Spotlight Leadership Framework
Learn where you are in your leadership journey and how to lead with more confidence and clarity
How Do You Show Up as a Leader?
Every leader has a spotlight. Sometimes the light beams outward, highlighting those around us, and sometimes the light shines a bit more inward, leaving our team members more in the shadows. Regardless, though, as leaders, that spotlight is also always pointing right at us with others watching our every move. The Spotlight Leadership Matrix framework isn’t about perfection, it’s about perspective. Where are you standing in the spotlight right now? What might you need to adjust to step more fully into your next leadership Era?
Discover Your Leadership Style
This quick self-assessment invites you to explore your leadership style through the lens of Confidence and Competence. The results place you into one of four spotlight leadership types
Whether you’re an Inspirational Leader, Eager Leader, Aspiring Leader, or Hidden Leader, you’ll walk away from this process with:
- A clearer understanding of how you lead today
- Insight into what might be holding you back
- Encouragement to grow into your next leadership Era
It only takes about 5 minutes to complete this self-assessment, and trust us. The reflections that follow can lead to real change and will last your entire career.
The Spotlight Leadership Matrix:
Quadrant Descriptions
INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
(High Confidence / High Competence)
“You’re thriving in your leadership role and have the tools to support others and influence change.”
—
You lead with authenticity, clarity, and care. You’re not afraid to speak up, and yet, you’re wise enough to listen deeply to those around you. You model the kind of leadership that makes space for others to grow. However, even the strongest leaders need moments to recalibrate. Keep leading with intention and make sure you’re not carrying more than you need to. Inspirational Leaders need to take of themselves as much as they are caring for others, too.
NEEDS:
Stretch opportunities, new leadership roles, self-care, and space to mentor others.
EAGER LEADER
(High Confidence / Lower Competence)
“You’ve got spark, and that matters. Spark isn’t enough on it own, though.”
—
Confidence can open doors, but competence ensures that you stay in the room. You’re not faking it. You’re finding your footing. Lean into learning. Ask for guidance. Take feedback seriously, not personally. You’re on the path, so walk it with humility and authenticity.
NEEDS:
Training, coaching, and constructive feedback to align confidence with skills.
ASPIRING LEADER
(Low Confidence / Low Competence)
“You’re at the beginning, and that’s exactly where you need to be.”
—
There’s no shame in learning. Leadership is more than a fancy job title; it’s a presence. Observe with intention. Ask questions without apology. Take one brave step at a time. You’re not expected to have all the answers. All you need is a willingness to grow and trusting mentors to help light the way.
NEEDS:
Structure, mentorship, foundational skill-building, and affirming yet actionable feedback.
HIDDEN LEADER
(Low Confidence / High Competence)
“You know more than you give yourself credit for.”
—
You’ve got depth, insight, and skills, but the spotlight doesn’t always feel like yours to claim. Let’s change that. Leadership isn’t all ego and flair. It’s about the impact you have on the team. You deserve to take up space. The world needs your wisdom and your voice.
NEEDS:
Empowerment, encouragement, visibility, trust-building, and opportunities to lead.
Inspired Insights Podcast
Empowering Voices Across Generations
“Inspired Insights” is not just a podcast; it’s a community where empathy and understanding flourish, empowering listeners to embrace their truths and engage in open, honest dialogues about mental health.
Co-hosted by Chris, a 49-year-old gay man and clinical social worker with decades of experience in mental health advocacy, and Soren, a vibrant 17-year-old queer teen passionate about activism and change, this podcast is a tapestry of stories, strategies, and support. Each episode delves into the complexities of mental health and personal identities, offering a unique blend of professional insight and personal experience.
Join Chris and Soren as they explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of visibility, and the endless possibilities that come from genuinely listening to each other’s stories.
Inspired Consulting Group specializes in providing tailored, high-quality professional services to a diverse range of industries. Our offerings include DEI&B consulting, behavioral health and wellness education, professional development and training courses, clinical social work services, and leadership coaching. We uniquely emphasize affirming LGBTQIA+ service delivery to our partners.
It’s Me,
Hi!
A behavioral health provider, leader, an educator, podcaster and unabashed Swiftie with over 25 years of experience in various clinical settings. I’m passionate about teaching, advocacy, and creating innovative professional development programs for organizations while staying focused on collecting joy and living life to the fullest.
Owner and Lead Consultant
Chris McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Successful Partnerships
Inspired Consulting Group has been fortunate to work with many wonderful organizations in our communities. Here’s what they had to say about our engagement.
“Chris has been a true gift and guide to my Maine Savings team and me as we began our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) journey in 2023. He has been with us every step of the way from our first DEI&B Committee meeting, planning and facilitating our first annual DEI&B committee retreat, and most recently educating our employees through a customized DEI&B Introduction 101 course. Chris facilitates our monthly DEI&B committee meetings and develops and leads custom curriculum, whether foundational or advanced electives. He supports our three sub-committees that focus on communication, education and events. His compassionate and professional approach are an ideal fit for any organization or business beginning their DEI&B journey. His expertise and experience make him the perfect collaborative partner for a developing and maturing DEI&B culture. We continue to work with Chris and look forward to his ongoing support in the months and years ahead.”
Vanessa Madore, CEO & President
Maine Savings FCU
“Chris utilizes authentic engagement through the lens of “belonging” to share the latest research, materials, and practical tools that he customizes to the professional development needs of our team. We always enjoy our time with Chris and the value he brings to each training he provides for us.”
Heidi Aakjer, MPA
Executive Director
Maine Children’s Trust
“Professional development is integral and especially in areas of opportunity. The methods, consideration, expertise, and pure enjoyment of this work shines brightly as Chris McLaughlin engages, stirs up emotions and thoughts and comforts through his “Inspired Allies” training. The reflections open up thoughts and ideas allowing for unexpected growth. This has been a necessary journey allowing me to grow in enhancing my allyship with the LGBTQIA +community.”
Brooke Goodwin,
Social Work Leader in Healthcare,
Washington, DC
“I’m humbled and honored for any opportunity to collaborate with Chris. He is an amazing and inspiring force in the field of education and mental health. He brings a deep passion and commitment to supporting everyone he works with in relevant and meaningful ways. Chris’ willingness to pivot and adapt trainings or provide guidance and wisdom to a project are truly remarkable, and a testament to the care and skill he continually brings to his work.“
Bethany Cunningham
Education Consultant & Mindfulness Educator
“I had the pleasure of working with Chris McLaughlin for professional coaching services to help elevate my career in healthcare. Chris’ patience, guidance, and thoughtful insights helped me unlock my hidden potential and was key to my professional development. Chris is able to blend theoretical/textbook knowledge with real world application on a level that allowed me to better grasp and understand myself as a person. His approach was personal and structured to meet my personal needs and goals. As we worked through real world scenarios, he listened with intent and asked thought-provoking questions that allowed me to change my perspectives on the barriers I was facing. Together, we created effective strategies to help me leap over those barriers with confidence and purpose. Thanks to Chris, I have strengthened my skills not just as a leader, but also as a person. With his support, I was able take a professional goal from my vision board and make it a reality! My work with Chris has been instrumental for me both professionally and personally. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities and achieve their professional goals. Chris truly is a wonderful coach and advocate.”
Beth Mistretta, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC
Nurse Administrator & Leader
Working Together
Get Started!
Interested in working with Inspired Consulting Group and want more information on any of our professional development solutions? Contact us today to schedule a consultation call and discover how we can help you create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming climate for your teams and customers.