Hello Reader,

This week I onboarded a new client — a part-time interim engagement — and I'm loving it.

There's nothing quite like stepping into an organization in the middle of change. Some leaders find it daunting. Others prefer a clean slate. But I'm energized by the potential that lives inside chaos — or just on the other side of it.

When I think about change, an organization in transition is full of possibility. Getting to help set direction, shape people strategy, and align systems, processes, and tools? Sign me up.

And then there are the moments that make it all worthwhile. As I got to know the team this week — uncertain, curious, sizing me up a little — I started hearing things like "you get it" and "oh my gosh, yes, can we work on that?" Watching people wake up a little, feel a little more hopeful, is the most fulfilling part of this work. Every single time.

Next up — delivering on my promise. 🙌

What about you — what type of work energizes you most? Startup phase, steady state, or turnaround? Hit reply and let me know. 👇

Week in Review

"They're just not a culture fit."

If that's all you've got — that's a problem.

Culture fit is one of the most misused phrases in leadership. Used loosely, it's a bias and legal risk. Used correctly, it's one of the most powerful tools you have.

The difference? Definition.

If your company values aren't translated into actual behaviors — what people do, how they show up, how they make decisions — then culture fit is just a gut feeling dressed up in HR language.

And gut feelings don't hold up in a corrective action conversation.

That's exactly what we dig into in this week's episode.

🎙️ EP 9: "Culture Fit" Is Not a Gut Feeling

Click here

Resources

Check out this week's blog post, where I dive into the world of process and answer the question: When does process become a burden?

In the middle of a change, or feeling overwhelmed? Check out Episode 1 and 2 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast to help give you a little space to breathe.

• ​EP1: Top 3 Leadership Strategies to Minimize Burnout​
• ​EP2: The 4 Behaviors You Need to Implement to Become a Strategic Leader​

Team not performing? Then look no further than Episodes 8 and 9, where we dive into performance!

• ​EP8: You don't have a Talent problem (Yet)​
• ​EP9: "Culture Fit" Is Not a Gut Feeling​

Best,
Silvia

Want more clarity? If you're stuck on a people situation and not sure whether it's them or the system around them, apply for a Clarity Call with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5​

Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.