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A Foggy Confession, Confidence vs Credibility, & Brooks & Dunn



A FOGGY CONFESSION…Have you ever driven through thick fog, only for it to suddenly clear as if it was never there?


That’s how 2024 felt for me—starting foggy but ending clear and, dare I say, figureoutable. I ventured into new territory (cue the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast). It felt unfamiliar, singularly focused, and, honestly, a little daunting. Doing new things is hard, isn’t it?


But as quickly as the panic set in, clarity followed. The fog lifted, and I realized I don’t have to fit into one box or focus on just one thing. Truthfully, that sounds boring (cue my best British accent).


In reality, I love two things: life and leadership. (Okay, many more than two things—like beach days, music, and gathering with friends and family over a delicious meal!)


What’s New in 2025?Starting in 2025, my weekly emails will feature a splash of leadership and life. Expect ideas, insights, relatable stories, and actionable strategies for the journey. Grab what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know you’re not alone.


I hope these emails bring you laughter, relief, and a sense of connection—because, let’s be real, we’re all figuring it out together!


Here’s to a bright 2025 and the Ripple Effect you’ll create.


LEADERSHIP – CONFIDENCE AND CREDIBILITY

Recently, I coached a leader new to her role who wanted to grow her confidence and demonstrate her value. We dug into two key trust signals from her leader:

  1. How much authority she had.

  2. How much autonomy she’d been given.


We noticed both were increasing—a great sign! But we uncovered a subtle shift to elevate her confidence and credibility even further.


When discussing projects, she often asked for her leader’s input before sharing her ideas. I suggested flipping the script:


Instead of leading with questions, start with your recommendations, then ask for feedback. For example: "I have a couple of ideas I want to run by you to confirm I’m on the right track or gather any additional input you might have."


This small adjustment moves you from the “learner seat” to the driver’s seat, showing thoughtfulness, proactivity, and readiness to lead.


Like riding a bike, this takes practice. At first, it feels clunky, but with repetition, confidence grows—and when you project confidence, others start seeing you that way, too.


So, what’s one upcoming conversation where you can try this? I’d love to hear how it goes!


LIFE – JOY IN 2025


A few years ago, my husband and I realized we were burnt out—chasing schedules, kids, dishes, and laundry. Waiting for joy to find us wasn’t working, so we decided to start tracking joy like a bank account. We wrote a joy list on a whiteboard in our bedroom (yes, not normal) and started scheduling bite-sized doses of joy.

The result? Life became so much more enJOYable.


Here’s a peek at my 2025 joy list:


  • Chasing good music: I love everything from jazz to country. Brooks & Dunn are touring this spring, and yes, the playlist is already on repeat!

  • Savoring delicious food: Currently craving Indian food—local foodie tour, anyone?

  • Laughing more: This year, I plan to see three comedians and dive into activities that spark belly laughs.

  • More coffee dates: My favorite memories are made over coffee with friends.

  • Traveling: It’s a passion—and always on the list!

  • Being active: We’re considering a rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon. Training, here we come?

  • Sneaking in more reading: Okay, audiobooks—recommendations welcome!


I believe you’re capable of more JOY than you’ve ever imagined. Why not start chasing it like it’s your job?

What’s on your joy list for 2025? Hit reply—I’d love to hear!


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