Lead from Where You Are: Allison Williams inspires authenticity at the Hearts Open Wide Summit
At the Choose Love Summit, idealis' Chief Learning Officer reminds leaders to lead with humanity at work.
On June 28, 2025, idealis' Chief Learning Officer, Allison Williams spoke alongside dozens of inspiring leaders who joined forces to remind parents, educators and leaders to lead by Choosing Love, inspired by Scarlett Lewis and her non-profit organization: The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement.
With over 20 years of experience in higher education and leadership advisory, and drawing upon idealis' research on human-centered leadership, Allison reinforced the value of leading from a place of deep authenticity - embracing all of our identities as we lead ourselves and others in companies, in schools and in households.
Presenting alongside the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General Warning, the criticality of addressing parents at work was even more evident. Dr. Murthy shared, “We have the power to make workplaces engines for mental health and well-being. Doing so will require organizations to rethink how they protect workers from harm, foster a sense of connection among workers, show them that they matter, make space for their lives outside work, and support their long-term professional growth. This may not be easy. But it will be worth it. The benefits will accrue to both workers and organizations. A healthy workforce is the foundation for thriving organizations and a healthy community."
Allison shared her own views as an executive coach and advisor to parents and executives. “Here is the punchline: So many of us try to compartmentalize our lives. “I’m a parent here. I’m an employee there. I’m a human somewhere in between.” But what if we didn’t have to? What if who we are in our homes and who we are at work were just the same? The same values. The same courage. The same compassion. When we show up as our most integrated, most aligned selves in every space, we feel and we lead from a place that is more grounded, more clear, and more focused.”
The Summit provided a forum for people of all backgrounds to coalesce on a common mission: "to be the best educators and parents we can be, every moment of every day."
To learn more about the Choose Love Movement, click here.
To inquire about idealis' research on parenting at work, click here.
For media or speaking inquiries, reach out to media@idealisadvisory.com.
