Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Cortex Culture Kit Welcome to Phases 1-3! Welcome to the Cortex Stressed for Success Culture Kit where you will learn how to deal with stressful situations, what triggers you, and how to have more pleasant experiences. More About Stressed for Success What You Will Learn The causes and origin of stress How your brain reacts to stress and anxiety The different types of anxiety that we all experience How stress can affect your relationships at work and create conflict leading to lack of trust in the environment Using the Exercises Deal with stressful situations with more calm and ease Fall asleep easier Things that used to trigger anxious responses in you may not effect you anymore Quickly remember and experience pleasant experiences that can lead to a feeling of more control and satisfaction How It Works Simply watch each Video in Phase 1 before your first Culture Group Session Print out Phase 1 Worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session Once watching the modules and having your first Group Session, move on to Phase 2! Rinse & Repeat We recommend that you space your learning out every two days to give you time to digest and practice the exercises provided. If you require any assistance or have any questions, feel free to email the Cortex Team at info@cortexleadership.com to speak directly with a Cortex Team Member. Phase 1 What is Stress and Anxiety? Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 1- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! 10 Rules of Inclusion Phase 1 Worksheet Step One: Introduction Step Two: Interview Step Three: Lesson Step Four: Exercise Phase 2 Recognizing Amygdala Anxiety Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 2- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! Phase 2 Worksheet 10 Rules of Inclusion Step One: Introduction Step Two: Interview Step Three: Lesson Step Four: Exercise Phase 3 Amygdala Triggers and Reactions Print out this worksheet and bring it with you to your Group Session for Phase 3- Stressed for Success Culture Kit! 10 Rules of Inclusion Phase 3 Worksheet Step One: Interview Step Two: Lesson Step Three: Exercise 1 Step Four: Exercise 2

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?

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

Meet Your Coach Kim Levings Kim Levings is an experienced leadership development professional with over 35 years of expertise in people and leadership development. With career experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors in the USA and South Africa, Kim provides training facilitation, leadership development, and coaching services. She has held executive leadership roles in Human Resources, Manpower Development, Training, and Operations and has partnered with leadership teams and consulting firms to help scale development teams and programs. As a Master Trainer and certified partner in Everything DiSC® and 5 Behaviors® of Effective Teams, Kim equips individuals to bring their best selves to life, building healthier teams and cultures. Offering services globally and remotely, Kim spends part of each year in South Africa, continuing her work with leaders and teams around the world. Originally from South Africa, Kim has always been passionate about helping individuals and teams reach their full potential. Through her years of leadership in Human Resources and Operations, she saw firsthand the challenges leaders face. These experiences inspired her to focus on leadership development, training, and coaching to create lasting impact. With a candid, transparent approach, Kim aims to connect with people in meaningful ways, building trust quickly. Whether working with organizations like River Ranch Foods, Nex-gen Pharma, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, or facilitating programs like Thinking into Results and Serving Leadership, her goal remains the same: to support leaders and teams in creating healthier, more effective workplaces. As a “nomad,” Kim splits her time between the USA and South Africa, providing leadership development services to clients across the globe. Contact Let's connect.

Leading Others to Peak Performance Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Steps 1 - 4 Step 1: Fill out the Cortex Coaching Intake Form Intake Form Step 2: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 3: Take the Leadership Competencies Assessment Assessment Step 4: Review your Leadership Competencies Assessment with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this assessment to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback. Submit Your Leadership Competencies! Submit Your Leadership Competencies First Name* Last Name* Email * Company* Position* Which Coaching Track are you on?* Strengthening Your Skillsets Leading Others to Peak Performance Leadership Coaching to Peak Performance Organizational Peak Performance Who is your Cortex Coach?* Lynda McNutt Foster Allen Foster Kim Levings Leadership Competencies File Upload* Upload Leadership Competencies Submit You've Completed the Pre-Coaching Steps! Thank you for following the steps in your Coaching Track. You will recieve an email from your coach with their scheduling link so you can schedule your first session. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to info@cortexleader.com or email your coach directly.

Executive Leadership Coaching to Organizational Peak Performance Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Steps 1 - 6 Step 1: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 2: Review the Executive Leaders Mission Statement Mission Statement Step 3: Complete the Value Portion and Submit your Values You will need this Value List to complete Part one of the Leadership Mission Statement exercise. Values Exercise Step 4: Complete the rest of the Mission Statement Step 5: Leadership Competencies Consider your Top 4 Leadership Competencies and why developing those are the most important in the coming year. Assessment Step 6: Review with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this exercise, to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback. Submit Your Values and Leadership Competencies! Submit Your Values & Leadership Competencies First name* Last Name* Email* Company* Position* Which Coaching Track are you on?* Strengthening Your Skillsets Leading Others to Peak Performance Leadership Coaching for Peak Performance Organizational Peak Performance Who is your Cortex Coach?* Lynda McNutt Foster Allen Foster Kim Levings What are your top 10 values? (List your 10 values one by one or upload a file below) Upload your Values here Upload Values Leadership Competencies - Upload your Excel Leadership Competencies Assessment below* Upload Leadership Competencies Submit You've Completed the Pre-Coaching Steps! Thank you for following the steps in your Coaching Track. You will recieve an email from your coach with their scheduling link so you can schedule your first session. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to info@cortexleader.com or email your coach directly.

