LeadHERship Learnings
The past few weeks have been super exciting, and I’m fired up! I want to share what I’ve been up to, what I’ve learned, and what I’m leaning into.
In my March newsletter, I shared my plans to participate in the LeadHERship conference in Wilmington, NC, conducting laser coaching for program participants. The experience exceeded my expectations – the people, the speakers, the topics, the camaraderie – it was all fantastic.
I arrived in Wilmington and set off on foot for the conference center without consulting the program, only to find the doors locked and no activity going on inside. A woman who wore the same puzzled expression I did came around the corner of the building, where she had been trying locked doors. We quickly realized we were attending the same conference, and she started looking through materials while I tried calling another coach to find out where we were supposed to be.
Once we determined where we were going, we headed in that direction (backtracking our steps), chatting along the way. I found out where she was from and what she did, and I told her I was a coach doing laser coaching at the conference. My new friend said she tried to sign up for laser coaching, but was too late and the spots were full. I suggested I coach her once we got registered, as we had plenty of time before the program was going to begin. She was ecstatic! We found a quiet space in a separate room, pulled up two chairs, and the coaching session began! What a great way to start an amazing conference. What I learned is:
You are always at the right place at the right time
My new friend and I had to backtrack to get to our destination. However, it was meant to be that we would meet each other, make a connection, and I was able to have the coaching session with her that she desired. Sometimes taking a step back isn’t actually heading backwards.
Your clients often teach you in unexpected ways
Later that day, after sharing a table and spending the day listening to speakers and interacting during program sessions, my new friend unexpectedly coached me. We were on a break after hearing a powerful presentation full of insights and a-has for me, and my new friend and I were chatting about what was holding me back from a big decision. She said “What would you ask if you were coaching yourself?” My response, “YOU’RE a coach! That is a great question!” and a big hearty laugh. She got me.
You need downtime to create insight
I had an epiphany the next morning during meditation. A solution to a situation I had been turning around in my mind for months immediately came to me. I’m confident the experience of the conference moved me towards this realization more quickly. The speakers, the support of the women at the conference, the interactive exercises, and time to reflect and get away from the day-to-day created the perfect environment for me to create a different possibility.
With these learnings, I am leaning into making my new insight a reality. The creative juices continue to flow, and I have a renewed energy around what is next. I attribute this shift to the incredible experience at the LeadHERship conference, where I was surrounded by amazing women: some old friends and some new. Now the real work (and fun work) begins, ensuring my epiphany comes to fruition.
Ready to find out more?
