As promised - here's an update on what's been going on with my breast cancer treatment planning and screenings. I've listed everything out so you can follow along chronologically. The photo is of an amazing tacky lit tree I drove past in a nearby neighborhood last month. It reminds me of the chaos that ensued once I heard the words "we did find cancer" again, all while trying to create birthday and holiday magic for my kids. Based on my CT results, this tree also resembles what my insides must look like when the IV contrast lights up with magnetic resonance and gamma rays. ;)

• 12/6/24 My annual breast MRI showed a cloudy suspicious spot in my right breast that warranted further review.
• 12/12/24 The radiologist who read my initial MRI conducted an MR-guide needle biopsy of the suspicious area. 
• 12/17/24 The radiologist sat down with Mike and me to explain that cancer was found in the biopsied sample, and I needed to meet with an oncology surgeon for next steps. Luckily, the one they recommended is the one I knew I wanted to work with if this ever became a reality...and here we are. 
• 12/17/24 Receive call from oncologist to discuss diagnosis and how it will impact my current treatment protocol. She explained that I'll probably be forced into menopause via surgery once I recover from the breast surgery. Great...can't wait for all that comes along with that. I was also advised to continue taking my current medication until a surgical plan is in place. Ugh! 
• 12/23/24 Met with breast surgeon for initial evaluation and surgical options. Obtained list of recommended plastic surgeons. The surgeon ordered two additional screenings to rule out metastasis in other areas of my body.
• 12/27/24 Visited nuclear medicine to have a bone scan conducted, along with a CT of my neck, chest and pelvis. This is routine for someone with a reoccurrence, but these additional tests were new to me.
• 12/30/24 Received clear results on my bone scan - yay! The doctor also confirmed that my cancer is once again ER/PR+/Her2- which means I do not need to undergo chemotherapy - big YAY! I wasn't so lucky when it came to the CT scan of the neck, chest and pelvis. Further testing would be needed to classify and grade nodules that were found on my thyroid and liver. They found other anomalies in other organs but are leaving those alone for the time being because they are not concerning. Okay, we're trusting the process...
• 1/7/25 Back to the radiation department to have a thyroid ultrasound and an abdominal MRI (liver). Tried to get a vibe from both technicians and they were keeping their thoughts and opinions to themselves. I couldn't charm my way into getting my favorite Rad Tech to spill it when it came to what he saw on the screen. And so, we wait.
• 1/13/25 Meet with a recommended plastic surgeon to go over reconstruction options after double mastectomy.
• 1/14/25 Meeting with oncology surgeon to discuss thyroid and liver screening results - discuss if any action is needed there, and if not, move on to discussing my breast surgical plan and whether I liked the plastic surgeon I met with the day prior.
• 1/29/25 Meet with another plastic surgeon who I feel more comfortable with, but their schedule is booked further out. FYI - my top pick in plastic surgeons isn't available until May, and I've decided that I can't put my life on hold for that long.

In between these appointments there have been numerous phone calls from the hospital's pre-approval department letting me know that my insurance company has not approved certain tests that my doctor specifically ordered to rule out additional cancers. Really fun times, y'all. Fortunately, it has worked out each time, and the paperwork eventually gets filed correctly, but it adds to the strain and mental load when you have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for expensive tests you didn't expect to need in the first place. 

I'll post again mid-next week when I know more. Thank you for your support and well wishes. I read every note on FB/IG and LinkedIn. It means the world to me to have such a huge community behind me in this fight!

~Linné

Four years ago today, here I was ringing the victory bell after completing 20 rounds of radiation therapy to close out that chapter of my breast cancer journey. What I didn’t know then is that I was only closing out round one.

Earlier this month, I found out that my breast cancer is back. It’s in the same breast, same type, located just behind my original scar tissue. We’re in the midst of getting the game plan together to fight this fight, and I’m encouraged by the confidence I have as a survivor versus the immense fear I felt as a first timer. I can be a little more aggressive in my treatment planning, I know I can withstand major surgery, and I have a wonderful support system that will help to get me through.

I have big career plans for 2025 and I’m not going to let this reoccurrence hold me back in any way. I have everything I need right now. I humbly ask for your prayers for everything to go well in the coming months. I’ll be adding updates here on my blog page to keep family and friends informed. All are welcome to follow along. 
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Let’s ring in the New Year with faith, hope, and love. 

​~Linné

In a world that often celebrates specialization, creative and multi-passionate individuals are often seen as lacking focus or direction. However, this could not be further from the truth. These dynamic thinkers possess a rare ability to master multiple skills (notice, I did not say multi-task), adapt across industries, and thrive in ways that single-occupational minds might not. Their diverse passions fuel innovation, allowing them to connect ideas in unexpected ways, solve complex problems, and create a career path as unique as their talents. Far from being scattered, multi-passionate people have the capacity to excel because of their varied interests, not despite them.

For example, I am a voiceover artist who records commercials, on-hold messaging, video narrations, and meditations. I love having a microphone in my hand. I love welcoming an audience whether from the stage or behind-the-scenes. I love hosting. I can facilitate a retreat or board meeting. I can moderate a panel discussion. I can also identify and vet the subject matter experts who will speak on that panel. I can plan the entire event from top to bottom - from choosing the venue, caterer, AV provider, and everything in between. I can also market that event with a content strategy that engages the target audience. I can evangelize for your brand, attend networking events, and work a trade show booth when you cannot be in two places at once, all while engaging with your stakeholders and C-suite VIPs. I can conduct a brand audit and read a script, as well as I can facilitate a memorable event. I can coach you through the final months and weeks leading up to a product or location launch. I can provide the ribbon and scissors when it’s time to open the doors.

I’m not mediocre at doing 10 different things. I’m great at what I do across the board. I’ve been a Certified Meeting Professional for 16 years, and I have over 25 years of work experience in a variety of creative fields. When you work with me you gain access to my entire network of partners, vendors, contacts, and stakeholders. I bring relationships to the table that can help you solve your business challenges. I’m sharing this because I keep finding a gap in folks being able to connect the dots between all the different pillars, silos, verticals and markets that one individual may represent. I refuse to give up on the creative endeavors that fire me up simply because being in a creative industry is uncomfortable for some to understand.

Here’s a brief client story that illustrates how my diverse skill set can be utilized effectively. While planning an event last year, my client was experiencing cold feet and decided that they preferred to hang in the back of the room and be available for one-on-one conversations with their out-of-town guests vs. being on stage and giving remarks. So, having planned the entire event from top to bottom, I also created the agenda, wrote the script, pulled together all the stakeholders who would speak, and hosted the event as the emcee. I walked away from that event so energized - knowing that all my worlds had come together to make it happen, and that is the work that makes me feel whole.

