Cortex Leadership Consulting transforms businesses, people, and processes. 1 Strategic Leadership Empowering leaders to strategically navigate today's challenges while seizing tomorrow's opportunities with confidence and clarity. Our newest services for AI Strategic Leadership are practical and immediately implementable. More Info 2 Coaching Unlock your potential with our customized coaching program, tailored specifically to your needs. We utilize scientifically validated assessments and evidence-based tools to personalize your experience, ensuring immediate and impactful change. Elevate your thinking, strategize with precision, and boost your confidence, influence, and overall impact. Join us on this transformative journey today! 3 More Info Facilitated Training Each session is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of your team and organization and facilitated by experts in interactivity. We understand that no two teams are the same, which is why we utilize assessment tools, research, and surveys to deliver customized experiences. Our goal is to ensure that every session effectively drives your team toward the desired outcomes. Experience the difference of a personalized approach that truly resonates with your challenges. More Info AI Leader Brief Executive Coaching Training

The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools - Emerging Technology Conference The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools - Emerging Technology Conference The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools - Emerging Technology Conference The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools - Emerging Technology Conference The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI: Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools AI Guide Book: A comprehensive playbook designed to help leaders develop Conversational Intelligence for collaborating effectively with AI. Including frameworks, real-world prompt evolution examples, and step-by-step instructions for transforming basic AI prompts into strategic, emotionally intelligent dialogues. Guide Book AI Strategic Leader Program: Equipping senior leaders to turn AI disruption into opportunity. Through immersive sessions, coaching, and peer collaboration, participants learn to leverage AI for strategic decision-making, lead high-stakes conversations, and build adaptable, future-ready teams. AI Strategic Leader Program EPIC 2.0: Next-level leadership program for rising managers, supervisors, and high-potential employees ready to move from managing to leading. Through coaching, peer collaboration, and real-world application, participants deepen emotional intelligence, leadership presence, and strategic influence to drive stronger team performance. EPIC 2.0 AI Leader Brief: Keeping you connected to the future of leadership. Each edition translates emerging AI trends into real opportunities—showing how today’s leaders can adapt, innovate, and stay human in the age of intelligent technology. If you want to lead transformation instead of reacting to it, this is your edge. AI Leader Brief Brought to you by:

Latest News Oct 31, 2025 Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference Read More Jul 11, 2025 Cortex Leadership Launches “The AI Leader Brief” to Equip Executives for Rapid AI Disruption Roanoke, VA — July 1, 2025 — As artificial intelligence continues to reshape decision-making, operations, and strategy in every sector, Cortex Leadership Consulting has launched a new tool to help leaders adapt. The AI Leader Brief, a weekly executive digest, is designed to equip organizational decision-makers with timely, actionable insights at the intersection of AI, leadership, and strategy. Read More Jun 20, 2025 Leadership Experts Urge Global Business Shift from VUCA to BANI Framework to Navigate Chaos of the 2020s Roanoke, VA & Cologne, Germany – In a bold and timely call to action, Lynda McNutt Foster, CEO of Cortex Leadership Consulting, and Holger Heinze, Director & Partner at O'Donovan Consulting AG, have co-authored a powerful new thought leadership piece titled “From VUCA to BANI: Leading in Today’s Chaotic World.” The article challenges today’s business leaders to move beyond the now-outdated VUCA framework and embrace a new, more relevant leadership model: BANI – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. Read More Jun 8, 2025 How AI Will Change Your Job—And What You Can Do About It Live Small Group and One-on-One Demo Experiences Show Leaders and Everyday Workers How to Stay Ahead of AI's Disruption Read More Mar 14, 2025 Five Years Later, This Leadership Training Stuck and It's Still Paying Off With clients across the globe, Cortex Leadership Consulting equips leaders with the skills to strengthen their teams, improve communication, and drive company success. Read More Feb 7, 2025 Professionals Graduate EPIC Leadership Program More than two dozen professionals from across Virginia gather to celebrate graduating from the EPIC Leadership Program. Read More Dec 16, 2024 Kimberly Eakin Earns TED Certification to Elevate Client Success with Cortex Kimberly Eakin, a valued Mentor and Coach on the Cortex team, has achieved certification in The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) Read More

