In this episode, I’m joined by Vincent Wanga, an accomplished international design leader and creative executive, to talk about the challenging but rewarding journey from individual contributor to team leader, especially in creative fields. Vincent shares his unique path, balancing the analytical and artistic sides of his background, and opens up about overcoming setbacks, finding the right motivations for stepping into leadership, and the profound importance of empathy, adaptability, and mentorship. We dig into actionable tips for navigating leadership without losing your sense of self, ways to coach and empower teams, and why failure is truly the best teacher. Whether you're already leading or considering making the leap, you'll walk away with insights and real-world strategies to use on your leadership journey.

Vincent Wanga Bio: 

Vincent Wanga is a dynamic international design thought leader, creative keynote speaker, award-winning creative and executive, author of “The Art of Direction,” serial entrepreneur, and experienced brand consultant with an exceptional range of expertise over a distinguished two decade career. As former vice president and head of creative for one of the fastest growing technology startups in North America, he oversaw corporate brand strategy and creative during unprecedented company growth for a pre-series A to an over $1 billion “unicorn” valuation. Vince now lives in Washington, DC and Asheville, North Carolina with his dog, Okello. When he is not working on new business ventures, he passionately travels the world collecting creative inspiration at the finest boutique hotels rewards points can buy.

Connect with Vincent:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-wanga 

Website: https://www.vincentwanga.com/ 

Episode References: 

Book: The Art of Direction: Personal Perspectives on the Path to Creative Leadership https://www.vincentwanga.com/shop 

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode of Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally, I'm joined by Grace Gavin, co-founder of No Honesty. We dive into the critical skills of openness and honesty in communication, and how these skills are essential in both personal and professional relationships. Grace shares her journey of becoming a catalyst for effective leadership, and we explore practical strategies to improve communication and build trust within teams. 

Tune in to learn how you can cultivate a culture of clear, honest, and open communication in your workplace.

Grace Gavin’s ’Bio: 

Grace is an open and honest expert, helping leaders simplify their communication and eliminate the divides that exist within organizations. As co-founder of Know Honesty, she guides people towards becoming masterful communicators day in and day out. Having experienced the transformative power of openness and honesty, Grace is on a mission to help others create that same freedom in their own lives. 

Grace brings her heartfelt approach to every event, workshop, and interaction. She believes deeply that every human being brings a unique perspective to the world and that we all deserve to be heard and respected. 

With humble roots growing up on a dairy farm to now working with all levels of leadership, Grace has a special ability to ask the right questions to help audiences go deeper and uncover what’s blocking them from creating real communication. Grace also proudly serves on the Grand Rapids Chamber’s ATHENA Council, the Women of Habitat Kent Council, and the Berlin Fair board. In her spare time, she can be found devouring books, gardening during summer months, and spending time with family and friends. 

Connect with Grace:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://knowhonesty.com/ 

Book: Know Honesty https://knowhonesty.com/book/ 

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode of Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally, we're flipping the script! Instead of our usual format featuring inspiring guest conversations, it's just me, your host Ashley Pattee—a licensed therapist, credentialed coach, and owner of Evoke Coaching Services. Today, I’m diving deep into the timely topic of New Year's resolutions and goals.

New Year's resolutions are all around us, but did you know that under 20% of people stick with them beyond February? That’s why I’m here to guide you through a more effective way to set and achieve meaningful goals that align with your values. From clarifying your core values and reflecting on your vision for life, to creating SMART goals and establishing actionable steps, we'll cover it all. I'll even share how to build in accountability and reflection to ensure your success.

So, let’s move beyond those fleeting resolutions and step confidently into the new year with purpose. Follow these steps to craft goals that truly resonate with you and set yourself up for a year of growth and exceptional leadership. Remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Tune in and let's make this year your best one yet!

Episode References: 

Brené Brown’s list of values: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ 

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I’m joined by Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis as we continue our discussion on cultivating effective leadership teams. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, handling difficult conversations, and personal development within a team setting. Expect actionable insights on fostering healthy conflict and building strong, collaborative environments. 

