Authentic Encounters, LLC

I spend a lot of time helping people become better leaders. But leadership isn’t the only part of who we are.

Sometimes, we need space to simply show up as women, seeking Christ, connection, clarity, and the courage to walk in what we’ve been called and purposed to do.

I’m excited to be speaking both days at the upcoming Common Way Women’s Retreat at Lake Placid.

Many of you know Authentic Encounters through my work with leaders, teams, and workplace culture.

But there’s another side: Called & Purposed, the faith-centered side of Authentic Encounters.

Because before the title, position, business, and responsibilities…

there’s the woman. And sometimes she needs an encounter, too.

Want to join us? Registration information will be in the comments.

Looking for a speaker for your organization, conference, church, women’s ministry, or retreat? Let’s connect.

Real Conversations. Lasting Transformation.

First badge earned! 🎓💚

I’m excited to be participating in the Enterprise Corps program through the Indiana Business Research Center at the IU Kelley School of Business.

I’ve completed our first four-course Business Strategy series with Professor Greg Fisher, covering business strategy, competitive direction and planning for expansion.

Next up: Financial Management with Professor Barb Cutillo, including raising capital and managing cash flow. Then we move into Marketing & Sales and Organizational Management.

I spend a lot of my days working IN Authentic Encounters: coaching leaders, facilitating organizational change, speaking and working alongside organizations.

But sustainable entrepreneurship also requires me to work ON Authentic Encounters.

That means continuing to learn how to build, finance, market, manage and scale the company behind the work.

Even on the hard and demanding days, I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep growing, not only in my craft, but as a businesswoman.

One badge down. A lot more growth ahead. 💚

What if you're not being experienced the way you think you are?

You meant to help. They felt like you took over.

You meant to move quickly. They experienced impatience.

You meant to hold them accountable. They experienced control.

Here's the hard part:

Both things can be true.

Your intention can be good, and your impact can still require your attention.

That's the conversation I'm having this week on Lena Speaks.

And it's also why I created something I've been waiting to finally share:

📓 The Authentic Encounter is officially available!

It's a guided reflection journal built around three questions:

How am I showing up?
How am I being experienced?
What am I leaving behind?

This isn't about beating yourself up.

It's about becoming curious enough about yourself to choose differently.

Awareness → Action → Transformation.

🎙️ Watch this week's podcast, then go deeper with the journal. (Link in comments)

Explore The Authentic Encounter©: A Guided Reflection Journal on Self, Relationships & Legacy (Link in comments)

Tell me in the comments: Which is harder, examining your
intentions or examining your impact?

Sometimes the blessing isn’t just where you’re going. It’s who takes the journey with you.

I wrapped up my week with clients in North Dakota, and this trip came with an extra gift. my uncles Marcus and Quentin agreed to drive me.

Sometimes the best way to travel really is slow and easy.

Miles on the road.
Plenty of laughter.
Good conversations.
And memories I didn’t know I needed to make.

Building a business and chasing a dream can keep you moving FAST. But moments like this remind me that success isn’t only about the work, the clients, or the destination.

It’s also about the people who believe in what you’re building and are willing to travel some of the road with you.

Family that supports you AND your dreams is truly a gift.

North Dakota was the destination.

But this time, the journey was pretty special too.

Who’s someone in your family who has supported your journey? Give them a little love in the comments.