Solution Bulb

17/02/2026

As the sun sets on our Family Day long weekend here in Canada, my heart is full reflecting on a week dedicated to love and connection. ❤️

I’ve been thinking about how the spirit of Valentine’s Day and Family Day shouldn't just stay in the holidays. Whether it’s with a partner, a friend, a family member, or even the relationship you have with yourself on your career journey, these three "Cs" are what keep us moving forward:

1️⃣ Curiosity: Did you ask a new question today? Listen deeply. Stay curious about your own potential and the people around you.

2️⃣ Celebration: Did you notice a small win? Your story—every effort you make—is worth celebrating, even the tiny steps.

3️⃣ Courage: It takes brave vulnerability to show up as your true self. Connect from the heart in love, in family, and in your work.

To my clients and friends navigating a job search: as we head back into the "working week" tomorrow, take these 3 Cs with you. Be curious about new paths, celebrate your persistence, and have the courage to reach out if you need a hand.

I hope your long weekend was filled with love and laughter. Let’s carry that light into the week ahead! ✨

25/01/2026

I saw this video from Calgary.lens and it perfectly captured the energy I want to bring into this weekend. 💃❄️

Here in Calgary, we’ve had a wild past week, swinging from a sunny 2°C down to a bone-chilling -22°C. It’s easy to let the "outer coldness" dictate our mood. We wake up, see the frost, and feel ourselves tensing up for the day. But look at this little girl in the video. She isn't worried about the temperature, she’s busy creating her own "inner sunshine."🌞☀️

In our careers, we face "weather shifts" all the time. A project stalls, a job search feels frozen, or the "drift" of daily tasks feels like a heavy snowfall. We can’t always control the workplace climate, but we can control our response to it.

My CliftonStrengths are what allow me to "dance in my PJs" even when it’s freezing outside. When I lean into my and themes, I stop focusing on the cold and start focusing on the possibilities.

This weekend, I invite you to find your inner dance. Don't wait for the "thaw" to be happy. Lean into what makes you unique and let that warmth carry you through.

What’s one strength that helps you keep a "sunny" outlook, even when the professional climate feels a bit chilly?

23/01/2026

I wanted to leave you with a bit of " and " as we head into the weekend. 🕯️

Last weekend, I had a truly "eye-opening" experiences at a Candlelight Concert in a beautiful old Presbyterian Church.

Stepping into a venue filled with thousands of flickering candles while listening to the music of Queen and The Beatles was absolutely stunning. My first thought? This is at its finest.

What a brilliant, innovative way to transform a space using something as simple as light. Learning that these concerts are now in over 2,000 venues worldwide only deepened my appreciation for the power of a single, bright idea.

It was a powerful reminder: One spark, aimed with intention, can light up the world.

In our careers, we often wait for a "floodlight" to show us the entire path at once. But usually, all we need is a single flickering candle! One creative spark or one small moment of inspiration to show us the next step forward.

That " " might be a word of from a mentor, a session with your job coach, or a fresh from someone in your network.

As you recharge this weekend, I hope you find a moment of stillness to let your own ideas start to spark.

What is one "bright " or bit of you’re carrying with you into the weekend?

21/01/2026

If you are in a season of waiting or searching, don't miss the beauty of where you are right now.

There is a specific strength found in the stillness. Tomorrow is another step forward, but today, simply acknowledge how far you’ve come.

Wishing you see the hope and light tomorrow.

20/01/2026

"Just do it" - The three words that changed my 2025.

I am reposting our ICF Calgary Chapter Board Meeting because it represents more than just a meeting to me. Looking at this group, looking back the past 6 months, I feel incredibly blessed to serve as your Marketing Director.

When I first considered this volunteer role, I had my doubts. But I decided to "Just do it," and it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. I am grateful beyond words, especially to our past Marketing Director, Kerri Roe, PCC, CLC who helped me start my feet right on the track. Her guidance made all the difference in those early days! 🙏

This role has allowed me to sharpen my strengths, , , , and , to help our chapter reach triple-digit growth on social media.

We are looking for more voices! 📣 If you are a coach/non-coach or a College student who wants to learn, grow, and have fun bringing creative ideas to life as a hashtag , I’d love to have you on my Marketing Committee. Our possibility is limitless when we work together. Message me if you're ready to "Just do it" too! 📩

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲, 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐂𝐅 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲

There is something powerful about meeting in person! The ICF Calgary Chapter Board of Directors held our monthly meeting in person last weekend instead of meeting online.

We gathered for an intensive 5-hour strategy session (no surprise to see an item like “Work Lunch” on the agenda😄). While we took time to celebrate meeting our mid-year KPIs with a deep sense of satisfaction, our focus remained firmly on the future.

We aren’t just celebrating numbers, we are constantly asking: "𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀?" Our mission is to provide the high-quality programs, learning opportunities, and events that empower every coach in our community to thrive.

Help us welcome our newest Board faces! Parvin Abdullayeva, PCC – Director at Large & Chair of DEIB Committee, Rahul Agarwal, PCC – Secretary. Plus, a huge congratulations to Peggy Mann, who is transitioning into her new role as President-elect!

To close the day, our President, Moji Ajele, PCC, asked us for a 5-word takeaway. The words that filled the room were:
✨ Inspired | Connected | Recharged | Supported | Aligned ✨

We are leaving this meeting with a clear vision and can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Stay tuned for upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you soon!

International Coaching Federation

11/01/2026

As we close out the first week back, remember that the most important growth often happens where we can't see it.

