Reflections From a New Alum: Alexandra Zelle Rettman, LT'23, Pivotal Consulting

Leadership Tomorrow gave me a new sense of purpose in the work I do, how I behave, the way I approach conversations, what success looks like, and so much more.

We explored the pillars of a healthy society including neighborhoods and communities, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, economy, environment, and education. Within each pillar, we heard from leading experts, investigated unique local challenges, and imagined the possibilities. I was frustrated, joyful, misunderstood, valued, confused, supported, offended, and loved. Ultimately, I was inspired by the people in my cohort and hopeful that we will indeed create a better tomorrow.

I also had the opportunity to work on a leadership project as part of a small group. Together we supported an incredible nonprofit in centering racial equity in their board practices. Scoping a project like this and developing a plan was markedly different from any other project I’ve ever worked on in the private or nonprofit sector. Above all, it was this project engagement that taught me the most during the program.

Zelle with members of her lab team, coach, and nonprofit partner on the final Possibility Day. From left to right: Christina DePaolo, LT'23, Saunjah Brantley, LT'22 (coach), Kimberly Kamolz, LT'23, Megan Maus, LT'23, Padrica Hoffman (nonprofit partner), Zelle Rettman, LT'23, Phyllis Sutton, LT'23, Hiawatha Davis III, LT'23.

A few pieces of wisdom from my time at LT that I'll take with me as I continue my journey:

• Move at the speed of trust.

• Resist the slippery slope of arbitrary urgency.

• Growth is not linear.

• Lead with humility and curiosity.

• Ask first: What don’t I know?

• Give grace for everyone to process at different speeds and in different ways.

• Accept imperfection and non-closure.

• Call people in, not out. Shame is a distancing experience. Instead, develop strategies for interacting that lift people up and bring people together.

To my fellow cohort members, I thank you deeply for the hours of program work and travel to participate in-person, prioritizing LT while balancing other obligations, being vulnerable when trust was not yet established, and for your commitment to changing the status quo. On a deeply personal level, thank you to those who were open to me sharing about my experience as a halachically observant Jewish person in this program, Seattle and beyond; I found belonging with you.

May we all continue our work together to create an inclusive Puget Sound where people of all identities thrive.

This reflection was shortened for length. You can read Zelle's full reflection here.