May is the season of graduations.
From preschool to PhD programs, caps and gowns seem to pop up everywhere. Families gather for ceremonies, photos, celebrations, and new beginnings. Perhaps someone you know is graduating, or maybe you are celebrating a milestone of your own.
Graduation season often brings reflection.
Have you ever looked back and thought:
“I wish I knew then what I know now.”
Two questions I wish someone had asked me decades ago are two of the questions I share in many keynotes, workshops, coaching calls, and everyday conversations are two that people have asked me. However, I change the endings depending on the conversation in order to make the question as relevant as possible.
Two Questions That Matter and Have Made a Different to Me Are:
1. What do you want to see more of…?
…in the world
…in your workplace
…on your team
…in your friendships
…in your family
…in your life
2. What do you want to be known for?
…as a leader
…as a parent
…as a teammate
…as a friend
…as a spouse
…as a mentor
…as a human
At the end of the day, people may not remember titles or accomplishments but like the old saying goes, they will remember how we made them feel, how we treated others, and what we stood for.
Graduation may celebrate education, but life continues to teach us long after the diploma is framed.
Five Things I Wish I Knew at 13
Being popular is a state of mind and many times more about finding confidence than acceptance.
Every single person has challenges, even when life looks perfect on the outside.
Everyone has gifts — discovering them takes time.
Kindness matters more than fitting in.
You don’t need to have your entire future figured out. College isn’t for everyone. Some type of post High School education will serve you well
Five Things I Wish I Knew at 18
Comparison can steal both joy and confidence. Run your own race.
What looks and feels like failure is often a learning opportunity in disguise.
It is okay to change your mind about your career path. Most people do. Some people know exactly what they want to do early in life — many do not and both are okay.
Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s usually a major part of it.
Every person brings value to a team, even if their contribution looks different.
Five Things I Wish I Knew at 22
Learning is lifelong. Real learning begins and continues after graduation.
The little moments in life often become the biggest memories.
You can make an impact no matter what your title or position.
Money is not the root of all evil: greed is. It’s not how much you make it’s how you use it.
Relationships matter more than resumes.
A Leadership Reminder for Every Age
Graduation is not only about finishing something. It is also about becoming someone.
No matter what our age, we are all still learning:
how to lead
how to grow
how to adapt
how to serve
how to become better versions of ourselves and
Perhaps that is the real lesson of graduation season: Learning never truly ends.
So, this month, whether you are celebrating a graduate, mentoring someone younger, or reflecting on your own journey, consider these two questions again:
What do you want to see more of?
What do you want to be known for?
The answers may shape more than a career.
They may shape a life, and it could be yours.
You Got This. And I have your Back.
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
- Ann
Motherhood and Leadership
The Leadership Lessons We Learn from the People Who Raise Us
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone. A special shout out to all the moms, grandmas, aunts, mentors, and caregivers for everything you do.
You might be thinking, “Hmm… I’m not a mom. What does this have to do with leadership?”
Quite a bit, actually. Let’s face it , the people who raise us often shape the leaders we become.
Leadership is not just about titles, promotions, or organizational charts. Leadership is about influence. It is about showing up consistently, helping others grow, creating safety, setting expectations, listening, encouraging, correcting, and loving people through challenges.
That sounds a lot like motherhood to me.
My mom once shared with me that she didn’t think she had accomplished much in life. That saddened me because I have always believed—and still believe—that my mom accomplished a great deal. She was always there for my sisters and me, and I can’t think of anything more important than that. Just like great leaders are there for their teams.
I asked her a question:
“Mom, do you think you did a good job raising three girls who are productive, honest members of society?”
She looked at me and said,
“Of course. I think the three of you turned out great.”
(Her words, not mine. 😊)
I told her:
“Then I think you did one of the most important things a person can do in life—raise three solid human beings.”
That conversation reminded me that many of the most important leadership lessons are not learned in boardrooms or classrooms. They are learned around kitchen tables, in carpools, through difficult conversations, quiet sacrifices, and everyday examples.
What My Mom Taught Me About Leadership
1. Bloom Where You Are Planted
You can grow from every experience you have.
Great leaders do not wait for perfect conditions. They learn, adapt, and grow wherever they are. Some of the greatest growth happens during seasons we never would have chosen for ourselves.
2. Keep Your Priorities Straight
My mom always knew what mattered most.
Leadership often pulls us in a hundred directions at once. Strong leaders stay grounded in their values and remember that people matter so much more than productivity.
3. Be Present
One of the greatest gifts someone can give is their attention.
My mom taught me that being fully present matters. Whether at work or at home, people remember how we made them feel when they needed us most.
4. Create a Safe Place to Fall
There was always food on the table, a ride to activities, a listening ear, and most importantly—a safe place to fall.
The best leaders create environments where people feel supported, respected, and safe enough to learn, grow, and even fail occasionally without fear.
5. Be Respectful
Respect was expected in our home.
Leadership without respect eventually loses influence. People may forget what leaders say, but they remember how leaders treat others and how they made people feel.
6. Shape Lives Through Example
Leadership is often caught more than taught.
Our actions speak louder than words. The way we handle stress, conflict, kindness, responsibility, and integrity becomes a model for others. If you think others aren’t looking, think again – they are.
7. If It’s Not Working-Do Something About It.
My mom believed if you don’t like something, work to change it.
Great leaders don’t stay stuck in unhealthy situations. They take responsibility and create the change needed to get where they want to be.
8. Listen More Than You Speak
My mom always said, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Use two twice as much as you use the one.
That lesson still stays with me today.
Listening builds trust. Listening creates understanding. Listening is one of the most underrated and underutilized leadership skills.
9. Kindness Is Always a Choice
I remember sharing with Noah just before he went to kindergarten:
“I expect you to be kind to everyone.” You may not like everyone, but I expect you to treat everyone with kindness. You are the one in control of your own actions, no one else.”
Leadership begins with personal responsibility. We can’t always control circumstances, but we can control how we treat people.
10. Small Things Matter
Many leadership moments are not dramatic.
They are the daily check-ins. The encouragement. The consistency. The follow-up phone call. The authentic thank-you(s) for doing a great job. The quiet sacrifices nobody sees.
Leadership is often built through ordinary moments repeated over time, which turn into extraordinary learning, lasting influence, and lives forever changed.
A Few Final Thoughts
Motherhood and leadership share many of the same qualities:
Patience. Sacrifice. Encouragement. Accountability. Authenticity. Compassion. Resilience. Heart. Love.
Whether you are a mother, father, grandparent, mentor, teacher, coach, manager, or friend—you have the opportunity to shape lives every single day. And perhaps that is one of the greatest accomplishments any leader can achieve.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who lead with care, compassion, strength, and heart.
You Got This. And I have Your Back.
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
- Ann
Leading Through a Century of Change
When is the last time you got to dress up in a “costume” outside of Halloween?
Last week some of us took the opportunity to dress up in our best 1920s attire including gloves, a feather headband, pearl necklace, earrings, long cigarette holder. Now for those of you who know me well, the cigarette holder was a major stretch since I used to work for the American Cancer Society and am still an advocate for no smoking. 😉
You may be asking what in the world inspired us to do this?
The Rotary Clubs of Ankeny held our annual gala last week. Our theme – the Roaring 20s. So, it got me thinking about what’s changed about Leadership from then to now. Granted there’s not enough time or space to include everything so below are a few of the highlights I discovered about leadership in the 20s 100 years ago vs. leadership in the modern 20s.
Command & Control vs. Coach & Collaborate - 1920s leadership emphasized hierarchy, efficiency, and authority and follows process. Today’s leadership leans toward empowerment, coaching, and shared ownership and contributes to the purpose.
