Happy Monday,
It’s almost October already! Where did the year go? With the holidays fast approaching, there’s limited time to finish the year strong. That’s why, at Leverette Weekes, we use September to review our progress on our commitments and set flexible goals as we–and our clients–navigate the twists and turns ahead.
I love supporting clients navigating a leadership change. Staying nimble has been key as two of our clients are in the midst of transitions. We get to tap deeply into our bank of strategic planning skills to support both the organization and the leader moving on.
Here are 5 ways to create an effective leadership-transition communications plan:
1. Outline the tasks clearly. Share and document roles and responsibilities transparently.
2. Specify strategic goals. Before the transition, take time to establish milestones that define success for the incoming leader.
3. Detail timelines. Project plans should articulate actions to be taken as decisions are made.
4. Determine key messages. Align and approve talking points on how and what to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Clarify the hand off. Prepare a plan to honor the legacy of the past leader and position the new leader to maintain the organization's culture, improve continuity, and enhance their chances for success.
In 2016, I interviewed my Dad as part of our leadership transition at Leverette Weekes.
If you, or someone high up in your organization, is preparing to make a leadership transition in the next 18 months, start now. Block off time in fourth quarter to do the following:
Define how you’ll measure a successful transition.
Connect with the people who will be impacted by the transition.
Identify what relationships and resources are needed to achieve the vision.
Are you planning a leadership pivot? We’d love to guide you through our framework or support you with executive coaching. Email info@leveretteweekes.com to get started.
Client Wins
Celebrating Power Players in New York
We congratulate Chief Diversity Officer Nancy S. Harvey, Esq. on being named to Politics NY & AMNY Metro's 2024 Power Players in DEI list for her efforts to create and support an inclusive and respectful workplace free from discrimination.
Congrats Nancy!
GreenLight Fund Twin Cities’ Trek to South Africa
GreenLight Fund Twin Cities visited Durban, South Africa, recently. The group included Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities; Selection Advisory Council Member, Sharon Sayles Belton; and the national Let Everyone Advance With Dignity (LEAD) team, Najja Morris-Frazier and Brendon Cox. They were welcomed by Michael Wilson of the Bellhaven Center in Durban., Hardeman-Jones and her team had the incredible opportunity to participate in a panel discussion titled, "How Community and System Collaboration Can Heal Historical Harms Caused by Racial and Social Disparities," where they explored how LEAD is addressing these deeply rooted challenges.
(Left to right) Sayles Belton, Morris, Wilson, Hardeman-Jones, Cox.
MOMENTUM Summit To Return To Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Leverette Weekes and the Strut Agency’s Inaugural Momentum Summit on historic Martha’s Vineyard was a resounding success. The two, Black-women-led agencies partnered to launch the event in Black Philanthropy month, which attracted the backing of key sponsors who believed in the vision, clients and speakers who shared their expertise. After mounting events for clients, it is rewarding to receive such positive feedback after using our talents to execute a production for ourselves.
Save the Date:
Momentum 2025 | August 6th-7th
Update on LW former Client, Sankofa Village Wellness Center
The Sankofa Village Wellness Center broke ground! Congratulations to the Chicago Prize 2022 recipients, Sankofa Wellness Village and Garfield Park Rite To Wellness Collaborative, on this milestone, and more importantly, thank you for your hard work on behalf of the residents of West Garfield Park, Chicago. We are honored to have supported your journey in helping your bold ideas come to life and look forward to the impact this will have on your community.
Words Create Wins
Are you looking for a new strategic communications partner? Leverette Weekes is accepting new clients for 2025. Email us at info@leveretteweekes.com to learn how words create wins.
"Leverette Weekes is an invaluable strategic thought partner. Their team does an excellent job of nurturing relations with community partners to bring a vision to life. They are extremely professional and deliver high-quality materials on schedule."
— Cindy Moelis, Pritzker Traubert Foundation
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