Today’s issue summarizes what I’m hearing. This insight will help you make the most of your 19 productive days. It will also help you compare your priorities with peers.

To move forward together, we need a moment to pause, name the emotions, and acknowledge them.

We’re witness to forces toppling old ways of working and leading. Generative AI, geopolitical turmoil, media misinformation, and hybrid work are fueling concern and confusion about the future.

AI frenzy is fostering awful intelligence and fuzzy math. And less than ten percent of our clients and followers are actively using AI at work. Here’s my contrarian view. The FOMO mindset is no way to live—and it stifles innovative thinking.

Moments can represent the denouement to a series of challenges or opportunities. Others feel drastic, often cleanup efforts stemming from a series of poor decisions. Movements require a patient leader who’s willing to set a new vision—and stick with it.

Whatever country you call home, I hope you observe our USA election process. Then question whether your news diet and company content strategy are helping or hindering your critical thinking abilities.

It is tempting to dust off our desktop after summer holidays, dive into July, and plan new marketing promotions. Let me suggest an alternative. Slow down to move fast by launching an After Action Review (AAR).

Teams and leaders are simply exhausted. They need more than a summer sojourn and a mint julep to recuperate. And so do I. The first step towards recovery? Identify root causes of fatigue.

The wisdom to pause, reflect, and remain calm has gotten me safely to the other side of big life transitions. I call that process my “Plan BE.”