Efficiency vs. Engagement - Leaders in the 1920s optimized tasks by using time, motion, and focus mainly on productivity (which is important, however so are people). Leaders today optimize people to be even more successful through engagement and working to ensure their wellbeing which contributes to retention of team members.
Stability vs. Adaptability - The 1920s valued predictability and structure with focusing on long-term roles and climbing the ladder. The 2020s demand agility, fluid roles, continuous reinvention, and constant change.
Position Power vs. Personal Influence - Leadership used to come from title and tenure. You’ve heard it “Because I’m the boss.” Today it’s rooted in credibility, trust, and emotional intelligence. “Because you trust me.” For decades, IQ was considered a person’s primary predictor of success. However, in Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman challenges this assumption, arguing that emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in ourselves and others—is equally, if not more, important. Emotional intelligence (EI) determines how well we navigate relationships, handle stress, and make decisions. Without it, our emotions control us, leading to behaviors that hold us back. Fortunately, unlike IQ, Goleman contends that EI can be learned and developed. (Shorftorm.com)
Uniformity vs. Inclusion - The 1920s workplace often expected conformity so one could “fit in”. The 2020s workplace values diversity of thought, background, and experience where it’s okay to “stand out.”
Work as Duty vs. Work as Meaning - Work in the 1920s was largely transactional and about making a living. Today’s Workforce still wants to make a living however it is increasingly more purpose-driven and about making an impact. Simon Sinek, one of my favorite authors and TedTalk presenters, talks about a people needing to find their “Why.” I agree this is important in having a more fulfilling life.
Communication: One-Way vs. Continuous Dialogue - Leadership communication has shifted from top-down directives and announcements to feedback loops and ongoing conversations.
Speed of Change: Industrial vs. Digital - Both eras experienced rapid change—but today’s pace is exponential with all the digitization, AI, and remote work.
Leadership takeaways:
Authority gets compliance; coaching gets commitment.
You can measure output—but you earn discretionary effort.
Today’s leaders aren’t just managing change—they’re normalizing it.
Influence outweighs authority.
Innovation comes from differences, not sameness.
People don’t just want a paycheck—they want a purpose and passion.
The best leaders today listen as much if not more than they lead.
The faster the world moves; the more grounded leaders must be.
Leadership doesn’t stop at the end of an era. If we pay attention, it can continue to evolve to what the world and people need at any given moment in time.
Not someday. Not when things slow down. Now.
What’s one thing you’re going to do to continue establishing the Leadership Legacy of the 2020s and the next 100 years?
If you want to talk about your future or your team’s – drop me an email and let’s have a conversation!
You Got This. And I Have Your Back!
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve, Ann
Servant Leadership and Volunteering -The Power of Giving Back
Servant leadership – a term introduced by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970, challenges the traditional view of leadership. Instead of leading for power or status, servant leaders lead to serve.
Servant Leaders focus on:
The growth, well-being, and success of the people and communities around them.
Empowering others to reach their goals
Choosing humility over recognition
Prioritizing people and purpose alongside performance
The result?
Stronger trust
Deeper engagement, And More meaningful and sustainable results.
Volunteering - to offer to do something without being asked or expecting payment and choose to serve something bigger than themselves. Whether supporting a local cause or giving time to a broader mission, volunteers are driven by purpose, not personal gain.
The impact is truly a win-win.
Volunteers: Focus on Communities. Who benefits? Communities and the individuals who give their time:
New skills are developed
Relationships and networks expanded
Stress decreases while connections increase
Confidence and a sense of purpose grow
What do Volunteerism and Servant Leadership have in common?
At their core—everything.
Servant Leadership and Volunteering:
Are grounded in a simple but powerful idea: put others first.
Prioritizing the needs of the community and practicing altruism without expecting anything in return.
Empower others to grow and accomplish their goals
Embrace a mindset and philosophy where the primary goal is to serve team members, clients, and the community, prioritizing their needs and well-being above the leaders’ own self-interest of power.
Prioritize people and purpose alongside performance
Servant leadership and volunteerism aren’t separate paths.
They are the same path—lived in different places.
Whether you’re leading a team or serving in your community, the mindset is the same: show up, contribute, and elevate others. In many ways, leadership itself is an act of service.
For me, volunteering has always been part of my life. My parents instilled in my sisters and me that giving back wasn’t optional—it was foundational. That belief has stayed with me, reinforced by organizations like the United States Junior Chamber, whose creed reminds us that “service to humanity is the best work of life,” and Rotary International, with its enduring motto, “Service Above Self.”
These ideas aren’t just slogans—they’re leadership principles by which my family and I live by. Every. Single. Day.
What can we do moving forward?
Here are a couple of thoughts for you to reflect on this month:
1. Lead differently - Take one step to serve.
Reach out to a local organization, mentor someone on your team, or simply ask someone, “How can I support you?”
Small acts of service are where great leadership begins.
2. Reflect.
Pause and consider: where can you serve more intentionally?
Choose one area—your team, your organization, or your community—and commit to showing up with a servant mindset.
3. Serve - Find one way to give back this month.
Volunteer your time, share your expertise, or support a cause you care about. Service doesn’t require perfection—just participation. The leaders people remember most are the ones who support others in accomplishing their goals and living their best life.
Remember:
“If you try to be everything to everybody, you won’t be anything to anybody, so go out and be something to somebody.”
Go out and make a difference one life at a time.
You Got This. And I have Your Back.
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
- Ann
Luck and Hard Work
Do you ever feel that some people are just plain lucky?
Yet is it luck or hard work or maybe a combination of the two that creates success?
We often use the word luck to explain someone’s success. Yet, when we look a little closer, what we usually find is preparation, persistence, and a willingness to keep going when things weren’t easy.
We tend to use the word luck as a simple explanation for someone else’s achievement. It can make success seem random—as if the right opportunity simply appeared at the right time.
However, when we look a little closer, what we often find behind that “lucky moment” is something very different. We find: Preparation, Perseverance, and Perspiration combined with hard work that happened quietly and long before anyone noticed.
Luck does happen—And, hard work often creates the moment when preparation and opportunity finally meet. Then it’s up to us to determine which opportunities to take, which ones to let go, and what we are willing and able to do to make things happen.
Remember:
Leaders don’t wait for luck—they prepare for it.
Luck may have opened the door—but hard work is what prepared you to walk through it and continue the journey until success is achieved.
None of us succeeds entirely on our own. Mentors, colleagues, and supporters often play a role in opening doors and encouraging us along the way.
Luck favors people who take action.
Hard work quietly creates conditions where luck can happen.
You may not always see immediate results, but efforts are rarely wasted. They are preparing you for opportunities that have not yet appeared.
Be ready: Because when opportunity appears—and sometimes it arrives unexpectedly, the people who benefit from it are usually the ones who prepared for it long before they knew it was coming.
Success rarely arrives suddenly—it accumulates and Overnight success usually takes about 10 years.
Join me later this month for the spring-cleaning challenge. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work we’ll clean out the cobwebs, maybe some leftovers from Halloween, and continue our journey to make our dreams a reality.
If you want to connect about working together individually or with your team contact me and let’s talk.
You got this. And I have your back.
Ann
What the Super Bowl Teaches Us About Leadership…
Like many, did you find yourself caught up in wondering who would make it to the Super Bowl—and who would ultimately emerge as the “winner”?
Once you reach the playoffs, there are no ties. The narrative is clear: one team wins, one team loses. But I’ve always believed that getting to the playoffs—and certainly to the Super Bowl—is a win in itself. Perspective shapes the story we tell ourselves.
