Have you had those days where you look up at 5:00 p.m. and wonder, “What did I even do today?” The meetings, emails, phone calls, unexpected tasks—they pile up. But somehow, it feels like we didn’t actually accomplish anything.

Meanwhile, some people seem to operate in a different universe. They manage a packed calendar, lead teams, juggle family responsibilities, and still find time for exercise, hobbies, and rest. So, what gives?

The other day, my husband Kenny and I were out of town for a little getaway, and something funny happened that sparked a great business analogy. Now, I’m someone who is always freezing in hotel rooms—seriously, I think some AC systems are designed by polar bears. But this trip was different. It was HOT outside—mid to high 90s kind of hot—and the room was somehow alternating between freezing cold and melting hot. I kept saying, “It’s so cold. No, wait, it’s so hot!” on repeat like a confused thermostat.

Laundry, Leadership, and the Loop We Live In

Why Success Isn’t a Checklist, It’s a Cycle

I was recently listening to Mel Robbins recap her top podcast episodes, and one really stuck with me—not because it was about leadership or time management or productivity—but because it was about laundry.

Yes, laundry.

Recently, I listened to the book Juggling Elephants by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig on Audible—and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The authors use a powerful and relatable metaphor: life is like a three-ring circus. In those three rings? Yourself, your relationships, and your work.

And the big takeaway? You can’t perform in all three rings at the same time.

What Toilet Paper Taught Me About Teams, Trust, and Alignment

Not long ago, I had one of those moments that only someone who facilitates leadership and team retreats would turn into a metaphor.

I was in a public restroom (glamorous, I know), and as I glanced over, I noticed something odd: the toilet paper holder was branded Scott, but the toilet paper inside was clearly Cottonelle. A little branding mismatch in the bathroom isn’t exactly headline news, but it made me curious — why would one company’s product be sitting inside another’s dispenser?

Naturally, I had to investigate.

A couple of months ago, at a church meeting to launch a new capital campaign, we were invited to reflect on one of my favorite scriptures:
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

We had a prayer walk and one of the stops, we took a small, flat pebble stone and was encouraged to write that verse on it as a physical reminder. I did just that, and I slipped mine into my purse.

There’s an African proverb that’s been around for ages, but it still hits home every time I hear it:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

And whew, isn’t that the truth?

Speed is tempting—especially for high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. We want quick wins, immediate results, and a neat little box checked off by the end of the day.

I just finished reading One Word by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page—and I have to say, I’m hooked. It’s a quick read (seriously, you can finish it in a single sitting), but the impact it leaves is anything but small.

It’s one of those books that makes you pause and go, “Why haven’t we all been doing this?”

A few days ago, I stood under a perfect sky at Perfect Day at CocoCay—the kind of place where time slows down, the air is full of ease, and every detail is designed for enjoyment. No deadlines. No back-to-back meetings. Just space to breathe.

And while I loved the experience, I found myself wondering—What would a “perfect day” look like for the partners I serve?

If you’re a chamber leader, nonprofit director, business owner, or board chair, you already know how much time and energy it takes to bring your team together for important conversations.
Strategic planning.
Board retreats.
Leadership workshops.
Team alignment sessions.

A Chamber Life Reflection

If you're reading this, chances are you're a Chamber President, Executive Director, or team member who knows exactly what it means to juggle a hundred things at once — and somehow still smile through it.

Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Exploring Strengths-Based Leadership and the 4 Basic Needs of Followers

As leaders, we often focus on strategies, goals, and team performance. But what about the deeper, often overlooked needs of those we lead? Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, a groundbreaking book based on extensive Gallup research, offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can succeed by understanding and meeting the needs of their followers.

Time. It’s the one resource we all have in equal measure, yet how we use it defines the course of our lives. In Jordan Raynor's book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive, he offers a faith-based approach to productivity that resonates with anyone seeking to live a life of greater intention and alignment with their values.

Leadership is a journey of highs and lows. One day, you’re soaring, admired for your successes, and at the top of your game—the peacock. The next, you’re cleaning up the mess, feeling overlooked or knocked down—the feather duster.

Thirty years. That’s how long I’ve spent in the Chamber world thus far—building relationships, navigating challenges, and growing alongside business and community leaders. Over the years, I’ve worked with leaders who have inspired me, mentored me, and shown me exactly the kind of leader I strive to be. But I’ve also encountered leaders who have taught me, just as powerfully, how not to lead.

As we step into February, a month synonymous with love, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how love influences one of the most impactful areas of our lives—leadership. While we often associate leadership with strategy, vision, and execution, the truth is that love, in its broadest sense, is at the heart of great leadership.

Recently, I noticed something unexpected—my two Christmas cacti, true to their stubborn independence, started blooming in mid-January. It made me pause and reflect. These plants, often celebrated for their bright, festive December flowers, decided to defy expectations and bloom on their own schedule. And you know what?

Don’t Let Your Ice Cream Melt While Counting Someone Else’s Sprinkles: A Lesson in Leadership

Leadership is about focus. As leaders, we often get caught up in comparing ourselves to others or fixating on what others are doing, which can lead us to lose sight of what’s truly important. The saying “don’t let your ice cream melt while counting someone else’s sprinkles” is a fun, yet profound metaphor that teaches us the value of staying focused on our own goals and priorities.

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and reorganize for the year ahead. At Starfish Partnerships, we believe in turning big dreams into achievable milestones by breaking them down into actionable steps.

I recently came across an image on social media that sparked some thought-provoking ideas—a sturdy gate with a sign that read, "Keep Gate Closed." It seemed like a perfectly normal message, except there was one obvious problem: there was no fence attached to the gate. This visual is a powerful metaphor for many of the situations we encounter in our personal and professional lives.