I have multiple friends who own the buildings they work out of. Those buildings serve as offices, studios, coworking facilities, and event venues. Owning the building is an asset to the community and their own generational wealth-building. It does not detract from them being a CPA and an event planner, or a photographer and an association leader, it enhances their offerings. One being able to crunch the numbers to keep her brides on budget, and the other offering multiple vignettes for headshots, brand shoots, and product photography. Both host public and private events indoors, as well as backyard soirees. Additional examples include a branding guru who also makes paper journals and jewelry by hand. Why wouldn’t her experience in selling her own products inform her work with e-commerce clients? A financial planner started a cookie company. A former project manager turned her charcuterie side hustle into a nationwide franchised brand. My own husband is a musician and a certified cloud and AI architect. Both can be true at the same time.

I built my career in hospitality, and it gave me a solid foundation. It also prepared me to be a well-rounded utility player who can cover a lot of ground and wear many hats - because that is what creative industries demand. Doing more with less, covering positions while colleagues are out, filling in for partner organizations when they need coverage at a trade show, serving as manager on duty, handling every customer service issue you can think of, leading a team, walking thousands of steps over multiple days making sure the client and their attendees are safe and happy, mountains of admin tasks, budgeting, working events you booked three years ago, and the list goes on.

The next time you meet a business owner with multiple skills or service offerings, do not discredit their expertise and label them as someone with a lack of focus. Multi-passionate individuals pour their full energy into everything they pursue. When their values align with a project, it often leads to a truly exceptional outcome. We live in an era of constant change, and the ways in which we work and show up for our clients have evolved. Choosing someone who stays in a single lane may garner solid results, but that tunnel vision can limit fresh perspectives, leaving potential vulnerabilities unseen. Instead, opt for someone who has faced challenges, grown stronger, and become more resilient. Do not shy away from a career-switcher or mid-life pivoter. These are the individuals who approach their work with creativity, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose. They bring a rich tapestry of expertise with them from every workplace culture they’ve been a part of. Being multi-passionate is not a drawback—it’s a gift. If you are fortunate enough to work with one, their diverse experiences will enrich your project in memorable ways.

If you want to be encircled by the women who first inspired me to dream bigger and to go out on my own, join me at Rebelle tonight at The Hof. Register here and bet on yourself!
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A Rebelle Panel Event | It's Not Selfish: Creating Life on Your Terms

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​As Labor Day approaches, you won't find me making big plans for the long weekend. I tend to keep my calendar open so I can take it easy and reflect on what this holiday has come to mean for me. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What makes this anniversary a bit raw is that I found out that a friend was diagnosed last week. I felt compelled to write an open letter to her, and anyone else in my network who has been impacted by cancer. The fear, confusion, guilt, and pain of it all never really goes away, but it does get a little easier to navigate. I've chosen to provide a shoulder to cry on for those new to the cancer club. Trust me, the bouncer at the door of this club is a real jerk, and the cover fee is absurd, but once you're inside you'll find a lovely community of people who have been where you are and have the inner knowing that you're going to be OKAY. Those early days put you in a swirl because you’re faced with so many micro decisions that need to be navigated carefully with very little information. So, my advice to newly diagnosed friends and family would be the following:

• Ask for a nurse navigator or care coordinator to be assigned to you. Hopefully your chosen facility offers this service. Mine didn't. This person can help you better understand treatment options, terminology, identify resources and make recommendations.
  
  

• Get a cute folder or binder that you can carry around with you to appointments. This allows you to keep all your medical records and pamphlets in one place. This is helpful for your partner as well so they can review the paperwork even when you're too overwhelmed to deal with it. And you will be.

 

• Resist the temptation to hunt for answers on WebMD or Dr. Google. It’s not worth the toil on your mental health. Get your information directly from your care team. Do advocate for yourself, though. Bring your partner or trusted friend to appointments to help take notes and be a second set of ears when you are overwhelmed by the flood of information. Research is helpful to a point, but it can cause more confusion than it’s worth in some cases. Pack your patience and write all of your questions down so you have them ready for your next visit.

 

• I recommend joining online communities for your specific type of cancer so you can read other’s stories and contribute when you’re feeling up to it. I found it so helpful to be a part of forums where you feel less alone. Cancer is isolating – because the initial flood of love and support from your family and friends fades and folks awkwardly don’t quite know how to help. In the end, it’s always comforting to see that you’re not alone on this journey of treatment and recovery. Tune out whenever it gets to be too much, as you would do with any social media channel. Reach out if you’d like for me to share my favorite groups.
  
  
• If you don't like what you've been told by the first doctor/surgeon you meet with - get a second opinion. You have every right to seek out additional answers and treatment plans if something doesn't feel right. I had to do this, and it was the best decision I could have made. Thank you for listening to me and recommending a colleague, Dr. Dunnavant! You may need to continue “shopping” for new providers over time.

 

• Let go of needing to have answers to every question. In most cases, you're not going to get answers. I think it's important for you to know this at the beginning of your journey. What it boils down to is this…bad things happen to good people every single day, multiple times a day. Good people get in car accidents, good people have house fires, good people get laid off from their jobs. You will probably never find out where your cancer came from so stop asking God why this happened to you. Instead, flip your mindset to the positive so you can prepare for the fight ahead. Answers and insights will come to you in glimmers and flashes over time. Maybe it was the wake up call you needed to take better care of yourself – but there are plenty of fit and active people who are diagnosed every day. So, there’s no value in beating yourself up over what you could’ve done differently. Put those thoughts in your rearview and forge ahead to get through this new phase you’re entering.

 

• Prepare your boss and coworkers for the flexible schedule you will need to make it to all your appointments. Once a treatment plan is in place, you’ll most likely have surgeries and a radiation schedule that will need to be coordinated around work and family obligations. If you run up against any resistance to your need for flexibility during this time, that should indicate that a new job, or way of working, is in your future. After treatment, accept that you will be in a doctor’s office every six months at a minimum. Radiation, Oncology, GYN, surgeon, PCP, and any other provider they add to your mix. I also see my Dermatologist every six months due to a cancerous spot that was removed in 2019.
  
  
• Go ahead and get the genetic testing and encourage the women AND men in your family to do the same. Sometimes the men are the carriers of certain genetic markers and it's illuminating for everyone in your family to know where they stand with their health. But these results are not going to reveal definitive causes for your cancer.
  
  
• People say the darndest things…Folks are going to give you all sorts of unsolicited and unhelpful advice. They mean well and are trying to lighten the mood in most cases, but all you can really do is shake your head. Take it in stride and don’t let it get to you. Your village will show up for you. Everyone else will reveal themselves in good time. And the rest simply don’t know what to say, obviously! Real examples of what some people said to me:
  • “Go ahead and get the double mastectomy so you can get a new set of b**bs.”
  • “Thank goodness you got the ‘good’ cancer.”
  • “Well, at least they caught it early. You’ll be back at work in no time.”
  • “How do you feel? (*Answers honestly) Well, you look great!”

