Ann Vote / Impact to Influence

08/21/2026

Age 3: Loves dancing and being silly, nickname "Hotsy Totsy," and had no idea what an "entrepreneur" is.

40 Years Later: Still loves to dance, finds joy through laughter and connecting with others, and now is a business owner who inspires leaders from the stage...loving every minute!

It's my birthday! ✨️🎉🎁

Today I'm celebrating the shift from teacher to entrepreneur, from leader to change maker, from dreamer to doer!

Even bigger dreams are currently loading...

Cheers to a new year of living a life I'm so proud of! ✨️

08/20/2026

Leadership development shouldn’t end when the training session does.

That’s what makes The Leader Collaboratory unique.

The Leader Collaboratory combines leadership training with the connection, application, accountability, and ongoing support that help leaders put what they learn into practice.

For the Chamber Member Price of $640, participants receive 32 hours of leadership development and support, including:

🔹 8 Leadership Training Sessions
🔹 8 Hours of Connection + Accountability
🔹 8 Hours of Application + Deeper Discussion
🔹 Between-Session Follow-Up + Support
🔹 A Community of Leaders
🔹 Continuous Growth
🔹 Stronger Communication Skills
🔹 Accountability to Put Learning Into Action

Purchased separately, these components represent $1,995 in value.

Chamber Member Price: $640
You save: $1,355

More than training, The Leader Collaboratory is an opportunity to learn, apply, connect, and grow alongside other leaders.

It’s leadership that lasts.

Interested in The Leader Collaboratory?
Learn more at: https://www.newulm.com/2026/05/22/the-leader-collaboratory/

08/19/2026

Today's challenge:

Before you leave any conversation, ask yourself...

"What's one next step I can own?"

Not what someone else should do.
Not what you hope happens.

What's the next action that's yours?

It might be sending the follow-up email.
Scheduling the meeting.
Clarifying expectations.
Checking in with a teammate.

Momentum doesn't come from waiting for everyone else to move first.
It comes from taking ownership of the next right step.

What if that one action creates the momentum you've been waiting for?

What if it works?

08/18/2026

I never really realized what kind of superpowers I had as a former educator.

Because when your keynote speaker is a teacher...
* There is a workbook to help you process what you're learning
* The content is relatable, replicable, and impactful
* Transitions are seamlessly scheduled in and are so smooth, you don't even know they are happening
* The person with 50 questions will be respected but not allowed to take over
* The quiet team member will be kindly encouraged to be heard
* Everyone will feel valued in their role and their leadership journey
* Time will fly because the engagement is high!

And lastly...Participants on their phones will quickly be met with my stare until their phones are put away 😉, not because their work isn't important, but because what we are doing is transformative.

If you are looking for a speaker who can engage, relate, bring the energy up, and deliver actionable takeaways that your team can confidently go apply, let's connect!

My 2027 calendar is now open for engagements!

08/14/2026

🙌 Let's end the week on a high note!
What's one success, big or small, that you're celebrating?

08/13/2026

CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?

A huge leadership opportunity awaits those who live or work in:
* New Ulm * Mankato * Sleepy Eye * Madelia * Winthrop
* Fairfax * Nicollet

The Leader Collaboratory doors are open!
These dynamic, interactive, highly impactful professional development sessions equip managers, supervisors, team leads, owners, and emerging leaders with practical tools to strengthen workplace culture and personal leadership presence.

As the speaker of this program, I can tell you with certainty that the content is built to take each leader up a notch through reflection, skill building, application, and accountability. Transformation is inevitable when you show up ready to learn and grow and are given the strategies and tools to support your journey.

You can attend the whole 8-part series at a discounted rate, or sign up for individual sessions that fit into your schedule.

Learn more at: https://www.newulm.com/2026/05/22/the-leader-collaboratory/

08/12/2026

Today's challenge might be more challenging than last week...

Replace one assumption with one question.
Instead of thinking: "They don't care."

Ask: "Can you help me understand what happened?"

Curiosity creates conversations.
Assumptions create distance.

One question could completely change the outcome of a difficult conversation.

What if it works?

08/11/2026

I would go back to college, just to take notes!
I absolutely LOVE taking notes...bulleting important information, indenting with arrows, and adding priority stars in the margins. 🤩

I think this is why when there was an opening on the National Speakers Association Minnesota - NSA MN Governing Board for Secretary, I was thrilled to request an opportunity to serve in that role.

On Friday, our NSA-MN Board gathered for our annual Board Retreat. Not only did I get to take official business notes, but I got to gather all of the goodness being shared from our collective brainstorms, action ideas, and priority lists. I'm excited to be led by Madam President Jill Johnson and President-Elect Kimberle Nagle.

Our 2026-2027 year kicks off with our first chapter program on September 4. If you have been wanting to sharpen your speaking skills, have been thinking about taking to the stage or the front of a training space, or need some inspiration, these events are top-notch.

Refined Skills + Top Tier Networking + Supportive Community = NSA-MN

Learn more at the link in the comments!

08/07/2026

🌱 Growth starts with recognizing how far you've come.
What's a win you're proud of today?

08/06/2026

Absolutely love how invested the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is in the growth of its members! They provide incredible opportunities for leaders, employers, employees, and entrepreneurs to grow! As a member, I have the chance to serve on their committees and create dynamite events like the Women's Networking Event each spring. And as a partner, I'm grateful to work with them on growing leadership and communication skills with The Leader Collaboratory of New Ulm! Psst...registration is now open for managers, leads, owners, and directors to grab your seat.

🗞️Top 8 Priorities: Education About Trending Issues

Business never stands still—and neither do we.

One of the Chamber's Top 8 Priorities is helping our members stay informed on the issues, trends, and topics that impact their businesses.

Through educational opportunities and timely communication, we help businesses make informed decisions and prepare for what's ahead.

This priority includes (but is not limited to) efforts such as:

✔ Hot Topics & Lunch-and-Learns
✔ Business education programs
✔ Leadership development opportunities
✔ Weekly member email updates
✔ Communication on relevant business trends and emerging issues

Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools a business can have—and we're committed to helping our members stay informed, connected, and prepared.