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Why Leah Williamson Is the Leader Every Team Deserves

I’ve been a massive soccer fan all my life, and have always wanted to do a leadership spotlight in the world of soccer. Leah Williamson was an easy choice, as there are many lessons to be learned from her leadership approach, even for seasoned leaders, and certainly for me.

Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes, it’s about thoughtful action, quiet confidence, and a deep sense of purpose. Leah Williamson, captain of the England women’s national team and a cornerstone for Arsenal, where she’s played since she was a kid, shows what modern leadership truly looks like. Her influence extends far beyond the football pitch, offering a powerful lesson in leading with intelligence, empathy, and authenticity.

Leads through intelligence, not impulse

Williamson’s leadership begins with the way she plays. As a defender, her greatest strength is her ability to read the game. She anticipates attacking moves before they happen, positioning herself and organizing her teammates to neutralize threats with calm efficiency. You won’t often see her making desperate, last-ditch tackles because her football intelligence means she’s usually already a step ahead. Although you can count on her to be your last line of defense any time.

This composure under pressure is a hallmark of her captaincy. She leads with a steady hand, providing a sense of control and stability that resonates throughout the team. Yet, when the moment requires decisive action, she has the courage and skill to step in. This blend of calm anticipation and assertive action defines her on-field presence.

Elevates everyone around her

A great leader makes others shine brighter. Williamson consistently elevates her teammates through clear communication, constant encouragement, and leading by example. Players often speak of the confidence she instills in them, creating a secure and organized backline where everyone feels empowered to perform at their best.

This supportive leadership was instrumental during England’s historic Euro 2022 victory. Thrust into the captaincy just months before the tournament, she fostered a resilient and united squad. Her focus was never on her own performance but on building a collective strength that could withstand the pressure of a major final. This year, Williamson made history again by leading England to their second consecutive Euros win, a first for the team and a testament to her exceptional ability to inspire and unite those around her.

Champions the team over self

Humility is a rare but powerful leadership trait. After lifting the Euro 2022 trophy, Williamson immediately shifted the focus to her teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans. Her words highlighted the shared effort and belief that brought the team to victory. For her, the captain’s armband is not a symbol of status but a responsibility to serve the group. This team-first mentality builds trust and creates a culture where every member feels valued.

Uses her platform for good

Off the pitch, Leah Williamson is a dedicated advocate for causes she believes in. She uses her influential platform to speak out on gender equality in sport, mental health awareness, and the importance of inclusivity. She approaches these complex conversations with the same thoughtfulness and conviction she brings to the game.

She speaks not as a celebrity seeking attention, but as a person committed to making a positive impact. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic makes her advocacy powerful and relatable, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans to stand up for what is right.

Proves introverts can lead powerfully

Leah Williamson is living proof that you don’t need to be extroverted to be an outstanding leader. She is often described as quiet and thoughtful (“I’m not very social,” she once said about herself), preferring to listen and observe before stepping in. Yet, this reflective approach allows her to connect deeply with her teammates and understand what the group needs.

Leah recognizes the importance of genuine connection, even in the smallest moments. For example, she started drinking tea simply to spend more time with her teammates, using those shared breaks to build trust and camaraderie. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone for the good of the group shows true adaptability and emotional intelligence. Through these everyday acts, Leah demonstrates that leadership is about creating bonds and making others feel seen. Sometimes, a cup of tea and a listening ear can be just as powerful as a rousing speech.

She is also known for being exceptionally well spoken and well mannered, traits that shine through in press conferences. Leah consistently greets each reporter who asks her a question and always thanks them after she responds. These small gestures reflect her respect for others and highlight yet another way she leads through kindness, humility, and professionalism.

What makes Leah even more relatable and authentic as a leader is her willingness to laugh at herself and openly admit her own quirks and weaknesses. She’s not afraid to share that she’s actually terrible at riding a bike or that she only eats plain foods, lighthearted confessions that endear her to fans and teammates alike. By being open about these little things, she breaks down barriers and shows that you don’t have to be flawless or larger-than-life to be respected. This self-deprecating humor and honesty make her approachable and reinforce the trust she builds within her teams.

