AWL Alumni Spotlight

What did the AWL experience mean to you in terms of your journey as a leader?
The AWL opportunity presented itself while I was experiencing a leadership crisis. Instead of turning it down, I embraced the work of understanding where I was as a leader and how I could show up differently for those I was coaching.

Describe the benefits of the AWL experience.
AWL gave me insights into leadership styles and helped me understand how my then-current approach was affecting others. I learned strategies and gained a toolkit to use so that I could modify my approach according to the needs of those I was coaching. The program transformed me from an ego-driven leader to an empathetic one with care for those I managed.

What did you walk away with from AWL and what are you continuing to learn about yourself?
I learned the "three questions:" How are you feeling? What do you need? How can I help? I use these constantly in every situation from professional to personal. The questions shift my focus so I can thoughtfully consider how someone else is experiencing the moment. I am able to continue the work of AWL in my everyday life - it's more than a leadership program. It really is a program for a better approach to working with others.

What would you say to someone considering the AWL experience?
DO IT. You will receive insights that exceed your expectations if you are willing to do the work genuinely and authentically. Confronting our own destructive behaviors is hard but we have to own them - and then change them - if we are going to be trusted advisors, mentors, and coaches to others.

I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose when… others are achieving their aspirations.

My favorite way to spend an afternoon by myself is... playing with/walking our Wirehaired Pointing Griffons (dogs) or reading.

The values/behaviors that are most important to me are... do no harm.

How I would like to impact the world right now is... living with humility. That means realizing I may have zero impact. And that's okay.