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April: Spring Energy Check-In

4/14/2025

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As the days get longer and the earth starts to soften, spring reminds us that renewal isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.

But here’s the truth: renewal doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intention. It requires awareness. And sometimes, it means facing where we’re depleted before we can truly bloom.

I’ve felt this deeply myself. A few weeks ago, I found myself powering through—back-to-back meetings, late-night emails, juggling all the “shoulds.” On paper, everything looked fine. But inside? I felt disconnected from the very why that fuels me.

It wasn’t burnout exactly. It was that subtle, sneaky misalignment that creeps in when we’re so focused on doing that we forget to be.

One morning, I paused—just long enough to sit with a cup of coffee and a journal—and asked: Where is my energy actually going? And is it aligned with what I care about most? That simple moment of reflection gave me clarity. Not a full life overhaul, just a small shift: fewer yeses out of obligation, more space for quiet, for family, for creativity. And with that, my energy began to return—not from doing more, but from doing what mattered most to me.

So often, we push through exhaustion, overwhelm, or misalignment because it feels easier to keep going than to pause and ask the hard questions. But sustainable growth starts by checking in—with ourselves, our energy, and what we actually want to carry into this season.

3 Ways to Reset Your Energy  This Spring
Notice the Leaks: Where is your energy going lately? Are you saying yes when you mean no? Are you overthinking, people-pleasing, or staying quiet when your truth wants to speak? Awareness is the first step to change.

Shift the Story: Energy isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental. A limiting belief can drain you faster than a packed calendar. Try this reframe:

“What’s the opportunity here for me to grow, learn, or let go?”

Make One Powerful Shift: You don’t need a full reset—just one intentional pivot. That might mean taking something off your plate, asking for support, or returning to a habit that fuels you.

This Month’s Challenge: Reclaim Your Energy
Pick one area of your life—work, home, relationships, creativity—where your energy feels off. Then ask:
  • Where am I feeling drained?
  • What boundary, truth, or reset do I need?
  • What would it look like to protect my energy here?

Now, take one small, intentional step. You don’t need to bloom overnight—just root into your truth and start there.

Word of the Month: RENEWAL
​
Renewal isn’t just about starting over—it’s about coming back to yourself.
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March: A Month of Transitions & Transformation

3/17/2025

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Carrie Simmons holding a four leaf clover
As winter thaws into spring, we’re reminded that change isn’t always easy—it can be messy, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. But here’s the thing: discomfort is where growth lives.

So often, we hold ourselves back because it feels safer to stay where we are. But if you want to grow, evolve, and truly unleash your brilliance, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Think about it—every major life shift, every transformative moment, is marked by discomfort. The awkward first step. The uneasy in-between. The moments of doubt. But what lies on the other side? Strength. Confidence. Fulfillment.

💡 3 Ways to Embrace Discomfort & Grow Through It:
  1. Reframe Fear as Fuel: Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that you’re on the brink of something meaningful. Growth doesn’t come from what’s easy; it comes from pushing your boundaries.
  2. Celebrate Small Wins: Big changes are built on tiny, consistent steps. Whether it’s having a tough conversation, setting a boundary, or simply showing up when it’s hard—every step forward counts.
  3. Lean Into What’s Working: It’s easy to focus on what’s not going right, but growth thrives where energy flows. Notice what’s working in your life right now. Double down on it. Build momentum from your strengths.

🌟 This Month’s Challenge: Get Uncomfortable.Pick one area of your life—personal, professional, or emotional—where you’ve been playing it safe. Then ask yourself:
  • What’s the next brave step I can take here?
  • What am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?
  • What would it look like if I did it anyway?
Now, take that step. It doesn’t have to be huge—just intentional. Because small acts of courage create lasting transformation.

This March, let discomfort be your greatest teacher. 🌱✨

Word of the Month: BRAVERY
​
Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it.

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Unlock Your Leadership Potential with Energy Awareness

10/16/2024

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Carrie Simmons jumping for joy
I’m excited to share some valuable insights into leadership and how managing your energy can unlock new levels of potential. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own growth, the way you show up each day has a ripple effect on your success and impact.

Word of the Month: Intention
Leadership is most effective when it’s intentional. It’s about aligning your actions, decisions, and energy with your core values. By leading with intention, you create meaningful connections and outcomes. This month, I encourage you to think about how you can be more intentional in your leadership—whether that’s in how you approach challenges, communicate with your team, or plan for the future.