Even when a career feels "frozen" or you're in a season of waiting, your strengths are the roots keeping you steady and preparing you for what's next.
Trust your pace and honor your journey. Wishing you a weekend of rest and reflection. ✨

10/01/2026

No two frost crystals are exactly alike, and neither are your Top 5 dominant strengths. ❄️

When we understand our unique CliftonStrengths, we stop comparing our path to others. We begin to see the beauty in our own specific way of solving problems, building relationships, and leading others.

What is one strength that makes you feel most 'at home' in your work?

09/01/2026

2026 is a fresh new year. ❄️

2025 has passed, and for many, it was a challenging year especially for those searching for new jobs or fresh opportunities. I want to acknowledge that struggle.

This year, I am using my passion for writing, sharing, and photography to bring hope and light to your feed. Onward and beyond. My goal is to post regularly to bring you inspiration, clarity, and the courage to lead with your natural strengths.

Looking at the frost in my garden this morning, I am reminded that winter is not a season of standing still; it is a season of preparation.

As you return to the office or your job search today, don't rush. Take a moment to find your "quiet growth." When we lead with our CliftonStrengths, we don't have to force progress. We move forward with intention.

What is one strength you are leaning into today to start your year with confidence?

07/01/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

This year, one Japanese philosophy guided me: IKIGAI meaning a reason for being - finding the intersection of what I love, what I’m good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for.

Looking back, Ikigai quietly shaped everything.

Some moments turned out as I hoped.
Some didn’t.
There were joyful surprises and
tough ones, including hardships and disasters around the world I wish had never happened.

Yet I’m deeply grateful.

The biggest gift of 2025 was feeling my intention come true:
both my personal and professional life became fulfilling.

I made a quiet but powerful commitment to my health. Twice a week, I’ve been training at an Exercise Centre, Live Well, with my partner in crime, guided by the expert Clinical Exercise Physiologists. With accountability in place, consistency has become part of my life. Now is close to 100 sessions and I look forward to my 150th, 200th, and many more sessions ahead.

I travelled with my loved one to one of my favourite countries, Japan, creating memories that reminded me what truly matters.

I stayed committed to writing - sharing weekly reflections on LinkedIn about CliftonStrengths and sending a newsletter to help others become confident communicators. Seeing people apply their strengths showed me this work serves a real need.

I also said yes to service. I joined volunteer communities, tested my talents in Marketing roles, and met remarkable leaders at ICF Calgary Chatper and Toastmasters International D42.

Through Toastmasters speech contests, I shared my story widely, using my voice to encourage others. Whenever doubt crept in, I asked myself one powerful question: 'Why not?' (Sound familiar from my speeches? 😊)

This year also taught me patience especially in my career.

I held onto doing what I love, even when progress felt slow. Then, in the final quarter, meaningful work found me: coaching unemployed and underemployed individuals to rediscover their strengths and land the right roles.

Patience made space for alignment. I’m now doing work I love.

Imposter syndrome still surfaces. But this year, I was surrounded by people who believed in me more than I believed in myself.

I’ve learned Ikigai isn’t something you find once. You live into it through choices, courage, patience, and faith.

I still believe the best is yet to come.

Above all, I’m grateful for the strength, faith, and grace given to me by God.

Thank you to everyone who walked with me this year. May we all move closer to lives where hashtag , hashtag , and hashtag meet.

May your 2026 bring you joy, peace and new opportunities. Cheers and big hugs!

#2025

11/10/2025

Counting the Blessings, Not the Missing 🍁

This long weekend is our 🇨🇦 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 🇨🇦 , I’m reminded how easy it is to focus on what’s missing even after something wonderful.

After my recent Japan trip, I caught myself thinking about what I didn’t do:
the shops I didn’t visit, the places I didn’t see, the things I didn’t buy.

Then, a friend gently reminded me:
“Agnes, your husband chose to celebrate your milestone birthday with this trip. That’s the greatest gift.”
That moment hit me hard!

I realized gratitude isn’t about chasing what’s incomplete.

It’s about cherishing what’s already enough - and giving a big shout-out to those who have made your journey so fruitful.

💛 Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply pausing to reflect, here’s my wish for you:

"May you count your blessings louder than your “missings.”
Because gratitude changes how we see everything. Gratitude attracts an abundant life. Happy Thanksgiving! 🇨🇦

15/07/2025

💡Strengths-Inspired Strategies for Self-Doubt

Self-doubt loves delay.

It whispers, “Think a bit more… wait until you’re fully ready… maybe next week.”
But you know what I’ve learned as a coach and personally?

Momentum builds clarity.

During my coaching, a client of mine who knows her strengths quite well shared something interesting. She has Strategic® in her Top 5 - a talent that helps people quickly spot the best path forward. Yet, she found herself stuck in overthinking, feeling like she had to perfectly plan everything before taking action.

What we uncovered in our session was this: even with Strategic®, clarity comes through movement. When she allowed herself to take small steps instead of waiting for the whole picture, her path actually became clearer, faster.

That’s the power of aligned action. It unlocks our strengths instead of letting self-doubt hold us back.

I am happy for her that she finally understands she doesn’t need a full map to start.

We just need to move.

💬 What’s one small action you can take today, even if you feel unready?

Share it below. Let’s encourage momentum together.

♻️ Repost to HELP your network and follow me for more.

🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹

👋 I’m Agnes
✅ CliftonStrengths® Coaching
✅ Confidence Coaching for Speakers
✅ Coaching to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

💡 I help purpose-driven professionals, emerging leaders and youth speak up with confidence and lead with their natural brilliance.

🌟 Speak with heart. Lead with strengths. Grow with purpose. I’m cheering you on.