Time to Inspire

I’ll be honest: I’ve always been more comfortable being the one who supports versus the one who receives support. For a long time, I resisted vulnerability. It felt risky—like revealing the messy parts might undermine my credibility as a leader, a coach, a friend, or a parent.

Case and point, I met with 6 therapists before I found one who could crack me. If you’ve also struggled to be coached or therapized, I see you.

But recently, as I’ve navigated a personal challenge, I’ve had no choice but to let the armor slip. As people have asked me, “How are you?” I haven’t replied with my standard, “Great.” Rather, I’ve taken the opportunity to answer the question honestly….”Not great, actually.” What I’ve experienced in response has been humbling: people stepping in, lifting me up, reminding me that the deposits I’ve made into relationship banks over the years were authentic, and meaningful. The return on a lifetime of relationship investments is real—and it’s not transactional, it’s human. And it’s getting me through a valley moment of life.

It got me thinking about all the connections I’ve missed out on by flipping the question back on others instead of answering first. And how many people neglected to go deep with me because I put up a facade of having my shit together. Leaders - you can do better than me!

Time to Learn

For us leaders, vulnerability often feels like the opposite of strength. But research and practice show the opposite:

• Vulnerability is the bridge. Brené Brown’s work highlights that vulnerability is the birthplace of connection and trust—without it, relationships stay surface-level.

• Leaders who admit challenges build stronger teams. Studies show employees trust leaders more when they share mistakes or struggles, because it makes space for trust and growth.

• The ROI comes later. Vulnerability isn’t about immediate payoff—it’s about planting seeds that, over time, turn into loyalty, advocacy, and resilience.

So I challenge you to reflect on the following questions this week:

• What small admission—of uncertainty, of needing help, of simply being human—could build more trust with my team or community?
  
  

• Who has already shown me the ROI of relationships by showing up when I needed it most—and how can I thank them?

So let’s leave it at the powerful trifecta of vulnerability, reflection, and gratitude. I’m sure we all can find a way to enhance our practice in one or all of these areas today.

Time to Connect

I talk a lot here about Wendy Road, the community I’ve built with my bestie, Alli.

Some of the most ROI-rich relationships are with my Wendys—the people who have been both sounding boards and safety nets. This week we’re closing Cohort 2 with a final dinner, and simultaneously launching Cohort 3, and I couldn’t be more excited for deep and intentional quality time with some of my favorite people.

And we have exciting news! A fascinating learning from our first cohorts of Wendy Road was that people will travel for this. So many bad-ass People leaders are craving an elevated, high performing inner circle, but can’t find it locally. 

Since moving to Charleston three years ago, I’ve met incredible people across the Southeast, and guess what? Y’all need Wendy Road too! So, we are taking a short break from NYC, and Cohort 4, which will begin in January 2026, will take place in Charleston, SC for People or VC talent leaders in the Southeast. Drop me a note if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Wendy, or apply here!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading this newsletter and for your feedback to keep making it better. Thanks for having my back. I can guarantee an ROI.

Help expand my inner circle!

My company, ScaleJOY, has grown solely through word of mouth and by delivering quality experiences to the hundreds of clients we have supported. Spread the word by sharing this newsletter or connecting them directly to me for leadership development, coaching or offsite facilitation. Thank you for your continued support!