A Strong U

02/19/2026

Believe it or not, most of us crave constructive feedback — yet far fewer of us feel comfortable giving it.

When delivered respectfully and clearly, feedback builds trust, strengthens relationships, and improves team performance.

Here’s a simple framework to make it easier. Inspired by the classic Wendy's “Where’s the Beef?” commercial:
B.E.E.F.
Behavior – Describe the specific behavior (avoid labels or assumptions).
Effects – Share the impact that behavior had on you or others.
Feelings – Express how it made you feel to build clarity and trust.

Clear. Specific. Honest.
That’s how feedback fuels growth.

08/14/2025

Spoiler alert: You already know the answer.

I don’t tell my clients what to do.
I help them hear what they already know—beneath the noise, the stress, and the doubt.

Because the most powerful guidance?
It’s not mine.
It’s yours.

07/24/2025

Inspiring Leadership: Laying the Foundation for Productive Relationships

Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege of leading two engaging workshops with leaders at Cabarrus College of Health and Sciences, hosted by South Piedmont AHEC.

Our focus?
🔹 Identifying the habits that increase collaboration and respect
🔹 Developing authentic relationships that inspire engagement and productivity
🔹 Demonstrating tools that build connection and motivation
🔹 Exploring strategies to foster sustainable greatness with trust and confidence

The sessions were filled with energy, insight, and interaction. From thought-provoking discussions to laughter-filled exercises, this group brought their full selves to the experience — open, reflective, and ready to grow.

Big thanks to the amazing participants for making this workshop not only impactful, but genuinely fun to lead. Your willingness to engage deeply and connect meaningfully with one another was inspiring.

Grateful to South Piedmont AHEC for continuing to invest in leadership development in healthcare education — and for inviting me to be a part of it.

07/23/2025

Great leadership begins with curiosity.
When leaders stay curious — about people, potential, and purpose — they create environments where empathy and innovation thrive. Curiosity isn’t a soft skill; it’s a strategic one. It builds trust, fuels collaboration, and reminds us that meaningful progress starts with genuine human connection.

So I’m curious — in a world of virtual meetings and home offices, how do you harness your curiosity to stay connected and lead with impact?

I’d love to gather some real-world ideas to share with my clients.
Thanks in advance for your insights!

Self Development Coaching. Personal Development Coaching by Phone. Turn Dreams into Reality. Energy Leadership Index: Assess how you are showing up to others.

07/21/2025

This video reminded me of a creative twist a teacher put on one of my leadership workshop openers, “Stick Your Worries Away.”

Before class, her kindergarteners would draw or write their worries on a sticky note—things like “I forgot my lovey,” “I miss my mom,” or “I don’t like carrots.” They’d post them on a board outside the classroom, leaving their concerns behind so they could be fully present for the day.

I use this same practice with adults in leadership workshops—though the sticky notes usually say things like “email backlog,” “performance review,” or “how do I deal with my micro managing boss?”

Whether you’re five or fifty, naming our worries helps tame them—and having a safe space to do that builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every strong team, boardroom, classroom, and home.

04/25/2025

I had the pleasure of attending another incredible REACH Women’s Conference, and once again, I walked away inspired and energized. From powerful connections with phenomenal women to thought-provoking sessions like “Elevating Your Executive Presence,” “Leadership Preparedness in a Changing DEI Landscape,” and “Leading with Purpose,” the experience was both enriching and empowering.

Key takeaways: Lead by listening—not only to others but also to yourself. That’s how you build trust and confidence. Cultivate self-awareness, quiet your inner critic, gain clarity on what you truly want, and show up as your authentic self. Most importantly, give yourself grace. Fill your cup—and then pay it forward by reaching back.

I work with my clients on many of these themes every day, so it was especially meaningful to take a day to check in on myself and reflect.

Added bonus: I got to share the day with my amazing sister Julia Townsend, my goal-getter daughter Ella Barwick, a fun coaching colleague Kristin Ransford Hiemstra, M.Ed., CCPC, PCC, and my awe-inspiring dad… the infamous Woody Clinard!

09/06/2024

School boards have such challenging jobs in front of them. It’s so inspiring when they want to equip themselves with effective communication skills that give win-win outcomes a chance!

I had a fun morning in Winston-Salem kicking off the Forsyth County School Board (WSFCSB) yearly retreat. We had some great discussions about collaboration, trust, and listening to others. It’s my 2nd time working with this board and they always welcome me with warmth, curiosity, and enthusiastic participation.

06/16/2024

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.”
~Jim Valvano

Happy Father's Day!

05/29/2024

Want some tips on getting miracles to show up for you this year?

Here are a few that might help them show up more readily in your life:

• Be clear and specific about the “miracle” you want showing up in your life (ie: I want "this much $"; I want "this kind of job"; I want "this kind of partner"...to show up in my life)

• Envision what your life looks like when that “miracle” unveils itself

• Consider the effects this miracle will have on you and the others around you

• Notice any doubts around the fact that you deserve this “miracle” and send those hesitations far away so they don’t shut the door on your “miracle” waiting to happen

• Don’t be too rigid about your “miracle” and keep your eyes and heart open to unexpected ways it will show up.

• Be proactive and make a plan to work towards your miracle...It’s more likely to happen when you are pursuing it instead of sitting back and just waiting!

• Be even more assertive with making your miracle happen and partner up with a coach (business, performance, leadership, life, health and wellness coach, etc) . Show the universe (and yourself) that you really want this by investing in yourself and get a miraculous return on your investment much sooner than doing it alone!

03/27/2024

I absolutely love it when I have the opportunity to work with educators! They are dedicated, fun, authentic, altruistic, and always amaze me at what they are willing to give to educate and influence our future leaders! YAY!

“The way Anne was able to connect with staff members, drawing them out and encouraging sharing of their thoughts and ideas…”