Leadership Goes Beyond Strategy—It’s About Energy
We often get caught up in strategies and decisions, but it’s the energy we bring to those decisions that shapes the results. Leadership isn’t just what we do, but how we do it. Every conversation, every challenge is influenced by our energy.
​
My Story: Leading Through Crisis
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Executive Director of a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), I faced one of the toughest moments of my leadership journey. Imagine leading an organization whose core mission is centered around tourism—an industry that came to a sudden standstill overnight. Everything we had worked for was thrown into uncertainty. There were no clear answers, no roadmap, and every decision I made seemed to carry consequences that rippled far beyond the organization.

As a leader, I felt a profound sense of responsibility. My team was looking to me for guidance and support, but I was grappling with the same uncertainty and fear as everyone else. It was a humbling realization that, as leaders, we don’t always have the answers. I had to make an incredibly difficult decision to temporarily let my entire staff go—a decision that weighed heavily on my heart because these were not just colleagues, but individuals who had dedicated their time, energy, and passion to making the organization thrive.

The hardest part was delivering the news. I remember sitting down before the meeting, taking a deep breath, and asking myself, "How do I communicate this with integrity, compassion, and optimism when I’m feeling so much doubt?" It was a defining moment, not just as a leader, but as a human being.

In that moment, I realized something powerful: while I couldn’t control external circumstances, I could control how I showed up. I had a choice—I could lead with fear and uncertainty, or I could manage my energy, staying present, intentional, and optimistic, no matter how difficult the situation. I chose the latter because I knew my energy would set the tone for the organization. If I faltered, the entire team would falter with me.

I began to focus on leading with purpose, even as we navigated the storm. Each day, I made a conscious effort to remain grounded in the present. Predicting the future was impossible, so instead of dwelling on what we couldn’t control, I focused on what we could do in the moment. This shift made all the difference.

As time passed and the world slowly began to reopen, I led the organization with renewed clarity and energy. It wasn’t easy, but by managing my own energy and inspiring others to do the same, we made it through the crisis. When it was time to rebuild, we did so with a stronger foundation, rooted in resilience, teamwork, and intention.
This experience taught me that leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about how we show up in the toughest moments. It’s about taking charge of your energy so that you can lead others with clarity, confidence, and hope, even in times of uncertainty.

That’s when I truly began to understand the power of resetting in leadership. In moments of high stress, rather than pushing harder or reacting out of fear, I learned the importance of stepping back, recalibrating my energy, and then stepping forward with intention. This reset allowed me to lead from a place of empowerment instead of helplessness.

This experience also inspired me to start my coaching practice, Brilliance Unleashed. Having seen firsthand the transformative power of energy management in leadership—both in my own journey and in helping others—I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to guiding leaders through their challenges. My mission is to help leaders tap into their energy, reset when necessary, and lead from a place of resilience and purpose.

Simple Tips to Boost Your Leadership Energy
  • Tune in to your energy: Regularly check how you're feeling—are you energized, or are you running on empty?
  • Pause when needed: A short break or deep breath can help reset your focus and energy.
  • Reflect on your day: Spend a few minutes thinking about when your energy was aligned with your actions—and where it wasn’t.
​As you reflect on the ideas we’ve explored, I encourage you to take a moment and consider where you can make small yet meaningful changes in your leadership journey.
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Onboarding with Heart: Humility, Empathy, and Curiosity at the Core

9/18/2024

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Group of professional at a retreat
Onboarding is more than a checklist of tasks—it’s the start of someone’s journey in a new role or organization. How we approach that first step sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're leading a team or starting a new job, integrating values like humility, empathy, and curiosity into the process can transform onboarding into a meaningful experience that fuels growth and connection.

Humility
Think about your first day at a new job. Chances are, something didn’t go exactly as planned—maybe you struggled with a new system, missed a key meeting, or fumbled through introductions. We’ve all been there. The key is turning those moments into opportunities for growth.

Creating an onboarding environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process helps new team members relax and focus on growth. Leaders can set the tone by sharing their own experiences of early challenges or missteps, reinforcing the idea that no one is expected to be perfect. When you lead with humility, you create a safe space for learning.

Tip: Encourage team members to share stories of their first days on the job during orientation. It helps normalize the learning curve and takes the pressure off new hires to “get it right” immediately.

