What if the reason your business feels scattered isn’t a lack of effort but a lack of clarity? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Clare Treston, strategic planning consultant and author of The Where and The Why, endorsed by professors at Wharton and London Business School. Clare shares her proven framework for turning complex, overwhelming strategies into one clear, powerful “moonshot” goal that aligns your entire team and drives real results.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much without real traction, this conversation will help you refocus, realign, and move forward with confidence.

How to simplify a complex business vision into one clear and actionable goal that aligns an entire team.

Why most companies lose momentum when their strategy becomes too overwhelming or unclear.

How to apply the STARS framework to define a powerful and focused “moonshot” goal.

Why a strong sense of purpose drives motivation and keeps teams engaged through challenges.

How co-creating a vision with a team leads to stronger buy-in and better long-term results.

What is a moonshot goal in business?

A moonshot goal is a bold, ambitious objective that feels about 80% impossible and 20% possible, designed to push a team beyond normal thinking and unlock creativity, alignment, and growth.

What does the STARS framework stand for?

STARS stands for Stretch, Tangible, Aspirational, Relevant, and Singular, which are the key criteria used to define a powerful and effective moonshot goal.

How do you get team buy-in for a big vision?

Buy-in is strongest when the vision is co-created with the team, allowing everyone to contribute, feel ownership, and stay committed to the outcome.

The Where and The Why

Book: The Where and The Why

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What does it really take to rise into leadership when no one is handing you the roadmap? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Lara Hamilton, Director of IT Services for the HelpDesk Realty, a division at Tectonic (formerly eResources), where she has excelled for over 15 years, to unpack a leadership journey built on resilience, persistence, and vision. Lara didn’t set out to work in technology. She created her path by solving problems, improving systems, and proving her value again and again.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to figure it out on your own, this episode will remind you that your persistence is your power.

Leadership can begin in unexpected places when you step up and take ownership of a vision.

Improving systems and solving problems can create opportunities even when you weren’t looking for them.

Persistence and resilience are essential traits for navigating challenges and advancing in your career.

Building trust and working alongside your team creates stronger engagement and better results.

Developing others to take your place is key to growing as a leader and advancing your career.

Innovation often comes from seeing possibilities others overlook and acting on them.

AI is not replacing jobs but reshaping roles and increasing efficiency within organizations.

Clear communication and vision are necessary to enroll others in your ideas and gain support.

What makes someone an effective leader?

An effective leader combines vision, persistence, and the ability to support and develop others. Lara emphasizes that leadership is not about control but about working alongside your team and helping them grow.

How do you get decision-makers to support your ideas?

You must clearly communicate your vision and demonstrate its value. Showing results and building trust over time helps leaders gain buy-in from executives and stakeholders.

Is AI going to replace jobs?

No, AI is more likely to transform jobs rather than eliminate them. It helps reduce repetitive tasks and allows employees to focus on higher-value work.

Team Tectonic

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What does it really take to turn a big idea into meaningful, measurable impact? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, Founder and CEO of the SCHEQ (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity) Foundation, where he leads national efforts to improve cancer outcomes and diversify the STEMM workforce. A first-generation scholar and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Manley bridges science, policy, and lived experience to drive measurable, community-centered change. Dr. Manley shares his powerful journey from navigating undiagnosed ADHD and systemic barriers to becoming the founder of the SHE STEM and Cancer Health Equity Foundation and launching his consulting firm, Innovation for Impact LLC.

This conversation goes deep into the realities of leadership, the challenges of building a nonprofit from scratch, and the importance of understanding both impact and income when bringing a vision to life.

THow lived experiences can shape powerful, purpose-driven innovation.

Why vision alone is not enough and how to operationalize big ideas into action.

What it takes to launch and sustain a nonprofit organization.

How to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for yourself or others.

The importance of combining impact with income for long-term sustainability.

How leadership is developed through both experience and self-awareness.

Why celebrating small wins is essential for long-term success and motivation.

What is health equity and why does it matter?

Health equity ensures that everyone has fair access to healthcare, resources, and outcomes regardless of background, income, or identity. Dr. Manley highlights how systemic gaps can lead to disparities in care, making advocacy and education essential.

How do you turn an idea into a nonprofit organization?

It starts with a clear mission and vision that resonates with people. From there, founders must establish structure, secure funding, build a board, and develop sustainable systems to create long-term impact.

Can nonprofits make money?

Yes, nonprofits can and should generate revenue. The key difference is that profits are reinvested into the mission. Sustainable nonprofits often rely on multiple income streams, including grants, services, and partnerships.

Innovation for Impact LLC

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