Leveling Up: Reflections on a Powerful Season of Growth

While most people were reeling from the anxiety of the headlines last January, three brave leaders—an educator, a researcher, and an entrepreneur—joined me for the second cohort of the Level Up Leadership Lab group Coaching Program. What they expressed then is that they needed a space for release, renewal, growth and reflection.

For four months, these leaders committed—twice a month, for 90 focused minutes—to show up for themselves and each other. In our intimate cohort, we practiced vulnerability and community, two of the foundational acts to building equity-focused leadership.

"I love how our conversations unfolded organically with each new concept introduced. Tyneeta has a way of facilitating discussions so that everyone learns from and appreciates one another. Those in my cohort became my friends, and together we will move together stronger because of this experience." - Tasha

They explored systems thinking, communication styles, boundaries, and the hard work of understanding their personal leadership orientation. Strategic planning didn’t live in a vacuum—it was grounded in identity, vision, and purpose.

What emerged was not only personal growth, but bold new visions for the collective. Fred is launching a project to create space for fathers to build deep, supportive communities.

After completing the Level Up Leadership Lab Group Coaching Program, Fred will lead a dad's walking group for father figures to build community and level up their families.

Tasha created a TEd Talk style presentation and committed to developing the cross-cultural competency of the nonprofit boards they serve on.

Tasha's leadership was invigorated after receiving glowing feedback from her colleagues when I surveyed them. She refined her leadership vision and developed an action plan to keep her focused on her goals.

Jessica is designing transformative professional development pilot within her organization—because “training” isn’t enough if it doesn't create more equitable learning environments.

Jessica sharing her plans to create a more impactful professional development experience for her organization.

When we finally gathered in person at Sunbean Coffee Shop for our closing celebration, the joy was electric. After months of connection through screens, it was sacred to sit together, eat together, laugh together. After completing the Level Up Leadership Lab Group Coaching Program, the way they serve and lead will never be the same.

If you’re looking for a space to explore your leadership with depth, clarity, and courage... if you crave a community where growth is personal and collective... then maybe it’s time to join us. The next cohort begins in August.

You can also explore how to resist grind culture while leading or dive into why joy is a leadership strategy—two guiding beliefs at the heart of my work.

As the lead facilitator and curator of the Level Up Leadership Lab, I can say this: I don’t take lightly the honor of holding space for leaders to expand. These three did more than level up—they lit up.

Want to be there the next time we level up-? Click here to learn more about the next cohort.