Helen Mekonen's Insights

Explore practical insights and leadership perspectives from BES on talent strategy, organizational performance, and future-ready teams.

All Posts Future of Work Indigenous Knowledge Industry Trends Leadership Professional Development Sustainability

Page 1 of 1

Sustainability/Helen Mekonen
Equity is not Optional: Lessons from Public Education for Every Organization
What happens when our systems only recognize certain kinds of contributions, and only reward certain ways of leading? Drawing from the lessons of public education and the insights of scholar Nicole Ineese-Nash, this article explores how organizations can move beyond performative inclusion toward systems that truly honour cultural knowledge, relational leadership, and shared responsibility. Rather than focusing on what’s lacking, Helen Mekonen invites readers to consider what’s already present—gifts, strengths, and ways of knowing that are often overlooked. For organizations committed to sustainability, equity is not a one-time investment; it is a design principle that must live in everyday practice, accountability, and imagination.
Read Equity is not Optional: Lessons from Public Education for Every Organization
Professional Development/Helen Mekonen
Let’s Go to Lunch! One of the Many Ways to Integrate Culture into Strategy
In this article, Helen Mekonen explores how culture in today’s workplace is shaped not only by where we work but by how we come together. She argues that while digital platforms remain useful, the true power of connection is revealed when people share space: in a meeting room, at a conference, or over lunch. These face-to-face moments build trust, sharpen cultural fluency, and foster collaboration in ways digital exchanges alone cannot. By intentionally making room for in-person interaction, leaders can design strategies that are not only human-centred but also resilient and performance-driven.
Read Let’s Go to Lunch! One of the Many Ways to Integrate Culture into Strategy
Leadership/Helen Mekonen
Talent Acquisition Timeline: The Past, Present, and Future
Executive search has undergone a profound shift—from a network-driven process based on visibility and access to a technology-mediated landscape shaped by digital profiles, algorithmic tools, and evolving expectations of leadership. In this article, Helen Mekonen draws on her experience as a search consultant to examine the past, present, and future of talent acquisition. She explores the barriers historically faced by underrepresented leaders, the need for greater discernment in an era of performative visibility, and the legal and ethical concerns surrounding AI’s expanding role in hiring. With practical guidance for search professionals and employers alike, this piece calls for a more human-centred, equity-conscious approach to identifying talent.
Read Talent Acquisition Timeline: The Past, Present, and Future
Industry Trends/Helen Mekonen
Navigating the Future: Leadership Through Cultural Intelligence, Systemic Thinking, and Technological Disruption
Leadership in today’s world demands a balance of cultural intelligence, systemic thinking, and the ability to navigate technological disruption. As global markets, technological advancements, and diverse workforce dynamics become increasingly interconnected, leaders must embrace innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to human values and social responsibility. Exemplary leaders like Tim Cook and Olive Ann Beech illustrate how these skills can drive organizational success and societal progress. By fostering inclusivity, adopting a holistic perspective, and integrating technology with empathy, leaders can not only respond to change but also shape a future that is resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven. The path forward lies in uniting people, technology, and shared vision to inspire meaningful and lasting progress.
Read Navigating the Future: Leadership Through Cultural Intelligence, Systemic Thinking, and Technological Disruption
Industry Trends/Helen Mekonen
Leading in the Age of AI: Managing Paradoxes, Technological Displacement, and Embracing Innovation
While AI and automation offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance productivity and innovation, they also pose risks of job displacement and ethical challenges related to privacy, bias, and inequality. Exemplary leaders like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and GM’s Mary Barra demonstrate that navigating these dualities requires a combination of vision, empathy, and accountability. By prioritizing empowerment, ethical practices, and inclusivity, they illustrate how technology can be harnessed to uplift rather than undermine. Effective leadership in the AI era lies in turning these challenges into opportunities, building organizations that are innovative, ethical, and deeply committed to the people they serve.
Read Leading in the Age of AI: Managing Paradoxes, Technological Displacement, and Embracing Innovation
Future of Work/Helen Mekonen
Bridging Generations: Three Fun and Creative Ways to Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration
Generational diversity is one of the most valuable assets in today’s workplace, bringing together unique perspectives, experiences, and strengths from Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers. However, leveraging this diversity isn’t always straightforward, as stereotypes and misunderstandings can hinder collaboration. To bridge these generational divides, organizations can implement creative strategies like generational “Show-and-Tell” sessions, reverse innovation workshops, and two-way learning exchanges. These activities foster connection, mutual respect, and a culture of inclusivity, enabling teams to unlock innovation and build stronger relationships. By embracing the contributions of every generation, organizations can create thriving workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Read Bridging Generations: Three Fun and Creative Ways to Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration
Indigenous Knowledge/Helen Mekonen
Reputation is a Leadership Outcome: Reflections on Trust, Tone and the Culture-Brand Connection
Reputation is not a communications product—it is a leadership outcome. Drawing from the 2025 Axios Harris Poll and its Canadian counterpart, this article reflects on how brand trust is formed not only by public-facing actions but by the internal tone leaders set. Through comparative insights between U.S. and Canadian brand perception, it explores how trust is built, how it breaks down, and what it demands of leadership. For HR professionals, the message is clear: internal culture and external brand reputation are inextricably linked. Integrity inside the organization shapes perception outside it—and in today’s climate, that connection is more critical than ever.
Read Reputation is a Leadership Outcome: Reflections on Trust, Tone and the Culture-Brand Connection
Future of Work/Helen Mekonen
Generalist vs. Specialist: Rethinking How We Define Expertise in a Hybrid World
In this piece, Helen Mekonen challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that generalists—not specialists—are becoming the most critical leaders in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. As AI, hybrid models, and cross-sector complexity reshape how value is created, organizations need leaders who can apply knowledge across unfamiliar contexts, connect disparate ideas, and lead without a script. While deep expertise still matters in specific high-risk settings, Helen shows that it’s the generalist—adaptive, integrative, and systems-minded—who increasingly drives innovation, collaboration, and enterprise-wide momentum.
Read Generalist vs. Specialist: Rethinking How We Define Expertise in a Hybrid World

