Going independent sounds exciting — until you realize you're now the CEO, the accountant, the marketer, and the IT department. Two founders who made the leap are getting real about what the transition actually looks like, what works, and how to build something that lasts without losing yourself in the process.

One of the tools I return to regularly, and use with leaders and teams, is a simple reflection on affirming and depleting energy. It asks us to name the behaviors that expand our capacity and strengthen the people around us, alongside the patterns that slowly drain our energy when pressure builds. On the affirming side we might see things like courage, listening, curiosity, and building community.

AI can write your résumé, but it cannot tell your story — that is your job.

Right now, many professionals are facing a professional identity crisis. In a world of layoffs, AI disruption, and career pivots, people feel unclear about what makes them valuable. They need language to position themselves confidently in interviews, networking, and promotions — and this session delivers exactly that.

I couldn’t have asked for a better group to share this experience with. The Begin Development team showed up with care, curiosity, humor, and grace — truly embodying what character and integrity look like in motion.

Each of them was handpicked because of the deep admiration I have for their talent, generosity, and spirit. They led with heart and excellence in every interaction, because the best kind of success is always shared. Watching them champion one another (and me) throughout the weekend was one of my favorite moments at Shine Away.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? COLLAB is the professional supercharge that hundreds of executives and leaders have credited with their success.

In today’s world, communication isn’t a soft skill—it’s a power skill. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome two incredible new voices to the Begin Team: Holly Mandel and Sharita Wilson.

Both bring decades of experience helping leaders build confidence, sharpen their message, and master the art of communication—not just in a boardroom, but in every room they walk into. Their arrival marks an exciting expansion of our executive presence programming, and we couldn’t be more energized about what’s ahead.

Missed our recent session with seasoned OD expert Michael Fischer? Catch a glimpse of the magic in action by watching the video below

Michael introduced The Strategy Map™ — a powerful one-page framework that helps leaders align purpose, define bold objectives, and drive real results. This session was packed with practical tools and real-world insight for anyone navigating complexity in leadership or organizational development.

Our recent Eventbrite on COLLAB Essentials brought together a dynamic group of leaders ready to sharpen their practice and show up with more presence, clarity, and impact. From practical frameworks to honest conversations, this session unpacked six essential tools that help leaders collaborate more effectively—especially in seasons of uncertainty and change.

In our conversation, Malika shared something that stayed with me. She said, “That was the best leadership development experience of my entire career, and that is my goal. That they look back, even a decade later, and say, that changed things for me.”

That is not a quick win. That is a long-view commitment to doing work that matters.

It made me think about what each of us is working toward. Will it last? Will it leave someone better, clearer, stronger? Or will it fade as soon as the moment passes?