Understands the value of balance

While Leah gives absolutely everything on the pitch, as evidenced by the many injuries she’s battled throughout her career, she also recognizes the importance of being well-rounded beyond football. Off the field, she’s found meaningful ways to recharge and grow. Leah is an accomplished children’s book author, sharing stories that inspire young readers. During the COVID lockdowns, she took on an entirely new challenge: learning to play the piano. Her dedication paid off in a truly remarkable way, leading to a performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra. These pursuits show that, even for someone at the height of their sport, cultivating interests outside of football is vital. Leah’s commitment to growth, both as an athlete and as a person, sets a powerful example for anyone striving to be their best self.

Redefines modern leadership

Leah Williamson represents a new model of leadership, one that values empathy over ego and intelligence over intimidation. She proves that quiet confidence, thoughtful action, and a genuine connection with others are incredibly powerful tools. Her style is a masterclass in leading with heart and purpose, demonstrating that true strength lies in authenticity.

Her influence reminds us that leadership is not about command, but about inspiration. By leading with her values, Williamson doesn’t just guide her team to victory. She shows us all a better way to lead.

What about you? Which athlete’s leadership style do you admire and learn from?

Brain connected to legal, finance, and HR

9 powerful ways legal, finance, and HR can use AI

When you think of AI at work, it’s easy to picture marketers drafting blog posts or crafting social media content. But AI’s possibilities go beyond marketing. In fact, some of the most revolutionary uses of AI are happening in traditionally less front-facing roles such as legal, finance, and HR.

These departments are the backbone of any organization, handling complex tasks that require precision, analysis, and judgment. AI’s capabilities in these areas can save countless hours, minimize errors, and help teams make decisions more efficiently.

Let’s explore nine ways in which legal, finance, and HR departments can take advantage of the power of AI to transform their workflows.

Legal: AI tools for efficiency and precision

Streamline contract summaries

Contracts are often long, dense, and packed with legal jargon, but AI can simplify this process. Tools powered by AI can summarize contracts into plain English, highlight unusual clauses, and flag high-risk terms. Want to compare contract versions? Ask an AI tool to identify key changes, saving paralegals and attorneys hours of tedious work.

Example prompt:

“Compare these two versions of the vendor agreement and highlight differences in termination clauses.”

Draft policies

Writing legal policies, such as Acceptable Use Policies or Non-Disclosure Agreements, is time-consuming. AI can take your specific requirements and generate a solid first draft, which you can refine for tone and compliance.

Example prompt:

“Write a GDPR-compliant NDA in a friendly but professional tone.”

Translate legal documents

Whether expanding globally or dealing with international clients, language barriers can be an issue. AI-enabled language tools can translate policies and contracts efficiently, saving you days of waiting on manual translations.

Finance: AI simplifying reports and forecasting

Automate monthly reports

Every finance professional knows the struggle of analyzing and retrieving insights out of spreadsheet data. AI simplifies this process by turning numbers into concise, actionable written summaries. With just a few keystrokes, your month-end report can be ready.

Example prompt:

“Summarize the revenue and expense data in this spreadsheet. Highlight any anomalies.”

Spot financial anomalies

AI-powered tools are great at analyzing complex datasets to flag duplicate entries, high-value transactions missing documentation, or irregular patterns in spending. For auditors and accountants, this acts as an efficient second pair of eyes.

Example prompt:

“Identify transactions over $3,000 in this expense report that don’t have a matching purchase order.”

Pro tip: You can even upload your expense policy and a screenshot of a receipt and ask AI to see if the two are compatible.

Create cash flow forecasts

Analyzing financial projections takes time and expertise, but AI can run the numbers and generate forecast summaries with assumptions clearly outlined.

Example prompt:

“Use the given revenue and expense projections to create a three-month cash flow report.”

HR: AI enhancing recruiting and employee retention

Craft effective job descriptions

Recruiting top talent often starts with an engaging job post. AI can write job listings tailored to specific roles, company culture, and diversity goals, saving recruiters time and improving hiring outcomes.

Example prompt:

“Create a job description for a remote junior software engineer focusing on growth opportunities.”

