- What has been a defining moment in your leadership journey, and how did it shape you?
A defining moment in my leadership journey came when I chose to leave what I once considered my dream job and take a leap into consulting. At first, it was simply something I wanted to explore — a way to see how my skills might translate across different organizations. Then came the period in history I could never have predicted: the global pandemic and the national reckoning on social justice. Suddenly, my expertise, preparation, and a larger calling all met at once. Organizations needed more than statements; they needed assessment, strategies and systems that could guide them through disruption and toward organizational and cultural transformation. Ultimately, that experience laid the groundwork for launching my own people-centered consulting practice, where I design systems that empower individuals to lead consciously and enable organizations to shape the next phase of their success by centering courage, authenticity, and people at the heart of their strategies and execution.
- How did your DMCLF experience shift your perspective on leadership and prepare you to face the challenges that come with leading?
DMCLF gave me more than perspective—it connected me with a community who felt like my people. I was surrounded by peers who were at similar career junctions, and that community became a source of affirmation and encouragement. We were able to be honest about our challenges, share lessons learned, and push one another to think bigger. That experience reminded me that leadership growth is not a solo journey. DMCLF gave me tools to pause, reflect on my past experiences, and carry those lessons forward in a sharper, more intentional way. It reinforced that growth is perpetual—what worked in the past can be adapted and refined for new challenges, as long as my values and strengths remain at the core. That blend of reflection, support, and forward-looking energy prepared me to step confidently into the next phase of my leadership.
- What’s a lesson you’ve learned as a leader that you wish more people talked about openly?
One lesson I’ve learned is that discomfort can be a gift. In my own life, my major accomplishments have come from moments that felt uncertain—leaving a role I loved, stepping into consulting without knowing what would come next, or guiding organizations through disruption when the path forward wasn’t clear. Each of those experiences stretched me, revealed new strengths, and opened doors I didn’t know were possible. I’ve learned that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable—it comes from being willing to be stretched. Now, I actually see discomfort as a signal that change is coming—and in my experience, it has always led to something bigger and better than I could have imagined.
- How do you see civic and business leadership evolving in Denver—and what gives you hope about the future?
What gives me hope for Denver’s future is seeing civic and business leaders connect with more intention. The challenges we face—housing, workforce, equity—are far too complex for one sector to solve alone. DMCLF shows us what’s possible when public, private, and community sectors come together, and that kind of cross-pollination is exactly what Denver needs to thrive. We can learn so much from one another, and it’s that spirit of collaboration—rooted in courage, authenticity, and a commitment to people—that gives me confidence our best days are ahead. When civic and business leadership keep cross-pollinating in this way, the impact will reach well beyond Denver.
- If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: don’t be afraid of the unknown—it’s where the best parts of your story will come from. Trust and believe in yourself, even when you don’t have it all figured out. Find your people, the ones who see you for you and push you, and don’t ever stop finding them along the way. And remember, when discomfort shows up, it’s just letting you know that change and opportunity are on the way—and it turns out better than you ever imagined.
Applications for Leadership Fellows are currently open until Sept. 29, 2025. Learn more about Leadership Fellows and apply today.