De-Escalation & Conflict Mastery Mastering Conflict for Stronger Leadership These resources were created to address your teams Conflict Mastery by Lynda McNutt Foster Effective leadership requires the ability to navigate conflict with confidence and clarity. Your upcoming Conflict Mastery Workshop provides your leadership team with the tools to assess their conflict tolerance. Step 1: Read the Agenda - Gain an overview of the key themes and objectives covered in the workshop to set the foundation for learning. Agenda Step 2: Take the Cortex Conflict Mastery Assessment Assessment Step 3: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery Scorecard Scorecard Step 4: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery De-Escalation Article Article Step 5: Listen to the Cortex Conflict Mastery Prep Corecast Episode:

We are looking forward to seeing you at our EPIC Day 1 event Friday, May 9th at Wilderness Adventure! We are looking forward to seeing you at our EPIC Day 1 event Friday, May 9th at Wilderness Adventure! We are looking forward to seeing you at our EPIC Day 1 event Friday, May 9th at Wilderness Adventure! We are looking forward to seeing you at our EPIC Day 1 event Friday, May 9th at Wilderness Adventure! Prior to Day 1 & Month 1 Intentional Communication with DISC We are looking forward to seeing you at our EPIC Day 1 event Friday, May 9th at Wilderness Adventure! Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and dress "outdoorsy casual." Please make sure to wear shoes that are eligible to get muddy. Make sure to complete the following items steps below before Day 1 on May 9th: Step One: Watch "What Is The DISC and Motivators Assessment, and Why Am I Taking It?" Step Two: Take Your DISC and Driving Forces Assessment DISC Assessment Please note: You will not receive your DISC and Driving Forces results directly after taking the assessment. Within 24-48 hours after taking the assessment, you will receive an email from info@cortexleadership.com with your full paged report and an EPIC Welcome/Executive Summary of your DISC and Driving Forces results. Step Three: Read Your DISC Guide DISC Guide Step Four: Fill out and submit the Wilderness Adventure Waiver Waiver Step Five: When you receive your full paged DISCa and Driving Forces Report (roughly (49-50+) pages, print it out and bring it with you to Day 1! Thank you to our sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors! Thank you to our sponsors! EPIC is Brought to You By: EPIC is Brought to You By: EPIC is Brought to You By: EPIC is Brought to You By:

