Where Did the Summer Go? Time to Pause

Hi friend,

Are you asking yourself “Where did the summer go?”? Me too.?

And I realize that if we don’t slow down, life can pass by in a blur, and we risk missing the joy that fuels us.

So, as the summer winds down and we gear up for the routines of fall, I am taking a moment to reflect, savor and share it with you before speeding ahead.?

So, grab that favorite beverage of yours, and let's go down the memory lane of highlights together.?

This summer, despite a surprisingly busy work schedule, I made it a point to literally schedule fun and activities that reflect my values—connection, fun, family, personal growth, and impact. It made all the difference in my happiness.

Personal Highlights:

• Family Time in Spain: I started the summer early by flying to Spain to spend time with my brother.
• A Special Wedding: I attended the wedding of a foster family member, celebrating in true Spanish fashion until 5:00 am!
• Camping Adventures: Four(!) camping trips with family and friends—learning a lot about myself through rainy days.
• Sleep-Away Camp: My son went off to his first camp, and while he thrived, I faced my own fears!
• A Birthday Celebration: I tried something new this year, hosting an open-invite birthday dinner and dance night—it was a lesson in letting go and trusting the process watching the most unexpected guests show up, make connections and memories.
• Family Festival: Our annual family festival brought dancing, yoga, and even my son's first ice bath immersion!
• First Concert: I went to my first concert with my son and other moms and sons—Imagine Dragons brought a whole new kind of fun.
• Gratitude Dinner: I organized a beautiful sunset gratitude dinner with a client at Casa Loma—Toronto’s very own castle.
• Cottage Getaway: We closed out the summer with a cottage retreat, filled with paddleboarding, sunsets, bonfires, and solo yoga.
• Attempt at Tennis #3: This summer I diligently attended all seven clinics, and am even able to rally for a bit with another newbie!
• And… My daughter started school!

Work Highlights:

• Team Offsites: I facilitated record four team offsites, each focusing on personal growth, team cohesion, and effectiveness. Watching people drop their defenses and connect on a deeper level while creating a new future for themselves was truly rewarding.
• New Workshop Launch: I introduced Magnetic Confidence: Master Confidence, Grow Your Career, and guided over 80 young women through it. Such a reflective experience on my own career growth and the role of confidence, especially in male-dominated fields like finance.
• Wiley Partnership: I became an authorized provider of Everything DiSC: A Wiley Brand and The Five Behaviors?: A Wiley Brand frameworks. After seeing the impact they bring to the leaders and teams, I am committed to the certifications and bringing these tools to more leaders and teams.
• YouTube Interviews: I recorded two insightful interviews with Joshua Siegal and Louisa Jewell for my YouTube channel on leadership, culture, and confidence—stay tuned and sign up for my channel for more!
• Executive Coaching: Onboarded a new, ambitious client ready to lead with grace and grow her influence in a new role.
• Innovators Alliance: Facilitated two meetings for this inspiring group of leaders and innovators.
• Change Leadership Blogs: I wrote 4 blogs to share the tools and insights that participants of my change leadership training found helpful. (see previous issues of the newsletter)

Looking Ahead:

• Upcoming Offsites: I have two more offsites lined up for September, with a focus on psychological safety and managing change. (Only one more slot available this year!)
• Connected Leader Program: I’m launching two cohorts of my signature Connected Leader group coaching program for senior leaders to become the leader they were always were meant to become.
• End-of-Year Event: Planning a special in-person event to close the year with intention. (You’re invited!)
• Change Leadership Collaboration: Partnering with a thought leader in change leadership Jardena London to help grow change experts through facilitation and course offerings.
• Personal Trainer: With 40 around the corner, I’m working with a trainer to handle some of those “surprises” that come with aging, haha!
• Hiring: I’m looking for a part-time operations manager with strong design, event management, and admin skills. Referrals are welcome!

Reflecting on these past few months, I didn’t realize just how meaningful and packed with growth they were.

Now, I’m ready to take on the fall—how about you?

--> What were your personal and professional highlights this summer?

Let’s connect, share and celebrate the moments that made it special for each of us.