One of my favorite things about attending Mohawk Valley Connects is getting to learn not just what people do, but why they do it.
A special thank you to Christina Sprague for sharing the story behind Olea Skincare. It's always inspiring to hear the passion, purpose, and heart behind a business, along with the relentless pursuit of excellence and new ideas.
It also serves as a reminder that so many talented women have incredible gifts and ideas but often may find themselves struggling to communicate their value with confidence.
That's why I'm excited to present ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ฉ. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ. ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ. as part of the educational series offered by the Mohawk Valley Business Women's Network Network at The Portal.
If you're tired of lacking confidence, credibility, and visibility, you won't want to miss it.
Because the world doesn't need you to be louder. It needs you to be heard. Check out the details โฌ๏ธ on how to register and join us.
Step Up & Thrive
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โจ๐ถWe help overwhelmed executives and high performing professionals step up and thrive by tapping into full potential and raised awareness on influenceโจ๐ถ
06/09/2026
The award wasnโt for success. It was for how success was achieved.
Honored to be recognized as one of four finalists for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
A reminder that trust isnโt built in a moment.
Itโs built through thousands of small decisions nobody sees.
06/05/2026
Character isnโt tested when everyone is watching.
Itโs revealed in the choices we make when no recognition, reward, or applause is guaranteed.
As leaders, business owners, and professionals, our reputation is built one decision at a time.
Today, may we choose integrity over convenience, service over self-interest, and principles over shortcuts.
Because in the end, trust is earned long before itโs recognized.
โจ โCharacter is doing the right thing when nobody is looking.โ โ J.C. Watts
06/05/2026
What if the greatest competitive advantage in business isn't strategy...
What if it's trust?
Incredibly grateful that Step Up & Thrive LLC was selected as one of four finalists for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
This recognition means a lot because it celebrates something we strive to live every day: doing business the right way, even when nobody is looking.
Thank you to Warren Clark, President & CEO of BBB Upstate New York, and Rebekah E. Dopp, Global CEO of BBB, for continuing to shine a light on businesses committed to integrity, character, and trust.
I also enjoyed meeting the team from Blackhawk Security & Investigations, another outstanding finalist dedicated to protecting and serving their clients with excellence.
The event was a powerful reminder that success built on trust lasts longer than success built on transactions.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us, supported us, referred us, partnered with us, and allowed us to serve.
This recognition belongs to all of us. โค๏ธ
Most people don't need more information.
They need the right conversation.
The kind that helps them see what's possible, challenge limiting beliefs, and take action where they've been standing still.
As I watched this powerful message from retreat event last month, I was reminded of something I've witnessed time and time again through coaching:
A single decision can change the direction of a life.
A few years ago, I stepped out of an airplane at 13,000 feet.
What transformed me wasn't the jump itself.
It was what happened before and after it.
The questions.
The reflection.
The mindset shift.
The realization that many of the barriers holding us back are not externalโthey're internal.
That's ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ .
Coaching helps us see beyond our fears, uncover blind spots, gain clarity, and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of helping leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers take their own leapsโin business, leadership, relationships, and life.
Now, for the first time, I'm creating an experience that combines ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก an unforgettable ๐ฌ๐ค๐ฒ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐.
Not because everyone needs to jump out of an airplane.
But because ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฒ'๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐.
And sometimes, the breakthrough you've been looking for is waiting on the other side of a courageous conversation.
More details coming soon.
Until then, I'd love to know:
What's one area of your life where greater clarity, confidence, or courage would make the biggest difference?
05/29/2026
People may forget your title.
They may even forget your advice.
But theyโll remember how your words made them feel about themselves.
โจ A simple compliment.
โจ A sincere thank you.
โจ A moment of genuine recognition.
These moments cost nothingโฆ
Yet they can change confidence, motivation, and culture in powerful ways.
Excited to join Susan Etchu, PhD and The Leaderโs World Podcast this Saturday, May 30th at 12 PM EST for a meaningful conversation on leadership, appreciation, coaching, and human connection.
If you lead, coach, mentor, parent, or influence others in any way, then this conversation is for you. ๐ฐ
05/22/2026
They commit because they feel connected to the WHY behind it.
Today at the, the room was filled with nonprofit leaders, board members, and changemakers who care deeply about making a difference in their communities.
Not perfect people.
Purpose-driven people.
And when purpose becomes clear, something powerful happens:
People stop simply attendingโฆ
and start leaning in.
This reel is a glimpse into the conversations, energy, and moments that reminded us that leadership is not about pushing harder.
Itโs about inspiring people to believe they are part of something that matters.
Because people donโt just support what you do.
They support why you do it.
๐ฅ More coming soon.
05/21/2026
So honored to have been selected as a presenter at this Nonprofit Symposium and inspired by the energy, engagement, and heart of the nonprofit leaders, board members, and community advocates who filled both of these consecutive sessions. The interaction, discussion, and willingness to grow were truly powerful.
One attendee shared:
"This wasnโt just another workshopโฆ it completely changed the way I think about getting buy-in and inspiring action."
That right there is why I do this work.
We explored practical strategies around ethical influence, communication, and understanding people more effectively โ especially in a time when nonprofits are being asked to do more with less.
A heartfelt thank you to Michele Hummel, Executive Director of Next Herkimer and her incredible team, and, for creating such a meaningful experience for our region. And special appreciation to for extraordinary tech support and hospitality of the employees of Herkimer County Community College throughout the event.
The conversations happening in our nonprofit community right now matter more than ever, and this event proved just how much potential exists when leaders come together with purpose.
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