What topics are you hoping we cover in Leadership Lounge? I’d love to see conversations that challenge the traditional ideas of leadership—especially how we can lead with integrity, collaboration, and courage. It’s so important to talk about how we can lead with heart, create cultures that value people over power, and move beyond fear-based tactics. I want to dive into conversations about building real, strong relationships in our businesses and communities, navigating challenges with integrity, and how we can all show up as leaders who elevate and empower others. Let’s also talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s world—because leadership isn't just about being in charge; it’s about how we serve and uplift those around us. When you look back on this year, what do you hope you’ve created more of in your life overall? I’m hoping I’ve created more connection, impact, and growth—both personally and professionally. I want to be able to look back and know that I invested in the relationships that matter, showed up as a woman who empowers others, and built something meaningful that makes a difference. This year, it’s all about showing up with purpose and courage, leading with intention, and staying true to the things that matter most—family, growth, and empowering others to step into their own greatness.

Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about building, inspiring, and creating a vision that others can rally around. But what we’ve seen with Trump isn’t leadership. It’s something else entirely. His approach isn’t a leadership style—it’s a deliberate strategy of discord, division, and dissension. He doesn’t lead people toward something; he pits them against each other. And that’s not leadership—it’s chaos. Real leadership creates a culture where people grow, where ideas are challenged in a way that leads to progress, and where trust is built. But when leadership is based on fear—fear of the "other side," fear of losing power, fear of change—it doesn’t create unity or strength. It creates instability. Fear-based leadership keeps people in a constant state of outrage and anxiety, making it easier to manipulate them but impossible to build anything lasting. It’s why we see more division than ever, why bipartisanship feels impossible, and why so many people feel exhausted by politics. A true leader brings people together, even when they don’t agree. They find ways to bridge differences, not widen them. Trump’s approach thrives on conflict because division is the goal—not an unfortunate side effect. And the problem with that? You can’t govern effectively in a system built on constant turmoil. A nation that is always fighting itself will never move forward.