Dear Reader,

Proud. Happy. Relieved.

That's how I feel now, as my 19-year-old son and I spend an afternoon together at the climbing gym.

Katie and I used to come here together to talk a little about work and a lot about life in between the climbs. She passed away 9 months ago now. As I touch the climbing holds that she also touched, my heart is heavy, but also grateful for her.

She had a gym membership, and she'd give me her one free monthly guest pass. I remember many-a-conversation strategizing about parenting our sons as we’d untie our ropes and prep for the next one. During the Zoom high school years especially, I desperately wanted my son to find drive and motivation and passion. I wondered what I had done wrong. I worried. Those were precious and vulnerable times; sharing and hoping and strategizing with a dear friend.

After my son’s first few months in CA at college (a community college in a beach town, with a dorm, to be exact), I asked about his end of semester grades. With trepidation, I might add. To my surprise, they were great. When I asked him what the secret was, he shared something so profound and also not profound. “The classes were interesting!” Psychology and philosophy and art; all classes that he chose, and he says that he took more notes in the first week than in his entire high school career. And then it all made sense.

At work, I am talking daily about the 3 things that are needed by the modern employee to be engaged & retained in the workplace. Two of those had been missing for him: growth and purpose. What he was missing in high school was the opportunity to choose what he learned, to have an impact, and to lean into a cause and education that mattered to him. He wasn’t driven to people-please, to play the game, or try when there seemed like no relevant point. His school’s structure wasn’t built to support a kid like that. Once he got out, he soared. He is now working for AmeriCorps and spends weeks outside building trails. He’s advancing his rock-climbing skills at record speed (and being a leadership coach, I was tickled when he said, “Mom, I’ve learned to lead!”). He’s earned a chainsaw certificate, loves to paint, ID plants, and is planning to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail. He’s curious and creative and says things like “I’ve found my calling.” I am overjoyed. Today at the gym, we climb routes named “dog milk,” and “three hours later,” while we laugh and sweat and support each other’s dreams.

In high school, students have little impact over their trajectory and how their days are mapped. At work, I can only hope that we, as leaders, can craft a different environment. Can we ask our team members how they want to grow, and what they want to learn? Despite being busy and understaffed and with long to-do lists? How can we uncover their agenda instead of just offering ours? How can we put growth and purpose on their path to fall into?

Katie, if you were here with me, I would be beaming to tell you that everything turned out okay. And I would thank you for your support with my growth and purpose.

Best, Julie

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Registration Now Open: Women's Leadership Summit

Embark on a transformative journey at our 10th annual Women's Leadership Summit, a celebration of empowerment and elevation. Join us on April 26th from 8 am to 4 pm at Serendipity in Flagstaff, Arizona for a day brimming with inspiration and connection.

The theme of this years summit is innovation. You'll have the opportunity to participate in presentations & panels that connect you, inspire you, and give you innovative ideas for your work and life.

Register now using the button below and uncover more about the summit. Don't miss out on the early bird pricing, it'll save $100! Secure your spot in this empowering celebration of women's leadership! Join us in shaping a future where every woman thrives.

I am thrilled beyond words and deeply honored to have been nominated for the ATHENA Award through the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The ATHENA award has been presented to a local business woman each year who has achieved excellence in their field, served the community and assisted other women in the attainment of their goals.
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Being nominated for such a distinguished accolade fills me with gratitude. This award not only acknowledges individual accomplishments but also highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment where women can thrive and make meaningful contributions to both their professional endeavors and the community at large.
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Throughout the years, the ATHENA Award has served as a symbol of inspiration and motivation for women, highlighting the significance of leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. To be considered for this honor is a testament to the collective efforts dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in our community.​
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I am sincerely thankful for this recognition and look forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to the betterment of our community, championing the success of fellow women, and embodying the principles that the ATHENA Award represents.

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Featured Video: Work Reimagined

Have you ever experienced the frustration of dealing with needy team members? As team leaders, we've encountered this situation before, where our team members hesitate to make decisions and rely heavily on the leader for guidance. The good news is that change here is easy, and it’s all about empowerment. If you want to have a team that utilizes critical thinking skills, takes risks, and innovates, here are a few ideas you can immediately put into place.

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