The thinking, worked out in the open.
KalmCompass publishes two newsletters from Idalin McKenzie — short, regular pieces on leading under pressure, written between the books and drawn from the same practice. One essay at a time, ahead of where the next book will land.
On leading yourself.
State awareness, judgment, and the discipline of return. For leaders carrying the weight of the room who want something more durable than motivation to draw on. Written for the moment after the hard meeting, not the highlight reel.
On the work of boards.
Authority, oversight, conduct, and what it takes for a board to hold its centre as it matures. For directors, committee members, and governance professionals who want oversight that holds rather than governance that performs.
Recent essays
New field notes appear here as they publish — short pieces on leading and governing under pressure, drawn from the same practice as the books. The archive builds over time.
Start with one clear practice.
Join the list and receive the free practices — The Return Reflection, a one-page practice for noticing drift early and returning more capable than before, and the Compass Self-Reading Sheet for finance leaders. You'll also get both field-note newsletters: short pieces from inside the work, on a regular cadence. No noise, unsubscribe anytime.