Five Years Later, This Leadership Training Stuck and It's Still Paying Off < Back Kathlynn Stone Mar 14, 2025 With clients across the globe, Cortex Leadership Consulting equips leaders with the skills to strengthen their teams, improve communication, and drive company success. One company that experienced this transformation firsthand is CMG Leasing in Blacksburg, Virginia. We connected recently, almost 5 years after their engagement with Cortex. It turns out that when Lynda Foster led a leadership training session for their team, it set in motion a fundamental shift in the way they worked together. Today, the lessons they learned are still shaping how they lead and communicate. Through Cortex, Sarah Boor and her team didn’t just learn about DISC behavioral assessments and the Dreaded Drama Triangle. They reshaped their entire approach to leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. A New Mindset on Conflict and Leadership For Sarah, the change was personal. She had always avoided conflict, doing whatever it took to sidestep difficult conversations. “I would do anything to avoid it,” she said. “But after working with Lynda, I realized that avoiding conflict only led to miscommunication, overpromising, and unnecessary stress.” DISC helped Sarah develop self-awareness and recognize her instinct to retreat when confronted with tension. She learned that for someone like her, the first step wasn’t engaging in conflict. It was simply staying still. “I had to practice pausing before reacting. Just creating space changed everything,” she explained. “Instead of knee-jerk reactions, I started responding with intention. My team learned to do the same.” Building a Stronger Team Through Better Communication The training didn’t just change individual behaviors. It transformed how the team operated as a unit. “We started holding each other accountable in a way that made us stronger,” Sarah said. “Instead of reacting emotionally, we reminded each other to take a step back, ask questions, and truly listen.” These lessons also reshaped how they interacted with customers. “In the past, I dreaded difficult calls. Now, it’s my favorite part of the job,” Sarah said. “When you take the time to understand where someone’s frustration is coming from, you can de-escalate situations, improve communication, and create better experiences for everyone involved.” Leadership That Lasts Perhaps the greatest testament to the power of Cortex’s training is its lasting impact. Even as time has passed, Sarah and her colleagues continue to apply what they learned. As new team members join, they pass down these leadership principles, ensuring that the investment in development continues to pay off. “For companies thinking about leadership training, my advice is simple—do it,” Sarah said. “Employees don’t just want a boss. They want a coach who helps them grow. That’s what Cortex gave us.” Transforming Leadership at Every Level Sarah’s story is just one example of how Cortex Leadership Consulting helps leaders and teams redefine the way they work. If you’re ready to create stronger leaders, build a more cohesive team, and foster a culture of emotional intelligence, now is the time to take the next step. Cortex doesn’t just teach leadership. We transform it. Contact us today to learn how our training programs can impact your team and your business. Email: Website: LinkedIn: info@cortexleadership.com cortexleadershipconsulting.com Cortex Leadership Consulting Previous Next

How AI Will Change Your Job—And What You Can Do About It < Back Cortex Leatership Consulting Jun 8, 2025 Live Small Group and One-on-One Demo Experiences Show Leaders and Everyday Workers How to Stay Ahead of AI's Disruption Event Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Location: Grandin CoLab, Roanoke, VA Roanoke, VA — While national headlines warn of job loss and fear around artificial intelligence, a first-of-its-kind leadership demo event on Tuesday will flip the script, showing local professionals how to partner with AI , not fear it. Hosted by Cortex Leadership Consulting, the event—“The AI Demo Experience: Leading Through the Shift”—will show leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals how to collaborate with tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, NotebookLM, and Gemini to save time, reduce stress, and increase quality of work without needing to be “tech-savvy.” “This is not a lecture. It’s an immersive demo where you’ll see AI work with real-world data from local businesses to solve problems in real time,” said Lynda McNutt Foster, CEO of Cortex Leadership. “We want leaders to walk away with less fear, more clarity, and practical next steps they can use tomorrow.” Why This Matters (Fast Facts for Newsrooms) 44% of work skills will be disrupted by 2027 , according to the World Economic Forum. Only 1 in 10 professionals feel confident using AI tools at work (McKinsey 2024). In a recent local survey of over 40 professionals, the #1 challenge was “not knowing where to start with AI” . This event is designed to address that head-on. Real-time demos of how leaders and employees can collaborate with AI Why AI is not replacing humans—rather amplifying those who use it well How leaders can overcome the "blank page" problem and decision fatigue Insight into which jobs and tasks will likely be automated first—and what will never be replaced A Local Perspective This isn’t Silicon Valley. It is right here in Southwest Virginia. These are local teams and business leaders navigating real pressures—from healthcare to finance to entrepreneurship. The Cortex team will show how AI can: Create customized training content from internal and external documents Build messaging for change through an organization Help leaders use AI as a thinking partner through Conversational Intelligence Media seats are limited for small group main demos, but open for any of the mini demos available one-on-one. Please RSVP for access and early arrival for interviews and visuals. Contact: lynda@cortexleadership.com About Cortex Leadership Consulting Cortex has worked with over 12,000 leaders to accelerate team performance, engagement, and innovation. Known for its pioneering use of AI in leadership training, Cortex brings coaching, consulting, and tech together for next-level transformation. Previous Next

