Laura Cococcia

I’ve been lucky to have Ruthie Ackerman as a writing partner and friend for years, learning from her expertise and grounded by her encouragement. She’s reminded me that writing isn’t always about answers – it’s often about staying with the harder questions. Her new book, The Mother Code, does just that. At the heart of The Mother Code is an intentional revision.

While leaders have different styles, one thing is certain: great leadership creates a ripple effect. That ripple effect can have an incredible impact - inspiring innovation, influencing culture, and facilitating strong team engagement. Relatedly, when leaders are at their best, the act of leading can be filled with creativity and positive energy. Yet, we also know the opposite can be true.

In life and in work, things don't always go as planned. We all face challenging times and make mistakes - big or small - that can feel like steps backward. Yet, what if these moments are actually chances to do something amazing? The good news: they often are. I recently sat down with Amy Shoenthal to discuss her book, The Setback Cycle. Amy's work focuses on how some of the most successful people don't just get over their hard times - they use them to leap forward.