Some years are more exciting than others depending on which teams are playing. We all have our favorites. Growing up 80 miles southwest of Chicago, I’ve been a loyal fan of the Chicago Bears my entire life. Still, there are other teams I root for because of the people—the character, the leadership, and the way they carry themselves. At the end of the day, I simply want a good, clean game.
And if we’re paying attention, there is a lot the playoffs—and the Super Bowl—can teach us about leadership.
1. Every Point Counts
Field goals. Touchdowns. Extra points.
One point can change the entire outcome of a game.
Leadership works the same way. Small decisions, small conversations, small moments of encouragement—they add up. You may feel like “just one person,” but one person absolutely makes a difference. Culture shifts point by point.
2. It’s Never Over Until It’s Over
There are four quarters for a reason. Momentum shifts. Energy dips. Comebacks happen.
Resilient leaders understand this. They don’t coast in the third quarter or assume defeat too soon. They finish strong. They help their teams reset, refocus, and execute—again, again, and again.
3. It Takes a Team
No one wins alone. Not in football. Not in leadership.
Every player has a role. Starters, backups, special teams, coaching staff—each contributes to the success of the team. Strong leaders recognize that everyone brings something essential to the table. The healthiest teams operate with shared responsibility and mutual respect. They embrace discipline, preparation, accountability, and consistency throughout all the season – the actual fall football season and the off season when it would be easy to slack off.
One player I admire is Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers. I love a good underdog story. He was as they say, “Mr. Irrelevant.” Chosen last in the draft, he is first in my eyes. Yes, he is a good football player, but what stands out even more is his character. He demonstrates authenticity, humility, and a team-first mindset. He takes responsibility. He acknowledges the strengths of his opponents. He supports his teammates. He knows where to focus and doesn’t allow the negative comments to derail him or his team.
That’s leadership.
The playoffs remind us that while only one team holds the trophy, both teams bring talent, discipline, and value to the field. The same is true in our organizations. Titles may distinguish roles, but contribution defines impact.
So as you think about the “game” you’re currently playing—
Where are your points adding up?
How are you finishing your quarters?
And how are you strengthening your team?
Because in leadership, the real win isn’t just the scoreboard. It’s the culture you build along the way.
You got this! And I have your back.
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
- Ann
Why Kindness Is a Leadership Strength, Not a Weakness
Has anyone ever suggested to you that being kind means being “soft” or going easy on people?
It’s been said to me: You’re too nice (their words, not mine).
Kindness is at times interpreted as a sign of weakness or being soft and a people-pleaser. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Real kindness—the kind that builds trust, clarity, and results—is anything but soft. Strong leaders with confidence choose kindness on purpose not accidentally.
Kindness and confidence aren’t in conflict with one another. Just the opposite. They’re friends and belong in the same sentence. By showing kindness alongside confidence, you set yourself up to earn respect, make firm decisions, and achieve success.
Kindness is a Leadership Advantage:
At its core, kindness is a leadership and strategic advantage. It’s not about lowering standards. It’s about how we uphold them and the way we look at it. Kindness, respect, trust, and dignity create environments where people think clearly, speak honestly, and stay engaged. The return on kindness shows up in retention, collaboration, and performance—long after fear-based leadership has stopped working.
Kindness takes discipline. It requires leaders to show up with care even under pressure, when patience is thin and stakes are high. That’s when kindness matters most.
Kindness doesn’t mean people-pleasing. You can lead with heart and boundaries. In fact, clear boundaries are often the kindest thing a leader can offer—they reduce confusion, resentment, and burnout.
Kindness starts internally. Self-compassion isn’t indulgent—it’s practical. When you treat yourself with respect, you make better decisions. You’re clearer, steadier, and more confident. Leaders who feel grounded in themselves don’t need to overreact, overexplain, or prove their worth.
How you speak to yourself becomes how you lead others.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to remember to bring and keep kindness in the workplace. If you want more kindness in the workplace and the world, it begins with you. In The Wizard of Oz, the Lion believed he lacked courage. We often associate lions—and courage with being loud or aggressive. But the courage to be kind doesn’t need to roar. It can be quiet.
Consistent, quiet kindness often creates the greatest impact. It’s said that when you whisper, people listen more closely—because they have to slow down and truly hear what’s being said. Kindness works the same way. It isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand attention. It earns it.
Having the courage, confidence, and commitment to lead with kindness and civility requires conscious choice. It means making kindness a habit, not a reaction. When practiced consistently, it can lead to success—for individuals, teams, and entire organizations.
Kindness is not a personality trait—it’s a leadership practice. When modeled consistently, it encourages others to do the same. That’s how cultures begin to change: one act of kindness at a time. The cost of unkind leadership is real: eroded trust, disengagement, and stalled growth. The good news? These patterns can be interrupted—one intentional choice and act of kindness at a time.
I know this may sound basic. You might even wonder why we’re talking about something many of us learned as children. But if we learned it, and believe it matters, why does kindness feel so scarce right now? And more importantly—what can we do to bring it back?
Why is there a lack of kindness?
Everyone is in a hurry and doesn’t stop to think about what we say and how we say it comes across to another person.
It’s become the norm to say whatever you want in whatever manner you want.
Stress.
People have become immune to what’s happening around them.
People just don’t realize how the lack of kindness is affecting people and culture.
So, what can you do to spread more kindness in the world?
Take The Kindness Challenge: choose to spread kindness daily. Here are 14 ways to spread kindness, which take little effort yet have the potential to make a long-lasting impact.
Be honest – tell the truth with care and integrity
Common courtesy goes a long way. Remember to say please and thank you
Disagree with respect. Even in the heat of conflict, be kind. We all have our opinions and they don’t always align. In hard conversations, tone can change outcomes. Choose dignity over being right. You don’t have to agree with the person; however, you can still be kind. Isn’t that the respect you hope and want others will offer you? The adage, “do unto others’ as you would have them do unto you” still holds true. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Email someone and let them know what a good job they did.
Follow through with commitments.
Keep civility in the workplace and home.
Lead one conversation with extra care.
Listen, especially when time is short. Being fully present may be the most powerful form of kindness we offer.
Publicly acknowledge a kind action or job well-done by someone else.
Send a thank-you card.
Send a complimentary and sincere text.
Self-care - Be kind to yourself
Speak last. A Small Act of Kindness That Can Change a Team – Simon Sinek encourages leaders to speak last. By asking people what they think and giving them the opportunity to go first you demonstrate kindness, respect, and the fact that you really do want to hear what they have to say. Share your opinion but do it last.
Take a meal to a neighbor or donuts or cookies to the office.
The Bottom line: Kindness wins!
And as the saying goes, “People will remember not what you said, but how you made them feel.”
The world and people need more kindness, empathy, and understanding. May we all have the courage to be a little kinder to one another.
Ann
Is AI Helping or Hurting Leaders? Rethinking Artificial vs. Assisted Intelligence
What do you think? Are you:
Pro AI – Heck yes, I’m using it for everything
Heck no – I am not using it now or ever!
My Jury is still out on AI
Honestly, for me I was no way do I want anything to do with AI until I was listening to a podcast on the way to see my sister in Georgia a little over a year ago. The host, who I am sad to say I don’t remember, shared his viewpoint on AI, and uttered one statement that caused me to stop and think about AI in a completely different way and changed my mindset.
He said - don’t think of AI as Artificial intelligence, think of it as Assisted Intelligence
Hmmm - now that’s an interesting perspective.