Professionals Graduate EPIC Leadership Program < Back Kathlynn Stone Feb 7, 2025 More than two dozen professionals from across Virginia gather to celebrate graduating from the EPIC Leadership Program. Roanoke, Va. - The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cortex Leadership Consulting , recently celebrated the graduation of 25 professionals from the EPIC Leadership Program. This five-month immersive coaching and mentoring experience is designed to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and leadership skills in highly engaged professionals. Taylor Hubbard , an EPIC graduate and one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony, shared her experience: "This journey has really taught me a lot. One of my biggest insights was shifting from the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) to the Empowerment Dynamic (TED). Recognizing that you control how you react and assuming people have good intentions helps shift into a solutions mindset." At the graduation ceremony, graduates and leaders shared reflections on the program’s impact. Melissa Glick , another graduate, recalled her introduction to EPIC after starting at Metis : "My fifth day on the job, I found myself at Wilderness Adventure with a group of total strangers. After warm-up activities, we faced the harrowing swing drop. We cheered each other on and completed the challenge. Just when we thought the hardest part was over, we were taken to the Cat Walk—an eight-inch log 60 feet in the air, 100 feet across. A group of strangers came together, connected, encouraged, and cheered each other on." April Woodward , President of the Board of Directors for the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of Oncology at LewisGale Medical Center at HCA Healthcare, spoke at graduation about why it was important for the Chamber to partner with Cortex to bring this program to the area, saying : "When this program was presented to the Chamber and Lynda and her team came and presented it, the first thing I thought of was okay, I would love to have a training program where instead of a rules session orientation and the obligatory code of conduct, the first day we go to Wilderness Adventure. I mean, I’m just saying, that’s a pretty cool way to start any leadership session. So, I don’t know of another program out there like EPIC. And when I heard that I thought okay, they offer in-person classes, data-driven information, and one-on-one mentorship with certified leadership coaches. That’s pretty impressive." The EPIC program stands apart as a turn-key leadership development experience that combines in-person learning, data-driven insights, and one-on-one mentorship with certified leadership coaches. This cohort met monthly at the South County Library, tackling key topics essential to leadership growth. Each session began with foundational concepts before diving deeper into practical application. The program’s structured approach focuses on intentional leadership development, with each month dedicated to a core leadership skill: Communicating with Intention – Using the DISC/Driving Forces assessment, participants, known as Adventurers, gained self-awareness in the area of communication. Acting with Intention – Adventurers learned to recognize when they are creating drama and how to shift toward proactive thinking and actions. Thinking with Intention – From decision-making to collaboration for innovation, Adventurers applied a simple but impactful problem-solving framework. Managing Priorities with Intention – Participants assessed time management habits and implemented tools to manage multiple priorities effectively. Building Trust with Intention – Through Conversational Intelligence, Adventurers gained a deeper understanding of how they build and maintain trust in professional relationships. The program’s impact extends beyond personal growth—it prepares participants for leadership roles within their organizations. Chris Carey , President of Metis , emphasized the role EPIC plays in developing future leaders: "We don’t have direct mentorship like we used to when people worked side by side every day. EPIC has helped bridge that gap by developing our people and ensuring they have the skills they need as they progress." Jeanne Newby , a facilitator of the EPIC program , reflecting on the graduates' dedication, shared: "This graduating cohort has set a new standard through their commitment and engagement. It was the first class to be entirely in-person, achieving the highest attendance. Even more impressive is that they embraced every challenge with curiosity and openness. Their willingness to dig deeper and explore new approaches reflects leadership that will strengthen teams and communities." Graduating from EPIC is more than an achievement—it marks a transformational journey for professionals eager to enhance their leadership capabilities. As this cohort moves forward, they carry with them not only new skills but also a strengthened mindset, a network of support, and the confidence to lead with intention. Apply for the EPIC Leadership Training Program here ! Previous Next