• Be honest with your kids. Inevitably some grown up in your circle is going to slip up and mention the "c" word in front of them if you try to keep it from them. They will take the news better than you think. There are some great resources out there for younger children, but it's okay for them to be sad and see you upset. That's completely normal. They will also see how strong you are during treatment, and you'll have additional glimmers of clarity as you guide them through the process of having a front row seat to your survival.
  
  
• So many warriors who came before me had to endure chemotherapy. I was prescribed a lumpectomy and 20 rounds of radiation. That treatment plan alone was enough for me. I've now been on Tamoxifen since January of 2021, and honestly, living life on this medication has been worse than surgery and radiation combined. The same drug that's keeping my odds of reoccurrence low has stripped away so much of what I need to be who I truly am. It has stolen my joy, my clarity, and my energy, but I'll continue to summon the strength to get up every day because I want to see my kids grow up, I want to grow old with my husband, and I want to enjoy our eventual retirement.

I'm used to joining boards and being a member of a variety of organizations, but being a member of the miscarriage club, the skin cancer club, and now the breast cancer club were never in my plans. My favorite role in all of this has been mentor. At any time, any day of the week, I want all of you to know that you can call me to vent, cry, scream, air your frustrations with our healthcare system, talk through what's being thrown at you by your medical providers, or to simply pray together. I'm four years into this journey and with that comes a sense of calm and peace that I would like to pass along to anyone who needs to borrow some for themselves. It certainly doesn't mean I'm not scared, or that I don't think about the risk of reoccurrence every single day of my life, but warriors must do things while scared. That's the only way to move the needle, make progress, and beat this thing. To bolster your armor - choose your why, print some calming pictures that you can take into the operating room with you, maybe even curate a playlist, but take some deep breaths and know that you are not alone, you WILL be okay, and this ordeal will make you stronger when you’re on the other side of it. You’ll feel a sense of purpose and gratitude the first time you serve as a mentor to someone in your circle who is newly diagnosed. I'm here for you, my brothers and sisters.

Call to Action: Remember to schedule your mammogram and any other annual screenings, because a diagnosis today is SO much better than a diagnosis that’s too late.
 
With love,
Linné
 
P.S. What advice would you give to someone you care about who was recently diagnosed with a scary disease or disorder? Please share your insights here so everyone can benefit from your wisdom!

Happy New Year! January always presents itself as a special time that’s ripe with goal-setting and fresh starts. As much as I would like to lean into the helpful mantras that warn of all of this “new beginning” fluff – reminding us that we don’t have to transform our lives in the first two weeks of the new year, I do need to realize some physical transformation this year. I have endured a lot of change over the past two years and my body is a stark reflection of that time. Time spent hibernating during the winter months of 2020 into 2021 as I healed from radiation treatments (breast cancer) and comforted myself with Christmas cookies and cheese plates. That comfort eating continued throughout 2021 as I started to build my business. Another holiday season came and went, and the pounds continued to pile on. I rang in 2022 with so much hope and naïve intentions to get healthy and make new habits stick. I clicked on every pop-up ad, downloaded every meal plan, joined a gym, and participated in a 60-day workout challenge. None of it worked for me. I gained weight.

​Nothing made sense until I started listening to the audiobook version of “Change Your Schedule, Change your Life,” by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, an ayurvedic guru and circadian rhythm expert. His book explains how everything we do from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep is impacted by our timing. When we decide to wake up, work out, eat and sleep makes a huge difference in how successful we’ll be at losing weight or having more energy. Consistency is key, but the key to consistency is discipline. Being disciplined requires rigidity. You must put in the work, day after day, to get the results you want. I won’t get into the specific tactics outlined in the book, but you should check it out for yourself. It made a lot of sense to me. The author explains that there are peaks and valleys in the productivity and efficiency of our body’s interwoven systems and those fluctuations determine your burn rate. If your calorie-burning oven is only set on high for a short window of time, that’s when you should eat your largest meal. That makes sense, right?

My biggest challenge is my mindset. I enjoy working out once I’m on a treadmill or walking the paths in my neighborhood, but I struggle with getting there. The book suggests a militaristic daily schedule that I cannot maintain. I’m motivated to get the results I want, but not invigorated by the means it will take to get there. So, this year, I’m going to apply the concepts from the book a little more loosely to see if I can move the needle on weight loss without having to work out so early in the morning. What I’m going to attempt to do is “close more rings,” or “get in those steps.” Increasing my daily movement must be the key. Trust me, there is a lot of room for improvement in that regard. Eating smaller meals at the start and end of the day, with a hearty meal in the middle, is also very achievable. The Christmas cookies are gone, and I am embarking on a walking routine that will hopefully have me burning off mental fog and calories at the same time.

​If you need an accountability buddy to help you stick to your health goals this year, please reach out. Notes of encouragement and personal success stories are always exciting to receive. What I’m not looking for are MLM offers or supplement suggestions. For medical reasons, I cannot take most herbal supplements on the market today. Thank you in advance for being kind.

Branding Tip: Now that the holiday hustle is behind us, we’ve been inundated with goal-setting ads and promotions telling us how best to kick off the New Year. As you review the holiday marketing tactics you implemented this past season, keep in mind that an effective marketing strategy must focus not only on those customers who jumped on a coupon or promotion but the customers who have been loyal to your brand all year long. How are you keeping your messaging and product offerings fresh for each segment of your audience? Engage with your customers often and request feedback. Only then can you grow to meet the needs of new and veteran clients.

Support Local: I’m proud to say that I was able to support a handful of the small businesses I highlighted in the holiday gift list featured in my November newsletter. I purchased earrings and bracelets from KEVA Style; candles, soap, and a bath bomb from Never Enough; no-show lounge socks from Yenta + Posha; and personalized flowerpots from Wooed. I also utilized a small business in my neighborhood to customize a store-bought item. It felt so good to watch my family open their gifts from makers and founders I know. I was able to brag about my creative friends while telling their brand stories.

Brand Spotlight: Wandel – During a holiday segment, founder Stephanie Berlin, was featured on the Today Show. She shared the origin story of her small start-up and its humble beginnings. Her story and purpose resonated with me, and I purchased four varieties of her bready cookie bites immediately. The name Wandel is a play on the traditional Mandel bread that has been baked and served for generations. The “w” stands for “worldly,” and her goal is to have Wandel bring people together for shared conversation over a sweet treat. It’s softer and more cookie-like than biscotti, but it can be enjoyed with coffee in the morning, or as the star of your dessert plate in the evening. When the box arrived on my doorstep, one of the packages was damaged. I took pictures and wrote a kind note addressed to the customer service email provided on their website. The founder personally responded that same evening! The issue was quickly resolved, and I’ve already received a replacement order. I had to shout them out not only for an amazingly fresh and delicious product - shipped lovingly from Brooklyn, NY but for the quick and sincere customer service experience they’ve provided from top to bottom. You must try Wandel! 