The Opportunity
Is AI an opportunity? Yes, it’s an opportunity which comes with tremendous responsibility.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s a reality and here to stay. How we choose to engage with AI will shape culture, trust, and performance now and for years to come.
At its best, AI allows people to elevate their work, by automating routine tasks and synthesizing complex data. It creates space for deeper thinking and even more meaningful conversations. We can respond faster, personalize experiences for team members and customers, and scale effective practices across organizations.
The Challenge
AI also demands discernment. We will want and need to determine how to use AI in an ethical manner as well as ensure that data is checked to ensure accuracy.
Moving Forward
Leaders won’t ask, “What can AI replace?” but rather, “What could humans do more of because AI exists?” It’s important to remember that empathy, judgment, creativity, and values-based decision-making remain uniquely human strengths.
As I see it there are advantages and challenges to using AI. By the way I thought it would be interesting to see what AI shared as advantages and challenges, so I want to be transparent. The advantages and challenges listed below are what AI shared with me when I asked what the advantages and challenges were when using AI. I thought you might be interested to see what AI had to say.
Advantages in using AI
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
AI automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks, enabling employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work.Data-Driven Decision Making
AI analyzes large and complex data sets quickly, uncovering patterns, insights, and forecasts that support more informed decisions.Cost Savings Over Time
While initial investment may be significant, AI can reduce long-term operational costs through automation, error reduction, and process optimization.Consistency and Accuracy
AI systems perform tasks consistently, minimizing human error in areas such as data entry, analysis, and quality control.Scalability
AI solutions can scale rapidly to handle increased workloads without proportional increases in staffing or infrastructure.Enhanced Customer Experience
AI enables personalization, faster response times, and 24/7 support through tools such as chatbots, recommendation engines, and predictive service models.Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Organizations leveraging AI effectively can create new products, services, and business models that differentiate them in the market.
Challenges using AI
Implementation and Integration Complexity
Deploying AI often requires significant changes to systems, workflows, and skill sets, which can disrupt operations if not managed carefully.Data Quality and Availability
AI outcomes are only as good as the data used; incomplete, biased, or poor-quality data can lead to flawed results.Ethical and Bias Concerns
AI systems may unintentionally reinforce bias or produce inequitable outcomes if not designed, trained, and monitored responsibly.Workforce Impact and Skill Gaps
AI can change job roles, creating anxiety, resistance, or the need for reskilling and upskilling across the organization.Security and Privacy Risks
Increased data use raises concerns about cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance.Lack of Transparency (“Black Box” Models)
Some AI models make decisions that are difficult to explain, which can reduce trust and pose challenges in regulated environments.Ongoing Maintenance and Governance
AI systems require continuous monitoring, updating, and governance to remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with business goals.
Back to me writing:
The advantages and challenges listed above give us many things to think about and consider. My invitation to you - think about how and when it makes sense to use AI and when it doesn’t as well as how to use it in an ethical manner.
Sooooooo,
Do I utilize AI for some things? Yes.
For example: I might use it to assist me with polishing a paragraph, tightening up thoughts for an email, and helping format a document.
Do I use it for everything – No way. My voice may not be perfect but it’s my voice and it’s real.
Does AI have a place?
I believe it does, but it does not, in any way, shape, or form, take the place of a human. As humans we create, feel, and can relate to others.
We can all use some assistance, and like the following quote states:
“Artificial intelligence is only as good as the questions we ask of it.” — unknown
You got this and I have your back.
Supporting you in creating the life and career you deserve,
- Ann
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Make up any new words last year?
Did you make any new year’s resolutions? Make up any new words last year?
My answers to the question above – No and YES!!!
No. I didn’t make any resolutions. Why? Mainly because I get all excited and motivated to set multiple new habits and goals and end up not keeping most of them. Then comes the feeling guilty because I missed a day or two or three… You know the drill. You may be thinking well this is not very motivating. Keep reading!
However, the answer to my second question is YES! – I made up a new word. At least I’ve never heard it before and when I type it, there’s a red line telling me it’s spelled wrong. LOL. My new word - Realutions!
You may be wondering what in the world is she talking about? The word is a combination of Real and Solution. This year, I’m working hard to set realistic goals, expectations of myself and solutions to challenges I’m facing. It’s a combination of Real Solutions – Realutions. Hey, you have to some fun in life.
If you joined me in the Leadership Advent Challenge, you know we spent December working on evaluating what went well and things we wanted to achieve and how we wanted to feel in 2026. If you didn’t have a chance to participate or maybe you watched the videos but didn’t have a chance to complete the handout – no problem. It’s attached to this newsletter in case you want to use it this month. There’s plenty of time to plan for 2026.
So how can setting realutions support you in a successful and less stressful 2026? Set realistic goals and expectations for the year and break them down into quarterly and even monthly goals. Remember it’s not just about what you want to do but of equal importance how do you want to feel this year? Personally, I would like to feel more at peace and less stressed.
Realutions – here is one way in which you can begin making the “realutions” you want and to set yourself up for success in 2026.
Remember what is important in life and what you want to accomplish, not what everyone thinks you should be doing but what you want. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Evaluate what went and is going well.
Attitude is everything. Check your attitude at the door. Is your glass half full? Of course, my son will tell you if it’s half full, it’s half empty. I love that kid. I still look at it as half full – The half empty is what I have chosen to eliminate.
Listen to your heart and intuition. They will serve you well if you let them when determining what you want to start, stop, and continue. Ultimately you can choose how you spend your time. I know, many have to work, I get that. Find joy in your job. Then determine what you want to spend time on outside of work.
Unclutter your physical and emotional space. Remove unnecessary items or mess from a space, creating a more organized and peaceful environment in your house and head. I spent some time during the first weekend in January uncluttering. What a great feeling. I still have much to do but you have to start to finish!
Take time to figure out what you want to be celebrating at the end of the year. Make a plan. You can always change direction. However, if you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which path you take.
Initiate action. What is your first step towards one of your goals? One of my goals is to become more physically active. We bought a rowing machine with access to live and on demand classes. I’ve used it a couple times. The first time I used it was the hardest because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. By the third class I was at least confident I could do this.
One goal and one step at a time. You can still work on more than one goal however what are the steps, one at a time, you are going to take to achieve each goal. You can have it all, just not at the same time. For example, I’m going to publish at least one book this year (hopefully two) and am interested in launching two products. My first step toward each goal – my mind map for book two and list of product ideas are nearly complete. I met with someone who has launched a product line. She and her husband are successful, and she was kind enough to share many tips on where to begin. Thank You Lindsey! Next steps – outline each chapter and meet with a couple of people about product production.
Never give up. Quitting is not an option. However, changing directions is! You can always decide you want to take a different path.
Start, Smell, and Stop. You have to start to finish so get working on those hopes and dreams. Take the first step. Stop what isn’t working. Smell the roses along the way. It’s cliché and it’s important. Life is short. Enjoy the little things because in the end you’ll realize they were the big things.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James
Not only does what you do make a difference to others, it makes a difference in your life too.
My wish for you is to live your best life and you are the author of your own life. What can and will you do to live your best life in 2026?
You got this! And I have you back!
- Ann Wright
Top 12 Leadership Lessons I Learned from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Here are the top 12 takeaways I learned from Rudolph and his animated friends:
1. Leaders own their mistakes.
Santa was wrong when he told Rudolph he would never lead the sleigh because of his nose. But he owned it. Imagine if every leader acknowledged their mistakes, apologized, corrected the course, and made sure not to repeat them.
2. Exclusion hurts—and it often comes from ignorance, not intent.
Coach Comet shut Rudolph out of the reindeer games. He also acknowledged his mistake, owned it, and apologized. Leaders set the tone for inclusion and fairness, whether it be on a playground, in a workplace or in a home.
