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From Restored to Ready (Part 1):
When I wrapped up the ReSTORED series, many of you reached out to say how powerful it was to pause, reflect, and reclaim rest as a leadership discipline. That series reminded us that renewal isn’t a luxury—it’s fuel for what comes next.
But as soon as that season ended, I stepped right back into environments of change—organizational shifts, evolving team dynamics, and new leadership opportunities. What I quickly realized is this: rest prepares you, but readiness sustains you.
That realization is what birthed this new series: From Restored to Ready.
The spark came during the NSBE Professional Development Conference, where I led a packed workshop on executive presence. What made the room come alive wasn’t just theory, but practical activation—tools like Voice, Lane, and Fit and the power of social capital.
That same week, I also spoke on the IDN Summit panel, sharing insights alongside Vice Presidents of Supply Chain for major health and medical systems from across the country. In both rooms—one with rising professionals, the other with seasoned executives—the theme was the same: leaders don’t just need rest, they need tools for navigating change, building influence, and executing with impact.
I left those experiences convinced: the same way rest renews us, readiness equips us. And leaders need both if we are to thrive in times of transition and uncertainty.
That’s why this new three-part series will focus on the tools leaders must activate when stepping into change:
Part 1: Social Capital is Your Currency
Part 2: Voice, Lane, and Fit in Real Time
Part 3: Execution is the Differentiator
Let’s start with the first: Social Capital.
Social capital is the trust, reciprocity, and shared value created through relationships. Unlike financial capital, it can’t be deposited in a bank account—but it determines how far and how fast you can move as a leader.
Scholars often describe it in three forms:
Bonding social capital → the strong ties that provide support, trust, and belonging.
Bridging social capital → the connections that expand your perspective and open new networks.
Linking social capital → the vertical relationships that connect you to power, influence, and decision-making authority.
When you combine these three, you create a balanced leadership network that both supports you and stretches you.
📌 The Five People Every Leader Needs
These three dimensions also align with the five people every leader must have:
1. The Sponsor (linking) – advocates for you when you’re not in the room, connecting you upward to opportunity.
2. The Mentor (bonding) – shares wisdom and perspective, grounding you with trusted advice.
3. The Connector (bridging) – expands your reach across diverse circles and industries.
4. The Truth-Teller (bonding) – gives unfiltered feedback, keeping you anchored in authenticity.
5. The Peer (bonding & bridging) – walks alongside you, offering camaraderie while pushing you to grow.
👉 If you have these five in your corner, you’re not just networking—you’re weaving together the bonding, bridging, and linking ties that form a true leadership safety net.
🟦 Coaching Trigger (Action Box)
🔎 Reflection Exercise: Take 10 minutes this week and write down:
Who are your five right now?
Where are the gaps?
Which type of social capital (bonding, bridging, linking) do you need to strengthen?
💡 Call to Action: Don’t just wait for social capital to happen.
Cultivate it. Build it. Protect it.
If you want to dig deeper into this theme, here are three books I recommend:
Who’s Got Your Back — Keith Ferrazzi
The Social Capitalist — Josh & Lisa Lannon
Thanks for the Feedback — Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
Closing
Leadership is never a solo act. Social capital is the compound interest of relationships—and the stronger it grows, the more resilient and ready you’ll be when change inevitably comes.
As you step into new seasons of leadership, remember: your skills are important, but your social capital is your true currency.
My Closing Note to You
As always, my purpose in writing The Storyteller is to remind you: service, leadership, and legacy matter.
Keep leading with vision. Keep building with excellence. And never forget—the stories you shape today will become the legacy others stand on tomorrow.
P.S.
Relationships don’t build themselves. This week, send a thank-you note, grab coffee, or simply check in with someone in your five. Small deposits build lasting wealth.
Connect With Me
If you're in a season of doubt, transition, or waiting to remember your power—let’s talk.
📅 Book a 15-minute intro call: www.demalo-ent.com
Don’t let fear erase your track record.
Let belief remind you of who you are.
Warm regards,
DeWayne Allen
Founder of The Storyteller Newsletter
I guide leaders and STEM professionals to succeed and innovate.
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