Shameless Girl Scout Cookie Plug: I’ve led my daughter’s Girl Scout troop for the past seven years. I liken it to running a small business, even though it’s the largest girl-led entrepreneurial operation in the world. Our nine Cadettes are heading into another cookie season older and wiser with better digital marketing tools than ever before. If you’re interested in supporting our troop, please visit this Cookie Link and select “Start Direct Ship Order.” Cookies make great client gifts, so order a few packages for yourself and some to share. Don't want cookies crossing your home's threshold? I get it! Instead, donate cookies to the USO to brighten the spirits of members of our armed forces. Also, there’s a new cookie this year – Raspberry Rally - that can only be ordered online. It’s been described as a Thin Mint, but with a crunchy raspberry filling instead. Yum! Thank you in advance for helping us spread the word by sharing this link. We are always looking for corporate partners and can facilitate bulk orders and deliveries in the Richmond Region through the end of March.

​Have you recently discovered a brand you’d like to share? Drop a link in the comments so everyone can benefit from and support them!

I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet downtime between Christmas and New Year’s. I was able to binge TV shows that have been on my watch list for a while: Yellowstone, Wednesday, The Crown, and a few other popular series. What struck me were the soundtracks. The scores written for these cinematic TV shows are phenomenal and should be explored even if you don’t plan to watch the shows themselves.

One artist inspired me to head into this new year with the desire to evolve. Evolving doesn’t necessarily mean you’re leaving your past skills behind; all of your experience comes along with you on the journey. In my mind, no one embodies musical evolution better than Maynard James Keenan. I grew up listening to him as the lead singer of Tool. He then reshaped his writing, bandmates, and approach to vocals with the launch of A Perfect Circle. Many years later, he further departed from his original musical compositions as he put together his third successful band, Puscifer. I’m no music historian, and I assure you, there are volumes written about Maynard on the Internet, but what I’ve grown to admire about him is his keen ability to create art. He continues to weave his signature musicality into every new genre he ventures into. His hard rock music has been sampled and woven into numerous movies and TV soundtracks over the years, but most recently, Puscifer was featured in Yellowstone. That's quite the creative arc.

My initial attraction to Tool came from friends in high school who got me into the band. It was controversial, had explicit lyrics, was dangerous, and was a departure from the repetitive emo rock that dominated mainstream radio at the time. I stuck with it because of the visceral nature of Maynard’s voice. It stops me in my tracks every time. He certainly knows how to create a “vibe.” Some musicians and vocalists have a hard time breaking out of their initial genre, and that could be that their voice is too operatic, or their vibrato lends itself only to blues or soul, but Maynard is a chameleon, and I don’t think he gets enough credit for the brilliance that he lays down in the studio or through his live performance art.

Where am I going with this? Well, as a voice actor, I have certain genres that I feel comfortable performing in. I have never delved into character voices, accents, or anime (outside of reading to my children), but that simply means I haven’t tried them yet. I’m certainly leaving the door open, and I’m always willing to learn new techniques and train in ways that allow me to audition for a wide variety of roles. My wish for all of us is that we head into this new year with open minds, open hearts, and open pathways to evolution - allowing ourselves to try new things, add new skills, and avoid being pigeonholed. Let’s see where it leads us. It has certainly worked for Maynard.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to…

-A Disney cruise! Yes, that’s right. If you’ve spent any time with me in the last six months, you’ve probably heard me lament about the lack of a vacation on the horizon. With home improvements, small business needs, and maintaining a household with two busy kids, I didn’t think we’d go anywhere in the coming year. My husband would play coy and waive me off every time I would suggest a getaway or beach locale. Little did I know that he was secretly working with a travel agent to plan our family’s first cruise. He even had us open separate boxes on Christmas morning so that the surprise would be revealed in stages through a series of clues. We unwrapped Mickey ears, passport applications, photo albums, a map of the ship, etc. He’s a good egg. More details to come.

-SWELL – The 2023 winter session of SWELL by Rebelle starts this month and I couldn’t be more excited to meet my cohort, grow personally and professionally, and learn from these amazing women. My “word of the year” is “discipline,” and I’m hopeful that these ladies will help to keep me accountable to myself and my goals.

-NAWBO – I made the decision to join the National Association of Women Business Owners after attending the Richmond Chapter’s holiday auction last month. I’ve known many of the members for years and felt comfortable with the group from the moment I walked in the door. As an invited guest of one of my newer connections, I was proud to be carving my own path and building relationships in my new capacity as a business owner. I’m looking forward to collaborating and learning from these intrepid entrepreneurs in the coming year.

-Another year cancer free. New Year’s Eve marked the 2nd anniversary of my completing 20 radiation therapy sessions as a part of my overall breast cancer treatment plan. Let’s continue to manifest clear scans in 2023! I’m wishing everyone truly sustained health this New Year!

I’m easing into this year with a lighter calendar, but I’m excited about all the events that are sure to come. Thank you in advance for every lead sent, introduction made, and recommendation uttered – especially when I’m not in the room. I sincerely appreciate your support of my small business.

How can I support your business in 2023?

Voiceover – Now recording commercials for TV/radio/streaming/web, narration for videos and explainers, podcast ads/intros/outros, non-fiction audiobooks and meditations, and updating on-hold phone messages for 2023. I can provide event support as an emcee, moderator, Voice of God (announcer), panelist, or podcast guest/host.

Content Strategy – I work with clients on goal setting, brand storytelling, website audits with copyedits, social media content planning and scheduling, personal and business profile refreshes, blog copywriting, and scriptwriting.

Marketing Consulting – I can serve as an extension of your team in the areas of marketing, client relations, business development, project management, and brand ambassadorship. Examples include staff augmentation during a lengthy hiring process, extended medical leave or parental leave coverage, trade show prep and attendance, vision board facilitation, and other short-term projects and placements. I am affiliated with creative agencies throughout the Richmond Metro area. If your marketing needs exceed my scope and capabilities, I will engage a talented team of professionals to complete your project on time and on budget.

Let’s work together!
Yours truly,
~Linné

I hope you find these shared insights, brand spotlights, and event opportunities to be helpful. I invite you to join me in person so I can introduce you to great people who can boost your happiness and propel your business forward. I welcome and appreciate your feedback as I publish this second edition of my newsletter. The photos used in the headers (if viewed on LinkedIn) were taken steps from my front door and I incorporated them here to remind you that even though the darkness creeps in a bit earlier this time of year, we can always find beauty in the world if we afford ourselves the time and space to notice it.

