Have you ever walked into a meeting, a presentation, or a big moment thinking…
“I hope this goes well?”
I’ve been there. And here’s the thing – hope isn’t a strategy.
Preparation is. But not the kind that wears you out trying to get everything “perfect.”
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that preparation isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention.
That shift is at the heart of my Speaking with Impact program this month, and it’s also shown up powerfully in my coaching.
Coaching in Action: When Roles Blur, Strategy Wins
One of my coaching clients, a high-performing Executive Assistant, came to me completely frustrated and feeling defeated.
She was supporting a newly hired executive alongside a Chief of Staff. And suddenly, the lines got blurry.
Meetings were happening without her. Decisions were made behind closed doors.
Her role was starting to feel reactive and invisible.
“I used to be part of those conversations. Now I’m watching the CoS step into strategy, and I’m out of the loop.”
Her first instinct? Draw a line. Set boundaries. Protect her role.
And I understood that urge. When you feel edged out, it’s natural to tighten your grip.
But that’s not leadership and it’s not strategy.
So we stepped back and reframed the conversation:
- What could clearer boundaries look like not just for her, but for her executive and the CoS?
- What’s the benefit to them?
That’s when the breakthrough came: Time and Money.
Now we were focusing on the strategy:
- What would help them save time and make better decisions?
- How could these changes provide clearer communication from the head office and reduce duplicative work?
That’s when everything shifted.
She realized this wasn’t just about what was being taken from her—it was about what she could offer:
clarity, continuity, and collaboration.
From there, we worked on preparing for the real conversation. Together, we:
Identified the patterns creating confusion
Reframed the conversation around business outcomes not personal frustration
Crafted key messages grounded in value, like how better-defined roles could save time and money for the executive
We even practiced how to open the dialogue in a way that felt calm, clear, and collaborative not confrontational.
She hasn’t had the conversation yet. But she’s ready.
Because she’s no longer preparing to defend her job,
she’s preparing to lead it.
Whether you’re navigating blurred roles, complex relationships, or stepping into a new season of leadership, these three questions will help you prepare with clarity and purpose:
🤔 Who are you speaking to?
🤔 What do they need from you—and how can you add value to them in this moment?
It comes from knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes next.”
Free Resource: Download the 3 Questions Worksheet to Prepare with Purpose
If you’re navigating blurred lines, big moments, or leadership growth – this reflection tool will help.
Worthy of More: A Book That Stopped Me in My Tracks
Have you ever read a book that didn’t just inspire you—but made you pause?
That’s what Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima did for me.
It’s not about becoming more.
It’s about remembering that you were already enough.
This book stirred up old wounds, sparked new hope, and gave me language for things I’ve felt for years. I highlighted dozens of pages. I closed the book feeling lighter, clearer, and more anchored in who I am.
Here are just a few truths that hit me straight in the heart:
You can’t hustle your way to feeling worthy.
No amount of proving, producing, or performing will give you what only self-belief can.If your worth feels negotiable, the world will treat it that way.
But when you decide you’re worthy, without needing to earn it, you become unstoppable.Grace > Grit.
Grit gets us far. But grace, especially the kind we give ourselves, lets us breathe and bloom.
If you’ve ever wrestled with your worth or felt like you had to shrink to fit, this book might be what you need too.
Reflection prompt:
What’s one truth about your worth that you’re starting to believe again?
Preparation with intention will always outshine perfection
under pressure.
NEW: Webinar Replay: 10 Must-Know Insights from the Experts
- If you missed the May 1 live session with Joan Burge, Lisa Olsen, and me, the replay is now available!
- 👉 Watch now: 10 Must-Know Insights from the Experts
- We shared what it really takes to accelerate your success—and gave an inside look at the Elite Certification for Executive Assistants, which I co-teach with Lisa.
- Feel free to pass it along to your colleagues!
- Bonus: Register for the Elite Certification by May 31 and use code ELITE100 to get $100 off—plus, you’ll be entered to win a seriously huge prize package.
- Don’t miss it—it’s one of the best investments you can make in your professional growth.
May 29: I’ll be in Yakima, WA, for an in-person training with ESD 105—empowering a room full of administrative professionals.
Coaching spots available: I have two open! Let’s explore what leadership looks like for you. If you’re ready to strengthen your voice and step more confidently into your leadership, let’s talk. Check out the coaching page to learn more.
Speaking with Impact: The next cohort will open in early 2026. Join the waitlist to be the first to know.
“You didn’t just speak—you shifted the atmosphere.”
— FADSS 2025 Attendee
✨ Final Thought
You don’t have to wait for a title to lead.
You don’t have to wait for permission to speak with power.
And you definitely don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to prepare with intention.
This is your moment.
Let’s stop guessing—and start showing up on purpose.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.
