From Independence to Interdependence by Max Freund and Cynthia Luna
July 4th, 2021
For those of us in the United States, this day is a celebration of our nation's Declaration of Independence, a powerful example that articulating a possible reality is the first step toward bringing it into existence. But now more than ever, we find ourselves reflecting: What lies beyond independence? All living things — whether a rebellious teenager or a well-oiled work team — need a certain degree of independence. It is a necessary step as we learn to distinguish ourselves from our surroundings and build a sense of our identity and ability to act in the world. Read more »

Leadership: For Everyone. By Everyone. by Cynthia Luna
August 5th, 2020
Have you ever considered where leadership comes from? When we picture leaders and followers, why do we so often find our thinking limited to certain stereotypes? Why do organizations often promote people who embody a certain type of leadership? Why does leadership feel reserved to just a special few? Because we have misunderstood what it means to be a leader. From moments after we are born, we begin learning about leadership, who is a leader, and who isn't. Read more »

Reintroducing Ourselves by Max Freund and Cynthia Luna
May 7th, 2020
When we founded our firm 15 years ago as LF Leadership, we were clear about one central idea: developing leadership as the collective capacity to make a difference. Beyond that, the only thing we were sure of was that the heart of the business was the combination of unique strengths, insights, and styles that each of us — Cynthia and Max — bring. The name we chose reflected that partnership: L for Luna + F for Freund = LF Leadership. Read more »

Interview with Debra Beck, EdD on shared leadership and strategic decision making in nonprofit boards by Max Freund
October 28th, 2015
Max Freund Interviewing Debra Beck
This morning I was interviewed by Dr. Debra Beck about my dissertation research on shared leadership and strategic decision making in nonprofit boards of directors. It was a fun experience that reinforced to me how relevant this topic is to leaders who are trying to figure out how to make the best use of their board members’ expertise, insights, and relationships. Read more »

Meet the Keynote: Jennifer Hooten on Compassionate Action
October 7th, 2015
Jennifer Hooten 1
We are excited to announce Jennifer Hooten, M.A. as our keynote speaker for our upcoming Women in Leadership Mini-Retreat titled “Compassionate Action Without Burning Out.” Our team member, Becca Spence Dobias, had the opportunity to interview her on the topic.  Get a glimpse of what to expect in our upcoming retreat! Read more »

You Are Not the Issue by Cynthia Luna
July 5th, 2015
Diagram of Person Juggling Many Ideas
Over the past 10 years coaching leaders, I’ve seen people grow and transform the way they relate to others and achieve their goals. Most importantly, I’ve experienced people shifting the way in which they relate to themselves creating long-term sustainable change. This new relationship to self creates boundless possibilities for people to live more fully and more connected. Consequently, they become more powerful and effective leaders. Read more »

When “nice” is wrong by Max Freund
March 11th, 2015
Cartoon Image and Text I'm A Smart Guy
One of the perennial puzzles of governing boards is why we go to such huge efforts to recruit amazing people who are at the leading edge of their field, but then we fail to actually use that expertise. In the messy “VUCA” world we find ourselves today, this is the very reason that we have boards rather than the CEO flying solo: Read more »

Unbox Your Board! by Max Freund
February 27th, 2015
Drawing of a Box with Circles
Board member engagement is a perennial challenge for board leaders and CEOs alike. In the most recent edition of its biennial Governance Index entitled Leading with Intent, BoardSource found that fewer than 1 in 5 CEOs strongly agree that board members are engaged. Read more »

Dust Off the Strategic Plan by Max Freund
January 6th, 2015
Metal Bird With Long neck Circled Back
The beginning of the year is, for many, a natural time of reflection and planning, a time to look back on the challenges and successes of the previous year and to set goals for the one to come. For organizations too, the end of the year can be a chance to reflect and plan—to take the strategic plan off the shelf and recommit to putting it into action. Three elements are necessary: Read more »