Leadership

Creativity isn’t just for artists and designers—it’s a critical leadership skill. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders who embrace creativity can drive innovation, solve complex problems, and inspire their teams. But let’s be honest: many leaders struggle to tap into creativity amid daily pressures, decision fatigue, and the need for quick results. The good news? Creativity isn’t an innate talent reserved for a select few; it’s a muscle that can be strengthened with intentio

What does self-love have to do with leadership and the workplace? Absolutely everything. Self-love is the origin point of how you live, lead, and influence the world around you. When you love yourself, you lead with intention, clarity, and strength. Remember: Who you are is not the same as what you do—though meaningful work matters. Your worth is not earned through performance, title, or achievement. No role, relationship, or circumstance defines you. Your past is written, bu

The return to work after the holidays can feel abrupt. One day, you’re spending time with loved ones, travelling, or simply resting. Then, the clock strikes 12:01 am, and you are expected to be entirely focused, productive, and “back to normal.”  If your energy feels off just thinking about these abrupt shifts, you’re not alone.   Think “Warm-Up,” Not Sprint January doesn’t need to begin at full speed.  Think of it as a warm-up to a marathon, where we can be intentional about

As we step into the new year, setting goals is a common and powerful way to create focus and momentum. In our January ithrive31 newsletter, we shared our 31-day approach to goal setting. This method encourages you to dream big while breaking down your aspirations into manageable actions that drive progress over the next 31 days. For the past 10 years, I’ve used this approach myself—writing down my goals 31 days at a time. I use the ithrive31 Goal Setting Worksheet and keep m

The other day, I was coaching a senior leader who described herself as a perfectionist, and I could sense the weight of that word. It carried frustration, pressure, and self-criticism. So, I invited her to pause and explore: How is this trait impacting you? Without hesitation, she said, “It’s not serving me very well.” Then I asked a different question: How has it helped you? At first, she resisted. But as she reflected, she began to uncover small ways this drive had shape

In many organizations, gratitude season can look like a flurry of thank you notes, appreciation lunches, or end of year awards. Those gestures matter, but sustainable gratitude, the kind that fuels energy and trust year round, goes deeper. At ithrive31, we see gratitude not as a moment, but as a mindset. Real gratitude lives in action — in how we listen, how we coach, and how we show up. It’s the daily discipline of seeing people, hearing them, and recognizing their impact —

Recently, our son ran a 100-mile ultramarathon in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This was no ordinary race; it meant pushing through steep elevations, terrible weather, and 33 hours of nonstop running. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, it was a grueling test. We were his pit crew—meeting him at designated stops, refueling him, swapping out pacers, and giving him what he needed to keep moving forward. These moments were short, 10-minute intervals at most, but they made all

As we flip the calendar to July, the second month in this three-month summer chapter, I find myself pausing for a moment of reflection. June felt full. It was busy, yes, but a happy kind of busy. A balanced busy. The kind that reminds me life can be full without being overwhelming. Looking back, June was filled with joy—vacations, time with friends, laughter, and sunshine. There were pockets of rest, much-needed pauses that helped me recharge. And there was growth, both perso

When Jacque Hollingshead stepped into her role as Intensive Care Unit Nurse Manager at Mary Greeley Medical Center, she knew she wanted to lead differently. With a background in nursing, a passion for learning, and Coaching certifications from ATD and ithrive31, she brought a fresh mindset to a high-pressure environment. Rather than relying on authority, Jacque embraced the Coaching mindset—an approach rooted in curiosity, connection, and shared ownership. In this Q&A, she re

In addition to being a travel enthusiast, I’m a certified professional coach, educator, and military veteran. I’ve traveled to 32 countries and sailed on 12 cruises (so far), and my favorite destination is wherever I’m headed next! Being on travel reminds me of the importance of showing up. And we get to choose how we show up in the world every single day. It’s not just the big trips or major moments that matter. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that stay with us the most. S

I signed on to coach two new mid-level leaders last week, both facing a familiar challenge: Sound familiar? This isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, it’s one of the most common developmental themes I see with mid-to-upper-level leaders. As professionals move up in their careers, they increasingly want, and are expected to, operate at a more strategic level. But despite their best intentions, they often get pulled back into daily problem-solving and task execution. Why does this

Just like a garden needs water and sun, relationships need care and attention to grow, and communication is the lifeblood that makes it all happen. Whether you’re leading a team, having a tough conversation, or simply trying to connect more meaningfully, small shifts in how you communicate can create a big impact. This month, we’re sharing three practical tips to help your communication bloom. Think of them as small seeds you can plant—simple actions that lead to stronger, he

Hi there! Coach Miki here. There’s a lot happening in our world right now – both locally and globally. Building a supportive community of friends (and family), mentors, and coaches to navigate life’s challenges can be incredibly grounding and empowering. Friends are at the heart of community, bringing comfort, familiarity, shared history, and joy. Friendships are where mutual care grows strongest, and we can engage them by checking in regularly. A quick phone call or simple t

In today’s workplace, expectations are rising, pressure is mounting, and burnout is everywhere. We're moving so fast from one thing to the next that we often miss the most important moments—the pauses. The intentional moments where we stop to acknowledge others. Where we recognize effort, progress, or just say, “I see you.” A colleague recently shared something that stuck with me. She deeply respected her leader but noticed she rarely gave praise. Not because she didn’t care—

Hang tight — we’re heading into spring, a season of refreshing renewal! What energy do you want to bring into this new season? Now’s the perfect time to reflect on your first quarter. How are your goals shaping up? Do any need adjusting? Take a moment to align your next 31 days with intention and focus — grounded in our three core principles: Be intentional with your thoughts  Be deliberate with your time and resources Be purposeful in how you treat your body Reflect on Q1 It

Hi all, Coach Lauren here! Have you ever heard the phrase “assume good intent”? It seems a bit self-explanatory, but I wanted to take some time to dive into this phrase. This is a helpful lens for unlocking more good energy in our lives. What does “assume good intent” mean? Assuming good intent means taking a pause, giving folks the benefit of the doubt, and asking ourselves “What do I actually know about their intentions? What does this person believe is ‘good’, and what ‘g

At ithrive31, our mission is to bring good energy to the world. We aim to bring love and positive energy to the workplace, our homes, and our communities. We also believe that one of the most powerful forms of energy is love. As we celebrate love in all its forms this February, we are reminded of how this energy transcends beyond romantic relationships and can be infused into every part of our lives. Love in the Workplace Some might argue that love has no place in the workpl

Personal development is a journey, not a destination. It’s easy to forget this when we’re bombarded with new trends, advice, and practices promising to transform our lives. But what if the most important mindset shift isn’t about finding the “perfect” practice—but about embracing ourselves as beautiful and evolving works-in-progress? Recognize That We’re Learning as We Go Life is a continual process of learning and discovery. As we explore personal growth, we often try new p

And just like that, we’ve turned the calendar! Cheers to 2025! This is a beautiful time for renewed commitments, fresh starts, and a sense of optimism for what lies ahead. Use this energy to propel yourself forward—envision the future, plan for success, and dream about the goals you want to achieve this year. By harnessing this energy, you can fuel good momentum in your life. While the start of a new year brings excitement and optimism, it’s important to remember that we can

Hi all, Coach Lauren here! Have you ever thought about what types of goals set you up for success? It is the new year, and surely, many of us have New Year's resolutions on our minds. It is an unfortunate known fact, however, that these resolutions often do not last long; there’s even a “Quitter’s Day,” which falls on the second Friday of January, and research shows a significant amount of the population has already stopped their goal by that time. There are all sorts of tool