Beyond Busy - The Art of Purposeful Presence
Hello, to our emotionally intelligent achievers,
Hustle culture told us movement equals progress.
It lied.
Engagement isn’t about how much you’re doing. It’s about how deeply you’re connected while you’re doing it.
At AWL, we call that intentional elevation, the art of showing up with presence, not just performance.
Here’s what we know about engagement:
It’s not just about being busy.
It’s about being present.
In a world that rewards hustle over humanity, we often confuse activity with impact. But real engagement? It’s about showing up fully, for your work, your team, and yourself.
It’s about elevating not just your own game, but lifting others as you rise.
At AWL, engagement isn’t performative. It’s purposeful.
And elevation isn’t about climbing higher alone, it’s about bringing others with you.
As co-founders, we don’t just teach emotional intelligence, we lead with it.
We bring two distinct brains, one shared commitment:
To show that emotionally intelligent leadership is both powerful and practical.
Jen offers depth, empathy, and insight from the world of human behavior.
Melissa brings focus, strategy, and momentum rooted in business performance.
Together, we model what it means to lead with emotional clarity and operational strength, because true elevation requires both.
This isn’t just about personality.
It’s about partnership.
Because when we engage fully, with ourselves, with each other, and with this community, we create a culture where:
âś” Growth feels possible
âś” Support feels real
✔ And leadership doesn’t feel lonely
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything.
It’s about having the right people beside you, people who make you better simply by showing up fully.
This month's G.U.I.D.E. spotlight is E – Engage and Elevate
Leadership is a continuous journey of engagement and improvement.
It requires staying involved, remaining curious, and actively seeking opportunities to uplift others. True leaders elevate their skills, their teams, and their communities by striving for excellence while supporting those around them to do the same.
This is where impact multiplies.
So this month, we invite you to pause and ask yourself:
🔹 Where am I just going through the motions versus truly engaging?
🔹 How can I elevate not just my own leadership, but create rising tides for others?
🔹 What would it look like to engage with both excellence AND empathy?
This isn't about doing more.
It's about being more present in what you're already doing.
Whether you're navigating change, building community, or celebrating milestones (like a wedding!), engagement begins with intention.
And elevation begins with inclusion.
Let's explore what that looked like across October.
What We've Been Up To at AWL – October Update, from Jen:
My goodness 2025 has come and is on its way out!
Time flies when you're having fun!
October has been a busy and exciting month. I got married! That was my main objective this month - I'm sure you understand - lol. I did continue to attend meetings and create curriculum for the organization though.
Work of an entrepreneur does not end.
We are so excited to have had Simone Moreau-Rodgers speak with us about The Confidence Gap. It was amazing. If you missed it, please ensure you watch the replay. Our next virtual speaker is Sophis "SoJay" Jackson for the Leader's Circle. That's going to be powerful.
We are also hosting a Leadership Accelerator week where Mel and I will be spending our noon hours sharing about 1 of the 5 AWL Pillars each day - Monday through to Friday. If you are not able to make it, you can register and the replay will be sent to you OR you must be a member of our community and you will have access to the replay.
You will find that you are being asked to do a few things.
Firstly, we want to know how your business health is and so soon we will be asking you to complete a survey. Once complete, we will draft a summary of what we assess and share with you.
This is to expressly help you and your team thrive.
Secondly, we will be asking you to complete a survey about the monthly virtual sessions. Even if you have not attended, we'd love your feedback as to why not. And if you have attended, we would love your feedback about what you loved and what we can do better.
I KNOW - SURVEY FATIGUE!!!!
We promise though, it will be worth it because we listen and then we respond to ensure we are meeting your needs.
Oh, and we are preparing for International Women's Day and the first ever She L.E.A.D.S awards.
Just the largest women's empowerment conference in South Western Ontario.
A coach said to me it's not bragging if it's the truth!
So...... I'm not bragging y'all.
I'm just proud of what WE - that means you too - have created.
November is going to be busy with many commitments to workshops with various businesses in the community, rallying judges for the She L.E.A.D.S awards to select the finalists, and our monthly virtual events.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions about anything!
