Rhonda Y. Williams
Portfolio and ATG Body of Work
Rhonda Y. Williams, MBA, MSN, RN
As the CEO and Chief Vision Officer of Above the Grind Leadership, I am personally committed to supporting leaders and organizations around the globe. Our mission is to help organizations strengthen the PRACTICE of leadership so they can improve profitability and reduce employee turnover.
Join us in the leadership dojo.
What is the Practice of Leadership?
The practice of leadership, much like the practice of medicine, is rooted in a commitment to ongoing learning, skill enhancement, and adaptation. Both fields demand a high level of expertise, continuous education, and the ability to respond adeptly to new challenges. As a registered nurse early in my career, I quickly learned that mastering the craft of healthcare was a continual journey, not just a destination reached at the end of schooling. This understanding deepened as I transitioned to roles of greater responsibility, culminating in my position as a hospital CEO. The imperative of practice—repetitive, reflective, and disciplined—has been a guiding principle.
In many organizations, however, a significant gap exists in how leadership is cultivated. Too often, leadership is approached with an “assumptive” mindset: it is assumed that naturally talented individuals will automatically excel in leadership roles without additional support or training. This approach is akin to expecting someone to perform surgery merely because they are a brilliant scientist. Such assumptions overlook the necessity of deliberate practice and growth in leadership as in medicine. Just as medical professionals must continuously update their knowledge and refine their skills to provide the best care, leaders must continually develop their capabilities to guide their teams effectively, enhance profitability, and reduce employee turnover. When practiced diligently and thoughtfully, leadership transforms good intentions into great achievements.
Our Portfolio
Above the Grind Leadership
A Boutique Leadership Development, Training, and Coaching Organization
Above the Grind Leadership offers a range of services designed to enhance leadership and transform workplace culture. Our offerings include strategic consulting, leadership training, organizational development, cultural enrichment, executive and team coaching, and speaking/conference services.
Our transformative engagements serve both healthcare and non-healthcare industries, using innovative and modern methodologies. We also offer a suite of on-demand courses and webinars tailored to meet specific leadership needs.
Why does every leader need a coach? Tom Landry said it well.
“A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.” – Tom Landry
What Makes Us Different?
Modern leaders thrive at the intersection of innovation and purpose. At Above the Grind Leadership, we are committed to delivering high-touch, engaging services that ignite, inspire, and lift leaders to unparalleled, measurable performance gains.
Decades of Leadership Experience
Tapping into a wealth of Decades of Leadership Experience, our team at Above the Grind Leadership and LEADJITSU brings a depth of insight and understanding that sets us apart. Whether spearheaded by our CEO or another seasoned member of our team, our delivery and impact are shaped by years of hands-on involvement with leaders at every tier of the organizational hierarchy.
We’ve been in the trenches, navigating the complexities of leadership firsthand, and this intimate familiarity with the challenges and triumphs of leadership informs every aspect of our approach. Drawing upon our collective wisdom and expertise, we offer practical solutions grounded in real-world experience, ensuring that our guidance is effective and actionable. With our team, you can leverage the lessons learned over decades of leadership to propel your organization forward with confidence and clarity.
Customizable and Modular Services
Distinguished by our commitment to flexibility and adaptability, our approach at Above the Grind Leadership and LEADJITSU centers on customizable and modular Services. We recognize that every team, every company is unique, with its own set of challenges, goals, and culture. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
Instead, we offer a diverse range of services that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each organization. Whether you’re looking to enhance team communication, develop leadership skills, or foster a culture of innovation, our modular services can be mixed and matched, allowing you to create a customized solution that aligns perfectly with your objectives.
By offering services individually or allowing you to build your own package, we empower you to take control of your organizational development journey, ensuring that you get exactly what you need to thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Innovative, Relevant, and Modern
Continuing to push the boundaries of leadership development, our philosophy is defined by being innovative, relevant, and modern. We recognize today’s leadership is constantly evolving, shaped by emerging trends, shifting dynamics, and advances in technology.
We are committed to staying ahead of the curve, constantly refining our content, activities, and philosophy to meet the needs of the modern-day workforce. We don’t just offer cookie-cutter solutions; instead, we embrace fresh and innovative approaches that challenge the status quo and inspire leaders to think differently.
From cutting-edge leadership theories to practical applications tailored for today’s digital age, our programs are designed to equip leaders with the skills and strategies they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. With our forward-thinking approach, you can be confident that you’re not just keeping pace with the competition – you’re setting the pace for the future of leadership.
Thought Leadership Content
Dedicated to fostering ongoing growth and development, our commitment extends far beyond the confines of a single session with Thought Leadership Content. We understand that true leadership excellence is a journey, not a destination. We’re dedicated to providing a wealth of resources to support you every step of the way.
Through regular articles, blog posts, and emails, we deliver valuable insights, practical tips, and thought-provoking perspectives designed to keep leaders engaged and inspired. Additionally, our LIVE show for leaders serves as a dynamic platform for in-depth discussions, interviews with industry experts, and interactive Q&A sessions, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and stay at the forefront of leadership trends.
With our thought leadership content, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources to fuel your ongoing quest for leadership excellence.
Unique Service Offerings
The Emotional Intelligence Edge - For Leaders
A leadership learning curricula that immerses leaders in understanding and leveraging the principles of emotional intelligence.
LEADJITSU - The System
LEADJITSU offers a suite of services designed to revolutionize leadership through a unique blend of ancient Jiu-Jitsu principles and modern strategies. Our offerings include detailed assessments, dynamic training sessions, personalized coaching, and strategic consulting, all aimed at elevating leadership to an art form. This holistic approach targets both individuals and organizations, equipping them with the tools to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership excellence.
The Leadership Mentoring and Coaching Academy
The LMCA offers leaders flexible asynchronous learning options designed to strengthen leadership, improve team productivity and protect leaders personal mental and emotional well-being.
LEADJITSU Rise in the Dojo
The morning show where leaders tune in to gain inspiration and insight so they can elevate their influence and impact.
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Our Client Experience
Reducing Physician Burnout with Leadership Skills and Emotional Intelligence
October 2023
Leadership Emotional Intelligence Workshop
Southern Medical Association Annual Scientific Assembly
Conference Presentation
What Participants Had to Say
2023 Virtual Presentation
Association of Change Management Professionals
Using EI to Adopt Workplace Change
Virtual Presentation
Attendee Feedback
This is the best session I have experienced thus far. It is clear, concise, engaging and provides applicable detailed information that is immediately digestible. I know this is a slide deck I will refer to repeatedly in the future. Thank you so much!
Using EI to Adopt Workplace Change
Virtual Presentation
Attendee Feedback
There was a LOT of content in this session. I was glad it was on demand, as I paused/backed up and listened again many times. The presentation itself was choppy (clips put together?) but overall very good.