Join us for part 2 of this enlightening series and take your leadership skills to the next level!

Jessica Higgins’ Bio: 

Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care. 

Melissa Ware’s Bio: 

Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves. 

Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio:

Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation. 

Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins

Connect with Melissa: 

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115

Connect with Heather:

Website: www.arborcircle.org

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I, Ashley Pattee, sit down with three remarkable leaders, Jessica Higgins, Melissa Ware, and Heather Nyenhuis, to dive into what it takes to build and sustain effective leadership teams. We explore essential themes like the power of relationships, the significance of vulnerability, and the importance of leveraging team strengths.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the balance between productivity and relationship-building, the necessity of clear communication, and the profound impact of modeling behavior as leaders. We also reflect on how intentional leadership development can create a team culture that navigates challenges while maintaining solid, caring relationships.

Join us as we offer actionable takeaways for enhancing your own team dynamics and leadership capabilities!

Jessica Higgins’ Bio: 

Jessica is a licensed master social worker and has been working as a clinical social worker for the past 10 years with youth, families, and adults. She has leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, supervising a team of direct care and clinical staff. Currently, she is working at a local community mental health in the access department, supporting and connecting youth and families with mental health and substance use services. In this role, she also provides training to staff focused on suicide prevention and serves on a committee dedicated to improving culture in suicide prevention and care. 

Melissa Ware’s Bio: 

Melissa is a licensed master social worker with 17 years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a case manager, therapist, supervisor, and director. She currently leads as the program director of the Center For Counseling and Well-being at Grand Rapids Community College, a role she has held for the past 3 years. Dedicated to advancing mental health support for BIPOC communities, she also serves as a board member of Our Mental Health Collective. Additionally, she is actively engaged in teaching in higher education at a local 4-year university. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering well-being and equity in all spaces that she serves. 

Heather Nyenhuis’ Bio:

Heather is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience serving West Michigan communities. As a graduate of Western Michigan University, she has spent her career working with runaway and at-risk youth, families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and people of all ages facing the challenges of poverty, including financial instability, lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. Her expertise spans program and project development, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong focus on quality process and performance improvement. Heather is experienced in grant writing and management, program supervision, training, and group facilitation. 

Connect with Jessica:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-higgins

Connect with Melissa: 

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-ware-lmsw-aa1014115

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode of "Everyday Leaders Leading Exceptionally," I sit down with Taren Storrs, a remarkable leader from Michigan State University with nearly a decade in her role. Taryn's journey through higher education, particularly in admissions and alumni relations, has shaped her unique view on leadership far beyond traditional titles. We delve into her adventurous spirit, having traveled to over 50 countries with a goal to visit all continents and every U.S. state—only Australia and Alaska to go!

Taren shares her insightful perspectives on combating fear in leadership, the importance of motivation and inspiration, and how leadership qualities can thrive without formal titles. Her vivid analogy of "filling the cup" emphasizes the joy and unexpected rewards of investing in others. We discuss the significance of authentic connections, both in professional settings and community involvement, and the power of personalized support, such as recognizing and responding to individual needs.

A highlight in our conversation includes Taryn's advocacy for "practicing the pause," a powerful technique for thoughtful and genuine leadership. Her wisdom on career development, relationship-building, and self-acceptance offers invaluable advice for anyone aiming to lead exceptionally in their everyday life.


Taren Storr’s Bio:

Taren is a proud Michigan State University alumnus, having earned two degrees from the university. She currently serves as a director of alumni relations for the West Coast at the MSU Alumni Office. In this role, Taryn is dedicated to building lasting relationships with alumni and finding meaningful ways to reconnect them to their alma mater. She manages a 12 state region along the West Coast, home to more than 50,000 Spartans, and oversees 15 alumni clubs. Taryn's focus is on fostering engagement and supporting Michigan State through alumni time, talent, and philanthropic giving. In addition to her work with MSU alumni, Taryn is the chairperson of the Workforce Action Committee for Spartan Staff, a group that represents over 7,500 support staff on campus. She also serves on the PTSA board school at her child’s elementary school, continuing her passion for community involvement. Originally from California, Taryn came to Michigan State on a track and field scholarship, where she not only thrived athletically but also launched a career in undergraduate admissions and later university advancement. Outside of her professional life, Taryn is a wife, a mother, a dog mom, and an avid traveler. She is deeply committed to volunteering and advocating for women in leadership.