3. Peer pressure can lead to poor behavior, but growth is possible.
The young reindeer followed Fireball when he teased Rudolph about his red, glowing nose. He was afraid of someone who was a little bit different than he was. Later, they all realized they were wrong. Leaders teach teams that it is never too late to correct a bad choice and not to give into peer pressure, especially when it’s wrong and hurts people.
4. Parents and mentors sometimes get it wrong, too.
Donner, Rudolph’s Dad tried to hide Rudolph’s difference. Even with good intentions, leaders can contribute to limiting beliefs. The key is to continue learning, growing, and modeling better practices as they change their mindset. Parents aren’t perfect; they’re human or in this case a reindeer. Nevertheless, we can all do better.
5. Clarice shows what true friendship looks like.
She didn’t care about Rudolph’s red nose. She saw his character. Leaders who look past differences create loyalty, trust, and confidence as they support people in growing into the people they are meant to be and reaching their true potential.
6. Everyone Wants to Feel a Sense of Belonging and Self-worth.
King Moonracer, who reigned over the Island of Misfit Toys, understood the importance of belonging. He created the Island, so every toy had a home of some kind. He helped the toys persevere until they found a permanent home of their own.
The Misfit Toys remind us that everyone wants to belong. No one on the Island of Misfit Toys had anything “wrong” with them just because they didn’t fit a mold that society set. They were simply - different. Charlie-in-the-Box, the polka-dot elephant, the square-wheeled train and the little doll—each had charm, humor, and heart. People don’t need to fit a mold to add value; they need to feel seen, heard, and appreciated and be given the opportunity to capitalize on their strengths and what they have to offer.
Leaders help people see their strengths, contributions, and potential. He also helped Rudolph and his friends understand they needed to return to the North Pole and work with their friends and not run away from responsibility.
7. Leaders Know the Importance of Collaboration: Connecting through networking.
King Moonracer understood the value of teamwork and collaboration. He knew he needed partners to help the toys find a home. Rudolph was the perfect ally since he knew Santa. We all need support and someone who has different connections and strengths than we have.
8. The Value of Being Purpose-Driven and Staying True to Who You are Meant to Be.
Hermey’s (the elf) dream is crystal clear. While every other elf is content making toys, he dreams of being a dentist. Leaders who show up as their true selves build deeper trust, foster psychological safety, and encourage others to pursue better paths even when they are unpopular. He refuses to accept “this is how it’s always been done.”
9. Complementary Strengths Make Teams Stronger: Advocate for Your People and See Their Potential
Yukon Cornelius recognizes potential in others—like Bumble—long before anyone else does. Leaders who look beneath the surface spot hidden strengths, develop talent, and unlock potential others may miss. Great leaders help their team members grow into their strengths. They look beyond the exterior to find hidden talent and unexpected potential on the inside. When you can see what’s on the inside, you suddenly see it on the outside too.
10. Leaders are Resourceful and Don’t Let Obstacles Get in Their Way.
Yukon Cornelius shows up prepared. He also adapts, improvises, and makes the most of whatever he has, even when the journey gets messy, uncomfortable, or uncertain he remains committed to his goal. Leadership requires commitment: to the work, to the people, and to the values guiding both.
11. Belief in Your Own Gifts and Others is Essential.
Rudolph and Hermie learned to embrace what made them different. Their uniqueness became their superpower. Leaders must know their strengths and use them with confidence and class. Rudolph’s grace, and Hermey’s intelligence and empathy blended with Yukon’s boldness and courage. Together, they balanced each other out. Leaders who build diverse teams with a variety of skillsets, personalities, and experiences—produce better outcomes, reduce blind spots, and innovate more effectively.
12. Keep Your Promises and Lift Others as You Rise.
Rudolph remembered the Misfit Toys. He returned to keep his promise—because true leadership includes staying true to your word, elevating others, and not just achieving your own success but partnering with others to help them achieve theirs.
As we wrap up 2025 and look toward the new year, I challenge you to ask yourself the following four questions:
What do I want to see more of?
What do I want to be known for?
How can I lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage to make the year ahead my strongest yet?
What am I willing and able to do to make my dreams come true and to help other people realize their dreams?
The 12 Days of Leadership
On the first day of Leadership, I stopped and gave to me…
One powerful word for 2026.
On the second day of Leadership, I paused and gave to me…
Two trusted peers—one accountability partner and one mentor.
On the third day of Leadership, I planned and gave to me…
Three bold ideas for each area of life I want to focus on in 2026.
On the fourth day of Leadership, I reviewed and gave to me…
Four lessons learned from the challenges of 2025.
On the fifth day of Leadership, I reflected and gave to me…
Five golden wins—celebrations from 2025. (Pat yourself on the back – you deserve to celebrate those wins!)
On the sixth day of Leadership, I scheduled and gave to me…
Six uninterrupted hours to focus on mapping out the year ahead.
On the seventh day of Leadership, I connected and gave to me…
Seven ways and people with whom to collaborate—building stronger, more supportive networks and teams.
On the eighth day of Leadership, I committed and gave to me…
Eight habits forming to fuel focus, momentum, and success in 2026.
On the ninth day of Leadership, I reached out and gave to me…
Nine networking wins—conversations and connections that elevated my growth and made a list of people I want to connect with in 2026.
On the tenth day of Leadership, I leaned in and gave to me…
Ten risks worth taking in 2026 to stretch my comfort zone, so I accomplish the goals I want by the end of 2026.
On the eleventh day of Leadership, I listened and gave to me…
Eleven valuable voices—diverse perspectives that sharpen my thinking by reading, reaching out to peers, and evaluating my whys.
On the twelfth day of Leadership, I celebrated and gave to me…
Twelve triumphant moments—pauses to appreciate progress, growth, and joy along the journey.
Give yourself the gift of growth this season! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel. We are talking about how to get ready to kick off 2026 with a bang. Go to my website and download the handout to follow along, investing a few minutes each day from now until Christmas to get ready for the 2026 you want! You can also email me and I will send it to you. There’s plenty of time to prepare.
Want to talk more about leading yourself and your team?
Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude All Year
I personally love the Thanksgiving holiday, though it tends to get lost between Halloween and Christmas.
Why do I love this holiday? Because it’s a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate all the good things going well in our lives. Even the challenging moments can become unexpected gifts, ones we may not fully understand yet, but gifts all the same.
As we move through this season, I invite and encourage you to slow down and reflect on what you’re most thankful for. Gratitude is powerful, and while this week is a natural moment to give thanks, imagine the impact we would have if we carried this same sentiment into work and our personal lives every day. It’s easy to focus on what’s not working or what frustrates us at work. But when we take time to recognize what is working, we realize we already have more than enough.
So, what are you most thankful for at work this week?
The top 10 things for which I am grateful at work when I coach clients, facilitate workshops, or deliver a keynote, in no particular order, are:
Clients who show up and are open to exploring where the conversation leads them.
The opportunity to be part of people’s transformation.
Celebrating with clients when they get a new job.
Celebrating when clients are excited about the future and decide to take action.
Audiences being engaged in the conversation.
Laughter and people having fun!
The chance to share and hear what works… and what doesn’t.
AHA moments.
Knowing people have been inspired.
Living my life’s purpose: Every. Single. Day.
“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”
William James
Let’s appreciate and encourage our peers, supervisors, direct reports, and ourselves.
Three Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude All Year: I’m bringing these back into my routine—maybe they’ll inspire you too!
