People who need people are goddamn lucky.
People who rely on others are not weak. We are not needy. People who need others are smart, and we’re goddamn lucky. I am one of those lucky ones; I know I need people, even as an introvert. As a partner, writer, consultant, advocate, mom, and human, I am better when I don’t try to do it all alone. I do better when I ask for help me, don’t you? Seeing myself through other’s eyes helps too. I am far harder on myself; most of us are.
Helping identify what makes you shine is something I am quite good at. I am less skilled at pausing to celebrate those I work with everyday. I take the brilliance of people I work for granted, partly because I am so thrilled to see bada$$ people in action. Plus, we have so much work to do!
If I do take the time to tell someone about you, watch out. I will "amplify the $%!# out of you,” and not just because it’s my mission. Having good people in my life and work who accept me, teach me, inspire me, and have my back is the ultimate privilege.
First, thanks to Stephanie Kopp for sticking with me this entire time, even through Pandemic parenting and puppies! Second, a shout out to those taking us to the next level: I am thrilled to welcome Sarah Phelps and April Jefferson, the two amazing humans who joined me the past few months. And thank the stars they did! Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart; it requires endurance.
Sarah and April have already had a huge impact. In 3 months we (re: THEY) launched the FLOWLab, implemented rad automations, cleaned up mountains of content, airtables, and templates, and created a 6 month strategic plan. Plus, our email and The HOT LIST newsletter are up and running!
They are both talented writers with unique POVs, meaning more voices in our communications. Together we are excited to create opportunities for you too: more connection, collaboration, cooperation, and growth ahead.
Before I start singing Barbra Streisand or gush further about the power of the collective, let’s hear more about these two rad people in their own words. Welcome to the Collective!
Welcome A.J.!
Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
Role: Virtual Operations Associate
Focus: Automations, FLOWlab, People Operations
Fun Fact: AJ created a streamlined process to recruit and onboard 300+ candidates within record time, focusing on People over Paperwork.
About me, April Jefferson, aka A.J.
Who I am: Resilient + Resourceful, Inquisitive + Innovative, Passionate + Purposeful.
What I do: I prioritize people, especially those who are underrepresented and underserved. I am all too familiar with the lack of access, education, and opportunity in our communities. Therefore, I always listen with intent and an open mind, to provide streamlined, effective community-focused solutions.
How I am finding my Flow in 2022:
Growing with this community! I know we’ve been waiting for one another. I’m more than ready to see us take the reins of our journey to create new pathways and opportunities—for us, by us.
Welcome Sarah!
Location: Denver -> Omaha
Role: Virtual Strategy Associate
Focus: Biz Dev, coFLOWco, Creative Strategy
Fun Fact: Sarah has been Employee of the Year everywhere she ever worked because she gets it done with compassion, and if you’re lucky, a song.
About me, Sarah Phelps.
Who I am: A multipotentialite and resident brainiac: I love learning ALL the things. But it’s people who inspire and educate me. As a soft skills sage, I lead individuals to their bravest place. Strategic? Yes. Innovative? Hell yes! Funny? You’ll see!
What I do: I’m committed to removing entrenched obstacles, identifying where to go next. From micro to macro, I build pathways that are equitable, always putting our humanity first.
How I am finding my Flow in 2022: With the vast amount of talent in the FLOWLab and coFLOWco, we’re ready to achieve our mission to provide tons of opportunities for our Collective. We know where we’re headed; let’s go!
I feel the energy from all of you who showed up this week and from this amazing team. Thank you! I am excited, and exhausted. Aren’t we all? Even with support and help, I can’t do it all. No one can. “The Work” will still be here and I am ready to go. But first, a nap. Maybe several.
