August has an interesting energy. For some organizations, a new fiscal year has just begun. Plans have been approved, budgets are fresh, and teams are beginning to turn strategy into action. For others, August offers a brief pause before the busiest season of the year. And for many leaders, it simply means making it through the summer shuffle—vacations, lighter schedules, shifting coverage, and all—while preparing for a strong fall. No matter your industry, August is more tha