BONUS: Don’t miss the holiday gift list I’ve curated for you in the BRAND section. You’ll find something for everyone on your list this holiday season!

​STRONG​

​How and when do you feel “strong?” For me, it happens when I’ve gotten in a great workout, sure, but I realize more satisfaction and strength when I accomplish something important. This month my strength came from planning and attending RebelleCon (it took place last week) - a boutique conference for women who are designing the work and lives they want to pursue without the stress and burnout. I helped to promote the conference on the communications team, and it was so rewarding to peek behind the curtain with my all-access pass. When they say, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life,” they are spot on. Creating content for an audience I am included in made the words flow with more ease because I was essentially writing to myself. Our messaging promised connection, insights, exposure to mentors, and career opportunities. I learned so much from the amazing speakers, filled pages with notes, and made connections that will help my business grow. RebelleCon provides a safe space for women to open up about what they’re facing at work and in life, and the survey results confirmed that our guests had a wonderful experience, and we cannot wait to do it again next year. Yes, please! Until then, I'm going to be leveling up my business acumen and know-how by joining the next SWELL cohort. SWELL by Rebelle is a 12-month peer mentorship program that allows the conversations from RebelleCon to continue on a monthly basis, so the momentum and insights aren't lost but nurtured for growth and opportunity. The door is open, let's go through it together!

​I’ve talked about this a lot over the past few years, but something else that makes me feel strong is the fact that I was able to move the needle on my career growth after observing other women who were living life on their own terms. What did their lives look like, you ask? They were working remotely from well-appointed home offices, they were able to get their kids on and off the bus and volunteer at their school(s) when needed, and they were home on time for dinner each night. When I was first exposed to the women of the Rebelle Community, their lifestyles seemed so far out of reach for me, but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, so I continued to register for their events. After attending multiple panel discussions and mixers, and having meaningful conversations with women I'd just met, something became clear to me. I needed to surround myself with people who were living the kind of life I wanted to live. I needed to learn from them, ask questions, get to know their stories, and you know what? It worked. Once I started expressing to these amazing new connections that I was looking for a change, it led me to my next job opportunity.

It didn’t happen overnight, but I needed to be a gardener (Thanks, @iamkiranbhagat_). I needed to pull the weeds (barriers) in my life, plant the seeds (say what I wanted out loud), and water and nourish the soil (continue to show up and network with different groups outside of my industry). I expanded my bubble, and it made all the difference. I know it’s a popular habit to listen to mantras shared by famous motivational speakers or to hang your hopes on inspirational quotes from a meditation app, but in most cases, to truly make a meaningful change in your life, it comes down to action. You need to make a bold move by taking a brave step in a new direction, and that’s when things start to change.
I was not initially happy about having to leave my industry to build a better life for my family, but what I discovered was that the exposure to thousands of organizations and events over my 15+ years in hospitality created a deep knowledge base and understanding of the needs and challenges businesses and nonprofits face. Now, in brand strategy discussions with clients, I can pull from that knowledge and offer solutions. When recording a script, I can tell a brand story in a way that puts me in the shoes of the listener while also conveying the important information the client is trying to get across to their audience. All those years in hospitality led to a broader purpose.

These days, there are very few industries where there’s a defined corporate ladder to be climbed, and we’re better for it. Career paths are now likened to jungle gyms with zigs and zags, and twists and turns that build resilience in us that we carry forward as we grow as people, employees, and entrepreneurs. I feel strong every time I land a new client or project due to the seeds I’ve planted through my networking efforts, my referral relationships, or because someone believes in my voice talent. My corporate background grounded me but leaning into my creativity makes me strong.


BRAND ​(Holiday Edition)

As promised, this month I’ve curated a list of companies that will help you find something special for everyone on your “nice” list. I love these brands because they were founded by, or are accessible through, my amazingly talented friends & family.

Please click through to visit each site and give them a follow. Here’s a little background on each one:
KEVA Style – Local to Midlothian, VA, this woman-owned jewelry and accessories brand offers gorgeous leather jewelry, vegan leather options, Apple watch bands, and silk accessories. Eva Harris & Ginny Ball launched their Created by sister brand last year to help elevate up-and-coming artists and designers, and I’m proud to call them my friends. Shop all styles and products on their website – there’s something for everyone! If you’re local to the Richmond region, you’re in luck! KEVA Style is hosting an open studio sale this Sunday. Get the details here and I’ll see you there!

Never Enough – Also local to Midlothian, VA, was founded by a brother & sister team of middle schoolers. This dynamic duo has launched a candle, soap, and bath bomb company to start building business acumen and management skills for their future college applications. Talk about ambition! Sam & Mia Harris are proving that age is just a number. They are learning as they grow and achieving their dreams with hard work and a little know-how. Give them a follow @shopneverenough22 on IG. (If you attend the KEVA Style open studio sale noted above, you’ll be able to shop this new brand, as well). Mia and Sam are the children of Eva Harris, founder of KEVA Style, and Mia is one of my Girl Scouts, so I’m extra proud of her!

Amory's Seafood RVA (@amoryseafoodrva) – Calling all seafood lovers! I have a soft spot for small businesses not only in RVA, but also in the 757 because that’s where I’m from. You can show this family-run seafood business some love by placing an order in time for Thanksgiving. For RVA residents, orders can be picked up in the fan from my friend, Martina James. View their post on IG for the menu, deadlines, and all the ways to get your shrimp on!

Yenta + Posha – Local to Richmond, VA, and as seen on Good Morning America’s Deals & Steals, and now available on Amazon, this meeting planner turned inventor decided to fix foot pain for women who spend hours on their feet. My brilliant friend, Brianna Schwartz, worked with podiatrists, orthopedic specialists, and countless women to grow the only US insole brand with the seal of acceptance by a leading podiatry association! The best part is you don’t have to buy new shoes! These insoles can be slipped in and out of boots, sneakers, flats, and loafers. You never have to sacrifice comfort for style. Bonus! She's now added a comfy no-show lounge sock to her collection, and they feel like buttah! Go ahead and add a three-pack to your cart and thank me later!

Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown – Local to Yorktown, VA, and serving the 757 and beyond – this hospitality sales executive and his wife, a teacher, decided to buy a winery in the middle of the pandemic! Learning the trade and perfecting their fruit-infused blends, join my friends, Brandon Johnson, CTA and Janet Johnson, for a tasting to hear their story. Stop in and secure bottles for your own collection or request custom labels for gifts that celebrate your friends, family, and clients. Upcoming tastings are linked below and make great gifts!

SEINT – A sustainable beauty brand that’s taking makeup back to its creamy roots. It’s applied lightly with a dab here and a dab there, but offers full coverage with contouring, highlighting, and all the blush and glam in between. Send Jennifer Norwood a message to get her started on building your custom palette. I did! Shipping is lightning fast, too! Give her a follow @jennifermaysnorwood on IG and watch her tutorials to see how it works. She’s my gorgeous cousin, a mama of three, and lives in North Carolina.

Wooed – Local to Richmond, VA – This woman-owned business has been a long time in the making. For years, my friend, Janna Woo, has been crafting the most amazingly creative themed birthday and holiday parties for her two princesses, as well as for friends and family. She’s now taking her themed party supplies and sensory kits to the masses while also offering customized products and accessories. She’s got great teacher and grandma gifts, too! Join her private Facebook group, “Wooed,” to learn more and place a custom order!

​What kind of gift list would this be without books? I am so fortunate to have talented friends who are not only makers but also insightful authors. Check out these life-changing books and buy a few extra copies to give as gifts.

Slay Like a Mother by Katherine Wintsch
Behind Frenemy Lines by Dr. Amber Tichenor, PhD
I Quit Pushing the Boulder by Roger Wyatt

Rebelle Magazine – Fall Edition - As you've already read, I had a wonderful time at RebelleCon last week, and I’m still riding the high from all the connections made and lessons learned. The conference may be over, but Rebelle Magazine is live and available online and in print. I am doubling down on my marketing efforts in the coming year, so please enjoy the full-page ad for Linné Diiorio Communications on page 25 in the digital issue. Don’t forget, magazines make great gifts! Trust me, it's gorgeous in print!

Got a great gift idea? Drop a link in the comments so everyone can benefit!

VOICE

​I can proudly say that I landed a corporate narration gig with a major healthcare brand last week. It was exhilarating to receive an invitation to schedule studio time and record with another voice actor to complete the project. Fun fact: I walked into the session and immediately recognized the other voice actor! That’s right…I met Cathy Motley-Fitch at two Rebelle pop-up events this past year. While networking with Cathy at those events, she was intrigued by my pursuit of voice acting and noted that she was a speech coach and performer herself. We hit it off and connected on LinkedIn. Fast forward to last week, when I got to spend more time with her, experience her voice talent, and revel in the compliments she bestowed on me upon hearing my voice through her headphones, it was a completely different recording experience. We were tasked with acting out a very serious phone call and based on the personal experiences we each had to pull from, we nailed it. I’m so grateful that she was in the room. I truly believe that people are placed in your path for a reason, and this instance was one of those blessings.

During a break, we got to catch up and I learned more about her family’s story. Wow! No wonder she was able to act out the script so well. Please check out her website, Lola's Song, and become knowledgeable about the dangers of miscommunication and negligence in our healthcare system. I’m going to encourage her to push her book proposal until a publisher signs on. Also, I’ll say it again, Richmond is the biggest small town!

In other “voice” news, I continue to record on-hold messages for companies across the nation. It’s peak holiday greeting season, so if you’re in need of a refresh of your on-hold telephone greeting to convey your revised holiday hours, special services, or promotions, I’d be happy to work with you to write and record a friendly update. Thank you in advance for every lead and referral you send my way.

A big thank you to Shannon Siriano Greenwood for inviting me to make announcements during RebelleCon again this year, all while working closely in tune with my new friend, and DJ/Stage Manager/Show Runner extraordinaire, Todd Waldo.

To get a hug and hear my voice in real life, you'll need to attend an event or two…

Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown is hosting tastings this Saturday through mid-December. Gather some friends and book your favorite day and time here. When do you want to meet up? EVENTS | Vintner's Cellar Winery of Yorktown

Girl Scout Troop 752 + Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Collection – My daughter's Girl Scout troop is collecting coats for the Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids program. We're accepting kids' sizes in new and gently used condition from now until Friday, November 18th. If you'd like to donate coats this week, please message me to coordinate pick-up in the RVA area. We truly appreciate your support. We'll be taking our collected coats to Puritan's culminating event this Saturday at The Diamond, and our troop has been offered guaranteed airtime on CBS6 for their efforts! They are so excited, so please help us maximize our donation and keep kids warm this winter.

Creative Mornings Richmond is hosting a session this Friday, 11/18/22 at 8:30 AM 
Guest speaker, Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion with the U.S. House of Representatives, will give an insightful presentation after a networking reception for our vibrant creative community. Tickets are free, but you must register to attend.

KEVA Style Open Studio Sale Event – Sunday, 11/20/22 from 11 AM – 5 PM 
Join us in Midlothian for special deals, a sneak peek of the 2023 designs, and enjoy a little bubbly. See event listing for location and a promo code!

Meeting Professionals International – VA Chapter – Thursday, 12/1/22, 3 PM – 10 PM 
Join fellow meeting and event professionals as we network and celebrate the season together. Kings Dominion is opening its doors early for us to host our silent auction and holiday reception, then we’ll stay and enjoy Winterfest! The event kicks off at 3 pm. Winterfest opens to the public at 5 pm. Register here.

Liza Pruitt Art’s Emerging Artist Show – Now through December 1, 2022 
Calling all art lovers! Scoop up great deals on pieces large and small from a curated group of talented up-and-coming artists. Art makes the perfect gift! This is an online shopping event.

The CarMax Tacky Light Run is one of my favorite events of the season. It will take place on Saturday, December 10th in Walton Park, a neighborhood in Midlothian known for its epic tacky light displays and enthusiastic neighbor participation in welcoming thousands of spectators to their streets. This non-competitive 6K course is accessible by wheelchair, wagon, and stroller. Bundle up the family, gather your friends, and wrap yourself in battery-powered lights to join in on the tacky festivities. Sports Backers creates a fun and safe festival atmosphere with cookie stops and photo ops along the way. It’s a great way to get those steps in, too. #nevertootacky Register Now: Ticket prices go up this Friday! CarMax Tacky Light Run - Sports Backers

Shew, that’s a packed calendar, but I’m excited about all the friendly faces I get to see this holiday season. Tune in next month as I explore how to set your sights on a productive and fulfilling 2023. Now, go register for everything I've noted above, and I'll save you a seat!