In October, Melissa has been in full strategic mode, working behind the scenes on partnerships and sponsorships while co-delivering training sessions. She's been instrumental in securing our sponsorship of DisruptHR London 2025 (happening October 29th!) and building out the framework for our 2026 initiatives.
We're so thrilled to be sponsors of DisruptHR London 2025!
This high-energy experience brings together executives, creatives, technologists, and future leaders to challenge the status quo and shape what's next. Use code DISRUPTPARTNER2025 to save 25% on tickets for the October 29th event at the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Talk soon!
With gratitude,
Jen
P.S. Our FALL 2025 bookings are filling up quickly. If you'd like us to come meet with your team, let us know, we'll customize a leadership program just for you!
We offer custom workshops, keynotes, and leadership development for companies and communities that want to elevate their impact.
đź“© Reach out to us at hello@awlpartners.com to explore what's possible.
🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community Champions
To Our Incredible 2025-2026 Season Sponsors & Partners:
Your belief in our mission doesn't just fund events, it fuels transformation. Because of you, we're creating spaces where leaders grow, women rise, and workplaces become more emotionally intelligent. You're not just sponsors; you're change-makers.
Special Recognition to Our International Women's Day Vendor Partners:
With 40% of vendor tables already SOLD, the energy for IWD 2026 is building fast! Thank you to the visionary businesses who've already secured their presence at Southwestern Ontario's largest women's empowerment conference.
Ready to Join This Movement?
For Potential Sponsors: The 2025-2026 speaker season is our most ambitious yet. We're looking for aligned partners who understand that investing in women's leadership development isn't just good ethics, it's good business. Your sponsorship provides:
- Brand visibility to thousands of engaged professionals
- Alignment with gender equity and leadership excellence
- Direct connection to decision-makers and emerging leaders
- The knowledge that you're part of something bigger
For IWD 2026 Vendors: Limited spots for vendor tables remain for March 2nd! Don't miss your chance to connect with 700+ attendees ready to discover what you offer.
For Our Generous Community: We're now accepting: Volunteers for the day of the event, Door prizes for IWD attendees, Virtual swag bag contributions (reach every attendee!) + Gifts to enhance our She L.E.A.D.S. Award packages
Every contribution, whether it's a product, service voucher, or experience, becomes part of celebrating women's excellence.
Your generosity amplifies our impact and shows our award winners and attendees that this community truly supports their success.
Ready to Amplify Your Impact?
đź“© Contact us at hello@awlpartners.com to discuss:
- Sponsorship opportunities that align with your values
- Securing your IWD vendor table (going fast!)
- Contributing to our celebration of women's leadership
Together, we're not just talking about change, we're funding it, supporting it, and celebrating it.
5 Opportunities to Engage + Elevate This Month
October is a month for growth, and we're bringing you incredible opportunities to reconnect with your purpose, strengthen your leadership, and build confidence at every level.
These sessions aren't about checking boxes, they're about meaningful conversations, personal breakthroughs, and real community.
1. AWL Leadership Accelerator Week
đź“… October 27-31, 2025 | đź•› 12:00 PM EDT Daily | đź’» Virtual
Join Melissa and Jen for an intensive week diving deep into the 5 AWL Pillars—one each day at lunch. This is practical, emotionally intelligent leadership development delivered in digestible daily sessions.
Perfect for: Managers, HR leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to lead with clarity.
Each session builds on the previous, creating a comprehensive framework for leading with leading with clarity, strategy, and emotional intelligence.
đź“Ť Register here: https://allwomenleadinc.mykajabi.com/awl-leadership-accelerator
2. Leadership Circle: Your Story, Your Future
đź“… Tuesday, October 29 | đź•› 12:00 PM EDT | đź’» Virtual
Join us for an inspiring Leadership Circle featuring Sophis "SoJay" Jackson, exploring creativity, healing, and courage in leadership.
SoJay brings a unique perspective on how our stories shape our leadership and how we can rewrite narratives that no longer serve us. This session promises to be both powerful and transformative.
