 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:
🌟 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:
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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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.  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:
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.' 👈  As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the things that fuel me—especially curiosity. Curiosity has always been a driving force in my life, leading me to chase fresh ideas, dive headfirst into opportunities, and explore “what ifs.” It keeps me engaged and inspired. But with that passion comes the reality that not every leap lands perfectly. Sometimes ideas fall flat. Plans don’t pan out. Projects miss the mark. And you know what? That’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace these moments, not as failures but as stepping stones. Each attempt—whether it soars or stumbles—teaches something valuable. Sometimes it’s clarity on timing or a reminder to trust my instincts. And sometimes, it’s simply knowing what doesn’t work, which is just as important as knowing what does. The Weight of the Season This time of year can feel overwhelming. December often collides with endless social gatherings, work deadlines, and the pressure to wrap up goals before the new year. It’s no wonder so many of us feel stretched thin. If you’re in that space right now, you’re not alone. (I recently came across this article from the NYT on fatigue and its causes, and it was like someone had peeked into my brain.) Here’s what I’ve realized: We can’t give our best to others if we’re running on empty. It’s okay to pause, take a breath, and allow ourselves to recharge. Word of the Month: Replenish As we close out the year, let’s focus on replenishing our energy, joy, and hopes for the future. Replenishment doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as:
Thank You for Being Here As you reflect on the ideas we’ve explored this month, I encourage you to pause and consider:
 As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. When life feels overwhelming, it can be easy to lose sight of the blessings that surround us each day. But by grounding ourselves in gratitude, we find perspective, strength, and even a renewed sense of joy.
Finding Thankfulness in the Midst of Overwhelm When life feels full—work demands, family obligations, personal goals—it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of stress. Yet, taking a moment to focus on what we’re grateful for can transform overwhelm into peace. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about acknowledging the beauty in the journey and the support we have along the way. This Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on a few things we might often take for granted but that add deep meaning to our lives:
This season, consider setting aside a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. This small act can make a big impact, helping you shift focus from stress to appreciation, even when life feels full. The Power of a Personal Challenge When my mom invited my siblings and me to tackle hiking 44 miles this past October, I’ll admit, my first reaction was filled with excuses. October is such a busy time, and like many of us, I felt the pull of work commitments. But then something shifted. I was reminded of how easy it is for work to take over, and before you know it, the fun and adventure disappear. It hit me that setting even small personal goals, like a hiking challenge, can be a powerful way to reclaim balance and prioritize joy in our lives. In leadership, I’ve learned that the energy we pour into our work needs to be balanced by moments that recharge and inspire us. Nature has always been a grounding force for me, helping to reset and reignite creativity. So, here’s to the reminder to set goals that not only push us professionally but also allow us to reconnect with ourselves and what we love. Let’s all remember to take a break, enjoy the beauty around us, and make space for fun—even in our busiest times. I’m now hooked and will continue to get outside as much as possible moving forward into the winter months. Embracing Change with Love, Awareness, and Community In a world that feels ever-shifting, it can be hard not to feel unsettled. But something I’ve come to believe deeply is that even in uncertain times, we have the power to choose how we respond. The only constant is change, so how do we focus on love, community, and self-awareness as the world continues to evolve? I would love for us to connect on this idea: to resist letting fear or hopelessness sink in. Instead, let’s find small, meaningful ways to build resilience and strengthen our communities. We can hold two timelines at once—taking steps to fortify ourselves and each other now, while also committing to the long work of creating a world that works for all. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, connection, and a renewed appreciation for all that we have. Happy Thanksgiving!  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
 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.  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
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.  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.  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
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. |
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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