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Sophia Tannis and her husband, Richard, had to choose between following her career or his. The pair chose to accept Sophia’s new job offer, which involved relocating geographically. Over the ensuing five years, Sophia and Richard became parents to two children and gradually settled into their new roles. Since putting his own career second to Sophia’s, Richard successfully built up a reputation as a future leader within his organization, and has recently been offered his next big job opportunity. As fate would have it, Richard’s promotion was announced the same day Sophia’s boss handed her the chance to take her next big career step. Also see case B supplement 9B15M102.<br><br>Students may be interested in the associated case Sophia Tannis: The European Transfer, product 9B13C027.

On July 16, 2014, the finance manager of the Powertrain Department in the Whitby, Ontario branch of Astra Automotive, a global automotive parts manufacturer, was summoned to a meeting. He had been with the company for 11 years, steadily rising through the ranks because of his analytical capabilities, grasp of business complexities and intense work ethic. He was ambitious and driven to succeed; as a result, he was sometimes perceived as unnecessarily harsh and somewhat disrespectful toward colleagues and those under him when mistakes were made. He had been in his present role for just over a year, and though the company was pleased with his results, they were insistent that he enrol in training to help him better lead his department and staff. Overcome with preparing for a major presentation, he neglected to do so. As a result, he was suspended with pay for one week for allegedly not treating a colleague with respect. Now, his director, the Canadian president of operations and the human resources manager were waiting to give him the bad news: he was being fired.

On July 16, 2014, the finance manager of the Powertrain Department in the Whitby, Ontario branch of Astra Automotive, a global automotive parts manufacturer, was summoned to a meeting. He had been with the company for 11 years, steadily rising through the ranks because of his analytical capabilities, grasp of business complexities and intense work ethic. He was ambitious and driven to succeed; as a result, he was sometimes perceived as unnecessarily harsh and somewhat disrespectful toward colleagues and those under him when mistakes were made. He had been in his present role for just over a year, and though the company was pleased with his results, they were insistent that he enrol in training to help him better lead his department and staff. Overcome with preparing for a major presentation, he neglected to do so. As a result, he was suspended with pay for one week for allegedly not treating a colleague with respect. Now, his director, the Canadian president of operations and the human resources manager were waiting to give him the bad news: he was being fired.

A multinational company's first senior female leader is assigned to the European headquarters. The assignment is a professional coup, and she is primed to meet the challenge. However, her new colleagues' predominant view is that she is a non-European woman who represents the corporate head office. She has the opportunity to fly high or fail.

A multinational company’s first senior female leader is assigned to the European headquarters. The assignment is a professional coup, and she is primed to meet the challenge. However, her new colleagues’ predominant view is that she is a non-European woman who represents the corporate head office. She has the opportunity to fly high or fail.

Introspection and reflection have never been appreciated for their ability to steady a leader. However, practitioners and consultants have come to appreciate the importance of looking within. This article seeks to guide the reader to an understanding of reflection’s power, potential, and value as a key to maximizing their journey and being better prepared to thrive in an ever-complex world. Wisdom from the ancient Greeks is used here to inform the leadership “odysseys” of modern leaders.