Communication isn’t about the words that leave our mouths—it’s about what actually lands with the other person. We often mistake speaking for communicating, but if the listener doesn’t understand us, nothing has been exchanged. No connection, no clarity, no impact.

Leadership isn’t a role. It’s how people experience you.

• Do they feel safe to speak up?
• Own their work?
• Learn through mistakes?

If not, the title doesn’t matter.

Real leadership starts with awareness, not authority.

It's not too late to register!! When communication isn’t clear, trust suffers, teams stall, & decisions get delayed. Join us Friday to explore practical ways to lead with clarity – whether giving direction, offering feedback, or managing difficult convos.

go.etienneconsulting.com/ALM082225

Never confuse words coming out of your mouth as effective communication. 😌 Clarity is what makes it land. This webinar is about saying what you mean, being understood, & communicating to build trust.

Because if your message matters, so does how you deliver it.

www.linkedin.com/events/73610...

The culture we say we have isn’t always the one people feel.

When there’s a gap between intention and experience, culture can drift. Seeing that gap is the first step to closing it—so culture becomes not just better, but sustainable.

🚨 New on the blog: what it means to lead with presence and steadiness during uncertain times – especially when people are carrying more than they show.

The strongest leaders are rarely the loudest. They’re the ones who bring calm, clarity, and courage into the space.

Leadership gets real when the plan falls apart.
When your team’s barely hanging on.
When you’re not sure you are.
It’s how you carry the weight, not how much.

This Friday on ASCEND Leadership Monthly: Difficult Conversations

When something lands wrong, crosses a line, or tension builds—what do you say? How do you say it? Join us me to explore real strategies for handling the hard stuff with clarity and care.

www.cpaacademy.org/s/webinardat...

Young entrepreneurs don’t want to fit into your legacy.
They want to build forward.

They’re not looking for a seat at the table.
They’re building their own—
and they’ll invite you if you lead with trust, not control.

Leadership isn’t just about how you treat the team—it’s about how you treat each person, especially when you think no one’s watching.

Spoiler: they always are.

Leaders: If your team is quiet, it may not be trust—it might be fear.
This piece calls out the myths that keep us from creating real psychological safety.

Can we talk about generational change in leadership? Because it is happening. Change is hard, and it can get uncomfortable.

Transitions are messy.
We’ll say the wrong thing.
React too strongly.
Freeze and say nothing.
Offend without meaning to.

But none of that is failure.

It’s the work.

🚀 Next up in Ascend Leadership Monthly →
Facilitating Difficult Conversations

We’re getting into the real work of leadership—clarity, courage, and compassion when it counts most.

Registration’s open! 🎯

Hope to see you there 💬

It's not too late to join us!! 3pm ET today.

Can't decide whether to join or wait for the recording? All the more reason to join me! 😉

www.linkedin.com/events/ascen...

You can’t teach emotional intelligence with a checklist.

You have to live it.
And survive it.
And learn to lead again anyway.

Your kids don’t listen to what you say.
They watch what you do.

Same goes for your team.

Leadership isn’t in the org chart.
It’s in your example.

Every. Single. Day.

We’re here 🌀
No longer there ✖️

We believe social platforms should reflect the values we stand for—curiosity, empathy, and respectful connection.
This is where we’ll grow, share, and engage in meaningful conversation.

Still settling in, but excited to build community.