So, it’s really hard for me to wrap my brain around it, but this month marks my 25th year in this wild, wonderful world of business. 

I started out in HR consulting, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride! (I still have a little PTSD from that time.) Over the years, I’ve shifted from consulting to building leadership development programs, coaching teams, hopping on stage for keynotes, 1:1 coaching, and even writing two books (Who knew?).

And let’s be real: none of this happened by following some magical five-step plan. Nope. It’s been a wild mix of big wins, some “What in the world was I thinking?” moments, and hard lessons along the way. My parents may have worried I’d end up living in a van down by the river (SNL fans, you know what I’m talking about), but I kept going, defined success on my terms, and if that’s wrong, well, I don’t want to be right.

In the beginning, I’m sure I was…hmmm…what’s the word?… terrible. But through it all, I’ve picked up a few nuggets on what it really means to lead. So grab your coffee (or something stronger), and let’s dive into the good stuff – things that’ll help you to continue to learn and grow, regardless of your age, stage, or season of life. 

1. You’re never too young to be a mentor, and you’re never too old to have a mentor.

The best leaders are both learners and teachers. Here’s the thing: you’re never too “green” to offer fresh ideas, and you’re never too seasoned to learn something new. Younger leaders can bring fresh energy and insights, while those with more experience bring wisdom and perspective. So, yes, age is just a number when it comes to mentoring.

Pro Tip: Seek out a mentor you admire, even if they’re younger. And on the flip side, be open to sharing your own experience with others – even if they’ve been around longer. Cross-generational mentoring brings strength to teams and creates a culture of inclusivity and innovation.

2. Learn with the intention of teaching; teach with the intention of learning. 

Learning isn’t just for personal gain. When you learn with the intention of teaching it, you absorb it more deeply. And here’s the kicker: teaching gets even better when you stay open to new ideas from those you’re teaching. Treat learning and teaching as a tag team—both benefit when they’re done with a purpose.

Pro Tip: Try the “teach-back” method. After you learn something new, practice explaining it to someone else. Then, when you’re the one doing the teaching, ask questions and invite feedback. It turns a teaching moment into a two-way learning experience.

3. Adversity is a terrible thing to waste. 

Life throws us curveballs, and the most successful leaders learn to hit them out of the park. Instead of letting setbacks hold you down, view them as chances to grow. Every challenge packs a lesson that can make you stronger, wiser, and just a bit savvier for the next round.

Pro Tip: After a setback, ask yourself, “What’s the lesson here?” Jot down specific takeaways and think about how you’ll apply them. I’ve always tried to avoid making the same mistake twice. 

4. No one wants to be the first to say hello, but everyone wants to be greeted. 

Let’s be real—most people are a bit shy about making the first move, but everyone loves being greeted warmly. As a leader, you set the tone for openness and approachability. That first hello? It’s your secret weapon to building connection.

Pro Tip: Be the first to step out of your comfort zone. Make a habit of greeting people by name, whether it’s on your team or in a room full of strangers. That small act is a giant signal of respect, and pretty soon, your team will start doing it too. (Talk about culture-building!)

5. Evaluate opportunities based on more than economic factors.

Money talks, sure. But it’s not the whole story. The best opportunities are often the ones that bring you closer to your colleagues or clients or help you hone a skill. Don’t overlook the value of connection, growth, and personal fulfillment.

Pro Tip: When evaluating an opportunity, ask, “What else could I get from this?” Consider relationship-building, skill enhancement, or personal growth as important as any dollar signs. Those benefits might just be the secret sauce to your long-term success.

These are just a few of my lessons learned, and I hope you picked up something to think about. There’s more where these came from, so stay tuned… I see a Part Deux to this in the future. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what resonated with you. 

And drumroll please! The launch date for my new book “Live and Lead by Choice, Not by Chance” is set for November 19th. Please join my launch team, pick up a copy, gift copies to the women in your life, and make it your book club pick so you can read it in community.