A Strong U

Believe it or not, most of us crave constructive feedback — yet far fewer of us feel comfortable giving it.

When delivered respectfully and clearly, feedback builds trust, strengthens relationships, and improves team performance.

Here’s a simple framework to make it easier. Inspired by the classic Wendy's “Where’s the Beef?” commercial:
B.E.E.F.
Behavior – Describe the specific behavior (avoid labels or assumptions).
Effects – Share the impact that behavior had on you or others.
Feelings – Express how it made you feel to build clarity and trust.

Clear. Specific. Honest.
That’s how feedback fuels growth.

Spoiler alert: You already know the answer.

I don’t tell my clients what to do.
I help them hear what they already know—beneath the noise, the stress, and the doubt.

Because the most powerful guidance?
It’s not mine.
It’s yours.

Inspiring Leadership: Laying the Foundation for Productive Relationships

Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege of leading two engaging workshops with leaders at Cabarrus College of Health and Sciences, hosted by South Piedmont AHEC.

Our focus?
🔹 Identifying the habits that increase collaboration and respect
🔹 Developing authentic relationships that inspire engagement and productivity
🔹 Demonstrating tools that build connection and motivation
🔹 Exploring strategies to foster sustainable greatness with trust and confidence

The sessions were filled with energy, insight, and interaction. From thought-provoking discussions to laughter-filled exercises, this group brought their full selves to the experience — open, reflective, and ready to grow.

Big thanks to the amazing participants for making this workshop not only impactful, but genuinely fun to lead. Your willingness to engage deeply and connect meaningfully with one another was inspiring.

Grateful to South Piedmont AHEC for continuing to invest in leadership development in healthcare education — and for inviting me to be a part of it.

This video reminded me of a creative twist a teacher put on one of my leadership workshop openers, “Stick Your Worries Away.”

Before class, her kindergarteners would draw or write their worries on a sticky note—things like “I forgot my lovey,” “I miss my mom,” or “I don’t like carrots.” They’d post them on a board outside the classroom, leaving their concerns behind so they could be fully present for the day.

I use this same practice with adults in leadership workshops—though the sticky notes usually say things like “email backlog,” “performance review,” or “how do I deal with my micro managing boss?”

Whether you’re five or fifty, naming our worries helps tame them—and having a safe space to do that builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every strong team, boardroom, classroom, and home.

Schoolchildren in Thailand choose how they want to greet their teacher

I had the pleasure of attending another incredible REACH Women’s Conference, and once again, I walked away inspired and energized. From powerful connections with phenomenal women to thought-provoking sessions like “Elevating Your Executive Presence,” “Leadership Preparedness in a Changing DEI Landscape,” and “Leading with Purpose,” the experience was both enriching and empowering.

Key takeaways: Lead by listening—not only to others but also to yourself. That’s how you build trust and confidence. Cultivate self-awareness, quiet your inner critic, gain clarity on what you truly want, and show up as your authentic self. Most importantly, give yourself grace. Fill your cup—and then pay it forward by reaching back.

I work with my clients on many of these themes every day, so it was especially meaningful to take a day to check in on myself and reflect.

Added bonus: I got to share the day with my amazing sister Julia Townsend, my goal-getter daughter Ella Barwick, a fun coaching colleague Kristin Ransford Hiemstra, M.Ed., CCPC, PCC, and my awe-inspiring dad… the infamous Woody Clinard!

School boards have such challenging jobs in front of them. It’s so inspiring when they want to equip themselves with effective communication skills that give win-win outcomes a chance!

I had a fun morning in Winston-Salem kicking off the Forsyth County School Board (WSFCSB) yearly retreat. We had some great discussions about collaboration, trust, and listening to others. It’s my 2nd time working with this board and they always welcome me with warmth, curiosity, and enthusiastic participation.