Empathy
Starting a new job can be overwhelming. New tools, new processes, new faces—it’s a lot to take in. Empathy helps ease this transition. A little understanding goes a long way in making new hires feel supported, not just professionally, but emotionally.

Leaders can demonstrate empathy by checking in frequently, asking how new team members are feeling, and offering help before it's requested. This not only builds trust but also shows that you’re invested in their success and well-being.

Tip: During onboarding, create opportunities for open conversations. Ask questions like, “What’s feeling overwhelming right now?” or “Is there something you need that we haven’t provided yet?” Showing you care about their experience can make all the difference.

Curiosity
Curiosity is a powerful tool, especially during onboarding. New hires bring fresh perspectives, and encouraging them to ask questions can unlock new ideas and improvements. Instead of focusing solely on teaching “how things are done,” create a culture where curiosity and questioning are celebrated.

By fostering curiosity, you signal that new ideas are welcome, and it’s okay to challenge the status quo. This mindset not only benefits the organization but also helps new team members feel like they can contribute right away.

Tip: Encourage new hires to note any processes or practices that seem unclear or inefficient. Invite them to share their thoughts in team meetings or one-on-one check-ins. Their fresh perspective might uncover something valuable that others may have overlooked.

The Power of Human Connection
Onboarding is also about making real human connections. Whether it’s a virtual coffee or a casual team lunch, creating moments where new hires can get to know their colleagues on a personal level builds trust and camaraderie. These experiences are what truly help someone feel like they belong, beyond just knowing their role or the company policies.

Tip: Set up informal “get-to-know-you” sessions during the first week, where team members can share their hobbies, interests, or even fun facts. It breaks the ice and creates a sense of belonging from the start.

Transforming Onboarding into a Meaningful Experience
Ultimately, onboarding should be more than just a process—it’s a chance to connect, inspire, and set the stage for future success. By leading with humility, practicing empathy, and fostering curiosity, you can create an onboarding experience that’s not only effective but also deeply meaningful.
​

What strategies have you found helpful in making onboarding more impactful? Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other as we build more inclusive and thoughtful workplaces.
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A Leader's Guide to Managing Team Emotions

8/21/2024

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Cultivating a thriving team culture
Leading teams can be incredibly rewarding, yet it comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing emotions and fostering a supportive culture. As a leader, I've strived to create an open-door policy and a safe space for my team members, ensuring they feel heard and valued. However, balancing this with self-care and maintaining personal boundaries can be tough. Here’s how I navigate this complex landscape and ensure both my team and I thrive.

Building a Supportive Culture
  1. Open-Door Policy: One of the cornerstones of a supportive culture is an open-door policy. This means being available for team members to express their concerns, ideas, and feedback. It fosters transparency and trust, making team members feel valued and respected.
  2. Safe Space: Creating a safe space involves more than just being available. It's about ensuring team members feel secure in expressing their thoughts without fear of judgment or repercussions. This encourages open communication and helps in addressing issues before they escalate.
  3. Empathy and Understanding: Leading with empathy is crucial. Understanding that everyone has their unique challenges and emotions allows you to respond appropriately and provide the necessary support. It’s about being patient and offering a listening ear.
  4. Regular Check-Ins: Regular one-on-one meetings with team members can help in understanding their emotional state and workload. These check-ins can be informal, creating a relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  5. Encouraging Collaboration: Promote a culture of collaboration where team members support each other. This not only fosters teamwork but also creates a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation and stress.
While it’s essential to be there for your team, it's equally important to take care of yourself. As a leader, your well-being directly impacts your ability to lead effectively. Here are some strategies I employ to maintain this balance:
  • Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. This helps in preventing burnout and ensures you have time to recharge. Communicate these boundaries to your team to manage expectations.
  • Delegate Tasks: Trust your team and delegate tasks appropriately. This not only empowers team members but also reduces your workload, allowing you to focus on strategic aspects of leadership.
  • Seek Support: Just as your team looks to you for support, you should also have a support system. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a peer, having someone to discuss challenges and seek advice from can be incredibly beneficial.
  • Self-Care Practices: Incorporate self-care practices into your routine. This could be anything from regular exercise, meditation, or simply taking time to pursue hobbies. These activities help in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
  • Continuous Learning: Invest in personal and professional development. Reading books like 'Dare to Lead' by Brené Brown has been inspiring and provided valuable insights into balancing leadership and self-care. Continuous learning keeps you motivated and better equipped to handle challenges.
When implementing changes to foster a supportive culture, clear communication is vital. Here’s how I approach this:
  • Transparency: Be transparent about the changes you’re making and why they’re important. Explain how these changes will benefit the team and the overall work environment.
  • Involvement: Involve your team in the process. Seek their input and feedback, making them feel part of the change rather than just subjects of it. This increases buy-in and ensures the changes are well-received.
  • Supportive Language: Use supportive and positive language when communicating changes. Emphasize your commitment to their well-being and how the changes are aimed at creating a better work environment.
  • Reinforcement: Regularly reinforce the changes and remind the team of their importance. Acknowledge their efforts in adapting to the new culture and provide ongoing support.
Leading teams and managing emotions is a delicate balance of being available and supportive while also taking care of yourself. By fostering an open, empathetic, and collaborative culture, and maintaining clear boundaries for self-care, you can create a thriving work environment for your team and yourself. Remember, a healthy leader leads a healthy team. Your well-being is just as important as that of your team, and by taking care of yourself, you’re setting a positive example for them to follow.