Thought Leadership Videos

Watch recent thought leadership videos on inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and transformation.

Watch on YouTube

Why Confidence Stops Working at Executive Level

When interviewing for jobs at the executive level, confidence is expected—and so it’s no longer a differentiator. In this short, Jason Murray shares tips on what executive hiring committees are listening out for, which includes evidence of sound judgment and being able to navigate ambiguity.

Watch on YouTube

The Interview Mistake Strong Leaders Make

When interviewing for executive roles, strong delivery is expected—so it’s no longer what sets you apart. In this short, Jason Murray shares a common mistake leaders make: answering like high performers instead of future peers.

Watch on YouTube

What Executive Presence Actually Is

In this short, Jason Murray breaks down why hiring committees look for calm, clarity, and restraint, and how presence often comes through in what you don’t say.

Sustainability/Stephanie La

Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability

Green AI emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility, addressing the significant environmental and ethical challenges posed by AI development, such as high carbon emissions, energy consumption, and data privacy concerns. While AI offers transformative benefits, including climate change prediction, pollution monitoring, and public health insights, its rapid advancement often prioritizes speed over sustainability. By adopting Green AI practices—such as energy-efficient algorithms, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development goals—organizations can reduce their environmental impact, align with sustainability objectives, and foster long-term growth while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Learn more

Leadership/Melissa Sumnauth

The Importance of Pronouncing a Name: An Act of Inclusive Leadership

Names are not just labels; they are powerful reflections of identity, culture, and history. In this article, Melissa Sumnauth explores the significance of correct name pronunciation in leadership and organizational culture. Drawing on her experience in executive coaching, executive search, facilitation, and people & culture she illustrates how mispronunciation can function as a microaggression and a barrier to inclusion, while intentional effort to say names correctly fosters dignity, belonging, and trust. With practical tools and a call to action for leaders, this article reframes name pronunciation as a vital practice in advancing equity and respectful engagement.

Learn more

Helen Mekonen's Insights

All Posts

Equity is not Optional: Lessons from Public Education for Every Organization

Let’s Go to Lunch! One of the Many Ways to Integrate Culture into Strategy

Talent Acquisition Timeline: The Past, Present, and Future

Navigating the Future: Leadership Through Cultural Intelligence, Systemic Thinking, and Technological Disruption

Leading in the Age of AI: Managing Paradoxes, Technological Displacement, and Embracing Innovation

Bridging Generations: Three Fun and Creative Ways to Foster Cross-Generational Collaboration

Reputation is a Leadership Outcome: Reflections on Trust, Tone and the Culture-Brand Connection

Generalist vs. Specialist: Rethinking How We Define Expertise in a Hybrid World

Thought Leadership Videos

Why Confidence Stops Working at Executive Level

The Interview Mistake Strong Leaders Make

What Executive Presence Actually Is

Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability

The Importance of Pronouncing a Name: An Act of Inclusive Leadership