Kimberly Eakin Earns TED Certification to Elevate Client Success with Cortex < Back Kathlynn Stone Dec 16, 2024 Kimberly Eakin, a valued Mentor and Coach on the Cortex team, has achieved certification in The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) Cortex Leadership Consulting is proud to announce that Kimberly Eakin , a valued Mentor and Coach on the Cortex team, has achieved certification in The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) framework. Completing an intensive 10-week course with The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic, Kimberly is now certified to guide leaders and teams from reactive behaviors to intentional, empowering actions using this proven methodology. At Cortex, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of leadership and team development. This certification underscores our commitment to investing in the professional growth of our team members, ensuring every coaching engagement is impactful, tailored, and results-driven. Kimberly’s achievement further strengthens Cortex’s ability to help clients thrive in dynamic and challenging environments. Lynda Foster, Founder and CEO of Cortex Leadership Consulting, highlighted Kimberly's exceptional commitment to professional growth and the impact it has on clients, stating: “Kimberly, a cornerstone of Cortex for nearly 14 years, continues to elevate client success through her dedication to continuous learning—this certification adds yet another tool to her coaching toolkit to drive even faster results." The Coaching with TED Foundations course emphasizes integrating key principles of The Empowerment Dynamic into coaching practices. Participants learn to embody the roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach, enabling clients to transform drama into empowerment and achieve sustainable growth. Kimberly described the program as transformative, sharing: "This impactful training equipped me with the tools to help leaders and teams shift from reactive behaviors to intentional, empowering actions. By mastering the 5-step process of Awareness, Pause, Focus, Respond, and Sustain, I am prepared to guide our clients in navigating challenges with clarity and fostering stronger, more effective relationships." Through Kimberly's certification, Cortex further deepens its commitment to empowering leaders and teams, fostering a culture of growth, respect, and resilience. For more information on how Cortex Leadership Consulting can support your organization’s development through innovative coaching strategies, please visit cortexleadershipconsulting.com . Previous Next

Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference < Back Cortex Leadership Consulting Oct 31, 2025 Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster to Deliver Wrap-Up Keynote at the Emerging Technology Conference Cortex Leadership Consulting CEO Lynda Foster will close the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s Emerging Technology Conference as the Wrap-Up Keynote Speaker with her address, “The New Rules of Leadership in the Age of AI: Mastering Time, Teams, and Tools.” In this high-energy and reflective session, Foster will take attendees on a journey through the decades of leadership evolution — from a time of limited access and information scarcity to an age of overwhelming data, connectivity, and automation. Her keynote explores the question leaders must now answer: “How do we find — and stay focused on — the signal in all this noise?” Drawing from more than 15 years of executive coaching, leadership research, and technology innovation, Foster will illustrate how artificial intelligence is reframing leadership — not by replacing people, but by accelerating how leaders think, collaborate, and make decisions in real time. She will share insights from her proprietary systems including Time Mastery 2.0 , The New Rules of Teamwork , and The AI Strategic Leader Program — and demonstrate how leaders can co-think with AI without losing what makes them human. AI Leadership Snapshot: A Conference First Developed by Cortex exclusively for this year's conference, the AI Leadership Snapshot gives both attendees and organizers a first-of-its-king real-time view of leadership readiness in the age of AI. The snapshot uses an AI-driven diagnostic to help participants identify their current mindset and confidence level in applying emerging technologies to leadership, time management, and collaboration. Conference organizers can use the anonymized insights to understand trends across industries and guide future programming. New Technology Experiences Attendees will also experience two additional Cortex innovations: The AI Leadership Snapshot, designed for personalized insight and reflection. An AI Concierge, developed in collaboration with Randy Lowman of Laketurn Automation , trained on the conference's sessions and speakers