Welcome to Leaders in Progress

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We need your leadership

I believe that the world needs a better way of leading – one that is grounded in values, curiosity, impact and sustainability. I believe that we have the power to create profound change in the communities and companies we operate in. And I believe that great leadership isn’t limited to a handful of people who happen to have a title to match and that a much more inclusive, diverse and expansive form of leadership is required.

Leadership is available to all of us, everyday.

When we wake up in the morning, splash water on our face and head out into the world we make a hundred-and-one micro decisions about the way we’ll exercise our leadership – regardless of what role we’re occupying or external status we hold.

• The way we engage with our fellow co-workers is a form of leadership

• The hard decisions we make in the best interest of our team is a form of leadership

• The attention we bring to an important project is a form of leadership

• The times we advocate for others is a form of leadership

• The ideas we bring to the table are a form of leadership

• The truth we tell to those who need (but may not want) to hear it is a form of leadership

• The asks we make to support ourselves or others are a form of leadership

• The care we give to those we lead is a form of leadership

• The commitments we make are a form of leadership

• The work we do that no one else will do is a form of leadership

We’re All Leaders in Progress

 
Our leadership is fluid and ever-evolving. We don’t arrive as leaders; we continually unravel and shape the leaders we are becoming. There’s no perfection in the new way of leading, only a commitment to practice getting better.

The leaders of our future won’t be hooked into appearing like they’re infallible and without flaws; they’ll recognize that by definition, leadership is also an act of vulnerability and exploration.

And that means that there’s much more room for everyday people like you and I to take part.

Hey, I’m Steph!

I’m a writer, leadership coach, podcaster (sometimes) and small business owner living in Calgary, Canada.

I’m the mom to two teens and wife to a coffee-loving, mountain biking guy — all three of whom make my life immeasurably better and sometimes more challenging (both/and). We’ve also got two rescue dogs named Bear and Gigi who live for cuddles and pancake leftovers.

I’ve run my own business for the past 16 years, serving as a leadership coach to progressive, purpose-driven executives and entrepreneurs.

I’ve published the Going PRO magazine, the Everyday Leadership for Smart Women Podcast, and my weekly Leadership Letters. I’m a Top 40 Under 40, and have a background in communications.

I’ve worked for the Canadian Red Cross and YMCA Calgary, and as a Community Investment professional for an oil and gas company.

This is one of my favourite childhood photos.

When I doubt myself, wonder what I’m worth or question if I’ve got what it takes, this photo reminds me of who I am.

Here’s what to expect:

Every Monday, I’ll share a new, free Leadership in Progress post. This will include a leadership insight, highly curated leader links and a resource of the week.

You’ll also get a monthly Worth in Progress essay where we explore ambition, burnout, balance and self-worth.

You can also become a paid or PRO subscriber, which not only unlocks added benefits but goes a long way to supporting my work.

For paid subscribers, you’ll get added perks*, including:

• Monday Leaders in Progress post (as noted above)

• Bi-Monthly Wednesday Worth in Progress essays where we explore ambition, burnout, balance and our self-worth

• Friday Focus Threads — a weekly leader review to help you celebrate the week behind and prepare for the week ahead.

• Sunday Sessions — varying posts including my Dear Steph coaching column, our quarterly Book Club thread, a Sustainable Success Practice and my Month-in-Review letter with an accompanying template

For PRO subscribers, you’ll get two more added perks, including:

• Monthly Leadership Essentials workshops (virtual) including the recording and accompanying resources. You can purchase these separately, but you’ll save by joining as a PRO member

• Quarterly Leader Retreats (virtual) where we spend time reviewing the quarter behind and prepping you for the quarter ahead. You’ll get a Notion Leader Retreat Hub and template to work through.
  

Subscribe and follow along for updates. I’m so glad you’re here.

Steph