13 Comments
User's avatar
Swarnali Mukherjee's avatar

John, your inherent wisdom that leadership is built on deep trust through dialogues, always inspires me greatly. I am definitely under-confident on my leadership skills in any organisation I move and I have a thing or two to learn from your humble yet confident stance with position of power. I love your strength. Thank you for leading by example.

John Lovie's avatar

Swarna, thank you so much 🙏

Kirie Pedersen's avatar

Great piece, John. As always.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you so much, Kirie.

Mary Beth Rew Hicks's avatar

Ahh yes, leading from the bassoon section over here... this is great and so relatable. I am another one-on-one person. Glad you are being sought out for your expertise and that people are listening.💧

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you, Mary Beth. I'm constantly finding more of us, here on Substack or in government service. Or, of course, both!

Holly Starley's avatar

John, I love both the idea of leadership through hospitality and inquiry, and the notion that everyone has to find their own best way.

And what a delight to hear a little bit more about the beginnings of Mostly Water.

Congratulations on your presentation. Can’t wait to see what comes next here and beyond.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you Holly! I'm working on some pieces on travel…

Holly Starley's avatar

Yay!!!

Logan Ashe Darrow's avatar

This is the best reason to be on Substack - to hear real people in real communities doing their best to work hard things out.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you so much, Logan.

Antonia Malchik's avatar

John, I love this perspective on leadership -- as I am not surprised by, knowing you and your work and authentic humility. An old friend of mine here in Montana was recently appointed to directorship of a statewide agency, and as we talked about imposter syndrome, I reminded him that there are precious few people of integrity, much less honesty, anywhere to be found in leadership positions. We need all we can get. Thank you for your willingness to lead, from anywhere in the orchestra!

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you so much, Nia. 🙏