](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/coaching-for-life/) - Coaching for Life “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you’ve always known you could be.” — Tom Landry Life is like a honeycomb, with each unique compartment of life touching side-by- side, always - [Recommendations](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/recommendations/) - Recommendations Business & Servant Leader BOOKS: The First Person You Must Lead is You: General Rebecca “Becky” Halstead Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: August Turak Stress Less and Enjoy Each Day: David Zerfoss The Power of Nothing: Barbara Zerfoss Stress is a Choice: David Zerfoss From Insight to Action, Gabriel Eckert and Jean - [Coaching Resources](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/coaching-resources/) - Coaching Resources The Executive Coaching Handbook The Coaching Tools Company Please Mind the Gap Behavioral Coaching Institute (BCI) International Coach Federation (ICF) International Association of Coaching (IAC) World Coach Institute (WCI) Forbes: Executive Presence or Leadership Presence? Forbes: Why You Need to Hire a Coach in 2015 - [Case Studies & Results](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/case-studies-results/) - Case Studies & Results CASE STUDY A: “AND” APPROACH LEADS BUSINESS TO COMPOUND STRATEGIC IMPACT “And” Instead of “Or” + Story Telling = Compelling Future OPPORTUNITY: An organization had determined where its strategic future lay and held the perspective that a choice had to be made between two alternatives that would require leaving behind a - [Contact](https://www.theleadershaven.com/contact/) - Phone: 704-604-3005 Email: CynthiaMills@TheLeadersHaven.com LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/leadershavenceo Twitter: @TheLeadersHaven & @SoulSitters - [Coaching](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/coaching/) - Coaching “Your life is a prayer.” — Rev. Charles Spraker My life changed the moment I prayed, “I’ll go where you want and do what you want, even if it’s not somewhere I think I want to go, if you’ll just take my life and make something of it.” The journey has not been without - [Coaching for Boards](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/coaching-for-boards/) - Coaching for Boards “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” — Henry Ford Today’s organizational leadership requires a new level of finessing change, strong and consistent messaging, and courage to address the level of transition essential for success over the next five to ten years. Board members are busy! - [What?/Why?/ROI?](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/coaching/whatwhyroi/) - What?/Why?/ROI? “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” — Benjamin Disraeli Coaching is: A professional development technique to foster individual or team excellence and productivity Use of questioning, a variety of assessments, and tools to explore professional development, behavioral responses, - [Creating a Coaching Culture](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/creating-a-coaching-culture/) - Creating a Coaching Culture “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you can be.” — Tom Landry Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring have made strong in-roads in our multi-generational workforce, and - [Serving You](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/) - Walking beside others is one of the greatest privileges people can give you, as you receive their invitation to accompany them on their journey and their trust that you will have their best interests at heart. The Leaders' Haven takes very seriously the mutual commitment to partnership that is entered into when the decision is - [Turn-arounds](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/turn-arounds/) - Turn-arounds “Start by doing what’s necessary. Then do what’s possible; and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.” — St. Francis of Assisi Have you looked under the hood and discovered the transmission is shot? We’ll help you evaluate where you are on the playing field. If you’re not at “game over,” we’ll work with you - [Operational/Organization Assessments](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/consulting/operationalorganization-assessments/) - Operational/Organization Assessments “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose. — Bill Gates Is your operational structure, technology, financial management, leadership, talent, and culture optimized for where you’ve been or where you’re headed? When was the last time you’ve evaluated your internal capacity in light of the future, redesigned - [Our Partnership Difference](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/our-partnership-difference/) - The Leaders’ Haven Partnership Difference We’re looking forward to creating a transformation together. - [Our Clients](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/) - The Leaders’ Haven serves a wide variety of clients nationally and internationally, including: Below is a sampling of our clients: International Association of Plastics Distribution CoreNet Global TX Bankers' Association Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association Club Managers Association of America Congregation Beth Shalom Association of Water Technologies Tree Care Industry Association Association Executives of North - [About Us](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/) - [Site Map](https://www.theleadershaven.com/site-map/) - [Thank You Clients!](https://www.theleadershaven.com/our-clients/thank-you-clients/) - Thank You Clients! - ["Soul Sitters" Blog](https://www.theleadershaven.com/serving-you/soul-sittin/soul-sitters-blog/) - [Subscribe](https://www.theleadershaven.com/subscribe/) - [Valuable Resources](https://www.theleadershaven.com/valuable-resources/) - Enjoy a variety of resources from The Leaders’ Haven, whether you’re looking for a quick article, podcast, quote or video on a topic, or want to go deeper in a book. We’ll keep adding content, so check back often. - [The Leaders’ Haven](https://www.theleadershaven.com/about-us/the-leaders-haven/) - The Leaders’ Haven The Leaders’ Haven partners with clients to transform people and organizations to exceed their expectations. Full potential is achieved by executing strategy through clear visions, aligned resources, and engaged teams. Our success is people and organizations transformed. 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