BRILLIANCEUNLEASHED
  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect
  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect
Search

Blog

Brilliance in Motion | Owning Your Confidence

5/21/2025

0 Comments

 
I used to think confidence meant always having the answer. That I needed to be the most prepared, the most articulate, the most composed.

But the truth is, my most powerful moments as a leader, coach, and mom haven’t come from having it all figured out.

They’ve come from trusting myself when things were messy.

Confidence, I’ve learned, isn’t loud. It’s not flashy. It’s quiet. Grounded. Present. It’s the voice inside that says: “I can handle this, even if it’s hard.”

We don’t need to perform to be worthy. We just need to show up, with intention, courage, and a little breath at a time.

Brilliance Practice: Reclaiming Confidence

This month, try this:

Think of a time when you didn’t feel ready—but you took the step anyway.

Confidence doesn’t always look like certainty. Sometimes it looks like:
  • Asking the question no one else wants to ask.
  • Taking a break when your energy says, “enough.”
  • Saying, “I don’t know… but I’m willing to find out.”

Bonus: My Confidence Playlist

Here are three songs I return to when I want to feel grounded:
  • “Unstoppable” – Sia
  • “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
  • “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + the Machine
(Dance it out, then go do the thing.)

Let’s Stay in Motion

Where are you being called to step forward with more confidence right now?

Ready to share what’s unfolding? → Let's Connect

0 Comments

The Journey Matters

2/19/2025

0 Comments

 
In leadership, as in life, I’ve learned that the journey is just as important—if not more so—than the outcome. Outcomes can feel like milestones, but the real growth, the deeper connection, happens in the in-between: the challenges we navigate, the relationships we build, and the lessons we learn along the way.

My own leadership journey has been one of twists and turns, triumphs and challenges. I’ve had to stretch in ways I didn’t anticipate, pivot when things felt uncertain, and trust that each step was leading me toward something meaningful. Along the way, I’ve discovered that leading with heart—embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose—has made all the difference.

As I reflect on this journey, I feel immense gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped it. Whether you're leading a team, building a dream, or navigating personal growth, I encourage you to embrace the journey, not just the destination.

Ten years ago, I was fully immersed in my creative agency, New Ground Creative. It was a time of passion and dedication, where I poured my heart into every design, every client relationship, and every project. But in 2015, my world changed in the most beautiful way—I became a mother. Balancing a business I loved with the new journey of motherhood brought challenges and joys alike. Those early years taught me how following your heart fuels resilience and how embracing transitions can lead to deeper connections and a clearer purpose.

Today, heart is at the core of everything I do. As Executive Director of Go Stowe, I share my love for Vermont—its breathtaking beauty, its authenticity, and its sense of belonging. Through Brilliance Unleashed, I help others reconnect with their heart—their passions, their potential, and their unique magic. These roles are more than jobs—they’re my way of creating meaningful connections and inspiring others to follow their path with heart.
When I made the leap to Go Stowe in 2019, it was fueled by heart—a desire for growth, impact, and alignment with what truly matters. My daughter was four, and I wanted her to see her mom taking on new challenges and finding joy in meaningful work. The transition from agency life to nonprofit leadership stretched me in new ways. It was a chance to align my heart’s purpose with the work I do every day, contributing to a broader community and leaving a lasting impact.
​

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to lead with heart. Whether it’s creating space for others to shine, showing up with compassion, or staying true to your purpose, heart-centered leadership has the power to inspire and transform. I’ve come to believe that even the hardest transitions can offer opportunities to grow, connect, and create meaningful impact when approached with intention and heart.

Word of the Month: Heart
This February, let heart guide you. Put your heart into the work you love, the relationships you nurture, and the dreams you’re chasing. Heart-centered living isn’t about perfection; it’s about leading with care, authenticity, and the courage to follow what lights you up.

🎧 Listen In: I recently shared more about my journey and insights on leadership. Tune in here: Spotify Episode.
0 Comments

Start 2025 with Clarity and Confidence—Download Your Free Workbook!

1/15/2025

0 Comments

 
Design Your Your Best Year Yet Workbook
Word of the Month: Intention - Focus your thoughts and actions with purpose to set the tone for a successful year.
Happy New Year!

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set intentions that empower growth and success. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, strengthen relationships, or create more balance in your life, intentional planning is key.

To help you start strong, I’m thrilled to share my FREE Mini-Workbook: 'Design Your Best Year Yet.'

This guided workbook is designed to help you:
  • Map out your priorities for the year ahead.
  • Set clear boundaries to protect your time and energy.
  • Visualize success and create an action plan to achieve it.

What’s Inside:
✅ Reflective prompts to clarify your vision.
✅ Exercises to align your goals with your values.
​✅ Tools to track progress and stay motivated.

Why This Matters: It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of what really matters. This workbook is your space to slow down, dream big, and make a plan that works for YOU.

Download Your Free Copy Today! 👉 Mini-Workbook: 'Design Your Best Year Yet.' 👈

0 Comments
    Professional headshot of Carrie Simmons, founder of Brilliance Unleashed
    Unleash the life and leadership that light you up. Carrie Simmons, helps leaders reset, realign, and rise with purpose through coaching, strategy, and a spark of brilliance. Let’s create magic.
    Subscribe

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024

    Categories

    All
    Balance & Boundaries
    Change & Adaptability
    Clarity & Confidence
    Creativity & Inspiration
    Culture Building
    Emotional Intelligence
    Empathy & Curiosity
    Energy Awareness
    Energy Leadership
    Free Tools & Resources
    Goal Setting
    Gratitude & Presence
    Growth Mindset
    Human Centered Leadership
    Human-Centered Leadership
    Innovation & Growth
    Leadership Development
    Mindset & Clarity
    Nature & Reflection
    Onboarding & Transitions
    Personal Development
    Personal Growth
    Resilience & Well Being
    Rest & Renewal
    Self Awareness
    Self Reflection
    Sustainable Leadership
    Unlocking Potential
    Values-Driven Leadership

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect