Växa Collective

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Växa Collective Helping companies and leaders create a healthy culture, build team accountability, and increase profitability.

We also help leaders who want to revolutionize workplace culture gain the confidence and skills to change the world and enjoy leading people!

10/01/2026

One of the reasons I named my company Växa Collective back when I founded it in 2018 was because I wanted to collaborate with others who do cool things that help the culture of teams and communities.

Well, with my new partnership with Lisa Peña at Urban Hikes Kansas City, I get to do just that!

We met while I was on one of her urban hikes in Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, KS and fell in love with how incredible the concept was of exploring a neighborhood on foot with other people who cared about the history of a culturally rich community.

Then, we decided to get coffee and chat about a part that was missing and how I could fill that gap — facilitating the team building aspect!

Now, when your team signs up for one of the many Urban Hikes around Greater Kansas City, I’ll join you and afterward, we’ll hold a debriefing session incorporating what we learned on the hike PLUS something that helps build your team cohesion around one of your team goals.

This could include emotional intelligence, trust, overcoming conflict, growing in psychological safety, cognitive diversity, personalities and strengths, or another topic.

Reach out for more info or check out the links in bio!

Can’t wait to work with your teams on this unique experience.

Christie Smerchek and I talked in depth about the church trauma we both experienced at a similar church, and this quote ...
09/24/2026

Christie Smerchek and I talked in depth about the church trauma we both experienced at a similar church, and this quote hits the nail on the head.

For anyone else struggling with an abusive or tyrannical institution, I see you.

There is another way to live, worship, work, and commune with humanity.

Give episode 6 a listen and let me know what you think!

Listen here (or wherever you get your podcasts)! 🎧 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/makeitaparty

Watch here! 📲 https://youtube.com/?si=t-Ti01l2qAw5aeBF

Do you tend to see things with black & white (binary) thinking OR gray (nuance)? It behooves you to be brave and embrace...
09/23/2026

Do you tend to see things with black & white (binary) thinking OR gray (nuance)?

It behooves you to be brave and embrace a slower place so you can gather more information and hear all perspectives.

That’s why our justice system includes expert witnesses, eyewitnesses, and even allows the accused to testify on their own behalf!

A great leader with integrity knows that making speedy decisions and accepting one-sided information won’t get them the best results.

That’s why I built this keynote presentation to help leaders be brave and embrace my GRAY zone framework, a process for working through decisions (or even daily decisions that FEEL tough!).

I was honored to present this at the PMI PDD 2026 fall conference on Monday. What a wonderful group of project managers who desired to be more empathetic and supportive of their whole team.

We get the best results when we show emotional intelligence and create a culture that is psychologically safe.

Humility is NOT the opposite of confidence. Being humble is one of the most important traits a great leader needs to hav...
08/03/2026

Humility is NOT the opposite of confidence.

Being humble is one of the most important traits a great leader needs to have.

While I was leading a workshop for my friend Nathan Hermiston’s team at Visit KC on how they can build upon the psychological safety they already have, I saw Nathan tell a story that displayed his humility beautifully.

Nathan bravely stood up and told the story of how a difficult personnel decision was made above him during Covid.

Upon reflection, he now can see that the decision wasn’t the best for their team, and he wishes that he would’ve handled it differently by advocating more for his team member in the moment.

That person is back, still bringing awesome value, and knows how much her leader cares about her personally and professionally.

That’s some true connection.

As Brené Brown says, “Care and connection are irreducible requirements for wholehearted, productive relationships between leaders and team members.”

Seeing Nathan live out this quote with his team was so inspiring!

Nathan, thanks for trusting me with your team! I am honored to work with such a talented and committed crew of people.

My friend sent me this screenshot today of a conversation between her, her coworker, and their manager. It warmed my hea...
07/17/2026

My friend sent me this screenshot today of a conversation between her, her coworker, and their manager. It warmed my heart!

This isn’t uncommon on her team. She raves about how thoughtful her manager is all the time.

(Ensuring she has enough support, helps her log off early when possible, removes obstacles out of her way… you know the things a great leader should do!)

Be a manager like this!

I’ve never had someone wear something special for one of my workshops before. Today was a very special day because Steve...
07/16/2026

I’ve never had someone wear something special for one of my workshops before.

Today was a very special day because Steve wore his leadership t-shirt for training and it made my WEEK!

And this is another reason why Port KC is so special 🖤

So thankful for this group of new employees who were vulnerable and focused on learning about the 5 Pillars of Successful Leadership framework. What a great crew!

06/26/2026

One of my favorite moments from this week’s episode of Make it a Party! was this conversation with my longtime friend, Mary Kate Short.

We talk about one of the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown: contempt.

According to the Gottman Institute’s research, contempt is one of the “Four Horsemen” of communication. Along with criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling, these behaviors can predict divorce and relationship failure with remarkable accuracy.

The good news? Once we recognize these patterns, we can begin to change them.

Whether you’re thinking about your personal relationships, friendships, or even how you communicate at work, this conversation offers valuable insights into building healthier connections.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 4 of Make it a Party! wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.

06/22/2026

“Entitled Millennial”

“Lazy Gen-Zer”

“Okay Boomer...”

“Jaded Gen-Xer”

Have you heard any of these labels in your workplace?

(Maybe you’ve even been the one who has said something like this!)

While sometimes these quips can be said as good natured jokes, labeling our team members, especially as a manager or executive of an organization is harmful to the culture.

I once heard an executive talk openly in meeting about how she had “nothing in common” with the Millennials she worked with.

Nothing? Really?

I challenged her to think again with curiosity. What might she have in common with, let’s say, me? I could think of 5 thinks off the top of my head that we had in common.

If you think you have nothing in common with someone and you chose to label them negatively anyway, I now want to challenge you to get CURIOUS.

It’s time to get to know people and have that human connection with them.

- Chat in the break room about their weekend

- Ask them something about their hometown

- Walk to get coffee and ask about their pets, kids, upcoming travel

- Go to lunch together and talk about former jobs

However you can find a genuine connection, it’s worth it to expand your mind!

Jermaine Jamison, ACECC, CPLC and I discuss this topic on my podcast, Make it a Party! episode 3.

Check it out here at the link in bio!

06/18/2026

“You don’t have to be like anyone else; just be the best version of yourself!”

My guest on this week’s episode of the Make it a Party podcast is Jermaine Jamison. He shares so many amazing insights from his lived experiences that he now gets to use with clients in his consulting career.

I’m so grateful that Jermaine showed up in my life!

You won’t want to miss this episode where he talks about his incredible conversations with people like Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson, and how he overcame struggles early in life.

Link in bio to listen and watch!

06/17/2026

Ever wonder how someone transforms from just surviving to thriving despite a tough start?

If you believe resilience can turn pain into power — here’s proof.

Jermaine shares his journey from a 14-year-old single mom in KC to sitting with Nelson Mandela.

His story is a testament to the power of asking for help, embracing imperfections, and choosing to be brave every day.

Most of us aren’t born into ideal circumstances, but Jermaine reminds us: it’s not where you start — it’s where you decide to go.If you’re facing your own mountains, remember... every step forward is a win.

How do you stay resilient in tough times?

Let’s chat below. And tag someone who needs a little courage today!

👇More about leadership, mental health, and making your own way?

Full episode link in bio.

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64101-64102, 64105-64106, 64108-64114, 64116-64121, 64123-64134, 64136-64139, 64

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