Yours truly,
~Linné

Linné Diiorio Communications
​
Originally published on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/november-2022-edition-gift-list-linn%25C3%25A9-diiorio

Vol. 1

​So, I decided to launch a newsletter! I've been feeling this nudge lately and I don't want to ignore it any longer. I have so much I want to share with you, and I hope you find my curated insights, brand spotlights, and event opportunities to be helpful. It won't be an exhaustive list of everything going on in the Richmond region, but I will showcase the events that I am personally attending, along with why I think you should, too. This newsletter will serve as my monthly nudge to you, and my nod to the event industry that it's time to get back to meeting in person. Many of us have already ventured back to crowded ballrooms and tradeshow floors, but there are plenty of you still waiting in the wings. My goal is to share the events that I plan to personally attend so that you #1 know where to go to get a real hug in real life, and #2 so I can introduce you to great people who could become your next new friend, client, or business coach. I'll throw in some voiceover shenanigans to keep you in the loop on how I'm growing that segment of my business, too. Consider this inaugural issue as a teaser for what's to come. I welcome and appreciate your feedback as I kick everything off.

STRONG

The "STRONG" section of my newsletter is reserved for those stories and insights that have been weighing on me or have piqued my interest lately. This month has been all about connection. I get my energy from being around great people and I've had some wonderful opportunities to satisfy my "joiner" tendencies by attending rooftop planning sessions, client meetings, networking mixers, and hosting a Girl Scout camp out in my own backyard. Something hit me last night, though, after attending a lovely networking event for professional women put on by The WOW Collaborative...I finally felt like I had arrived. Let me explain...

My career was so tied to the hospitality industry and the venue that I marketed, that it cemented my public identity for a decade and a half. Now, when I walk into a room, people know me, but they recognize that I'm no longer that pigeon-holed sales director, but a creative professional who decided to make a go of it by starting her own business. I knew more than half of the women in the room last night and I had no preconceived notion of what to expect from that event. It was kismet from the moment I walked in the door. From seeing dear old friends to connections made during the pandemic, to current and potential clients. I left that event feeling so filled and energized. A friend and colleague told me early on in my career that Richmond is a "tough nut to crack," and that it would take some time for me to build relationships and make a name for myself. She was 1000% right (Thanks, Linda)! Bopping around the room and catching up with so many wonderful people gave me a deep sense of pride that I hope to carry with me for quite some time. For the first time in a long time, I felt resilient, important, and strong.

BRAND

The "BRAND" section of my newsletter will shine a spotlight on brands that I have a personal connection with or those that I love to follow. I'll also share some marketing insights and trends that I feel will be helpful given the season and/or quarter we're in. Early next month, I will be sharing a holiday gift list filled with the brands of my talented friends. Stay tuned!

This month, I'd like to shine a spotlight on Liza Pruitt Art. Liza is a local art broker who has curated a brilliant collection of emerging artists for an extended fall show, and I'd love for you to check it out. Please share the link with all of your art-loving friends, family, and colleagues. These pieces are great for residential and corporate settings. Once you're on the show's page, you'll be able to sort and search by category. This is an online shopping experience. Have fun filling your walls!

Liza Pruitt Art's Emerging Artist Show

VOICE

The "VOICE" section of my newsletter will recap where my voice has been heard over the past month and where you can catch it next. I would love to be able to report that I am the voice of Kellogg's or M&M's, but I have not achieved national TV or radio airtime status just yet. I am the voice of a local med spa, a sports travel hotline, an HVAC company, and a truck rental outfit in the Midwest. I was also the "Voice of God" for a statewide association's hospitality awards banquet earlier this month. Know a company that's seeking a voice talent for their next project? I appreciate every lead and referral I receive. To hear my voice in real life, you'll need to attend an event or two.

Won't you join me for these fabulous occasions?

Liza Pruitt Art’s Emerging Artist Show - October 19 - December 1, 2022
Calling all art lovers! Scoop up great deals on pieces large and small from an extremely talented group of up-and-coming artists. Art makes the perfect gift! This is an online event so you can shop in your pjs!

Meeting Professionals International - Virginia Chapter - November 3, 2022
Topic: Convening with a Cause: Infusing Sustainability and Social Impact into Meetings and Events with Meredith Flanagan, CMP, CMM, CPCE. We could all use a refresher on how to make our events more sustainable and socially responsible, so join me and let's share some best practices while enjoying the ambiance of the Richmond Marriott Downtown!

Girl Scout Troop 752 - Coats for Kids Collection - November 6, 2022
My daughter's Girl Scout troop will be collecting coats for the Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids program. We'll be accepting kids' sizes in new and gently used condition from 1:30-5:30 pm during our regular troop meeting. If you'd like to donate coats, please message me to discuss the location and details. We truly appreciate your support. We'll be taking our collected coats to Puritan's culminating event on November 19th at The Diamond, and our troop has been offered guaranteed airtime on CBS6 for their efforts! This confirms that my daughter and her friends will be TV-famous before I will!

RebelleCon - November 9-10, 2022
An annual boutique conference produced by a dynamic professional coach and connector who believes strongly in creating safe spaces for professional women to connect and collaborate. This year's theme is "Be Well," and we'll be exploring that topic on a variety of levels. There are singular keynotes, panel discussions, mentor breakout sessions, a retail market, a kick-off cocktail party, and lots of time for networking and relationship building. To say this community of women inspired me to start my business is an understatement. If you can see it, you can be it, and RebelleCon is THE networking event of the season! The fall edition of Rebelle Magazine will be released to all attendees at the conference, and yours truly has a full-page ad in this issue. Who dis???
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That's a wrap, folks! I look forward to sharing more insights, holiday gift ideas, and events next month. Go ahead and register for everything I've noted above, and I'll save you a seat!

Yours truly,
~Linné

Now that the first few weeks of school are behind us, I’m flooded with emotions as I reflect on how quickly we’ve adjusted to new (much earlier) wake up times, staggered bus schedules, and shifts in our focused working hours. It’s been exhausting and exciting all at the same time as my children have been exposed to new experiences - like having a locker, switching classes, reconnecting with friends, and being fully in person without masks. The most exciting opportunities for my daughter have been taking chorus and auditioning for the school play.

Being on stage under the bright lights has been a dream of hers since she started watching all the Disney, Nickelodeon, and Netflix series and musicals geared towards tweens. The "high drama” value of her favorite shows has helped her to practice reading and writing scripts, scene reactions, playing off another character, etc. She even performed in the talent show last year, which gave her a taste of stardom. The middle school play will be different, though. Amongst all the “newness” of the school year, she was faced with filling out an application, along with a crew interest form, as a back-up plan. If she isn’t cast as a main character, she revels in the idea of being the stage manager. I am proud that she chose to give herself options, always finding an avenue to lead in her own way. She didn’t get a “call back,” but the drama teacher insisted that those who did were simply brought back because the directors didn’t get to see enough of their original performance. So, we wait. Just like in the movies, the cast list will be posted on the drama room door today. Eek!