to help attendees access insights, resources, and recordings on demand. "The next chapter of innovation belongs to the leaders who learn to co-think with AI - without losing what make them human" says Foster. "Today, access isn't the challenge. Discernment is. The best leaders are learning how to lead through the noise." Known for her engaging, practical, and human-centered approach, Foster's keynote will blend stories, humor, and real-time examples to help leaders master their time, build trust, and create lasting value with emerging technologies. As the creator of Time Mastery 2.0 , The AI Leader Brief , and The AI Strategic Leader Program , Foster continues to help organizations and executives adopt AI with clarity, purpose, and humanity. And yes - expect a brief cameo from "Lynda Borg," her futuristic digital persona that captures the message behind her work: the best leaders of tomorrow will evolve with technology while staying deeply human. About Cortex Leadership Consulting Cortex Leadership Consulting equips organizations and their leaders to thrive in times of transformation. Through customized coaching, interactive learning experiences, and AI-driven leadership tools, Cortex helps executives and teams master time, lead with clarity, and adopt the technologies shaping the future of work. Contact Us Previous Next

Cortex Leadership Launches “The AI Leader Brief” to Equip Executives for Rapid AI Disruption < Back Cortex Leadership Consulting Jul 11, 2025 Roanoke, VA — July 1, 2025 — As artificial intelligence continues to reshape decision-making, operations, and strategy in every sector, Cortex Leadership Consulting has launched a new tool to help leaders adapt. The AI Leader Brief, a weekly executive digest, is designed to equip organizational decision-makers with timely, actionable insights at the intersection of AI, leadership, and strategy. The newsletter was developed by Cortex CEO and executive strategist Lynda McNutt Foster in response to what she calls “an urgent need for clarity” amid the AI boom. “Leaders are bombarded with noise and buzzwords,” said Foster. “These briefs deliver what they actually need—what’s real, what’s working, and what to watch next.” Each issue of The AI Leader Brief synthesizes critical AI developments—from advancements in generative tools to shifting regulatory standards—into leader-ready formats. It also includes tested frameworks for team communication, leadership development, and organizational integration of emerging technologies. Addressing a Strategic Gap in AI Literacy According to a 2024 McKinsey report, just 17% of business leaders feel “very prepared” to lead AI integration efforts, despite 72% reporting that AI will significantly alter their roles. The AI Leader Brief aims to close this gap, combining strategic foresight with Cortex’s 15 years of experience coaching over 10,000 leaders through transformation. Key components of the newsletter include: AI trend decoding with business implications explained in plain language Leadership messaging prompts for framing AI with teams and stakeholders Security and ethics watch-outs for executives responsible for risk mitigation Productivity updates on tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and CoPilot One-click resources for AI adoption and professional development The brief also supports Cortex’s broader programming in AI leadership , including cohort-based development programs and custom consulting engagements. A Response to Leadership Overload “Executives don’t have time for 30-minute YouTube explainers or noisy Slack channels,” said Foster. “The AI Leader Brief gives them what they need in five minutes or less—every Monday morning.” The newsletter is currently available by subscription . Organizations can also inquire about private cohorts or enterprise-level integration at info@cortexleadership.com . About Cortex Leadership Consulting Cortex Leadership Consulting is a leadership development firm headquartered in Roanoke, VA, serving organizations across North America. Known for its data-informed coaching, high-impact facilitation, and customized learning experiences, Cortex partners with executives and teams to accelerate growth, clarity, and culture transformation in high-stakes environments. Previous Next

Leadership Experts Urge Global Business Shift from VUCA to BANI Framework to Navigate Chaos of the 2020s < Back Cortex Leadership Consulting Jun 20, 2025 Roanoke, VA & Cologne, Germany – In a bold and timely call to action, Lynda McNutt Foster, CEO of Cortex Leadership Consulting, and Holger Heinze, Director & Partner at O'Donovan Consulting AG, have co-authored a powerful new thought leadership piece titled “From VUCA to BANI: Leading in Today’s Chaotic World.” The article challenges today’s business leaders to move beyond the now-outdated VUCA framework and embrace a new, more relevant leadership model: BANI – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. For decades, the VUCA framework (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) has guided executive decision-making amid change. However, Foster and Heinze argue that today’s disruptions – from pandemics and geopolitical instability to climate crises and AI-driven transformation – demand a more honest and actionable map. “VUCA no longer fully captures the intensity or emotional weight of our world,” says Foster. “BANI gives leaders a better language