Presence Over Perfection

July is a paradox.

Longer days. Full calendars. And a quieter kind of clarity.

It’s the season when the noise of urgency gives way to something slower, something more spacious. The perfect time to pause—not just for rest, but for reflection.

Where are you, really?

Not just in location—but in presence. In purpose. In energy.

I’ve been asking myself this question lately. After a busy stretch of keynotes, panels, and strategy sessions, I’ve also been carving out space to come back to the core of my work: building an inclusive future that’s both visionary and real.

This month, that looked like many things.

I joined Board Ready Women to speak on evolving DEI at the board level—making the case that inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s a test of culture, clarity, and commitment. We talked about what it means to hold the line when values get tested, and how metrics only matter if they’re backed by meaningful action.

I also travelled to Toronto, where I had the honour of attending the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Indigenous Women in Leadership Awards, a powerful evening that filled my cup in unexpected ways. Sitting in that room—surrounded by laughter, music, and stories of strength—I was reminded of the quiet force that comes from showing up for each other.

For Indigenous Peoples Day, I visited the UNCEDED: Voices of the Land exhibit. Through the lens of Indigenous architects and designers, I witnessed stories told not just through words, but through space—an embodied celebration of sovereignty, creativity, and place.

In the world of business, I’ve been sharpening my own clarity—refining offers, reconnecting with purpose, and remembering that sustainable growth requires structure and vision. The trip to Women Owned in Toronto with Eleanor Beaton offered the chance to do just that, and the momentum from that experience is still unfolding.

And in the middle of it all, I continued the conversations that matter most.

On the Unapologetic podcast, I spoke with Jake Stika of Next Gen Men about masculinity, mentorship, and belonging. It’s a conversation that stayed with me—one that challenges the narratives we’ve been handed and invites a different kind of leadership forward.

Because presence isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.

It’s what allows us to stay rooted when the world moves fast. It’s what helps us return to the work—not just as professionals, but as people.

So here’s your midsummer check-in:

What’s working? What’s heavy? What’s quietly asking to grow?

If you’d like my Midyear Reflection Guide, I’d love to send it your way. Just reply to this note.

Together, let’s shape the second half of the year with care, curiosity, and intention

With presence and purpose,

Shaping the Future of Leadership — Together

This November, I’ll be speaking at the Evolve Leadership Summit—a gathering designed for senior leaders navigating complexity, succession, and change. Hosted by the team at Einblau & Associates, this summit offers something rare: the space to step back, challenge assumptions, and examine whether your leadership systems will hold when it matters most.

I’ll be leading a keynote workshop titled: Bridging the Gap: Leading Across Generations with Inclusion

In today’s workplace, five generations often sit side by side—each shaped by different experiences, assumptions, and definitions of leadership. This isn’t just about “young versus old.” It’s about designing systems where everyone’s contribution is valued, where mentorship moves both ways, and where belonging becomes a foundation for performance—not just a bonus.

This session is deeply personal for me. I’ve seen firsthand how generational friction can hold organizations back—but I’ve also witnessed what’s possible when we harness those differences with care, strategy, and curiosity.

Whether you're preparing the next generation to lead or reimagining your own approach, I’ll share tools to bridge divides, deepen trust, and build leadership cultures that are both resilient and inclusive.

The early bird deadline is July 31—and I’d love to see some familiar faces in the room. Learn more or register

Let’s shape what’s next—together.

Good News Stories

Basel Activates UEFA Women’s Euro 2025—Through Traffic Lights In a beautiful blend of sport and city design, Basel has transformed pedestrian signals into playful animated footballers ahead of hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final. It’s a celebration of the beautiful game woven directly into public space—and a powerful example of what visibility looks like. Watch here

Local Pride: Community & Culture Take the Field in Edmonton The 16th Annual All Africa Soccer Tournament and Festival brought together 800 athletes and more than 20 African nations for a 3-day celebration of sport and culture in Edmonton. This is what grassroots belonging looks like. Watch the CBC clip

The Aesop Queer Library Returns In partnership with the ACLU, the Aesop Queer Library is back for its fifth edition—offering free books from LGBTQIA2S+ authors in select stores across North America. Each visitor is invited to select one title to take home. It’s a small but powerful act of storytelling, joy, and defiance. Explore the 2025 collection