1. Send a Weekly Thank-You Note
A quick email, text, or handwritten note to:
Someone who’s made your leadership journey easier
A behind-the-scenes contributor who rarely gets recognized
A team member who deserves appreciation for a recent win
2. Create a Gratitude Ritual
Begin meetings by having team members share one win
Encourage peers to thank a colleague once a week
3. Bring Treats to Work
No need for fancy—pumpkin bars and brownies are my go-tos!
Charles Schwab once said, “The way to develop the best in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”
You got this and I have your back.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ann
Overcoming Self‑Doubt: How to Build Lasting Confidence and Clarity
Lack of Confidence and Self-doubt:
Sometimes you feel confident. Sometimes you don’t. Confidence isn’t about knowing everything all the time, it’s knowing where to find the answers. With the right resources, knowledge, skills, team members, and processes, you can accomplish the goals you set out to achieve.
Sometimes when you experience self-doubt you just want to turn around and run the other way, ignore them, or dwell on them.
What causes you to doubt yourself when you have a thought, an idea, or a project you’re working on and excited about and then suddenly you wonder if you should share the thought or work toward the goal? Are you sabotaging your own success? This isn’t about not wanting to do something, it could be something you really want to accomplish; however, for whatever reason, an incident in your past, something someone said that’s stuck in your head, or lack of knowledge or experience makes you question whether this goal can become a reality.
I just want you to know that most people have doubts about themselves and lack confidence at some point in their life.
What to do to feel more confident and address self-doubt?
Talk to someone about the reason’s you’re doubting yourself
Create a list of your strengths
Journal and/or talk about a time when you felt confident
Ask your trusted friends to share with you 3 – 5 things they believe you do well
Say to yourself: “I can do hard things. I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to be great to start, however, I have to start to be great.”
“Never let self-doubt hold you captive.”
Roy Bennett
2. Fear of failure or fear of success?
Some have asked, “Are you afraid of success or failure?” No one likes to fail, yet we all do at some point in life. In fact, we fail multiple times in our life. If you don’t fail, you’re probably not trying enough new things. Think about how much you learn from your so-called failures. I’ve heard it said, “it’s only a failure if you fail to learn from it.” How much more would you, as well as kids, learn if you asked yourself, what did I learn from this or what will I do differently next time?
Success—Do you ever wonder how anyone could be afraid of success? It’s kind of like what Marianne Williamson said in her quote, “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. It is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, and not our darkness, that frightens us.”
Once you’re successful, do you feel people or maybe you have even higher expectations of and for you and it’s going to create more work and stress in your life? At times, I think this.
What to do to address your fears?
Ask yourself some questions:
Is what you’re telling yourself true?
Does it have merit?
Does it serve you?
Are you allowing comparison, an imagined fear, or self-doubt control you?
Think of Fear of failure like this - F.A.I.L.—First Attempt in Learning.
Take a moment and define what success is for you. Don’t let others define it for you. Different people not only define success in different ways, it’s also different for people based on their capabilities. What would success mean to you?
“Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
Suzy Kassem
3. Time or perceived lack of time and not knowing where or when to begin:
Are you overwhelmed with ideas and “tasks” to do swirling around in your head that you’re mentally paralyzed? I get it. I wish I could say I’ve been there however I can say I’m there at the moment. I have so many things I’d like to do some days I’m not certain where to begin.
Sometimes we have time, however we lack focus on how to more effectively use our time. Other times we truly have too many things on our plate. Are your time commitments – determined by others? Or have you scheduled so much of your time you haven’t made the time to consider what is important and what you want to be spending your time on? Are you doing things to please others, when you really want and need to honor your own priorities including even self-care?
Just because you choose not to do something today doesn’t mean you won’t ever do it. It just means not today.
What to do to increase managing your time and begin reeling in the craziness in the squirrel brain?
Create and use a “Will Do” list
Be intentional with what is truly important to you.
Do the hardest work when you’re at your best. Are you a morning or afternoon person?
Work in chunks: make phone calls, schedule meetings in blocks, answer/write emails, and focus on projects. Don’t jump from one thing to another.
Say yes, to what’s important and no to what is not high on the priority list – today.
Create a list of what you want to do in the next year.
Develop a realistic timeline for your goals.
Brainstorm with a friend or peer about your goals and timelines.
Determine what you will regret if you don’t do it.
Determine what to let go for now – not forever.
4. Unsure if you’re headed in the right direction?
Do you ever continue going in the same direction and doing the same things over and over again. Then at the end of the day, week, or month, step back and realize you have not moved forward toward any of your big goals and new ideas. I feel like that too.
What to do to ensure you’re headed in the right direction?
Schedule a meeting with yourself to contemplate and evaluate your priorities, and what you want to do and want you want to let go of.
Talk to a trusted friend or peer about where you want to be, where you are, and what you’re willing and able to do to reach your goals.
Work with a coach.
Remember:
You are enough.
Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.
Evaluate fear. Are your fears substantiated in facts or myths to which you subscribe based on things said by those who don’t care about you or your own self-sabotages?
Assume positive Intent – about yourself.
Comparison, fear and self-doubt can be liars—they can rob you of your happiness and full potential, take over your life and paralyze your progress if you allow them to. They can take your breath away and leave you drowning in a sea of self-doubt. However, they can also challenge you and make you stronger.
You have what you need.
You can develop the skills needed to accomplish what you want.
Lean on your peers.
In the Weeds…
Does anybody else have weeds popping up in their yard or patio? Or maybe you’ve felt “in the weeds” with life—so caught up in the busyness that you can’t think straight?
I have.
Last week, with a long to-do list staring me down, I chose to spend a chunk of time pulling weeds in front of my house. That meant the flowerbeds, driveway, and sidewalk. By the time the front was finished, I was too—but the time spent weeding was worth it. Not only did the front of my house look better, but my mindset did too.
While I was weeding, I realized that just like our yards, our minds sometimes get overrun with weeds—negative thoughts, old habits, or clutter that keeps us stuck. We can leave them there, or we can choose to pull them out and make space for something better.
It’s not always fun. Weeding (literal or mental) can feel like short-term pain. But the long-term gain is worth every minute. Why? Because you get a clearer path, more energy, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created space for what really matters.
So, how can we begin to “take out the weeds” and what’s not working?
Make time to pause and reflect on where you’re headed and where you want to be.
Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? What do I want to see more of?
Envision the outcome of your choices and consider alternatives.
Decide which action to take—don’t let the weeds linger.
Commit to act and follow through.
As we step into the crisp, refreshing days of fall, it’s a perfect moment to evaluate 2025 and prepare for what we want more of in 2026. It’ up to you to decide which weeds are in the wrong place and need to be replaced with new thoughts and habits.
I challenge you to decide which weeds need to go, and what new thoughts, habits, or practices you’ll plant in their place.
Make the time. Take the time. Because the outcome will be worth it.
If you ever want to touch base, let me know.
You got this.
And I have your back,
Ann
As Labor Day Approaches — Do You Want to Work Harder or Smarter?
Me – I’m working towards smarter not harder. I’m working toward being more intentional and efficient with my time, not simply piling on more tasks. I even wrote my goals for the next 6 months on a whiteboard so I can see them daily.
With the start of the school year just around the corner—depending on where you live, school may already be back in session. I know you might be thinking, “Ann, I’m not in school anymore… thank goodness!” And I hear you! Regardless of whether we are officially in school or not, as we approach September it always seems as if there tends to bring a shift in energy and mindset around getting back into a routine, refocusing on goals for the remainder of the year, and learning.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the impact of one—the power of a single thought, action, or even letter.
