AWL Alumni Spotlight

Describe the six months you spent in the Bloombase experience for Advanced Women Leaders.
It goes by fast! I appreciated having a dedicated day once a month to become fully immersed in the experience. Try to un-plug yourself so you can be fully present. My cohort partner and I established a quick touch base meeting every week. I found it helpful because I knew she would ask me what I accomplished since our last meeting. These touch base meetings build accountability while developing a deeper connection with someone going through the experience. The monthly coaching sessions were also helpful for my cohort partner and I to practice what we were learning.

Describe the benefits of the AWL experience.
The experience provided me with a clear picture of who I want to be as a leader in all aspects of my life. Shortly after the AWL experience, I took on a new leadership role with a new organization and group of leaders. The AWL experience equipped me with tools and frameworks I leveraged to jump start the journey of building my new team. It also helped me articulate and develop a shared vision for the organizational climate I aspired to create.

Describe the benefits of being a part of the post AWL community.
The AWL Alumni community affords me a terrific resource when navigating a new challenge or opportunity. I can connect with an AWL Alumni member and seek an alternative perspective from someone that works in a completely different profession and industry vertical.

What did you get out of the Executive Coaching sessions?
The executive coaching sessions provided me the opportunity to explore topics at a deeper level to obtain clarity and gain a richer understanding. When I am learning something new, I find it invaluable to "practice." The coaching sessions allowed me to "practice" in a safe space and solicit invaluable feedback from both my executive coach and cohort partner. 

What would you say to someone else considering this experience?
I would encourage them to have an open mind along with a willingness to be fully transparent.  You will be in a safe space with a network of bright, caring, successful women.  Seize the opportunity. Embark on a rich journey to discover your true passions and goals. You will discover how you want to show up as a leader in all aspects of your life.

What was it about AWL that made you feel you had an ROI from the experience?
I walked away with a clear picture of who I am and where I want to be as a leader in all aspects of my life. I refer back to this regularly as it helps me evaluate if I am spending my energy where it needs to be. It really helped me articulate what the best version of me means as a mother, wife, sister, friend and professional.

I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose when… the results of my interactions and involvement are making things better and better and better.

My favorite way to spend an afternoon by myself is... going on a long run on a tree lined path while listening to 80's music.

The kind of work I’m most passionate about is… transformation.  I love transformational initiatives because I feel the outcome of the effort has an immediate and lasting impact on the company’s future.