Develop targeted interview questions

AI supports HR professionals by crafting custom interview questions. Whether you need questions for specific roles or particular skills, AI helps focus the conversation where it matters most.

Example prompt:

“Generate five behavioral interview questions for a project manager emphasizing leadership and adaptability.”

Another pro tip: Upload the job description and a candidate’s resume and have AI spot where the candidate’s skills align and where there could potentially be gaps. It’s still up to you to dig deeper during the interview (don’t outsource your interviewing and people skills), but this can give you some things to think about.

Summarize employee feedback

Employee satisfaction surveys and performance reviews often include valuable insights, but parsing through endless responses can be overwhelming. AI tools can identify recurring themes and summarize findings, providing actionable insights in minutes.

Example prompt:

“Summarize strengths and challenges mentioned in these employee reviews.”

Create personalized onboarding plans

Effective onboarding is key to retention. AI can help HR teams design tailored onboarding programs by factoring in the employee’s role, location, and team structure. Here’s a more in-depth post on this subject..

Example prompt:

“Design a 30-day onboarding plan for a Customer Success Manager that includes training, shadowing, and performance check-ins.”

Risks and pitfalls to consider while using AI

While AI offers game-changing potential, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some key risks to keep in mind when integrating AI into your business functions.

Hallucinations and errors

AI can sometimes provide inaccurate or overly confident responses, particularly in legal, financial, or compliance scenarios. Always double-check AI-generated outputs to ensure accuracy.

Loss of context

AI tools need precise, well-organized data to deliver meaningful results. Vague or overly general prompts can produce irrelevant or misleading results.

Be detailed in your instructions, and ensure all necessary context is provided.

Data privacy concerns

Many AI tools rely on cloud-based systems, meaning any data you input is stored or processed externally. Avoid pasting sensitive information into tools without clear data privacy policies, or consider enterprise-grade AI solutions with stronger security measures.

Potential bias

AI tools trained on public datasets may unintentionally replicate biases present in the data. Use tools designed for fairness to eliminate potential bias in job descriptions, performance reviews, or customer-facing policies.

Wrap-up

Automation technology like AI doesn’t aim to replace professionals. Rather, it acts as an invaluable assistant. Think of AI as your fastest, most focused assistant, quick to get things moving but still reliant on your expertise for the best results.

By leveraging AI, you can drastically cut down on repetitive tasks, streamline complexity, and empower your team to focus on high-impact work. Transforming departments like legal, finance, and HR has never been easier, or more essential, in staying ahead in today’s fast-paced business world.

What about you? What are your favorite use cases of AI in “the back office”?

iphone screen showing chatGPT and a search for an Italian restaurant with patio seating and vegetarian options

Search AI and SMBs: How to Evolve with Conversational Search

How customers find your products, services, and expertise is changing fast. The days of typing stiff keyword strings into a search bar are giving way to natural, conversational, intent-driven queries powered by search AI. For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), this shift fundamentally changes how you attract, convert, and keep customers online. If you adapt now, you stay visible and competitive. If you don’t, you risk fading from the results your customers actually see.

Let’s walk through how AI is reshaping search, and what you can do to thrive.

What is Search AI and why does it matter for SMBs?

Search AI blends artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning to understand what people mean, not just what they type. Instead of matching keywords, it interprets context, intent, and nuance.

So when someone asks, “What’s the best local bakery that delivers gluten-free cupcakes today?”, AI doesn’t just scan for “bakery” or “cupcakes.” It looks for businesses with clear, structured, up-to-date, trustworthy info that matches that exact intent. If your website doesn’t provide that context clearly, including hours, offers, inventory, delivery windows, and reviews, you can disappear from view, even if old-school SEO once worked.

How Search AI is changing the customer experience

AI-powered search has raised the bar. People expect fast, friendly, and personalized answers right where they’re searching. Here’s how that affects your presence.

Personalized, contextual results

Results are tailored by location, behavior, and intent. If someone searches “eco-friendly cleaning services near me,” you’ll show up only if your local data, service pages, and reviews consistently reinforce that positioning. Keywords still matter, but context matters more.