Take the words “for” and “from.” At first glance, they seem simple. But a few years ago, someone asked a group of us a question that’s stuck with me:
“Are you doing this for love or from love?”
Wow. That one small letter—"m"—changed everything. It gave me cause to pause and really think.
Am I doing things for love and acceptance—seeking approval or validation?
Or am I doing things from love—offering my best from a place of generosity and purpose, regardless of how it’s received or the outcome?
Don’t get me wrong. I want to be accepted and have people find what I share meaningful and inspirational. However, this small shift in perspective has made a significant impact on me. It’s helped me focus on why I do what I do and find peace with the outcomes—even when not everyone agrees. This mindset has helped increase my confidence, self-worth, peace of mind, and clarity. It’s reminded me to stay grounded in purpose rather than praise.
So, as we approach September, I invite you to reflect:
Are you doing it for love or from love? You can substitute the word love if you want.
Are you working harder… or smarter?
Sometimes the smallest shift makes the biggest difference.
As an extra bonus in this newsletter. Here’s one of my favorite muffin recipes, shared by a friend, that’s easy, delicious, and a shift from muffins loaded with ingredients to ones with only two ingredients and a little bit healthier.
I share this with you from love not for love. Enjoy.
One cake mix.
One 12-14 oz. can of pumpkin
Mix the cake mix (no eggs, no oil, no water) and pumpkin together. You can use any flavor of cake mix. Chocolate, Vanilla, Spice. My family’s favorite – Spice cake with pumpkin!
Scoop into cupcake liners in the muffin pan. Bake @ 350 for approximately 20 - 23 minutes. (check frequently since ovens are all different – just like people).
Let muffins cool and enjoy one of the moistest, best-tasting muffins ever.
It’s all about perspective and being willing to shift.
You got this! And I have your back.
Ann
What Will You Be Celebrating on December 31, 2025?
On December 31, 2025 – What Do You Want to Be Celebrating?
In July, I challenged you to block out time to reflect—where you are now, and where do you want to be by the end of the year?
Did you make time to complete the challenge? If yes—fantastic! If not—no worries.
The good news? There’s still plenty of time.
🎡 Fair Season & Leadership? Yes, They’re Connected
Each year the Iowa State Fair vendors introduce dozens of unique new food choices, many of which are on a stick, because the Iowa State Fair is famous for foods on a stick.
A dedicated committee—one I’d love to join someday!—narrowed down over 60 entries to eleven, and then just three finalists for 2025’s “Best New Fair Food” contest which the public will vote on during the first several days of the fair. The one with the most votes wins the coveted best new fair food of that year.
The top 11 were:
Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll from Winn & Sara’s Kitchen
Three Little Pigs from Whatcha Smokin? BBQ
The Scotcheroo Shake from Over the Top
The Butter Cow Tornado from Dairy Zone
Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese form What’s Your Cheez?
Hawaiian Hog from the Iowa Pork Producers – Iowa Pork Tent
Nashville Hot Chicken Mac N’ Cheese Pizza Slice from Wiseguys Woodfire Pizza
Sweet Granny’s Apple Delight Sundae from Applishus
HoQ Lamb Wrap from HoQ
Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket On A Stick from JR’s SouthPork Ranch
Potato Half & Half Korean Corn Dog from GoldenKDog
Drum roll please for this year’s three finalists:
Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll – Chicken, bacon, white cheddar, and a drizzle of Winn & Sara’s famous ranch (Win & Sara won in 2024 with the bacon cheeseburger egg roll!)
Three Little Pigs – Three ham balls, each uniquely glazed: honey mustard with cornbread crumbles, cherry soda with maraschino cherries, and a sweet vanilla powdered sugar version.
Scotcheroo Shake – Butterscotch and peanut butter ice cream swirled with fudge, topped with a full slice of scotcheroo.
Yes, I plan to try all three—but not on the same day!
You may be wondering what does the Iowa State Fair have to do with leadership and empowering ourselves?
More than you might think.
Habits - Each year we can count on the fair being held in August and we have certain routines and rituals we have come to expect. There are vendors who are at the fair each year. One of my favorites is the Dessert Coffee folks from Missouri and I don’t even drink coffee, but they have the best dessert coffee and bread mixes around. The Christian concert kicks off the first night of the fair, followed by 10 more days of concerts focused on a variety of music and there are plenty of free concerts for all to enjoy. Demonstrations focus on more things you can imagine, and the 4-H building highlights the amazing talents of our young leaders. Consistency builds momentum. The same applies to leadership. Establishing even one powerful new habit can move you closer to your goals.
Choices - There are always plenty of foods to sample, just like there are a never-ending stream of options to choose from when leading. Some of which you will like and some you won’t. You can try as many foods and leadership styles as possible though you certainly don’t have to explore or test them all at the same time. Narrow the choices down. See what works and feels authentic to you. Then choose what’s best for you and your team.
Collaboration - Just like the fair relied on a committee to narrow the choices for the final three fair foods for the public, you don’t have to go it alone, either. Ask your network-your supervisor, peers, family, friends, accountability buddy etc. to help you figure out options. Collaboration multiplies your momentum.
What Will You Celebrate on December 31, 2025, and what will you do in order to accomplish your goal ?
Here are three simple reflection prompts to guide your next steps:
✨ Habit – What’s one new habit you want to build? When will you start?
✨ Choice – What decision can you make today that will help your goal become a reality?
✨ Collaborate – Who will you ask for support, advice, or accountability?
Remember:
It will be December 31,2025 no matter what. You can either be living your intention or not. The choice is yours. And whatever you choose—that’s okay.
If you want something different, decide what it is you are able and willing to change to get it because if you change nothing, nothing will change.
Here’s to fair food, fearless goals, and finishing the year strong.
You Can’t Lead From Empty: Why Real Leaders Know When to Pause
Anyone feeling a bit tired out there and wondering if it’s okay to take a break? A much-needed break-but just aren’t certain there’s “time” to do so.
This season often brings a desire to hit pause… but guilt or pressure can creep in. The truth is, some of the most impactful leadership decisions start with one simple act: choosing to take care of yourself.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a leader and coach is this…
💡 You can’t lead from empty, and You can’t give what you don’t have. You just can’t.
We’ve been taught that leadership is about being constantly available—always on, always grinding, always giving. But when we ignore our own needs, everyone loses: our teams, our families, and ourselves.
The strongest leaders I’ve worked with aren’t the ones who go the longest without a break. They’re the ones who know when to pause. When to check in with themselves. When to rest. When to refill. When to reset. When to take care of themselves. They understand their ability to lead others depends on their ability to care for themselves - first.
This isn’t just about bubble baths or vacations. Though it’s perfectly fine to enjoy both. It’s about building and strengthening mental clarity, emotional resilience, and having the energy to make wise decisions and effectively support your team and your family.
So, as we reach the second half of 2025, I encourage you to ask yourself:
What’s your plan to take care of you—so you can take care of business?
💬 Try These Self-Care Starters
Even small steps can have a big impact:
✅ Move your body – Schedule time for activity. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or swimming—put it on the calendar.
✅ Eat with intention – Choose foods that energize and nourish.
✅ Pick up (or return to) a hobby – Do something just because you enjoy it.
✅ Read for fun or growth – Fuel your brain with something refreshing.
✅ Connect with others – Make time for friends and family.
✅ Reconnect with yourself – Stillness is powerful. Use it.
✅ Work a puzzle – A great way to relax your mind and stay present.
🎯 Let’s Talk About What Really Matters
When I work with teams, we don’t just talk about strategy, we talk about the real stuff, like the human side of leadership and what it takes to lead from a place of health and clarity.
