August Reflections: Connection, Courage, and Community

August came and went so quickly. This month, I began a new journey of connecting with the community through the Qey2 Insights podcast. That experience also gave me direction for this blog and a place where I can bring together the thoughts, lessons, and reflections that shaped the month.

I created the Connect Domain to reach the community with no strings attached. I want to build platforms where real working people can learn not only from me, but from one another. Our experiences, perspectives, and areas of expertise may be different, but each of us has something valuable to contribute. The Connect Domain gives us a place to build one another up as we learn what it means to become Courageous Self-Leaders.

Launching the podcast was an amazing experience, and something I had never done before. At first, I was concerned about getting everything just right: the equipment, recording space, sound, profile, camera angles, and all the other details. Eventually, I realized that I could only show up as myself.

Creating something valuable was one part of the journey. Reaching the people who may need to hear it was another. Learning how to use social media to share and connect has been a new challenge, and I am still finding my way.

One of my greatest hopes for Qey2 Insights was to include voices and experiences from the community. This month, a conversation with Panna Cheung inspired my final August episode about slowing down and giving ourselves grace. Moments like that remind me that connecting with the people I encounter every day helps me learn and grow, and I want others to experience that kind of connection too.

Alongside the podcast, I am continuing to develop ways for school districts, businesses, and other organizations to create the Human-Centered Leadership environments they want for their people. That will look different within every organization and at every level. Because Qey2 is built to respond to those differences, I can design and tailor pathways that meet each organization where it is.

Through social media posts and everyday conversations at the Modesto Farmers Market, the bank, and even the grocery store, I have heard stories of growth, reflection, challenge, and vulnerability. Those stories have reminded me that many of us are experiencing similar things at different levels and in different ways.

There is comfort and strength in knowing we are not alone.

Keep being courageous in how you lead yourself and others.