This summer has been all about tapping into the game-changing power of saying “No” to what doesn’t align with my core and “Yes. Yes. Yes!” to what truly matters. I made some deliberate moves—choosing downtime over constant hustle, self-care over burnout, and honoring my own aspirations. But it wasn’t all play; I also invested time in working on my businesses, strategizing on what’s next and how best to support my clients and help them continue to grow. It’s all about balance, right?
You’ve probably heard Shirley Chisholm’s saying, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” I love that quote. My version goes: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, build your own.” This summer was all about putting that philosophy into practice.
As we recently celebrated Women’s Equality Day, I was reminded that it’s not about perfection – it’s about progress. We’re all on this journey, crafting our paths and setting our own rules. This summer, as I took the time to rest, reflect, and recharge, I also focused on building something new – something that honors who I am and where I’m headed. More to come on that…
My family and I had the chance to explore some incredible places – Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, explored new parts of Florida, Colorado, and ended our journey in California. The highlight? Joshua Tree National Park during the Perseid meteor shower. Under that vast, star-studded sky, it hit me: life’s all about choices, and the real power lies in making ones that resonate with our authentic selves.
Let’s be real – saying “No” can be tough, especially when it means passing on opportunities or stepping back from commitments we believe in and once valued. We’ve all been there, right? That client who’s never satisfied, that project that’s draining your energy, or that “can’t-miss” networking event that feels more like a chore. But I’ve come to see “No” as a superpower, a word that carves out space for what truly energizes us.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or carving your own path, this applies to you. It’s about making moves that sync with our values, our purpose, and our well-being. We’re not waiting for permission or perfection. We’re pursuing progress, one bold step at a time.
Now, as summer winds down, it’s time to get back to work in a more thoughtful and intentional manner. How can we bring this renewed energy and clarity into our professional lives? How can we serve our clients better while staying true to our own path? These are the questions I’m excited to explore as we move forward.
In this issue, I want to explore how we can all build our own tables, say “No” to what doesn’t serve us, and say “Yes” to the things that truly align with our purpose and values. It’s about empowerment, intention, and creating a life that’s not just successful but meaningful.