The Secret to Stronger Teams? Try Listening
- Meredith Leigh Moore
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Letter from Meredith
At Leverette Weekes, we know that diversity builds strong teams, and we are passionate about inclusion. When my parents started this company in the ‘70s, it was because they realized that people were being left out of economic opportunities. That costs all of us. It costs us opportunities for internally vetted ideas, new perspectives, and to mitigate risks.
In today’s rapidly changing environment, we’re committed to collaborating with clients committed to making a positive impact. That starts with intentionally inviting in people who traditionally haven’t had a voice.
One of my favorite aspects of our work includes conducting listening sessions with C-suite executives from diverse backgrounds to help them develop ways to improve as leaders and enhance engagement within their organizations. We find that a mix of executive coaching and communication is our sweet spot because, often, recommendations fall flat when people can’t figure out a way to translate ideas into action.
While a number of organizations are evolving their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, we’re seeing a recommitment to creating a culture of listening. None of us knows exactly what comes next, but many of us are still committed to the underlying values of making sure everyone has access to the same opportunities.
If you want to create space for inclusion in your workplace, here are some ideas:
Listen first. Leaders can demonstrate a psychologically safe environment by ensuring team members have a space to speak candidly. Make time for one-on-one check-ins and ask open-ended questions about others’ experiences and how they want to be supported.
Make recommendations. Show your support and ingenuity by brainstorming thoughtful ideas to encourage greater engagement. Consider sharing your innovative ideas with decision makers  to help your organization take action.
Create value-aligned work. Taking action looks different for each organization. Last week, our Leverette Weekes team sprinted on a special project for a client. Going the extra mile and rallying for a cause we care about made us feel productive. Ask your team what will help them stay energized and create space for team members to share about their experiences and interests.
What does inclusivity at work mean to you? How do you continue to engage with the work, even when it’s hard? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Client Wins
Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
Project for Pride in Living hosted its largest-ever annual breakfast in May. The program highlighted PPL’s Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP) Initiative and introduced RE-Seed.  The latter is a new program that offers PPL-owned housing units to emerging developers, which helps them  to grow generational wealth, while keeping housing prices affordable. Congrats to President and CEO Karla Henderson and the rest of the team!
McKnight Foundation
Congratulations to Jacques Hebert, for his promotion to the McKnight Foundation’s Executive Leadership Team. Well deserved, Jacques!
GreenLight Fund Twin Cities & Teach for America Twin Cities
I was thrilled to celebrate Simone Hardeman-Jones of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities and Mikisha Nation of Teach for America Twin Cities at the 2025 Women in Business luncheon. It was wonderful to witness two phenomenal women be honored for their enormous contributions. Congrats, Simone and Mikisha!
Words Create Wins
Leadership transitions and change management require careful planning and execution. We’re here to help. Schedule a call with Meredith to learn more about our services.