to interpret and respond to the stress fractures showing up across every industry.” Why BANI, Why Now First introduced by futurist Jamais Cascio, BANI captures the emotional and structural instability of modern systems. The article walks readers through how: Brittleness reflects systems that break under pressure. Anxiety is an ever-present emotional state due to constant uncertainty. Nonlinearity means minor events can cause disproportionate impact. Incomprehensibility challenges leaders’ ability to interpret fast-moving, ambiguous data. The authors emphasize that BANI is not just a trend—it’s an urgent leadership imperative. “Our institutions, processes, and mindsets must evolve. We can no longer rely on planning cycles built for stability,” says Heinze. “BANI leadership demands resilience, empathy, improvisation, and intuition.” A New Leadership Playbook The article outlines a modern leadership toolkit suited for the BANI world. Leaders must: Shift from reactive firefighting to resilient foresight . Replace rigid, hierarchical workflows with agile and adaptive systems . Invest in psychological capital (PsyCap) – Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism – to sustain teams amid stress and uncertainty. Foster cross-functional collaboration and collective sensemaking as a strategic advantage. “Leaders who thrive in BANI environments don’t seek perfect control—they build cultures prepared to bend without breaking,” says Foster. Global Examples of BANI Leadership Foster and Heinze back their insights with powerful case studies: Home Depot chartered private ships to avoid supply chain chaos. Tesla rewrote software to accommodate chip shortages. GM & Ford pivoted to produce ventilators and PPE during COVID-19. Microsoft focused on emotional intelligence and psychological safety through empathetic policies. These real-world examples show that BANI-ready companies outperform not by avoiding chaos—but by being structurally and culturally prepared to engage with it. Call to Action The article closes with practical steps: forming a “BANI Response Team,” measuring adaptability alongside efficiency, and conducting team conversations about readiness. Leaders are encouraged to ask, “If our world is truly BANI, what’s one thing we should change today?” As Foster notes, “Chaos favors the prepared, the courageous, and the flexible. That can be you and your company.” Contact Information For North America: Lynda McNutt Foster CEO, Cortex Leadership Consulting 📧 lynda@cortexleadership.com 🌐 www.cortexleadership.com For Europe: Holger Heinze Director & Partner, O'Donovan Consulting AG 📧 holger.heinze@odonovan.de 🌐 www.odonovan.de Previous Next

The New Playbook of Teamwork The New Playbook of Teamwork equips leaders and teams to solve complex challenges faster and smarter in today’s AI-driven workplace. You’ll learn how to spark deeper insight, align around a clear vision, unlock ideas worth pursuing, and build plans that keep momentum alive. With the VIPEi framework, you’ll execute without burnout, iterate without bureaucracy, and foster a culture of inclusion and innovation—ensuring your team doesn’t just perform, but thrives. The pace of challenges today demands more than hard work—it requires a new rhythm for collaboration. This playbook pushes you to elevate how your team thinks, communicates, and creates together. By combining proven strategies with AI-enabled tools, you’ll replace stalled meetings with real momentum, reduce burnout by aligning energy with outcomes, and transform scattered efforts into shared breakthroughs. The result? Teams that move faster, innovate smarter, and stay resilient in the face of constant change. How Top Performers Use Conversation, Collaboration, and AI to Solve Big Challenges Faster Contact Us Contact us about small group and large group trainings. Read the Executive Summary of The New Playbook of Teamwork - How Top Performers Use Conversations, Collaboration, and AI to Solve Big Challenges Faster Executive Summary Listen to The New Playbook of Teamwork Deep Dive Conversation: Read the Executive Summary & Listen to the Deep Dive Conversation The New Playbook of Teamwork Digital eBook: A concise, actionable guide that shows you how to unlock smarter collaboration and innovation. Teamwork Rhythm Framework (VIPEi): A proven system that keeps teams aligned, energized, and moving faster together. Leadership & Team Prompts Pack: Exclusive AI-powered prompts to spark better questions, sharper vision, and bolder ideas. Implementation Play Sheets: Simple, ready-to-use tools that turn theory into action inside your team right away. Practical Inclusion Rules: A set of powerful, team-tested principles that create trust, safety, and innovation at every level. The New Playbook of Teamwork Package Includes What You'll Experience in the Full New Playbook of Teamwork Program Collective review of team dynamics, communication patterns, and current challenges. Introduction to the VIPEi Framework—clarifying how Insight, Vision, Ideation, Planning, Execution, and Iteration build a new rhythm of teamwork. Teamwide assessment to surface strengths, blind spots, and alignment opportunities. Practical exercises to practice “starting with Insight” and building clarity before solving. Session 1: Assessment and Insight Alignment (3–4 hrs) Facilitation of Vision exercises to define shared goals and success measures. Application of