Vibing and Tribe-ing

Linking up with colleagues can be a reminder of how much growth, gratitude, and camaraderie have shaped your journey!

“Why testimonials are powerful & how they work for you:

They validate your skills.
They reflect your work ethics.
They build trust with future employers & clients.
They capture your impact.
They strengthen your brand.

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Over the past few weeks, I have had time to reflect on the incredible experiences and relationships I have built throughout my career. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been collaborating with teams and peers who continually inspire, challenge, and bring out the best in each other. We have delivered magnificent products, solved problems in elegant form, mastered managing from afar, and journeyed together (literally) across the world to create experiences that elevated industry expectations and delighted top-tier customers.

I’m incredibly grateful for the kind words shared by colleagues and industry leaders—words that reinforce the passion I bring to my work every day. Their support not only fuels my drive to keep exploring but also reminds me why I love what I do.

A strong professional network isn’t just about connections—it’s about proof. Testimonials serve as tangible evidence of not just your expertise, but also your character. Here’s why they matter:

1. They validate your skills – A well-crafted testimonial highlights real-world examples of your abilities in action, from problem-solving to leadership.

2. They reflect your work ethic – What people say about you speaks volumes about your reliability, collaboration style, and dedication.

3. They build trust with future employers and clients – Social proof is powerful. Whether you are job hunting or growing your business, endorsements provide a third-party perspective on your strengths.

4. They capture your impact – Sometimes, it’s hard to articulate our own accomplishments. Testimonials showcase the influence you’ve had on teams, projects, and company culture.

5. They strengthen your brand – Beyond resumes and portfolios, testimonials add a personal touch that differentiates you from others in your field.

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Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth, and testimonials from colleagues can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise and credibility.

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As I look toward my next opportunity, I remain committed to strategic storytelling, brand elevation, and impactful communication—delivering results with creativity, precision, and a people-first approach.

To those who have supported me along the way—thank you! If you or someone in your network is looking for a seasoned creative director, brand strategist, or communications expert, let’s connect. I’d love to bring my expertise to a team that values vision, clarity, collaboration, and innovation.

Have you received or given a great testimonial recently? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how testimonials have helped you!

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📕Book nook corner: Lately, I have been reading the book ‘Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get your dream job. Own your future.’ and picking up valuable insights on job searching, networking, and building authentic professional relationships. One key takeaway? Your next opportunity often comes from the strength of your network—not just who you know, but how well you engage and nurture those connections. Think about it, who knows you better than the gal sitting next to you for 8 hours a day!

Connecting and Reflecting

Discovering your strength through shared experiences

Immersing myself in a whirlwind of connections left me reflecting on the past two weeks...

Over that time, I gathered with brilliant minds to solve for stories that resonated with the audience, explored vulnerabilities within (literally) personal space, and melded versatile tools and strategies to tackle deep-diving issues! 🤿

Yes, I feared the unstructured chaos at the start of my career transition, calculating my necessities in a tenuous way. Ultimately, I needed to jump right in, and boy did I! With little chance for reflection on difficulties to come, I attended a virtual event called Integrated Life Program (thank you Rachelle Aspan) that focused on how you decide what to pursue, giving items and issues personal meaning derived from your life. This definition would allow you to propose and build out your sense of purpose through an action plan based on characteristics of success that would be uniquely important to you.

Out of serendipity, luck or another fortuitous word, I was invited to attend an AMA luncheon where all of a sudden, I did not feel alone on the mountain, but I felt strength in camaraderie.

This was all by, again, good fortune as an acquaintance had wanted to introduce me to a colleague looking for someone with my professional background. It just so happened that I had received concerning news that morning about my job transition. I quickly mentioned it was great timing (for all the reasons you already know), and my connection instantly let me know there was a free ticket available for an event the next week. Opportunities kept appearing, and I’ve been seizing each one! At the luncheon, speaker April Roberts really gave me some strong nuggets to chew on (it was a luncheon after all). She spoke on her theory of building structure into your life, allowing yourself space to realize success, freedom and creativity. You can find good resources to her Vixen CEO Calendar to get you motivated and organized with thoughtful tips about your time management.

The best things in life come in threes

If you can believe it, within one week, I attended a third activity! I was serendipitously placed in front of a communications leader in the local area who had asked if I would consider a breakfast discussion with peers across various industries. I quickly accepted the relevant invitation, a bit nervously to be honest. And with all my 'introvert' showing, I showed up and led with freedom and vulnerability. I gathered key insights from the H-Town collective communications leadership at Savage Brands.

Here are some emerging themes that were explored during the breakfast:

• Empathy and authenticity—Understanding that the best communications are rooted in human connection.

• More than a meeting—It was a think tank for modern leadership. We delved into themes that transcended industries but are deeply rooted in effective storytelling, audience engagement, and personal growth.

• Boundaries and personal energy management—We each shared healthy hobbies and habits to create sustainable work environments while maintaining creativity and innovation.

These discussions reinforced that strong communication is built on intentional strategy and a deep understanding of people.

Small hinges swing big doors

I wanted to share some of my learning that might be helpful for you in your job search. The best ideas don’t live in isolation; they grow through your own unique connections that you choose to maintain. I decided to lean into the collectives and spontaneity of my network's reactions. I’ve been reminded that growth happens best in community and makes life a little sweeter. Moving forward isn’t just about taking the next step—it’s about recognizing your transitional value. The experiences, relationships, and unexpected moments that arise during challenge and change all contribute to what you carry forward. Reflect on what’s emerging in your journey, then consider: How do you translate your focused strengths into actions?

So here’s my challenge for you (and for me!):

• What’s one small change you can make this week that will have a big impact within your professional space?

• What’s one learning you’ve been considering that deserves taking action to begin moving the dial?

If your brand is looking for a strategic creative partner to elevate your marketing, I’d love to connect on LinkedIn.