Voice search and conversational queries

With Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, natural questions are the norm. People ask, “Who’s the top-rated landscaper open this weekend?”, not “landscaper weekend hours.” To be found, write your site copy and FAQs in a conversational Q&A format that mirrors how customers actually speak.

Zero-click searches and featured answers

Search engines increasingly surface instant answers on the results page. Yes, that can reduce clicks. But if your content powers those featured snippets, you gain credibility and mindshare. The new SEO goal isn’t just ranking, but providing the answer.

The good news is that you don’t need a huge budget. You do need smart structure, clear messaging, and consistent updates. Here’s how to get started.

How SMBs can adapt and win with Search AI

Optimize content for questions and intent

Shift from “ranking for keywords” to “answering customer questions.” That makes your content more useful to both people and AI.

• Create FAQ-style content: Dedicated pages that directly cover pricing, turnaround times, delivery areas, policies, and service details.
• Use natural language: Write like you talk to customers, in a clear, concise, and helpful manner.
• Keep content fresh: Outdated hours, menus, inventory, or policies erode trust and visibility. Review and update regularly.

Leverage structured data (schema)

Schema markup is code that helps search engines interpret your content precisely. Think of it as labeling your information so AI can deliver it confidently.

• Add relevant schema: LocalBusiness, Product, Service, and FAQPage are common winners.
• Complete your Google Business Profile: Keep it fully filled out with accurate info, posts, photos, and timely updates.
• Ensure NAP consistency: Your name, address, and phone must match across your site, maps, and directories. Reliability matters more than you might think.

Prioritize mobile and accessibility

Most AI-driven searches happen on phones. A smooth mobile experience is what your audience expects and deserves.

• Design mobile-first: Fast load times, legible text, simple thumb-friendly navigation.
• Follow accessibility best practices: Proper headings, alt text, good color contrast. This improves user experience and helps AI parse your site.
• Improve speed: Slow pages get demoted. Audit performance and fix bottlenecks.

Build topical and local authority

AI rewards expertise and consistency. Show you’re a trusted pro in your niche and community.

• Create pillar pages: Comprehensive guides like “Complete Guide to HVAC Maintenance” or “Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining a Salt Water Pool.”
• Publish valuable content: How-tos, checklists, comparisons, and original insights that demonstrate know-how.
• Earn reviews and testimonials: Fresh, positive reviews are powerful trust signals for people and algorithms alike.

The bottom line

AI-driven search has changed the rules and opened new opportunities for SMBs that adapt. Your future customers aren’t typing stiff keywords; they’re asking real questions. And search AI is deciding who gets to answer.

By aligning content to intent, implementing structured data, keeping business info accurate, and delivering a fast, accessible mobile experience, you keep your brand discoverable and trusted. Don’t wait for traffic to slip. The businesses that prepare now will be the ones AI chooses tomorrow.

What about you? Have you started optimizing your site for Search AI?

cooking ingredients, knife, cutting board, pot

Get better results from AI with prompt layering

When people first start using AI tools like ChatGPT, they usually ask questions in one shot and hope for the best. Sometimes that works, but oftentimes, the output is not as wonderful as expected. Too generic, too long, or missing the mark entirely. And then they give up, which is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with AI.

Getting great results from AI isn’t about asking the perfect question. It’s about layering prompts strategically to build toward exactly what you need without going down a rabbit hole of endless rewrites.

Many professionals spend hours tweaking massive prompts or repeatedly starting over because their initial request didn’t capture their vision. This approach wastes time and often leads to frustration. There’s a better way.

Prompt layering transforms your AI interactions from guesswork into a more systematic process. It’s a method that helps you guide AI tools step by step, refining output incrementally rather than hoping for perfection on the first try.

What is prompt layering?

Think of prompt layering as having a conversation with your AI tool rather than issuing a single command. Instead of trying to cram every detail into one mega-prompt, you stack smaller, purposeful instructions.

Each layer refines the output by narrowing focus, improving clarity, or adjusting style until you arrive at something polished and usable.

It’s a bit like cooking:

The first layer is getting all your ingredients lined up.
The second is preparing them.
The third is seasoning to taste.

By the end, you’ve created a meal instead of tossing everything into the pot at once.