the 10 Rules of Ideation to create a safe, inclusive space for bold ideas. Guided practice in moving from ideas to structured, right-sized plans that protect momentum. Use of AI-supported tools to expand ideation, test assumptions, and strengthen planning clarity. Session 2: Vision, Ideation, and Planning in Action (3–4 hrs) Team coaching on executing without burnout—building energy, accountability, and support structures. Application of 10 Rules of Inclusion to strengthen trust, psychological safety, and collaboration. Practice in low-stakes iteration loops to refine work without bureaucracy or bottlenecks. Creation of a Team Rhythm Playbook—a customized guide that captures agreements, norms, and AI-enabled practices to sustain long-term performance. Session 3: Execution, Iteration, Sustainable Team Rhythms (3–4 hrs) The New Playbook of Teamwork training will help leaders build the skills today’s organizations demand most. More than a framework, this training gives you the tools to solve big challenges faster with smarter collaboration, practical conversation strategies, and AI integration. Leaders who apply these principles strengthen critical competencies, including: Vision and Strategic Clarity – framing challenges and opportunities in ways that mobilize teams. High-Impact Communication – leading conversations that inspire trust, reduce resistance, and drive action. Collaboration Across Silos – breaking down barriers and creating alignment between functions. Decision-Making Agility – applying AI and team intelligence to move faster with confidence. Innovation Under Pressure – fostering environments where fresh ideas surface, get tested, and scale. This training combines decades of leadership research with real-world application to help you navigate complexity, accelerate results, and elevate the performance of your team. What Training Will Include: Get Started with solving big challenges! Contact us about small group and large group trainings to get started. Contact us First name* Last name* Email* Company Name* Position* I am interested in (Select all that apply). Small Team Training Large Team Training Company Wide Training One-on-one training/coaching for better utilizing my VIPE strengths in the workplace. I would like information on getting Lynda McNutt Foster as a Keynote speaker. Other Is there any additional information you can provide about your Team that will help us personalize your training sessions specifically to your team?* Submit Ready to Solve Big Challenges Faster?

New Study: 58% of leader’s and their teams actively avoid listening to new ideas May 6, 2020 Lynda McNutt Foster and Richard Hammer Issue: Teams back in the office. What if they don’t feel safe coming back in, someone says in the meeting. Ok, why don’t we ask employees what they think. No, we don’t have time for that. Sure we do. Yeah, right, like we have time to talk to every employee right now? No, we don’t have to time talk to every person. Maybe we could use our text system or google forms or something to take a for sort of pulse survey on what they’re thinking right now. What? No. That would take too much time. We’ve never done that. Let’s just stick to the plan we have. And there it is. BAM! Death of an idea in less than 30 seconds. Maybe it was a bad one. Maybe it wouldn’t have worked, and who knows if there was a better one that could quickly be built on from that one. No. Yes, but. There’s no time for that. You need to understand how things work around here. Sometimes the death of a new idea comes from people in the meeting simply ignoring the suggestion or other times by someone in authority just not responding to the email that it was sent in. These were the key types words and exchanges in small, micro-conversations we studied that occur when people try to share a thought or different perspective in meetings at work, and that occur between managers and their team members during a crisis like the one we’re in right now. These words and phrases seem to quickly shut down exactly what 94% of senior leaders say they want more of – fresh, new ideas to solve the biggest issues that their organizations are facing, especially during a crisis and transition of the type all organizations are going through right now. These are 4 main conclusions from the newest research just released by Cortex: A Leader’s Guide to Getting More, Fresh, High Quality Ideas from Their Teams Right Now A wake up call to any leader that needs to innovate to thrive , released in partnership with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council about how to get teams to work more collaboratively together to more effectively problem solve: Micro interactions and conversations are the key factors in creating a high trust working environment that leads to team members being willing to co-create and share their new ideas and for others to experiment with them. A high emphasis on organizational values, mission, or goals don’t create engagement or an agile work environment unless the senior leadership team, along with their managers on the frontlines, are held accountable to practicing them. The ability of senior leaders and their managers to remain curious by actively seeking different perspectives from all levels of the organization is a key factor in the volume and quality of idea generation that leads to profitable innovation. Specific types of team training, coaching, reinforcement, and