Connect with Taren:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarenstorrs/ 

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In this episode, I sit down with Annah Aschbrenner, Senior Deputy Campaign Editor at The Washington Post, to explore her strategies for managing a team and navigating the unpredictable world of political journalism. 

Annah shares her insights on balancing reactive news coverage with planned tasks, the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor, and the critical role of self-care. We delve into her journey of personal and professional growth, from receiving mentorship to embracing feedback. Annah also discusses the challenges of high-stress reporting, integrating personal priorities into work, and leading with authenticity and empathy. 

Tune in for a candid conversation on leading exceptionally amidst chaos.

Annah Aschbrenner’s Bio: 

Annah is the senior deputy campaign editor at The Washington Post. In her role, she helps lead coverage of the 2024 presidential campaign as well as races for the senate, house, and state level campaigns. She previously was the post-congress editor covering the rise and fall of house speaker Kevin McCarthy and innumerable spending fights on the Hill. She started her career as an intern in her hometown in Muskegon, Michigan before taking a job at the Klamath Falls Herald and News in Oregon. She eventually moved to Iowa where, as a politics editor at the Des Moines Register, she directed coverage of the 2016 Iowa caucuses and the presidential election before becoming the news director. She then went on to be USA Today's elections editor for the 2020 campaign before becoming their White House, Congress, and National Politics editor. She's a proud Michigan State University graduate, go green, and lives in Virginia with her husband, son, and hound dog.

Connect with Annah:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annahbackstrom

Website: https://www.washingtonpost.com

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In Episode 3 of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I sit down with co-founders of iCOR Solutions, Frank Cox and Zack Pittman, to delve into the power of co-leadership and transparency in fostering team growth and trust. Zack shares his insights on recovering from setbacks and continuous improvement, while Frank emphasizes the value of clear communication, accountability, and mutual respect. 

We discuss their journey from thriving careers at MarshBerry, to starting their own venture, the importance of ego management, and how they intentionally built a strong company culture that prioritizes learning and openness. 

Join us for a conversation filled with practical leadership advice and techniques to improve your own leadership skills.

Frank Cox’s Bio:

As a Co-Founder of iCOR, Frank has a passion for growth and development, seeking to provide value on every interaction. 

Prior to iCOR, Frank was the Senior Vice President of Management Consulting at MarshBerry, the nation's leading growth and advisory firm in the Insurance industry, with more than ten years of insurance sales experience and a track record for coaching, sales training, public speaking and senior executive management. Frank led a team that was focused on delivering management consultation and sales leadership to MarshBerry’s portfolio of insurance brokerage clients. ​

Prior to iCOR, Frank worked as USI’s Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, which involved leading Property & Casualty (P&C) and Employee Benefits sales. His responsibilities also included senior operations management.

Frank holds both a P&C and Life & Health license and holds certifications in DiSC training and Professional Selling Skills. Frank earned his associate’s degree in business from Grand Rapids Community College and holds a bachelor’s of science in Business Management from Cornerstone University.

Zack Pittman’s Bio:

As a Co-Founder of iCOR, Zack has a passion for sales and operational improvement, focusing on the development and execution of plans that align with organizational growth.

Prior to iCOR, Zack was the Vice President of Organic Growth at MarshBerry. As a leader of MarshBerry’s Organic Growth division, Zack worked with agencies and brokerages to build an infrastructure that would achieve growth and profitability goals, as well as working with them through the continued development and execution of that process.​

Zack has a passion for helping his clients increase sales through a strategic growth plan, while improving culture and focusing on team development dynamics. Additionally, he’s driven to develop sales leaders and sales teams to help implement a successful and repeatable sales process while also assisting firms with organizational infrastructure, business planning and sales management.

