There is a house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun

It’s one of those bonus Thursdays—the kind that shows up unexpectedly and calls for something a little special. ✨ Today, we’re excited share another Subscriber Spotlight—a small way to highlight the people who bring life to this community. This quarter’s feature? Someone who lives the blended life with intention, joy, and a steady sense of purpose.

Scroll down for the spotlight—and don’t miss the freebies waiting for you at the bottom. Just a little thank you for being here.

1. How do you spend your time on a typical day?

   • My days have a mix of predictability and variety, which keeps things interesting. Each morning, I start with a quick 20-30 minute workout to energize myself for the day. While enjoying my Oats Overnight, I get caught up on everything that happened in my clients' worlds overnight. After getting my (not so!) little one off to school, my workday officially begins. I typically work from around 8 AM to 5 PM, with a dog walk in the middle. About 90% of my work is done in front of the computer, so I make it a priority to unplug and unwind in the evenings.

2. What's a recent accomplishment you're proud of?

   • A huge non-work related accomplishment - for the last 15+ years, my husband and I have been talking about (and making offers on) small cabins in Pennsylvania. We are finally closing on our cabin at the end of May and I am beyond excited (and overwhelmed) with its potential!

3. What's a productivity tip or tool you swear by?

   • Asana for work and ToDoIst for my personal life! If I don't write it down, I will 100% forget about it! When either platform is down (because, technology) I feel completely lost and take it as a sign from the universe to take a walk or relax a bit.

4. What’s a quote that resonates with you?

   • There are two that I lean into deeply:

   • "You are not mean and they are not fragile. They are not mean and you are not fragile." My former leadership coach, Jules Christie shared this nugget when thinking through giving and receiving feedback and it is something I lean back on personally and professionally multiple times a month.

   • Recently, I saw a quote along the lines of "Be kind to the past versions of yourself. You were doing the best you could with what you had at the time." I find that I am often hard on past decisions I made, but this quote helps me to reframe the context around the decisions that were ultimately made.

5. What's a book, podcast, album, show, or movie you're currently enjoying and would recommend?

   • I just finished Onyx Storm and loved it! I also just wrapped up the most recent season of Amazing Race and have so many questions about a particular casting choice.

6. What's your go-to recharging activity?

   • Baking - really anything that has chocolate - I will bake it and I will eat most of it! I have this great chocolate babka recipe that I break out when I really need a moment to refocus or celebrate.

7. Who makes up your community?

   • I am so grateful to have such a supportive community. My community comes from so many aspects of my life. I have a wonderful professional community that is composed of people from my entire professional career (everyone from the department chair when I was teaching, to former managers, former direct reports, and colleagues), other freelancers, my family, my literal, physical community in Baltimore, and my friends!

Enjoy these fun freebies as a thank you for subscribing! We’ll share some every quarter.