Elevate Consulting, LLC

05/25/2026

Today we remember those who paid the greatest sacrifice as they served and protected. My gratitude extends beyond Memorial Day and includes those who choose to serve now.

05/08/2026

Hi, all! Even though I haven't posted in over a month 🫤, I am still here! And better than here, it's been a time of supporting others in their leadership and growth journeys. From engagement, communication, and motivation to time and project management and other topics, we've seen ah-ha's, action, and growth.

If you or your team are ready to take a step forward in your self or team leadership, I'm here for you. Let's keep working and living better.

03/27/2026

During a training at an organization a few weeks ago, I told a story about Tootsie Rolls. People have strong opinions about that candy – I love them. I talked about how a former colleague knew that, and a bag of Tootsie Rolls and a handwritten note would show up on my desk each fall near the end of a challenging project. It was a personalized thank you rooted in what I liked.

I returned to the organization the next morning to facilitate a different session focused on active listening. One of the participants was at the session the day before. He walked up to me, handed me a bag of Tootsie Rolls, and said, “I wanted you to know I was listening.” It was funny and appropriate given the topic for the day, and it stuck with me. He had listened, and that matters.

And I got to enjoy one of my favorite treats.

02/19/2026

"I've never been a part of a class like this."

That comment was shared by a participant in a session I facilitated this week. They were sharing takeaways at the end of the session, and he shared there were so many and that he'd never been a part of a class like this.

I mentally made note of that and reminded myself to not take facilitated training and development sessions for granted. Some have many opportunities to participate, others may just be beginning, and others are somewhere in between - for a variety of reasons.

I get to discuss a variety of topics with so many people from different places near and far, and I've been a participant in an abundance of trainings and conferences throughout my career. His comment is a reminder that we are all on our own journey. I'm grateful for his many takeaways and that he joined us that day.

I hope to see him in a session again.

02/19/2026

This sounds like a great session - I think I should go! 😃

Will you join me? Contact Kirkwood Corporate Training to sign up!

(You definitely will see me there since I'm facilitating the session... 🙋‍♀️)

🔍 ROUND TWO: Digging Deeper in Jones County!
We’re heading back to Monticello for another powerful session of Finding Strong Solutions: Problem Solving & Critical Thinking — and this time, we’re going even further beneath the surface.

When we take the time to truly understand an issue — not just what’s visible, but what’s driving it — we make better, clearer, more confident decisions. This interactive workshop will help you do exactly that.

Join us as we:

Practice techniques that uncover root causes

Strengthen our ability to think critically

Explore new perspectives

Build the confidence to tackle complex challenges with clarity and impact

Whether you joined us last time or you’re stepping in for the first round, this session will push your thinking in fresh, meaningful ways.

📅 April 7, 2026
🕐 1–4 p.m.
📍 Monticello City Council Chambers – City Hall
200 East First St., Monticello, IA 52310

To register or learn more, contact Kirkwood Corporate Training:
📧 [email protected]
📞 319‑398‑5623

Let’s dig deeper, think sharper, and build stronger solutions — together.

01/21/2026

It may be cold and windy - even blizzard-y - today, but warm and meaningful conversations can be found inside the LEAD program beginning in February! If you live or work in the Hawkeye Community College region, join Hawkeye Corporate & Business Solutions for this program to strengthen your leadership. Registration ends on 1/30/26, so act fast to be a part of this opportunity.

Grow as a leader with the LEAD Certificate, a hands-on program that strengthens conflict resolution, team management, and essential skills for new and emerging managers.

01/21/2026

It’s always good to talk about learning and growth. Thanks to SHRM Central Iowa for inviting me to speak today! The group’s insights were great, and it was a pleasure being back in the Des Moines metro.

01/20/2026

Are you striving to continue to grow in your leadership? If you are an experienced leader living or working in the Hawkeye Community College region, ProLEAD is for you!

The monthly sessions cover a variety of topics to equip you with mindsets, strategies, and tools to be your best. Check out the details below ⤵️ and sign up soon. Registration closes on January 30!

Advance Your Leadership with ProLEAD!

ProLEAD is designed for experienced managers ready to lead through complexity. From navigating employee transitions and organizational change to managing budgets and strategic decision-making, this advanced leadership program equips you with tools you can apply immediately.

Through monthly interactive sessions plus two personalized leadership coaching hours, ProLEAD helps you strengthen your influence, sharpen your judgment, and lead with confidence.

Program Details:
• Schedule: Thursdays, February–December (meets monthly)
• Location: Hawkeye Main Campus, Buchanan Hall
• Includes: Monthly sessions + 2 individual coaching hours
• Cost:
$1,945 for the first five registrants
$1,745 for each additional participant

For registration and details: https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/business-industry/leadership-training/prolead

01/19/2026

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Even when the right choice is the hard choice, may we do it anyways.

01/12/2026

My alma mater started a podcast last fall, and I was catching up on episodes over the past few weeks. Tim Sawyer made a comment on the October 27 podcast that resonated with me. ⤵️ ⤵️

We each have a purpose and a message, and we get to own it. Leaning into that – being us – is a really good thing. We don’t have to be like that person or that business or that choir (in Tim’s case). It would be unfortunate if we were because we would miss the opportunities and moments we were meant to be a part of – and the people we were meant to connect with.

Learn from others? Yes.

Get better, grow, and improve? Yes.

Be the exact same as the one next to you? No.

We don’t have to be the most famous to have an impact. We need to show up, bring our best, and be present in the moment.

Be really good at being the best you. That’s a beautiful thing.

As you grow and change and the best you looks different than before – that’s beautiful, too.

Here’s to leaning into our space and our purpose. It's meant for us.