Being a voice actor, or any kind of performance artist, where your talent is subjected to the opinions of others, is not for the faint-of-heart. I’ve been given more audition opportunities in the past month than I’ve had in quite a while, but I haven’t landed the gigs. In the meantime, my daughter, a freshly minted sixth grader, is embarking on a similar journey in trying out for her school play. It’s not lost on me that I need to temper my reaction to rejection with a calm sense of confidence in knowing that what may be a “no” today could easily turn into a “yes” tomorrow. I’ve been auditioning to voice commercials and narrate videos for large corporate entities as being the voice of a recognizable brand is a top goal of mine. I appreciate the opportunity to be included in the mix, but not landing a call back or recording session still stings each time the phone doesn’t ring. No feedback is provided, either. This isn’t sitting well with me this month, but my main goal is to give my daughter a soft place to land in case she experiences similar rejection today. I cannot dwell on my own disappointment; I must put on a brave face for her.

We do this as parents, leaders, and coaches. Drawing from our personal stories to make hard things easier to stomach for the children, employees, and athletes in our care. I have many experiences to pull from, so hopefully I can share in her joy with a happy dance or squeeze her tight and bake cookies if the news isn’t what she had hoped for. I simply need her to know that she is loved and should never stop trying new things. Her time to shine will come, and hopefully the sparks I've been experiencing in my career will burn brighter, as well.

I do not mind my own business.
 
Nope, not at all.
 
Let me explain…
 
I like to know what my neighbors are up to. If I see a contractor’s truck in their driveway you can bet I’m going to ask about it the next time I see them. Why? Because I love real estate, home improvements, and everything HGTV produces. I like to hear about the projects other households have taken on. In the end, what I’m really looking for is a referral, because if they’ve had a great experience, I’d like to be able to add that contractor to my roster of future vendors. A responsive contractor who does quality work is rare these days. There’s no harm in asking, and some good can come from the conversation. My neighbor gets to gush about their project, and how excited they are, and it could lead to more work for that local contractor who’s been struggling with supply chain delays and workforce shortages.
 
Also, while talking to a neighbor at the pool, who I know works in HR for a large restaurant group in the area, I gave them detailed accounts of my last few experiences at their dining establishments, remembering servers’ names, etc. Their face lit up because they personally trained those individuals. Based on my testimonial of having had a great experience in their care, they excitedly told me that they were going to reward those team members with gift cards or bonus pay. My remarks were going to impact someone else in a positive way because I didn’t keep those details to myself. Not only did it make my neighbor’s day, but they get to make their employees feel appreciated, as well.
 
While at Busch Gardens with family recently, my extroverted personality was on full display as I started noticing all the special groups who were also visiting the park. As young adults flooded past us wearing JMU t-shirts, I continued to shout, “Go Dukes!” very exuberantly, much to my daughter’s chagrin. There were a few funny looks, but most (who knew the drill), shouted back my way with a greeting of shared school spirit. These exchanges caused my daughter to cower behind my cousins who had no idea what was going on. Other instances included watching Girl Scout troops pass by with custom shirts that I really admired. I would then make eye contact with the troop leader and say, “Yay, Girl Scouts…love those shirts!” Why do I do this, you ask? Why do I bother these passersby with my unsolicited greetings? I use it as practice for being in front of larger audiences. The rejection or side-eye I may receive from these interactions helps to build up my resiliency. I don’t know these people; therefore, their rejection isn’t as harmful as it would feel coming from a small group of executives, or an auditorium filled with industry colleagues. I gain confidence every time I speak to strangers. I can change up my approach, modify my opening line, and adjust my pitch as the day goes along. It’s similar to A/B testing a subject line for an e-blast, but in live in-person interactions.
 
Recently, a call for nominations was announced seeking the names of influential members of an organization that I’m a part of. Nominations could come from any active member, but in the leadership role that I held at the time, I took it upon myself to make sure our organization nominated members who deserved to be recognized. I put together a list of nominees and shared it with our executive board, added their suggested names to the list, and wrote up descriptions of important contributions for each person. I submitted those nominations and crossed my fingers, simply hoping that something would resonate with the selection committee. Something definitely drew their attention because five of our nominees were selected and have now been recognized on all three of the global Top 50 lists that were published. It has not only brightened their days, but also elevated our chapter’s profile within a global audience, generated positive feedback amongst members and colleagues, and given the winners something that they can add to their profiles and resumés as social proof that they are indeed professionals with recognized work and dedication to their industry. Had I minded my own business and deleted that initial email, the ripple effect of positivity that was generated may not have ever come to be. It saddens me to think of how many other opportunities like that have slipped by because we were too busy to take the time to recognize our members and volunteers for their hard work.
 
Additional examples of me not minding my business come in the form of seeing something that’s a bit off and taking corrective action:
 
If I see an overworked drive-thru employee let out a long sigh as they hand over my debit card, I’m going to tell them that they’re doing a great job.
 
If I see litter on a playground, along the river, or in a parking lot, and I can safely remove it, I will.
 
If I see a young woman walking alone in a parking lot at night, I’m going to keep an eye on her until she’s in her car and safely on her way.
 
If I see a car swerving on the interstate, I’m going to call it in.

If I see a tired mom in the grocery store line who seriously needs a nap and a shower, I'm going to nod and smile at her.

If I see someone with a little swagger in their step, in a nice dress, wearing cute shoes, or in a pretty hat, I'm going to tell them that they look great. 
 
When I drop my kids’ friends off after a playdate, I'm going to lay eyes on at least one parent before I drive away.
 
If I walk into a restaurant, venue, or retail store and there’s a table, chair, or clothing rack that’s too close to the only exit I’m most likely going to move that obstruction out of the way. I’m also going to respectfully speak with the manager about why that was important to do with grace and sincerity in my tone.
 
If I see a kid running around a pool, I’m going to ask them to walk.
 
If I see teenagers diving into the ocean near a sandbar, I’m going to talk with the lifeguard or directly with the kids about why that’s a deadly idea.
 
If I see something, I'm going to say something because I actually give a damn!

I care about public safety, I care about how I make people feel, I care about putting joy into the world, I care about recognizing great service, I care about giving referrals and connecting businesses to services that they need, and I care about a lot of things that other people don't seem to care about, or maybe they simply don't see the world as I do.
 
My hope is that one day I will be in the right place at the right time when my neighbor’s kid falls off their bike and needs a reassuring hand on their back and a bandage from my first aid kit. My hope is that I know their name, and their parent’s names, and that they will feel comforted and patched up and back to riding in no time. Can we get back to doing more of this?
 
My extraverted energy may be too much for some, I know it is for my daughter who thinks I’m very cringy, but I’m okay with not being everyone’s cup of tea. My people are out there...in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-A, admiring my JMU license plates and yelling to their teammate to tell me, "Go Dukes!"
 
I’m comfortable in my own skin – being my authentic self, serving those who I deem worthy of my time, and hanging out with people who don’t mind me getting all up in their business.