The Leader's Guide, May 2024

I'm thrilled to have you reading and staying connected with me in this way! Here, I share ideas that have been bouncing inside my head, places I’ll be, my favorite reading or conversations, and identify events and opportunities to engage with me.

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What’s On My Mind

Reflecting on the Highs and Lows

Where has the year gone?

So much has happened already this year!

I’m not even sure where to start to get all this done!

Have you been hearing these phrases lately? I’ve heard myself say them – and heard some of you saying them too. Suddenly, we are realizing the mid-year is fast approaching. If you are like me, you are reflecting on what’s happened so far and trying to wrap your mind around it.

What have been your highs and lows so far this year? How are you adjusting your plans for the year based on the progress you have made?

Anyone who has spoken to me recently knows that I’ve been truly loving on my community these days. It’s been an absolute high to recognize how many of you raise my energy, my spirits, and my professional growth. I’ve been working with amazing clients who laugh, cry, and deeply engage with me as they plan the next steps of their journey. I’ve had new partners come in for some amazing rebrand thinking, new services and resources coming soon, and the joy of trusting they have me. It’s also been uplifting to speak to different audiences about “Building Connections through Effective Communication” in the Lab Manager Leadership Summit and talking self-advocacy with my new friends of MNCREW based on my book’s chapter, “Yes, Sometimes It Is All About You”.

Those highs have been what carried me through the lows. This has been a year of loss in a variety of ways. Many of my leading ladies (also known as inspiring women role models) have passed from this life or have recently entered end-of-life hospice. One of the most disorienting times was the loss of my dearest mother-in-law on 14 April 2024. Even in her final hours, I saw the courage and the love I’d always appreciated about her. I couldn’t have had a better mother-in-law. We felt relieved she had escaped the pain while we were broken hearted that we lost her physical light. She’s still with me; it’s just not the same.

We don’t get to experience continuous highs carrying us progressively toward the stars, do we? We feel the swell of success only to get a gut-punching disappointment that makes us question our path ahead. Okay, maybe not always that dramatic – but it can feel that way! We play many roles in life, and they combine into who we are as a whole person. Leading from the foundation of that whole person matters. That means fully living the highs and lows.

What have been your highs and lows so far this year? How do you recognize the achievements and adapt for the road not yet traveled? I invite you to share your stories with me. I’d love to know how your 2024 adventure is going!

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What Is Happening?

Pssst. Shhhh. Don’t tell.

Just kidding – share at will! I’m too excited to stay quiet anymore.

I’m recording stories to drop a podcast this autumn!

It’s filled with adventures in my life that gave me insights into who I am, how I function, and how I lead. My hope is that you will get insights for leading as you. I’ve had an eclectic set of experiences – it’s what happens when you regularly leap before you look. Keep an eye out for Short Story Long. Naturally, I’ll share updates along the way so stay tuned.

And, I’ve been reading…

Fantasy, science-fiction and beach novels. It can’t always be high falutin’ business topics. If you have a fun read, I’m looking forward to some R&R in July where I get to catch up on my fun reading. Send ideas my way!

Have you read C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U. The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide to Leadership?

Are you an introverted skeptic – or do you work with someone who may be? This book offers perspectives and insights about the superpowers and the challenges many face as leaders. Pick up your copy and discover strategies to integrate who you are with how you lead. It’s now available at Amazon (Kindle Unlimited if you are a subscriber!), B&N and other online places you may buy your books.

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Let’s Connect!

Please contact me if you would want me to speak to your organization, group, or association about coaching, key concepts from my book, and/or an Ask Me Anything format in a virtual or in-person environment.

Also, I’m always eager to hear what is happening with you. Drop a line, give a call, or schedule some time to chat. I love hearing your updates and celebrating your achievements. Do not hesitate to catch me up on all the fabulous things you have been doing!

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