The CEO's Kindergarten School

When everything feels new, real leadership begins - not with answers, but with questions that build trust.

Author

John Register
April 12th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

I’ve been thinking about how often leaders get placed in new rooms and assume they need to perform… instead of learn.

This week’s Amputate to Elevate ThinkLetter features a powerful conversation with Marie Royce — former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

She’s led billion-dollar portfolios, built international exchange programs, and navigated cross-sector leadership transitions most would never attempt.

What stuck with me?

She walked into a global industry event of 5,000 people, brand new to the space — and said:

“It felt like the first day of kindergarten… or a homecoming that wasn’t mine.”

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