Zack holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and marketing management from the University of Akron.

Connect with Frank & Zack: 

Website: https://www.icoradvantage.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icor-solutions/ 

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

Join me, Ashley Pattee, as I share my personal leadership journey in this enlightening episode with my long-time friend and special guest, Julie Cnossen. Together, we delve into my path from the nonprofit sector to executive coaching, highlighting the pivotal moments and lessons learned along the way. 

We'll explore how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to face conflict head-on have shaped my leadership style. Hear about the transformative impact of honest feedback, the importance of building authentic relationships, and the role of radical self-awareness in effective leadership.

Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating discomfort, the continuous loop of self-development, and my mission to inspire and support everyday leaders in our communities.

Julie’s Bio: 

Julie Cnossen has nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In the past, she has served as a program director for a Grand Rapids area nonprofit focused on supporting runaway and homeless youth. Before that, Julie provided clinical services and support to men exiting the justice system, provided treatment for women who were chemically dependent, and provided trauma-focused counseling to refugees seeking safety within West Michigan. Julie received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Grand Valley State University and maintains licensure in the state of Michigan as a clinical social worker. During her time within the nonprofit sector, she also served on several Michigan statewide boards. In 2021, Julie made a career move from the nonprofit arena to the for-profit space and currently serves as a CEO at John Grace Restoration in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

John Grace provides cleanup and repair services for residential and commercial customers within West Michigan who have experienced property loss. Julie is responsible for 115 staff members in 4 service locations in her current role. Julie holds a strong belief in collaboration in people development. In all of her positions, Julie has worked hard to create authentic and accountable spaces where leaders are empowered to focus on their strengths and develop high-performing, inclusive teams. Julie has lived and worked her entire life in West Michigan. She has been married for 22 years and has two young adult children. Julie has been involved in various faith-based communities within West Michigan and is always seeking new opportunities to provide volunteer support to justice-focused initiatives.

Connect with Julie: 

Website: https://www.john-grace.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-cnossen-0069ab43/

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/

In our very first episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I sit down with Julie Cnossen, an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector and now the CEO of John Grace Restoration. We dive deep into the learner mindset, the shift from transactional to collaborative leadership, and the importance of building authentic relationships based on reciprocal feedback.

Julie shares her personal journey, including the challenges and insights gained from transitioning to a new. We explore the necessity of self-awareness, managing emotions, and the universal need for purposeful and supportive work environments.

Tune in to hear how Julie's leadership philosophy empowers teams to thrive both in nonprofit and for-profit settings. Don't miss this insightful conversation on exceptional leadership!

Julie’s Bio: 

Julie Cnossen has nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. In the past, she has served as a program director for a Grand Rapids area nonprofit focused on supporting runaway and homeless youth. Before that, Julie provided clinical services and support to men exiting the justice system, provided treatment for women who were chemically dependent, and provided trauma-focused counseling to refugees seeking safety within West Michigan. Julie received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Grand Valley State University and maintains licensure in the state of Michigan as a clinical social worker. During her time within the nonprofit sector, she also served on several Michigan statewide boards. In 2021, Julie made a career move from the nonprofit arena to the for-profit space and currently serves as a CEO at John Grace Restoration in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

John Grace provides cleanup and repair services for residential and commercial customers within West Michigan who have experienced property loss. Julie is responsible for 115 staff members in 4 service locations in her current role. Julie holds a strong belief in collaboration in people development. In all of her positions, Julie has worked hard to create authentic and accountable spaces where leaders are empowered to focus on their strengths and develop high-performing, inclusive teams. Julie has lived and worked her entire life in West Michigan. She has been married for 22 years and has two young adult children. Julie has been involved in various faith-based communities within West Michigan and is always seeking new opportunities to provide volunteer support to justice-focused initiatives.

Connect with Julie: 

Website: https://www.john-grace.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-cnossen-0069ab43/

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Pattee's website: www.evokecs.com

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-pattee-lmsw-cpcc-acc-02612514/