But with endless books, expensive programs, and scattered advice out there, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure where to begin.
That’s why Kai Degner created the SIMPLER Leader/ship Frameworks—to give you a clear, practical roadmap for growing as a leader.
"I spent 20+ years in roles that demanded real leadership—serving as a mayor, nonprofit director, university administrator, and leadership coach. I’ve studied leadership deeply as a doctoral candidate in Strategic Leadership, and I’ve seen how much simpler things can be when you have the right tools at the right time." - Kai
These two SIMPLER Leader/ship frameworks focus on what matters most:
SIMPLER Self Leadership—how you lead yourself with clarity, integrity, and resilience.
SIMPLER Team Leadership—how you lead others by building trust, coordination, and shared success.
Each is a set of seven growth areas that equip individuals with the mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets to lead with purpose, clarity, and adaptability.
Together, they help professionals and community leaders like you focus on the right areas at the right time, whether you’re just stepping into leadership or ready to expand your impact.
Whether you're an emerging changemaker, a seasoned executive, or community builder, SIMPLER offers a structured path to grow your personal capacity while cultivating high-performing, values-driven teams.
Focus: Developing personal leadership capacity so individuals can act with clarity, integrity, and resilience—even in uncertainty.
S – Self-Reflection
Pause and examine your assumptions, motivations, and mindset.
I – Integrity
Act in alignment with your values, commitments, and words.
M – Make Meaning
Connect your actions and goals to a greater purpose.
P – Prioritize
Identify and focus on what matters most.
L – Learn
Stay open and adaptive by continuously integrating new insights.
E – Execute
Follow through with disciplined action and accountability.
R – Resilience
Sustain yourself in the face of disruption, resistance, or setbacks.
Focus: Leading collaborative, adaptive teams that can navigate complexity and deliver results.
S – Synchronize
Align people, roles, timelines, and tools for coordinated progress.
I – Innovate
Foster creativity and adaptability to meet evolving challenges.
M – Meet
Design and lead effective meetings that move teams forward.
P – Prioritize
Clarify and communicate shared priorities to maintain focus.
L – Listen
Create psychological safety and show others they are heard.
E – Empower
Enable others to lead, contribute, and grow in meaningful ways.
R – Refine
Regularly assess and improve team processes and outcomes.