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Hey Reader,

We’ve all seen it: someone with a title, but no real leadership behind it.

The meetings that go nowhere, the vague directions, the absence when the team needs them most.

Early in my career, I learned a tough truth—having a title doesn’t make you a leader.

Leadership is about more than being “in charge.” It’s about showing up, listening, and actively making your team’s challenges your own.

I’ve seen both sides of this.

The leaders who are there to empower, and the ones who leave their teams scrambling. The difference is night and day.

I wrote an article about this exact topic: how true leadership shows up in action, not in titles. It includes the lessons I’ve learned in healthcare IT, the mistakes I’ve witnessed, and actionable tips for leading with presence and purpose.

If you’re ready to move from “managing” to truly leading....
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CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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I also included an infographic below to illustrate my observations...

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What I'm Loving This Month

🎧 Tech: If you’re looking to upgrade your audio game, the JBL Tune 720BT Headphones are a game-changer. They deliver crystal-clear, wireless sound perfect for on-the-go listening. Bonus: It has a 'Voice Aware' function that makes calls hands-free and crystal clear—no more yelling into the void.

👕 Apparel: Looking for a gift for your kids? My teenage son practically lives in his Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Hoodies, and I get it—they’re super comfy! The fabric stays soft wash after wash, and the ribbed cuffs keep their shape no matter how rough he is with them. Durable, breathable, and mom-approved.

📘 Book: If you’ve ever doubted your ability to build wealth, Rachel Rodgers' "We Should All Be Millionaires" will shift your mindset. This empowering guide breaks down every barrier women face when it comes to earning seven figures. It’s like having a financial coach in book form—confidence-boosting, practical, and unapologetically bold.

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You May Have Missed Our Leadership Bundle, BUT...

I have the next best thing. I rounded up three of our top digital downloads for the month that you may find useful:
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​Leadership Skills Assessment Template​
This simple yet powerful template helps you pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement, giving you a clear roadmap to become the leader your team needs.
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​Project Management Skills Assessment ​
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this tool is a big help for evaluating your PM expertise. It’s perfect for identifying where to level up and ensuring your projects run like clockwork.
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​Managing Difficult Employee Behavior: A Checklist​
Tired of navigating tricky workplace dynamics? This checklist provides clear steps to handle challenging behaviors professionally and effectively, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
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​P.S. If you or your organization is on the lookout for a leadership coach to help train and coach your team members about how they can develop and improve their leadership skills, or maybe you're on the hunt for a Project Manager, I would love to see how we can work together! ​
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​Please reach out to me by scheduling a complimentary call by clicking here. ​

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Virtually Yours,

Donna Franklin West, MHA, PMP, CSM

CEO, The Virtual PM

​Click here to see our Business Portfolio ​

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