In this special extended episode, host Myka Kennedy Stephens sits down with Jessica Zairo to explore how embracing the value of sharing can positively impact communities. Drawing heavily on Jessica's experiences with open-source software support and development, particularly with the Koha integrated library system, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration, reciprocal giving, and community building in the library world.

Jessica Zairo serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at ByWater Solutions, where she builds relationships with libraries and open-source communities. Her career spans various roles in library and information services, including: - Member services coordinator at Tampa Bay Library Consortium (128 member libraries) - Information manager at Everlove and Associates (legal reference and research services) - Creator and host of the popular "Monday Minutes" educational video series

Key Takeaways 1. The power of reciprocal giving extends beyond individual transactions to build stronger communities 2. Collaborative competition ("co-opetition") can drive innovation while maintaining community values 3. Inclusive participation in open-source communities strengthens the entire ecosystem 4. Knowledge sharing through accessible documentation benefits users worldwide 5. Successful migrations require involving all stakeholders in the transition process 6. Trust building through transparency and community recognition is essential for open-source adoption

Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/10/05/2025-10-05_embracing-the-value-of-sharing/

Koha-US User Group: https://koha-us.org/

Koha Community website: https://koha-community.org/

Monday Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV_OXyJ1D3BgKovtgSBoFcQNb7IhixDKO

Sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/

Join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org

Recorded August 19, 2025 with Descript.

In this episode of The Fosgail Mindset, host Myka Kennedy Stephens explores the nuanced role of **sharing** as a leadership virtue. Drawing from life experience, organizational theory, and research, Myka challenges both the old command-and-control mindset and the pitfalls of excessive, boundary-less sharing. Discover why the real answer lies in **collaborative leadership**, a balanced approach where intentional communication, clear expectations, confident guidance, and continual professional development foster empowered, adaptive teams.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for navigating the middle ground between withholding and oversharing, gain actionable tips on fostering collaboration without sacrificing authority, and learn why investing in leadership skills across the whole team benefits organizations of all sizes—especially during times of change.

Whether you’re grappling with how much to share as a leader or eager to deepen your collaborative practice, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and real-world steps for your leadership journey.

Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/09/12/2025-09-12_sharing-in-leadership/

Book a coaching chemistry call with Myka: https://appointments.fosgail.org/#/chemistry-session

Join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org

Sign up for Field Notes, our monthly newsletter: https://fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/

In this episode of The Fosgail Mindset, host Myka Kennedy Stephens sits down with Neil Mackinnon, a seasoned leadership and executive coach whose journey from professional musician to creative industry leader offers a wealth of inspiration. Neil discusses powerful lessons from his transformative 12 years at London’s Southbank Centre. Together, Myka and Neil unpack what genuine creativity means in practice; not just as a spark of inspiration, but as an engine for cultural change, social activism, and bold organizational transformation. Neil reflects on his career across leadership and executive coaching, and the importance of letting strong ideas lead the way, with structures shaped to nurture creative possibility instead of limiting it. This conversation blends personal stories, practical leadership wisdom, and a passionate call to prioritize creativity as the heartbeat of meaningful impact. Tune in for insights that will inspire you to adopt a creative approach when moving from big ideas to lasting change.

Contact Neil Mackinnon: https://neilmackinnon.net

Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/08/02/2025-08-02_invitation_to_creativity/

Sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/

Join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org

Recorded June 3, 2025 with Descript.