This approach recognizes that AI tools work best when given clear, sequential guidance rather than complex, multi-faceted instructions all at once. Treat AI like a new team member! You wouldn’t expect a new person to give you the perfect deliverable on the first try, right?

Why it works

Clarity compounds: Breaking a complex request into layers gives the AI room to think step by step, which typically produces sharper results. Each layer builds on the previos one, thus creating a clearer picture of what you want.

Faster iteration: Instead of rewriting long prompts from scratch, you tweak in small steps. This saves time and avoids the frustration of losing perfectly good elements when making changes (we’ve all been there!).

Creative control: Layering lets you guide the AI output more like an editor than a passive recipient. You maintain control over the direction while optimizing AI’s capabilities.

Reduced cognitive load: Rather than trying to anticipate every requirement upfront, you can respond to what you see and adjust accordingly. This mirrors how humans naturally work through complex solutions and is also reminiscent of the agile developement approach.

The 3 core layers

Here’s a simple framework you can apply to almost any task:

1. Rough draft

Start broad. Give the AI a clear but simple request.

Example: “Write a blog intro about why personalization matters in higher ed websites.”

This gets something on the page quickly. Don’t worry about perfection here. You’re establishing the foundation and giving yourself material to work with.

The key is to be specific enough that the AI understands the topic but general enough that you’re not overwhelming it with requirements.

2. Refinement

Now you add precision. Tell the AI what’s missing, what tone to use, or what format you need.

Example: “Make it more conversational and add a quick metaphor that compares personalization to a campus tour guide.”

This is where you shape the content closer to your voice and vision. You’re working with existing material, which is much more efficient than starting over.

Focus on one or two key improvements per refinement layer. This keeps the AI focused and prevents confusion.

3. Optimization

Finally, you polish for your specific purpose. Ask for variations, summaries, or format adjustments.

Example: “Shorten this to under 150 words and include the phrase ‘higher education marketing.'”

This last step makes the output immediately usable for your specific context and requirements.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” That’s exactly what the optimization layer is about: removing the excess and sharpening what matters until the result is clear, concise, and ready to use.

Advanced strategies

Shifting perspective: After getting your initial output, ask the AI to rewrite from a different perspective or for a different audience. This often reveals new angles you hadn’t considered.

Flipping the format: Take your content and ask for it in different formats such as bullet points, numbered lists, or narrative form. This helps you find the most effective presentation.

Stacking speficity: Start general, then get increasingly specific with each layer. This helps you maintain the big picture while drilling down into details.

Quick tips for better prompt layering

Start simple. Don’t over-engineer the first layer. Give yourself plenty of room to build.

Give feedback like a coach. Instead of “this is bad,” say “make it punchier” or “add examples.” Constructive direction works better than criticism.

Reuse winning layers. Save your favorite refinements as templates for future projects. If “make it more conversational” consistently improves your content, use it regularly.

Know when to stop. If the output is good enough for your purpose, move on. Perfect is the enemy of done, and over-layering can sometimes muddy clear content.

Document your process. Keep track of layer combinations that work well for different types of content. This builds your personal prompt library.

Common pitfalls

Layer overload: Adding too many layers can confuse the AI and dilute your message. Three to four layers usually provide the sweet spot.

Contradictory instructions: Make sure each layer builds on rather than conflicts with previous ones.

Impatience: Give each layer a chance to work before moving to the next one. Sometimes the AI needs a moment to process complex refinements.

Prompt layering turns AI from a one-shot experiment into a repeatable process. It’s faster, more flexible, and far less frustrating than hoping for a perfect response on the first try.

The beauty of this approach is its adaptability. Whether you’re writing marketing copy, creating presentation outlines, or generating creative ideas, the same three-layer framework applies. You’re getting better results while developing a skill that improves with practice.

Next time you sit down with ChatGPT or any other AI tool, remember: don’t just ask once. Layer your way to better results. The better of a partnership you develop with your tool, the better the outcome.

Speaking up: How to share feedback with leadership thoughtfully and effectively

For most of us, giving feedback “up the chain” can feel intimidating. Whether it’s your team lead, your VP, or the CEO, it’s easy to second-guess yourself: “Is this worth bringing up?”,“What if I sound like I’m complaining?”, “Will this actually change anything?”