Discover Your AI Traveler Type Discover Your AI Traveler Type Discover Your AI Traveler Type Discover Your AI Traveler Type A Cortex-Exclusive Assessment Trio designed to unlock how you think, lead, and grow with AI — no matter your role. What is the AI Traveler Assessment? What is the AI Traveler Assessment? What is the AI Traveler Assessment? What is the AI Traveler Assessment? In a world where AI is reshaping how we work, the AI Traveler Assessment is your compass. Whether you're a team member, manager, or senior leader, this simple self-assessment reveals how you're currently engaging with AI—your mindset, your habits, and your growth edge. It’s not a test. It’s a reflection. And it gives you a custom profile designed to help you adapt faster, lead smarter, and navigate the future with clarity. Your AI Traveler type highlights where you are now — and offers practical next steps to grow your impact with the help of tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Ready to discover your AI Traveler type? Ready to discover your AI Traveler type? Ready to discover your AI Traveler type? Ready to discover your AI Traveler type? Choose the version of the assessment that best fits your role. It only takes about 5–7 minutes to complete, and your scorecard will be emailed to you automatically. If you're not sure which to pick, go with the one that aligns closest to your day-to-day responsibilities. AI Traveler for Team Members AI Traveler for Managers AI Traveler for Leaders What happens after you submit your assessment? You'll receive an AI Traveler Scorecard based on your responses - sent directly to your email. This scorecard includes a detailed profile of your AI mindset, coaching questions, and growth strategies. Most people finish the assessment in under 7 minutes. Didn't get your scorecard? Check your spam/Junk folder or email us directly at info@cortexleadership.com Having trouble choosing or accessing your assessment? No problem. Contact your lead or contact us and we'll help guide you to the right fit. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions What is the AI Traveler assessment all about? The AI Traveler assessment is a self-reflection tool that helps you understand your current relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) in your work. It’s not a test, and there are no wrong answers. It’s designed to show how you're thinking about, using, or avoiding AI—so you can grow from where you are, not where someone else thinks you should be. Your results offer: a n AI Traveler profile, coaching-style reflection questions, skill-building challenges, and suggested AI prompts to try immediately. What does the assessment measure? The assessment evaluates how you engage with AI across four dimensions: Awareness – Do you see the relevance of AI for your work? Willingness – Are you open to experimenting and learning? Capacity – Do you have the tools, time, and support to succeed? Application – Are you already using AI in meaningful ways? Each profile reflects a unique combination of these dimensions. I took the assessment but don’t feel like the type I scored as. Did it get it wrong? Not at all. That feeling usually means you're on the edge of a transition—you’re evolving. Your score reflects your current patterns, not your potential. The Traveler Type is a mirror, not a label. Use it as a starting point for conversation and growth, not a definition of your identity. Will my AI Traveler type change over time? Yes—and that’s the goal. As you try new things, build confidence, and reflect on how AI fits into your workflow, your type may shift. Retaking the assessment every few months is a great way to measure progress and spark fresh insight. What should I do after I get my type? Every scorecard includes: Reflection questions to guide journaling or coaching, Suggestions for small, safe AI experiments, Prompts you can use in ChatGPT or Copilot today. You can also: Share your type with a peer, team, or leader, Upload your profile to an LLM and ask for a 90-day growth plan, Talk to your Cortex contact about next steps Can I be more than one type? Absolutely. Most people show traits from multiple types. Your profile is about what’s most dominant right now, not an all-or-nothing label. What happens if I don’t engage with AI at all? Here’s the thing: it’s not just about using AI. It’s about understanding how it’s changing your industry, your role, and your team’s expectations. Leaders who ignore AI risk: Falling behind in strategic conversations, Missing opportunities to improve clarity, speed, and creativity, Being seen as reactive instead of forward-thinking. And if you’re only using AI for basic tasks (emails, lists), you might be limiting its potential to help you coach better, think deeper, and lead smarter. How does the assessment support personal growth? It’s built to meet you where you are. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or confident with AI, your type offers: A mirror for your habits, A push toward growth, A way to make AI more human and helpful. And it’s backed by Cortex’s leadership philosophy: practical tools, deep reflection, and courageous clarity. How does it support team or organizational growth? AI Traveler profiles are conversation starters. They create a shared language across teams and roles so people can: Normalize learning together, Coach each other forward, Build trust in a changing workplace. The real power isn’t just in the score. It’s in what you do with it together.

Yokohama Supervisor Training - Three Part Series Your Upcoming Leadership Training Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others The Cortex Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others is a structured workshop designed to help supervisors assess their leadership skills, identify key areas for growth, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. Participants will engage in self-assessments, pinpoint two competencies to focus on, and set SMART goals to enhance their leadership effectiveness. With a focus on practical strategies, real-world examples, and peer accountability, this workshop empowers leaders to build stronger teams, improve communication, and drive performance. By the end of the program, participants will have a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to continuous leadership development. Session One Step 1: Take the Manager Skillset Assessment Assessment Print out your results Bring your results to the upcoming Cortex session Step 2: Read the Agenda for your upcoming Session 1 Cortex Training Workshop Agenda Step 3: Read the accompanying Article : Article (Optional) Step 4: Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series Session Two De-Escalation & Conflict Mastery Mastering Conflict for Stronger Leadership These resources were created to address your teams Conflict Mastery by Lynda McNutt Foster Effective leadership requires the ability to navigate conflict with confidence and clarity. Your upcoming Conflict Mastery Workshop provides your leadership team with the tools to assess their conflict tolerance. Step 1: Read the Agenda - Gain an overview of the key themes and objectives covered in the workshop to set the foundation for learning. Agenda Step 2: Take the Cortex Conflict Mastery Assessment Assessment Step 3: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery Scorecard Scorecard Step 4: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery De-Escalation Article Article Step 5: Listen to the Cortex Conflict Mastery Prep Corecast Episode: (Optional): Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series Session Three Empowering Conversations Conflict to Appreciation to Transformation Step 1: Read the Empowering Conversations Article : Article Step 2: Listen to the Empowering Conversations Corcast Episode: (Optional) Step 3: Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series

The referral program is not available.

Your Upcoming Leadership Training Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others The Cortex Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others is a structured workshop designed to help supervisors assess their leadership skills, identify key areas for growth, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. Participants will engage in self-assessments, pinpoint two competencies to focus on, and set SMART goals to enhance their leadership effectiveness. With a focus on practical strategies, real-world examples, and peer accountability, this workshop empowers leaders to build stronger teams, improve communication, and drive performance. By the end of the program, participants will have a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to continuous leadership development. Session One Step 1: Take the Manager Skillset Assessment Assessment Print out your results Bring your results to the upcoming Cortex session Step 2: Read the Agenda for your upcoming Session 1 Cortex Training Workshop Agenda Step 3: Read the accompanying Article : Article (Optional) Step 4: Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series