09/25/2026
Yesterday was one of those experiences that reminded me exactly why I do what I do.
I had the opportunity to spend an hour on stage at the CASHE National Conference talking about why we need to talk about the tough topics in the workplace.
But the conversation wasn’t just about having tough conversations.
It was about what we have to do to earn the right to have them.
How do we create environments where people feel safe enough to be honest? How do we lean in for understanding instead of immediately reacting? And what can happen when people genuinely feel seen, heard, and valued?
Throughout the presentation, I asked the room questions that required vulnerability to answer. Watching people raise their hands and acknowledge their own experiences meant more to me than I can probably explain.
Being vulnerable as an adult is hard.
And watching a room full of professionals give themselves permission to be human was pretty incredible.
At the end, one gentleman in the back of the room became emotional before asking his question. What struck me just as much as his question was watching everyone around him give him the time and space he needed to compose himself. Nobody rushed him. Nobody tried to fill the silence.
That is what safe space can look like.
Another gentleman shared that, as a father and grandfather, he was leaving the presentation knowing he needed to approach certain conversations differently.
And that may have been one of my favorite reminders of the day.
A room full of people can hear the exact same presentation and walk away with completely different things they needed to hear.
I also offered everyone a free copy of my e-book and my presentation materials, and people have already taken me up on it.
Yes, this is part of my business. Yes, businesses need revenue to operate.
But I also believe deeply that when we have something that can help another person become 1% better, lead differently, understand someone more deeply, or simply feel less alone, sometimes we just share it.
One person at a time is still how change happens.
Yesterday reminded me that sharing the parts of my story that created my stripes isn’t always easy, but there is purpose in it.
And sometimes where the Lord calls us isn’t where we ever imagined we would be going.
But somehow, it continues to lead us exactly where we are meant to be.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, for every person who showed up willing to learn, and especially for the ones brave enough to show up honestly.
Now I can’t wait to see what they do with it.