I venture to say that most leaders want and appreciate your feedback not because it’s always easy to hear, but because they know they can’t fix what they don’t know. And when delivered thoughtfully and with care, your feedback becomes a powerful tool for driving improvement and creating a better workplace for everyone.

Here are some tips from personal experience to help you speak up effectively and constructively.

Start with the intent, not the gripe

Get clear on your reason why you’re giving constructive feedback. Are you trying to improve a process? Make communication clearer? Prevent customer churn? Framing your feedback as a desire to make things better, rather than just airing frustration or venting, makes it far more actionable and easier to receive.

Instead of “These meetings are a waste of time”, try: “Maybe we could tighten up the agenda and finish with clear next steps, so our meetings feel more productive and energizing.”

Perhaps instead of “People don’t pull their weight on projects,” you could say: “I think we could be even more effective if we set clearer expectations and ownership for each project phase upfront.”

Or instead of “Why are you letting this person get away with…”, consider “I’m concerned that when expectations aren’t consistently reinforced, it can create confusion or frustration for the rest of the team. Can we talk about how we want to handle situations like this?”

Be as specific as possible

Vague feedback like “we need better communication” leaves leaders guessing. It’s best to give real-world examples and describe the impact. Specifics make it easier to understand the issue and start solving it.

Here’s an example: “During the last launch, a lot of us didn’t know about the changes until clients started asking questions. A heads-up would have helped us feel more prepared and confident.”

Offer a suggestion for finding a path forward

Personally, I don’t like the phrase “Don’t come to me with problems, come with solutions.” You need to be able to voice a concern without having a perfect solution figured out. That said, even a basic suggestion shows that you’ve thought about the issue in good faith, and it invites a collaborative response.

Example: “Could we do a five-minute rundown of key initiatives during team meetings so we stay aligned?”

Even something as simple as, “Would you be open to brainstorming solutions together?” keeps the door open.

Speak for yourself, not for a group

When giving feedback, it’s often tempting to strengthen your position by saying something like,
“Everyone feels this way” or “A lot of people are frustrated.” Sure, it probably feels safer, because it implies that you’re not the only one with a particular concern, and you may think that it will make your point more compelling. But it can also backfire. Saying ‘everyone’ can make leaders feel attacked and put them on the defensive, which can shut down the conversation before it even starts. Consider owning your perspective with confidence, and use language like “I’ve noticed’, “From my experience”, or “Something I’ve been concerned about lately”.

This approach helps keep the conversation grounded in your firsthand experience and invites dialog rather than a dynamic of defending against “everyone”. It also tends to feel more genuine and can even encourage others who feel the same to add their voices without pressure.

A quick example would be going from “everyone thinks this new process is a disaster” to “I’ve found this new process a bit challenging because…I’d love to brainstorm some ideas to make it smoother”. Big difference!

Pick the right time and channel

Context matters. Some feedback is best shared face-to-face, while other points can be captured clearly in writing. Don’t bury important feedback in a quick chat message that could get lost, especially when leaders are often juggling hundreds of messages and carving out heads-down time for high-priority work.

If the feedback is significant, ask for time directly and be clear about your intent, like “There’s something I’d love to talk through with you. Do you have a few minutes this week?”

For less urgent feedback, asynchronous options like Slack, internal surveys, or feedback forms can work well, as long as you make sure the message is easy to spot and digest.

Assume positive intent

Not every decision will go your way. No leader will get it right 100% of the time . And sometimes, they simply can’t share all of the information with you. My recommendation is to focus on what you know for sure, and try not to speculate.

Starting from a place of curiosity rather than confrontation helps keep the conversation productive and collaborative.

Thoughtful feedback creates clarity, uncovers blind spots, and helps foster better and more effective working relationships. If you care about your company and your team, speaking up with respect and purpose is one of the most valuable things you can do, because it helps everyone.

Giving feedback to leadership doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you focus on intent, specificity, and collaboration, you turn feedback into a tool for growth for yourself, your leaders, and your organization.

What about you? What are your tips on how to give feedback to leadership?