Navigating Leadership Tensions in Real Time: It’s not Working Harder. It’s Making the System Stronger.
Each month, we’ll explore the tensions that sit at the heart of leadership and human behavior—the moments where clients feel stretched, uncertain, or caught between competing demands. These reflections are drawn from my work in leadership and executive coaching across private, non-profit, federal and military sectors, where these tensions surface consistently in complex, high-stakes environments.
At the same time, I invite you to make this your own. Whether you coach leaders, teams, students, or individuals in transition, these tensions are human—not role-specific. Adapt them to your context, your clients, and your coaching style—so they become not just concepts, but tools that deepen your presence and expand your impact.
By Lisa J. Kuruvilla, ICF MCC, CMC, CEC
It’s not Working Harder. It’s Making the System Stronger.
Insight:
High-performing clients often default to effort. They step in, solve problems, and keep things moving. But over time, this creates dependency—and masks deeper system issues.
Coaching at this level shifts the focus from effort to design.
Sample Question:
Where might your effort be compensating for a system that needs to change?
Application:
When clients describe overwork, ask: “What is this effort trying to fix?” Then gently redirect from personal output to structural thinking.
President's Letter: July 2026
As we prepare for the election of our next Board of Directors and the transition to a new leadership term, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on those who have served our chapter and helped shape our community.
Before looking ahead to the future, I would like to recognize the work of the Nominating Committee: (Dale Beaman, Ebonie Cosbert, Leila Wallut, and Della Shaw as Board Liaison and Historian) and thank them for the care, thoughtfulness, and dedication they have brought to the process. We look forward to sharing the proposed slate of candidates with our membership this month. Please watch for your electronic ballot in late July. Following the election, the new Board will be formally installed on September 1, 2026, and begin its two-year term of service.
We also recognize the many leaders, volunteers, and members who have helped shape ICF North Florida over the past 27 years. While it would be impossible to name everyone who has contributed, we are deeply grateful for those whose service, vision, and dedication built the foundation we enjoy today. We are honored to continue the work they began.
I have had the privilege of serving alongside an extraordinary group of leaders whose commitment to ICF North Florida has been both inspiring and humbling. I would like to express special appreciation to:
Della Shaw, Immediate Past President, for her steadfast leadership, governance expertise, and strategic counsel. Della has served the chapter in numerous capacities, including Programming Director, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. Her wisdom, perspective, and unwavering commitment have been invaluable to both me and the chapter. Beyond board leadership, Della and Karen Anderson authored and launched the popular Table monthly gatherings, creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, and build community.
Lisa Kuruvilla, President-Elect, for her thoughtful leadership and vision for the future. Lisa brings a wealth of experience across government contracting, private industry, and coach education. As an MCC and accredited coach educator, she combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to our profession. I am excited to see the chapter continue to flourish under her leadership.
Amanda Connelly, for her adaptability, enthusiasm, and willingness to step into whatever role the chapter needed most. Amanda consistently demonstrated a servant-leader mindset and approached every challenge with flexibility and dedication. Her commitment to chapter programming and member engagement has been unwavering, earning the respect of both our chapter and the broader ICF community.
Stacey Wynn, for her willingness to step forward and serve the chapter as Programming Director in an interim capacity and has brought enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine commitment. We are grateful for her willingness to serve and appreciate the positive spirit she brings to the work ahead.
Ginny Elsworth, for her expertise, technical knowledge, and commitment to improving our membership systems and processes. Ginny worked closely with our StarChapter support partners to strengthen data integrity, streamline processes, and improve operational efficiency. Much of her work occurred behind the scenes, but its impact continues to benefit the chapter today.
Karen Anderson, for her remarkable commitment and generosity. After completing a full term in Membership, Karen stepped into Programming to ensure continuity and support the chapter through transition. She has served in multiple leadership roles over many years, always bringing wisdom, steadiness, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Together with Della, she continues to lead the Table gatherings that have become a valued part of our chapter community. We are fortunate to benefit from Karen's expertise as an accredited coach educator and long-standing chapter leader.
Erin Banda, for her outstanding financial stewardship. During her tenure as Treasurer, Erin helped move the chapter from operating at a deficit to maintaining healthy reserves. Even while living abroad on a year-long assignment, she continued serving the chapter and supporting Board operations. Erin remained in service beyond her original term to ensure continuity during leadership transitions, and her dedication has left a lasting impact on the chapter.
Katie Kight, for strengthening our communications processes, creating consistency in member outreach, and helping establish systems that continue to support chapter operations today. Katie was also instrumental in leading charitable initiatives that connected our chapter with worthy causes throughout our region and reflected the spirit of service within our coaching community.
Suely Argianas, for her willingness to share her time, experience, and leadership perspective with the chapter. We are grateful for her service and contributions during her time on the Board.
To each member of this Board, thank you. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you. You have made this experience deeply meaningful, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with each of you.
With gratitude,
