A Time for Radical Reflection? A Reset for Leaders

The start of a new year often brings momentum—and pressure. New goals, new plans, and an unspoken expectation to move quickly.

But before accelerating forward, many leaders benefit from a pause. That pause is radical reflection.

Designed by Debra Hertz and originally shared in a HAYVN Halftime conversation recorded in the post-pandemic period, this framework remains highly relevant for any new year, leadership transition, or strategic reset. Its premise is timeless: meaningful progress starts with honesty.

What Is Radical Reflection?

Radical reflection is a disciplined approach to navigating uncertainty—both personal and professional—by taking a clear-eyed inventory of reality. Rather than reacting or defaulting to familiar patterns, leaders step back to assess:

  • The current state of their organization

  • Their leadership capacity and constraints

  • The external environment shaping future decisions

This process allows leaders to map multiple “realities” that could unfold—and prepare intentionally for what’s next.

Why Radical Reflection Matters at the Start of a New Year

A new year is a natural inflection point. It invites renewal. Radical reflection encourages leaders to slow down just enough to ask better questions:

  • What decisions can no longer be delayed?

  • Do we have the capacity to grow—or even to sustain—our current work?

  • What needs to change for strategy and resources to align?

  • Who are our most critical partners?

  • What do our stakeholders truly need next?

These are not theoretical questions. They are leadership questions—and answering them early in the year sets the tone for everything that follows.

A Practical Tool for Leaders and Organizations

The radical reflection process was intentionally designed to be:

  • Simple – accessible without extensive preparation

  • Flexible – usable for individuals, executive teams, or boards

  • Action-oriented – grounded in real decisions, not abstractions

It can support:

  • Leadership and executive reflection

  • Board and governance conversations

  • Strategic planning and organizational resets

  • Personal leadership development

Explore the Resources

· To view the half hour YouTube video of the webinar, click here.
· To download the handout from the webinar with the inventory questions, click here.