This is a work in progress, and it’s not always going to be easy. Taking one small step at a time is progress, and every effort counts toward building a supportive and healthy team dynamic.
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Embodying Leadership Values for a Thriving Workplace

7/17/2024

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Walk the Talk
Leadership is not just about giving orders or setting expectations; it's about leading by example. One of the most powerful ways leaders can do this is by "walking the talk." But what does that really mean?

For me, walking the talk in leadership means more than just verbalizing values or espousing lofty ideals. It's about embodying those values in our everyday actions and decisions. It's about developing a human-centered workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

Here are a few key
aspects of what it means for leaders to walk the talk:

Authenticity
Leaders who walk the talk are authentic in their words and actions. They don't just talk about values like integrity, respect, and accountability; they demonstrate them consistently in their interactions with others. Authenticity builds trust and credibility, making it easier for team members to align with the leader's vision and goals.

Accountability
Walking the talk also means holding oneself accountable for one's actions. Leaders take responsibility for their decisions and behaviors, acknowledging when they fall short and taking steps to make things right. This accountability fosters a culture of transparency and honesty, encouraging team members to also take ownership of their work and actions.

Empathy
Leaders who walk the talk cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. They take the time to listen to their team members, understand their perspectives, and address their concerns with compassion and sensitivity. Empathy strengthens relationships and enhances collaboration, creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.

Integrity
Integrity is at the core of walking the talk. Leaders uphold ethical standards and principles in all aspects of their work, even when faced with difficult choices or challenges. By consistently demonstrating integrity, leaders set a strong moral example for their teams, fostering a culture of ethical behavior and mutual respect.

Inclusivity
In today's diverse workplace, inclusivity is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who walk the talk promote a culture of inclusion where every voice is heard and valued, regardless of background or identity. Inclusivity drives innovation and creativity, as diverse perspectives lead to more comprehensive problem-solving and decision-making.

Walking the talk in leadership means more than just talking about values—it means embodying those values in our actions and decisions. By leading with authenticity, accountability, empathy, integrity, and inclusivity, we can create workplaces where everyone thrives. When leaders consistently walk the talk, they unleash the brilliance of their teams, driving sustained success and making a lasting impact.
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Turning Self-Awareness into Success

6/26/2024

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Picture
​Ego, in its simplest form, is our sense of self. It’s the voice inside our heads that tells us who we are, what we believe in, and what we are capable of achieving. It can be a source of confidence, driving us to pursue our goals with vigor. However, unchecked, it can also lead to arrogance, blinding us to our flaws and alienating those around us.

Ego is a double-edged sword. On one side, it fuels our ambition, giving us the confidence to step out of our comfort zones and chase our dreams. On the other, it can create blind spots, making us resistant to feedback and growth. The key lies in striking a balance—harnessing the positive aspects of ego while keeping its negative tendencies in check.

Strategies for Balancing Ego
  • Cultivate Self-Awareness: Regular self-reflection helps you understand your motivations and behaviors. It allows you to recognize when your ego is getting out of hand and take corrective measures.
  • Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from trusted peers and mentors is invaluable. It provides an external perspective on your actions and helps you stay grounded.
  • Practice Humility: Humility doesn’t mean undervaluing yourself; it’s about acknowledging your limitations and appreciating others’ contributions. It creates a healthy balance between self-confidence and respect for others.
  • Focus on Growth: Adopt a growth mindset where you view challenges and criticisms as opportunities for development rather than threats to your ego. This shift in perspective encourages continuous learning and improvement.
  • Build Resilience: Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks without letting your ego take a hit. It helps you maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated even in the face of adversity.

