The Productivity Paradox: How Uncertainty Undermines Performance—and What Leaders Can Do About It Uncertainty is everywhere. Whether it is personal upheavals, professional transitions, or global economic shifts like tariffs and trade wars, the unpredictable nature of...

Who Comes Next? Why You Need a Succession Plan Yesterday (But Today Will Do) By Mary C. Kelly, PhD, CSP, CDR, US Navy (ret), Economist, Leadership Expert, and Author of Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy No one wakes up and says, “I hope I get to...

How My European Speaking Tour Made Me More Productive by Working Just 2 Hours a Day By Dr. Mary Kelly As a leadership economist and professional speaker, I often help others with how to manage their time better, streamline their workflows, and focus on what truly...

Why Smart Succession Planning Cannot Wait: The Leadership Crisis No One Is Talking About Imagine building a successful business from the ground up—only to risk its future because no one is ready to step in when you step away. That is the reality for a startling number...

The Mid-Level Manager Silent Struggle to Lead and Mentor Mid-level managers are the linchpins between strategic vision and frontline execution. They translate leadership’s objectives into operational reality while simultaneously guiding, coaching, and developing their...

5 Things the Best CEOs Do to Be Wildly Productive Productivity at the executive level is not about doing more, it is about doing what matters most. The best CEOs understand that their time is a finite resource, and they treat it like a multi-million-dollar asset. They...

Why Leaders Bring in Experts: The Power of Perspective Whether in business, government, non-profits, or community organizations, leaders are expected to adapt quickly, solve complex problems, and deliver consistent results. But sometimes that knowledge and experience...

Part 4: Ensuring a Smooth Transition and Long-Term Success from "You Next: A Step-by Step Guide to Taking Charge of Your Career" by Mary Kelly emphasizes the critical steps needed to execute a seamless leadership transition and sustain organizational success over the...

Part 3: Building a Culture of Succession Readiness Excerpt from "Who Comes Next: Leadership Planning for Business Success" Succession planning is often misunderstood as a task reserved for HR departments or senior executives. However, for it to be truly effective, it...