Cultivate the Courage to Bloom One year ago, on April 8th, I celebrated my first official day as Founder of JMW Collective. I posted my new title on LinkedIn and basked in the supportive comments. I had taken the leap and launched my own business, and it was a beautiful moment. At least, that's what everyone could see. But, if you've ever made a life-changing decision like that you know there's always more to see beneath the surface. What didn’t show was the burnout that crept in the summer...
about 2 months ago • 5 min read
Women's History Month Edition March is one of my favorite months – the start of spring, the excitement of March Madness (take me back to the early 00’s at Pitt #IYKYK), and the celebration of Women’s History Month (WHM)! Not to mention, my oldest turns 13 (!) later this month. Did you know President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980, as National Women’s History Week? The week was chosen to correspond with International Women’s Day...
3 months ago • 7 min read
In a February State of Mind I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to say goodbye to January! While February 1st may be a few days away, I’m already in a February state of mind. What does that mean? Well, once I finally take down my Christmas tree, it will look like this: more room for love, more room for intentionality, and more room for clarity. This month, I’m leaning into communication and the power of using our voices. January’s feedback told me you’re looking for practical ways to...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Amplify your New Year Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? Are you in Camp New Year, New You? What about manifesting? (Fun Fact: Manifest is Cambridge Dictionary’s 2024 Word of the Year!) Or do you take a more laid-back—or even skeptical—approach to the new year? Maybe January 1st feels like just another day. Are you tired of hearing about everyone else’s resolutions and just wishing they’d get back to work? Do you secretly relish Quitter’s Day? (Another Fun Fact: The second Friday of...
5 months ago • 5 min read
Reflection & Resilience Closing the Year with Strength & Intention As the year draws to a close, December invites us to pause—a moment to sit in stillness and acknowledge the ground we’ve covered. This is not just a season of twinkling lights and hurried lists but also one for reflection, resilience, and renewal. Reflecting is a brave act. It’s choosing to celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small, and also sitting with the moments that stretched us, humbled us, or redirected us. It’s in...
6 months ago • 4 min read
Busy or Purposeful? Choosing Values Over Volume If you know me, you know I can’t stand the word “busy.” Yet it’s everywhere! When someone asks how we’re doing, so many of us reply, “Oh, busy.” But what does that even mean? We’ve somehow turned busyness into a badge of honor. Spoiler alert: I was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and there was no Busy Badge! Imagine if, instead of “busy,” we said, “Life is full” or “I’m really enjoying [fill in the blank] right now.” I know, easier said than done,...
7 months ago • 4 min read
"I'll have what she's having!" As you embark on the last quarter of the year, it’s a great time to check in with yourself. How are you, truly? This is a safe space – you can answer honestly. Do you feel alone in your career, unsure of what’s next, or exhausted by the weight of trying to do it all? Do you find yourself ruminating over your weaknesses instead of recognizing the strengths that make you uniquely powerful? If any of this resonates, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate...
8 months ago • 4 min read
Hello Fall! As summer draws to a close, it's tempting to dwell on the trips not taken and the plans that never materialized. In a recent attempt to reverse my own rumination, my kids and I looked back on our summer calendar week by week. It turns out we had a pretty great summer even if the fridge didn't get the deep clean it so desperately needs, and we didn't hike the closest mountain before dawn to watch the sun rise. Anyone else have similar plans in mind? But do you know what we did...
9 months ago • 4 min read
Striking Gold: Leadership Insights from the Summer Games "The miracle of joy that comes out of the gathering of our best, bringing their best...We can compete passionately without hatred...We can take pride in the achievement of strangers...We can share openly in the success of friends." - Maya Angelou, an excerpt from her 2008 poem written at the request of the Olympic Committee Though Maya Angelou's words were meant for the Olympics, they can help us strike gold in our personal and...
10 months ago • 6 min read