If your team is burned out, feeling stretched thin, stuck in survival mode, running on fumes, or simply needs to breathe again—let’s talk. I’d love to help you bring this message to your team or leadership event.
📩 Reach out if you're ready to reset, refocus, and reconnect—with yourself and your team.
Wishing you a healthy, energized, and meaningful second half of the year.
A Mid-Year Challenge: Rejoice. Reflect. Refocus. Realign. Recommit.
As we cross the halfway point of the year, I challenge you—not just encourage you—to pause and intentionally take stock of where you are and where you’re headed.
Rejoice
Rejoice in the freedom to choose your path. Whether you continue down the road you’re on or shift direction, you have the power to shape your journey. Celebrate that freedom.
Reflect
What went well in the first six months of the year?
What would you like to see more of in the next six months?
What do you want to be known for by year’s end?
What are you willing—and able—to do to move toward your goals?
Refocus
Decide what you want—and just as importantly, what you don’t want.
Then...
Realign:
Are your daily actions moving you toward your goals?
Recommit:
Make a conscious decision to take action, with clarity and purpose.
Strategies for Success
Here are a few simple, powerful steps to take this month:
Block quiet time in your calendar to think—yes, schedule it!
Plan your celebration: When, how, and with whom will you mark progress?
Write it down: Answer the reflection questions above and record your insights in a way that works for you—on paper, in a note on your phone, or in your calendar.
Talk it out: Share your thoughts with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach.
Be honest: Acknowledge what’s worked and what hasn’t.
Find an accountability partner: Someone who will cheer you on as well as support and challenge you to do your best.
Make it visible: Put your goals and actions where you’ll see them—calendar, to-do list, or sticky note on your mirror. You choose what works best for you.
💡 Remember - Quitting is not an option. Changing direction is.
7 Traits That Build Strong, Trust-Based Collaboration in Teams
Is Collaboration important? Yes.
Is it challenging? Without a doubt.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Collaboration is the heart of effective teamwork. Whether in the workplace, on community projects, or within creative ventures, successful collaboration relies on more than just people working side by side—it demands intentional effort and shared values. Here are the seven important traits that truly support great collaboration:
Strong collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on a set of intentional behaviors and shared values. —not just working together but working effectively together. Throughout my experience with teams as a coach, the team leader and serving as a member of a variety of teams, who are not only successful but who actually enjoy working together, I’ve consistently seen these seven core traits, which I fondly refer to as the T.T.C. CAFE
T.T.C. CAFE Model of Collaboration simply put; means teams are using the full daily blend of collaborative essential traits needed to create the most effective, engaging, and high-performing collaboration possible. Those seven daily essentials traits are:
Time – Investing the right amount of time to do it well
Trust – Building safety through consistency and honesty
Communication – Clear, open, and respectful dialogue
Commitment – Showing up fully, every time
Accountability – Owning your role and following through
Flexibility – Adapting to change and new perspectives
Empathy – Understanding and valuing others' experiences
1. Time
Collaboration takes time— Not just to meet, but to plan, clarify, share information, give feedback, reflect, and make decisions together. Rushed teamwork often leads to shallow engagement or poor results. Effective collaborators invest time intentionally, knowing that quality relationships and ideas develop through thoughtful interaction. When we give the process the time it deserves, the results are stronger and more sustainable.
2. Trust
Trust allows team members to feel safe sharing ideas, taking risks, and being vulnerable. It builds over time through reliability, transparency, and mutual respect. When people trust one another, they can disagree productively and focus on the shared goal rather than self-protection. With trust, collaboration moves forward. Without it, it stalls. When people trust each other to follow through and act with integrity, then they can focus on solving problems—not managing politics.
3. Communication
Miscommunication can derail a team, while effective dialogue keeps everyone aligned. Great collaborators listen actively, express ideas openly, and seek understanding—not just to be heard, but to build shared meaning This can come from sharing the vision and purpose behind the goal.
Clear, honest, and consistent communication is foundational. It keeps team members aligned, reduces friction, and ensures everybody’s voice is heard, especially if you’re working across departments, functions, and time zones.
4. Commitment
Commitment means being all in - with enthusiasm and intentional focus - to the team, the process, and the goal. It shows up as persistence through challenges, showing up prepared, and not giving up when things get tough. It’s about showing up with intention and care—not just checking a box. When the team is fully engaged, it raises the bar for everyone. Committed and motivated teams bring energy, creativity, and resilience. Collaboration without commitment feels hollow; with it, a team has resilience and shared purpose. When they know the “why” behind the work, they’re more likely to lean in, push further, and celebrate wins—together.
5. Accountability
Everyone on a team needs to own their part of the process. Being accountable means following through, meeting deadlines, and owning mistakes. When each person takes responsibility for their contributions, the whole team thrives—and trust deepens.
6. Flexibility
Collaboration requires people to adapt—to different working styles, new ideas, and shifting goals. Flexibility means being willing to let go of “my way” for the sake of a better, shared outcome. It’s about responding rather than reacting and embracing change with curiosity.
Things change—goals shift, new ideas surface. Effective teams adapt. Meaning we stay open-minded, embrace feedback, and find the best way forward—even if it wasn’t Plan A. Besides, it’s usually good to have a plan B anyway.
7. Empathy
Collaboration works best when people understand and value each other’s perspectives. Empathy helps people understand different perspectives, especially when tensions run high. It helps resolve conflicts, strengthen connections, and promote inclusion. It allows collaborators to see the human side of teamwork, not just the tasks. It is truly the human side of collaboration—and key to being inclusive and respectful of each other.
These seven traits: Time, Trust, Communication, Commitment, Accountability, Flexibility, and Empathy. create a culture where collaboration isn’t just possible—it’s productive, innovative, and even enjoyable. When you actively model and instill these values in your team’s daily work, collaboration becomes a true advantage—not just for getting things done, but for driving meaningful, competitive success.
A Season for Growth
Summer’s here! It’s the perfect time to step outside, breathe deeply, and not just tend to your outdoor space—but also to your inner landscape: financially, emotionally, and physically.
There are as many shades of green as there are emotions tied to it. Sometimes it’s the vibrant green of abundance, sometimes it’s the tricky green of envy, and sometimes it’s the soft, steady green of personal growth.
Which shade(s) of green are you focusing on and on which one(s) do you want to focus?
Green as in Money
🌱 Budget Check-In: Are you nurturing your financial garden or accidentally watering weeds?
🌿 Summer Spending Tip: Balance mindful splurging with intentional saving.
2. Green with Envy
🌱 Comparison Trap: How often do we compare our lives to others? Remember: Comparison is the thief of joy. Just because someone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
🌻 Freedom to Choose: If it’s not your dream, you don’t have to pursue it.
🌿 Summer “shoulding” Tip: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
3. Green as in Growth
🌱 Personal Development: What are you nurturing right now? What areas do you want to be nurturing?
🌿 Quiet Growth: Not all growth is loud or Instagram-worthy.
🌻 Authentic Growth: Sometimes, growth means choosing a different path, not doing what everyone else is doing.
Think of your life as your yard:
🌱 What weeds (habits, thoughts, obligations) need pulling?
🌿 What pretty “dandelions” are actually distractions?
🌻 What do you want to plant more of?
🌿 Summer growth Tip: Invest time and effort in what you want to see more of.
📅 I invite you to:
Journal about your personal shades of green.
Meditate or take a mindful walk around your actual yard or neighborhood.
Choose your "green" intentionally for the rest of 2025.
Green can be beautiful, abundant, or distracting—choose your green wisely.