Nikola Ilic
nikolailic.bsky.social
Nikola Ilic
@nikolailic.bsky.social
I teach people & organizations how to practice democracy daily
✊Democratic Leadership Framework
🎓Teach at Georgetown University
🦋Founder of ChangeLab
👉🏻Activism at Volt Europa, World Liberty Congress, Kreni-Promeni
✉️Newslertter: pulseofchange.org
"I don't come to work to play games. I come to work to get things done. I'm just not the political type." If that’s how you feel about office politics, you might be missing key opportunities to lead and influence. Stay tuned for the next edition of Pulse of Change to learn how to shift your mindset.
April 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
💡 How you deal with uncertainty refines your leadership

I recently spoke with Jason LeDuc on the Leader's Mindset podcast about the shift from dependency to empowered action.

Watch the clip and check out the full conversation here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-MW...
April 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
When you see someone holding a knife, do you assume danger… or dinner?

It depends what they do with the knife! Are they chopping vegetables for a salad, or attacking another person? It's the same with power and authority - they're simply tools that can be used either to lead or to disempower.
April 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Leadership isn't about titles, power, or knowing all the answers. It’s about action - showing up, stepping forward, and helping others move forward even when the path isn’t clear. 💡 Want to learn how to lead without a title? My latest newsletter breaks it down: pulseofchange.org/p/she-had-no...
April 11, 2025 at 2:59 PM
🔍 Who do you consider a leader?

Is leadership defined by a title, a corner office, or the number of people reporting to you? Learn more about leading without authority in the latest edition of Pulse of Change: pulseofchange.org/p/she-had-no...
April 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
What are some of the most common misconceptions about changemakers? Too many people believe you need power, status, or a loud voice to make an impact. The truth? Anyone can be a changemaker, because it's about your mindset, values and ideas. Check out the biggest myths about changemakers:
March 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
🌍 Never underestimate the power of small actions.

A single mosquito can disrupt an entire night’s sleep, just like one voice, one idea, or one act of courage can inspire real change.

💡 What’s one small action you can take today? Drop it in the comments! 👇

#LeadershipDevelopment
March 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Changemakers don’t just see problems, they take action and solve them. We’ve all had moments where we thought, "Someone should do something about this." But the difference between an observer and a changemaker is action. pulseofchange.org/p/are-you-a-...
March 26, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Are You a Changemaker? 🔥 It all comes down to aligning your life with your highest values, taking action, embracing experiences, and becoming everything you were meant to be. Learn what it means to be a changemaker in the next edition of Pulse of Change: pulseofchange.org
March 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The world is constantly pulling you in different directions—news, emails, social media. But what you focus on shapes your decisions, your work and your leadership.

Most of us don’t actively choose where our attention goes—it gets pulled. But, the good news is - there is a way to change that.
March 21, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Serbian society is fighting for freedom against authoritarian regime. We need more people to know about this and share it.

This is the way to support our cause and make us feel safer from government oppression.

#FightForFreedom #StandForDemocracy #DefendDemocracy #PowerToThePeople
March 12, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”

- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
March 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Women are not more emotional than men! They are as capable of leadership as men!
Men often channel one emotion—anger—which is frequently mistaken for decisiveness, assertiveness, confidence, and leadership. We are equally emotional, just in different ways.
March 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
True leadership means balancing kindness with strength. While being collaborative and agreeable are valuable traits, suppressing our capacity for healthy conflict doesn't create peace. It’s time to stop being a gardener in a war and become a warrior in the garden.
pulseofchange.org/p/did-you-me...
March 6, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The more we tolerate controlling behavior, the harder it becomes to fight back. But you are not powerless. Here are 5 ways to take back control:

1️⃣ Call it out
2️⃣ Stay grounded
3️⃣ Find your people
4️⃣ Set boundaries
5️⃣ Use your voice

Which of these steps have you used before?
February 28, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Are They Silencing You? 7 Signs You’re Being Controlled 👇 People who try to control others often act this way because they're afraid - afraid of losing control, afraid of new ideas, and afraid of changes. Read more in my latest newsletter: pulseofchange.org/p/are-they-s...
February 28, 2025 at 4:16 PM
💡 Authoritarian behavior is common these days, not only in politics but in the workplace too! These tactics are straight from the playbook of every autocratic leader. We discuss what you can do about each of these tactics to regain your agency in our latest newsletter: pulseofchange.org
February 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
In today's world, we increasingly encounter authoritarian behavior in various settings - from politics and workplaces to community organizations. In our new newsletter we will talk about how to preserve your own power and agency in the face of an authoritarian disempowering leader. pulseofchange.org
February 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Leaders who refuse to show vulnerability don’t just create distance—they set themselves up for failure. On the other hand, vulnerability builds trust as people can see deeper into who you are. At the end of the day, true leadership isn’t about looking perfect-it’s about being real. pulseofchange.org
February 21, 2025 at 3:59 PM
"Everyone has a purpose in life. Perhaps yours is to serve as a warning to others.”
February 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Although it sounds counterintuitive, being vulnerable—open about mistakes and insecurities—is a sign of emotional strength, stability, and courage. Traditionally, leaders are expected to maintain a composed, unshakable demeanor, but true leadership is about authenticity.
February 20, 2025 at 2:50 PM
For years, leadership was defined by strength, control, and having all the answers. But the truth is: that approach creates distance. Vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing. It means being real while staying mindful. Learn why leaders should embrace vulnerability: pulseofchange.org/p/stop-hidin...
February 19, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, but in reality, it requires immense courage. It means being open about uncertainties, admitting mistakes, and embracing authenticity. Want to know how vulnerability strengthens leadership? Read more here: pulseofchange.org/p/stop-hidin...
February 19, 2025 at 12:11 AM
True leadership—and true connection—come from authenticity, not constant accommodation. Saying "no" when necessary isn’t selfish; it’s essential. To learn more how to practice authentic leadership, check out the latest edition of our newsletter: pulseofchange.org
February 14, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Saying “yes” to everything might seem like a good leadership strategy, but it can actually weaken decision-making, create resentment, and erode confidence. To learn more, check out the latest edition of my newsletter: pulseofchange.org/p/the-hidden...
February 12, 2025 at 11:39 PM