​If we let our ego determine what we see, what we hear, and what we believe, we’ve allowed our past achievements to jeopardize our future potential. By understanding its dual nature and implementing strategies to balance it, we can harness its power for personal and professional growth.
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Embracing Elastic Thinking for Innovation and Growth

4/24/2024

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Embracing Elastic Thinking for Innovation and Growth
The concept of elastic thinking is about expanding our mental flexibility, embracing creativity, and exploring innovative approaches to problem-solving. Here's why we could all benefit from a little elasticity:
  • Radiating Impact: With an elastic approach, we recognize that every decision, action, and initiative has the potential to ripple throughout our organization—both internally and externally. By understanding the interconnectedness of our efforts, we can make strategic decisions that amplify our brand's authenticity and effectiveness. Elastic thinking allows us to see beyond immediate outcomes and consider the broader implications of our choices.
  • Avoiding Distraction and Disorientation: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by distractions or lose sight of our goals. Elastic thinking provides a framework for staying grounded and focused amidst chaos. By maintaining a flexible mindset, we can adapt to changing circumstances, overcome obstacles, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. Without elasticity, we risk becoming worn down and susceptible to making hasty decisions that may not align with our long-term objectives.
  • Embracing Opportunities: An elastic mindset enables us to seize opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. By remaining open to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities, we can uncover hidden gems that complement our existing efforts and propel us toward success. Elastic thinking encourages us to explore uncharted territory, take calculated risks, and embrace innovation as a catalyst for growth.

Who's Ready to Stretch?
Incorporating elastic thinking into our approach to marketing, leadership, strategy, creativity, and coaching opens doors to new possibilities and fosters a culture of continuous growth and adaptation. Are you ready to stretch your boundaries, expand your horizons, and embrace the power of elasticity?

Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery, where innovation knows no bounds.


Empower your mind. Embrace elasticity. Drive innovation.


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Embracing the Stage: How Theatre Shaped My Leadership Journey

2/26/2024

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Carrie Simmons speaking on stage

​The Transformative Power of Performance in Leadership Development

I'd like to share a bit about one of my passions that has deeply influenced my approach to leadership: musical theatre. Yes, you read that right—I have a soft spot for the bright lights, catchy tunes, and captivating stories of the stage. As we delve into this topic, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and how they've helped shape the leader you are today.

The Power of Performance: From a young age, I found myself drawn to the magic of the theatre. Whether it was belting out show tunes in the shower or auditioning for school productions, the stage provided a space for self-expression, creativity, and connection. Little did I know that these early experiences would lay the foundation for my journey as a leader.

Lessons Learned on Stage: As I immersed myself in the world of musical theatre, I discovered valuable lessons that would later translate into my leadership philosophy. Collaboration, teamwork, and communication were essential ingredients for a successful performance. Each cast member brought their unique talents to the table, and it was through mutual respect and support that we created something truly magical.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding: One of the most profound lessons I learned from my time in the theatre was the importance of empathy and understanding. Stepping into different roles and exploring diverse characters allowed me to see the world through new eyes, fostering compassion and empathy for others. As a leader, I strive to bring this same sense of empathy to my interactions with teammates, understanding their perspectives and supporting them on their individual journeys.

Embracing Creativity and Innovation: Musical theatre is all about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and thinking outside the box. Whether it's reimagining a classic tale or experimenting with innovative staging techniques, creativity and innovation are at the heart of every production. As a leader, I encourage my team to embrace this spirit of creativity, empowering them to explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and bring their unique vision to life.

The Show Must Go On: Perhaps the most enduring lesson I've taken from the theatre is resilience in the face of adversity. Showbiz is unpredictable, with its fair share of challenges and setbacks. Yet, no matter what obstacles we encountered, we always found a way to come together, adapt, and persevere. As a leader, I draw upon this resilience, guiding my team through difficult times with optimism, determination, and unwavering support.

Join the Ensemble: As I reflect on my journey from the stage to the boardroom, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative power of musical theatre. It has shaped not only my leadership style but also my perspective on life, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Now, I'd love to hear from you—what experiences have helped shape who you are today? Let's share our stories, celebrate our journeys, and continue to grow together as leaders, performers, and human beings.
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    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.
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