Amplify: LeadLab
When we founded LeadLab, we recognized a strong desire within the creative community for a space that fostered unique, experiential, and nonlinear learning—one that truly reflected the energy and needs of its members. As gratitude continues to gain traction in the workplace, it naturally emerged as a fitting theme. To ground this nuanced concept, we asked participants to apply it directly to a professional challenge they know intimately and directly. Our goal is for the cohort to leave the experience not only inspired, but also equipped and supported to take intentional action in addressing their challenge. To sustain the momentum, we organized follow-up gatherings after last month’s summit—offering a space to reconnect, share insights, and continue learning together throughout the year. We’re also welcoming guest speakers, including William Toms, Co-Founder + Chief Creative Officer at REC Philly, to share case studies on how they have harnessed gratitude to navigate and advance real challenges in their work.
So what is gratitude and why is it important in the workplace?
Peter Mostachetti, 2025 LeadLab Facilitator and Senior Director of Employee Experiences, Learning + Inclusion at IPSY, defines gratitude as the intentional recognition and appreciation of others’ contributions, support, and effort in the workplace. More than just saying “thank you,” it is about building a culture grounded in respect, acknowledgment, and meaningful reinforcement. Gratitude can take many forms: appreciating teammates for their ideas or collaboration, giving credit in meetings or emails, or acknowledging both big wins and everyday efforts. For leaders, it means valuing employees not just for results but for their commitment and growth. It also shows up in simple, sincere expressions—like thank-you notes or timely, specific praise.
Gratitude may not be the most obvious strategy for those driven by output and ROI, but when embraced in the workplace, it has a powerful and multifaceted impact. Here’s another lens through which to view its value:
It builds team culture. Teams that practice gratitude are often stronger collaborators and share a sense of purpose. They feel seen, supported, and energized. In a study by the American Psychological Association, 93% of employees who reported feeling valued said they are motivated to do their best work.
It develops emotional awareness. Gratitude helps people understand and manage their emotions, including the impact those emotions have on others. It leads to greater self-awareness, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychological safety. Wharton states gratitude is linked to neural activity associated with moral cognition, perspective-taking, and fairness.
It sharpens focus and broadens perspective. Gratitude encourages reflection. It helps people appreciate the present and what they have, rather than what they lack, which helps adopt a growth mindset. A study by DeVry University shows employees value a positive mindset more than experience, education level, or years at the company.
It promotes physical and mental health. Gratitude is linked to greater happiness and emotional resilience. It triggers dopamine and serotonin, which activate the brain’s reward system, reinforcing positive emotions. Over time, it rewires neural pathways to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reflecting on the success of LeadLab’s Summit, it was energizing to see our 35-person cohort show up eager to connect and engage. A key factor in that success was our commitment to building a truly diverse group—not only in race, age, and career stage, but especially across sectors. We were intentional in creating equal representation from the business, government, and nonprofit worlds. Some of the most powerful aha moments happen when, for example, a young professional exchanges ideas with a senior leader, or a grassroots nonprofit organizer connects with a corporate executive. This kind of cohort composition encourages people to step outside their usual circles, fostering fresh perspectives and deeper, more meaningful learning.
This work is deeply aligned with DiasporaDNA’s Amplify strand—where creative support meets advocacy. LeadLab offers tools and techniques within a culturally conscious space, designed to nurture makers and thinkers across generations. By fostering cross-pollination through a diverse cohort, the program hopes to spark new ideas and build lasting connections. As the inaugural launch, the cohort, speakers, facilitators, and organizers came together to make history.
Looking forward, we are excited to welcome Anika Tené, Director of Grants, Awards + Programs at Creative West, to lead a case study and exercise on gratitude in this month’s session. More facilitators and speakers will be announced soon. In December,LeadLab will host a special public event showcasing leaders in the field and the professional insights and artistic talents of LeadLab’s cohort members.
To close, I’d like to share a few reflections from fellow cohort members on gratitude and their aspirations for LeadLab—
I joined the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia in the 2010s during the recession. It was a very stressful time where many of us were burning out from the lack of funding, wearing multiple hats, and sacrificing our own personal needs to serve the community. My goal was to prioritize boundaries, appreciation, and taking off hats! LeadLab drew me in because it truly resonates with what I want to shift, strengthen, and grow in my work environment. Gratitude is vital because it helps people involved to feel seen, uplifted, and valued.
-Sarun Chan, Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, 2025 LeadLab Participant
I was drawn to LeadLab because I believe the next level of my leadership requires deeper alignment—between who I am, what I value, and how I lead. I’m not interested in leading by default; I want to lead by design. Gratitude is a leadership accelerator. It creates cultures where people don’t just survive—they thrive. When gratitude is woven into the fabric of a workplace, it opens the door to innovation, trust, and connection. It reminds people they matter, and when people feel valued, they bring their whole selves—and their best ideas—to the table. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere. It transforms work into something more meaningful.
-Tiffany Spraggins-Payne, Community College of Philadelphia, 2025 LeadLab Participant
LeadLab is a collaboration between founding sponsors Goldsmith Strategies and J2 + Exit Design and envisioned by Elizabeth Thompson. Liz is a process investigator forever seeking aha moments in personal growth, for herself and others. She likes unpacking nonlinear gray ideas and rethinking them into workable action plans that make space for deeper learning and awareness. Liz previously led creative sector engagement at the Arts + Business Council when it was formerly a Council of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. She has served on the boards of the Arts Administrators of Color Network and the Spruce Foundation. Other recent professional engagements include participating in programs by the Artist Communities Alliance and Women of Color in the Arts and facilitating board retreats and board development workshops.
LeadLab is grateful for the support of Program SponsorMeridian Bank and its Promotional Partners: Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, Economy League of Greater, Philadelphia Independence Business Alliance, The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA), REC Philly, and South Asian Americans For Change.
Cover image photographed by Mark Likosky.