individual support that is designed to build trust and accountability in adhering to the new behaviors, can make almost any team capable of generating more and higher quality ideas. Cortex has spent the greater part of the last 5 years tracking the impact of almost unnoticeable interactions between team members during meetings. We collected more than 100,000 pieces of data from assessments of leaders and their teams and mapping conversations in meetings they were having while also tracking the evolution of leader’s thought process in solving problems at work over long periods of time. The studies found that it doesn’t take long for new team members to learn that sharing fresh ideas and perspectives came with a label of being a waste of time, resources, and could result in being seen as not a good cultural fit. We found the results counter to what leaders say they want in Leadership and Innovation by McKinsey and Company which stated that: 70% of senior executives said that innovation was going to be the main driver in their companies, yet 65% of them were “somewhat”, “a little”, or “not at all” confident about the decisions they make in that area, According to the McKinsey & Company report Leadership and Innovation . The report went on to say: The structures and processes that many leaders reflexively use to encourage innovation are important, we find, but not sufficient. On the contrary, senior executives almost unanimously—94 percent—say that people and corporate culture are the most important drivers of innovation. From McKinsey’s report regarding what leaders need to do in order to create agile transformation for their organizations, they stated that leaders should learn to help teams work in new ways and to do that they needed learn how to build enterprise agility into the design and culture of the whole organization. It needed to start with the leader adopting new mindsets and behaviors. What Cortex found was that changing those behaviors had a significant impact on the ability for the leader and their teams to quickly adapt to marketplace and other significant fluctuations. One of the data points pointed to the root of what may be blocking established organizations from being able to shift to a culture comfortable with experimentation that is at the heart of agility. The number was 58. Idea avoidance. 58% of leaders and team members actively avoided the generating of ideas and those people with a strength in ideation were often avoided as well. This avoidance of the brainstorming of new ways and perspectives of looking at problems lead to a stagnation of forward progress necessary for maintaining a competitive advantage. Sometimes the people on teams in the study that did had new ideas were ostracized by their fellow team members. This avoidance to the generation of new ideas and of the ideators themselves isn’t recognized by some leaders. When this type of culture persists on a team or becomes the corporate culture, innovation becomes almost non-existent except at smaller tactical levels. In some cases, when an executive leader or even a manager with authority is strong in idea generation, there seems to become a learned helplessness type of response by team members. It appears that the team expects their leader to generate the ideas and they believe there job is to plan what they are told to execute. Assess Your Ideation Tolerance As a leader, ask yourself these questions to determine the ideation tolerance level in your organization: How many new ideas to solve your toughest challenges have each of your leaders considered from their team members in the last month, 3 months, 6 months? Do the consultants you use work directly with senior leaders and their teams to generate new ideas? If polled, what percentage of meetings would people in your organization think are a waste of their time? Measure your failure tolerance by finding out how many experiments do you actively support in a year and how many have failed? Do you budget for and provide the resources of time and support for experimentation? You can find useful information that can increase your team’s and organization’s ability to creatively problem solve and be more agile in the full report that you can download for free here. In the FULL report, A Leader’s Guide to Getting More, Fresh, High Quality Ideas from Their Teams Right Now you will be given the following tools you can put into use right now: An Idea Generation one sheet you can use to start generating ideas with your teams right now. An example of rules of inclusion that can be used by any team. Instructions for a Team On! Exercise that teams can use to creatively problem solve. An Idea Generation one sheet you can use to start generating ideas with your teams right now. You’ll discover solutions like: What leaders can do to get their teams in an idea generation state of mind What type of leadership behaviors build trust and which types jeopardize it What leaders can do immediately to create more effective meetings The types of pivots a leader can make in their behavior that have the biggest impact in the creative problem solving results from their teams And so much more! To receive a FREE DOWNLOAD of the entire report of findings for The Case for Ideation in a Work World That is Obsessed with Planning A wake up call to leaders that need to innovate to thrive in today’s marketplace Click the below: