Monica Poulard Hawkins

💡Bridging the Skills Gap Last week, I had the privilege of joining an incredible group of leaders, researchers, and policy experts at the Frontiers of Business Conference in Chapel Hill - all focused on one big question: ➡️ How do we better align workforce skills with what the market truly needs? Hosted by the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, the day was packed with insight and inspiration - from the latest 📈 research on emerging skill demands to real-world examples of upskilling and reskilling that work. A few reflections I left with: 🔸 The “skills gap” isn’t just about missing skills, it’s about keeping systems nimble enough to keep up 🔸 Cross-sector collaboration is everything. No one solves this alone 🔸 Scaling what already works (like apprenticeships, micro-credentials, and on-the-job learning) beats reinventing the wheel 🔸 And equity has to stay at the center - access and opportunity for everyone matters most I left Chapel Hill ⚡ energized and hopeful - the momentum around skills-based growth and lifelong learning is real. Grateful to the organizers, speakers, and fellow panelists for such a thoughtful, evidence-based conversation. 🤍 Sincere thanks to: Chelsea Donahue, David Knowles, Paige Ouimet, Gerald Cohen, Shanna Gibbons, Sekou Bermiss, Ph.D., Camelia Kuhnen, Susan Cates, Telly Tucker, CEcD, David Deming, Elizabeth Faber, Ben Hoffman, Aaron "Ronnie" Chatterji, Chris Hage, Chris Harrington, Ph.D.,MBA, Annelies Goger, Ari Medoff, Jeffrey Korzenik, Cecilia Holden, Thomas Stith, NACD.DC, Cathy Tyler, Betsy Conway, Daniel Fitzpatrick, CFA, John McKain, Mary Margaret Frank, Michelle Peluso and so many more that I had the pleasure of meeting personally. #FrontiersOfBusiness #SkillsGap #WorkforceDevelopment #KenanInstitute #UNC

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🚀 Dive into strategic learning with Willie Pietersen as he shares insights from his journey from law to the C-suite, to academia at Columbia. Why did he choose "learning" over "management"? Find out in our latest episode! Also -- get ready to learn about "The Curse of Power." Watch the clip then catch the full episode here! It's jammed packed with golden nuggets of wisdom. https://lnkd.in/eFzEHGKf #Leadership #Strategy #power #leadershipbooks #leadershiplessons #interview #podcast #lifelonglearning #managementtips

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Leaders create a psychological atmosphere every time they communicate. People take cues from how a conversation begins, how transitions are handled and how leaders respond when the work becomes complex. These moments influence whether a team feels able to think openly or feels the need to manage risk. Sonic Stewardship asks leaders to take responsibility for this atmosphere. It is visible in the way they frame the purpose of a conversation, the steadiness they bring to disagreement and the way they close a discussion so people leave knowing what is expected of them. When leaders pay attention to these elements of communication, teams feel more able to participate honestly and work with greater confidence. If your senior team wants to develop a stronger communication practice, drop us a line at info@apsintel.com #SonicStewardship #LeadershipDevelopment #EffectiveCommunication #TeamDynamics #PsychologicalSafety #OrganisationalCulture #ActiveListening #TrustBuilding #CollaborativeLeadership

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Grow Your Network ✨ What happens when the unexpected happens and we don't have a network? I am thrilled to share my conversation with Liesl Schmidt, NACD.DC, CTP COO and Board Director, all about her career journey and why need to grow our network all along the journey. Today on Women Leaders on the Move by HerCsuite® Radio, we get a behind the scenes look at Liesl's chapter in Power of What’s NEXT: Bold Moves by Design. We talk about why you need to grow your internal Network and what can happen when you are ready and also when something unexpected happens. Take a Listen: https://lnkd.in/g64xUhRM 3 Lessons Learned: 1️⃣ Networks are your safety net. The relationships you invest in today become the foundation that carries you when life shifts. 2️⃣ Courage creates opportunity. You have to be ready to open the door and see the possibilities. 3️⃣ Your story is your power. Sharing your lived experience inspires others and it is what is so inspirational about writing this anthology together. “Sometimes you have to step forward without all the answers, because clarity often comes in the doing.” – Liesl Schmidt Join us October 14th when we celebrate the launch of the hardcover of Power of What’s NEXT. I can’t wait for you to read the incredible stories of resilience, transformation, and bold moves—including Liesl’s inspirational chapter! 📖 https://a.co/d/5yY6dd8 A huge thank you to Liesl for sharing her journey with us and for the reminder that our networks, courage, and stories prepare us for what’s next. Excited to share all the authors Dianne Harper Boyer Wendi O. Brown Nancy Hedlund Jennifer Peters Liesl Schmidt, NACD.DC, CTP Laurie Wessels Janet Winkler Cyndy Wulfsberg Thanks to our publishing team Hope Mueller Hunter Street Press Jennifer Pestikas Brave Women at Work What is one thing you wish you had with your network? There is still time- keep shining your light bright. The world needs you! #Womenlearsonthemoveai #Networking #womenonboards #PowerOfWhatsNEXT #hercsuite

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Stepping Into the Boardroom: Reflections for Aspiring Directors As we begin a new year, I have been reflecting on what board leadership requires. Board service is more than governance - it is where experience, perspective, and purpose come together to shape long‑term vision and guide organizations into the futures, they have yet to imagine. Every voice in the boardroom carries both achievement and responsibility. A board seat is a platform for progress, strengthened by diverse perspectives, and collaborative leadership. Through my own board journey, I have learned that preparation, focus, discipline, and confidence matter, as much as credentials. For those exploring their first board opportunity, three reflections stand out: 1. Start With Honest Questions Before beginning your search, ask yourself: Why now? What organizations align with your values? What energizes you? What skills differentiate you? Clarity on your purpose and strengths, helps you approach board service not as a title, but as a meaningful opportunity to apply your judgment, experience, and voice. 2. Understand the Evolving Landscape Governance is changing. Women now hold ~35% of S&P 500 board seats, yet representation for underrepresented groups remains uneven. Boards increasingly prioritize emotional intelligence, collaboration, and strategic thinking, alongside C-suite experience in leadership, finance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and human capital. Knowing where your skills fit, gives you the language and confidence to position your value authentically. 3. Build Visibility, Authentically Board opportunities grow from trust built, over time. Visibility is not self‑promotion. It is showing up intentionally, contributing where you can, and helping others understand your judgment, values, and leadership style, so you are top of mind, when relevant opportunities arise. Closing Thoughts This is a pivotal moment, especially for Asian American women, entering the boardroom. Each of us widens the path for those who follow. Lead with clarity, empathy, and conviction. When boards think more inclusively and act more strategically, they create enduring value for all stakeholders. #boardleadership #governance #aspiringdirectors #valuecreation #vision #strategicthinking #empatheticleadetship #enduringvalue

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Culture shapes behavior more than policies ever can. But what happens when culture enables misconduct instead of integrity? On September 23, 2025, The AACI will release Part 2 of our series: Organizational Culture as a Breeding Ground for Corruption. 📖 Published at Power & Accountability: https://lnkd.in/djtxqUg6 👉 What cultural signals do you believe are most critical in preventing corruption? #AntiCorruption #CorporateGovernance #EthicalLeadership #RiskManagement #OrganizationalCulture 🔎 Shared for educational purposes only. Presumption of innocence applies.

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