Perfect for: Anyone craving inspiration and renewal in their leadership journey.
💰 $19.99 per session (FREE for Actually, I Can Leadership Hub™ members)
đź“Ť Register here: https://allwomenleadinc.mykajabi.com/October2025LC
3. Let's Get Intentional: The Overlooked Factor in Business Success
đź“… Monday, November 10 | đź•› 12:00 PM EDT | đź’» Virtual
Healthy Mind, Thriving Business
Join us for a transformational session with Shulamit Ber Levtov, known as the Entrepreneur's Therapist. As a culture change catalyst working at the intersection of mental health & entrepreneurship, Shulamit brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and 24+ years supporting women's mental health.
With certifications in Trauma of Money, Financial Social Work, Nonviolent Communication and Yoga, she offers a unique perspective on what really drives business success.
✔️ The hidden mental health factors affecting your business
✔️ How to build resilience without burning out
✔️ Creating sustainable success patterns
đź“Ť Register here: https://allwomenleadinc.mykajabi.com/november2025-lgi
We'd also love your input on future Let's Get Intentional sessions! HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE
4. Leadership Circle: The Legacy Lab - Planning, Protecting, and Litigating Estates
đź“… Tuesday, November 19 | đź•› 12:00 PM EDT | đź’» Virtual
Led by Natalee Davis with special guests Hilary A. Leitch and Kimberly A. F. Cura from Lerners LLP
Demystifying estate planning doesn't have to feel heavy. Join us for a practical discussion covering key estate planning topics, both during your lifetime and after. Learn what happens if there's a challenge to a will and other potential disputes that may arise. Come with your questions!
đź“Ť INTERESTED? EMAIL US FOR DETAILS
5. EARLY BIRD: International Women's Day 2026 - The Future is NOW!
📅 Monday, March 2, 2026 | 🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 📍 RBC Place London
Sponsored by Lerners LLP. Presented by All Women L.E.A.D.
Save the date for the largest women's empowerment conference in Southwestern Ontario! A full day of education, empowerment, and inspiration featuring the inaugural She L.E.A.D.S. Awards.
Special pricing until December 31st:
- General tickets available sans HST (13% savings)
- Community members save 30% plus HST
- Tables of 8 for the price of 7
đź“Ť Get your tickets: https://allwomenleadinc.mykajabi.com/international-womens-day
Speaking of the She L.E.A.D.S. Awards nominations close soon!
This is your chance to recognize the women leaders making waves in our community. This means YOU TOO!
Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate excellence.
Help Us Shape Your Experience - Your Voice Matters in Our Evolution
We're committed to creating sessions that truly serve you, and we need your input!
Whether you've attended every Let's Get Intentional session or haven't made it to one yet, your feedback is invaluable.
Take 3 minutes to share:
✔️ What topics resonate most
✔️ What times work best
✔️ What would make these sessions unmissable for you
Because engagement without feedback is just performance.
We're building this WITH you, not just FOR you.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
Engagement requires energy. Elevation requires support.
You can't pour from an empty cup, and you can't elevate others if you're depleted yourself.
That's why at AWL, we don't just talk about leadership development, we support the whole leader.
Our integrated approach combines coaching for forward momentum with counselling for processing what holds you back.
Because here's what we know: the most engaged leaders aren't the ones who never struggle.
They're the ones who have support systems that help them navigate, process, and elevate through challenges.
đź“© Ready to explore what support could look like for you?
Let's talk: hello@awlpartners.com or visit https://awlpartners.com/individual-solutions
You've seen the what, now let's choose what's next with intention.
We believe engagement is more than showing up, it's about bringing your whole self to the table.
And elevation? It's not a solo sport.
This month, we've practiced what it means to celebrate milestones while maintaining momentum, to ask for feedback while building forward, and to engage deeply while elevating broadly.
Because the future isn't built on perfect attendance. It's built on purposeful presence.
So here's your reminder:
â–¶ Engagement without authenticity is just performance
â–¶ Elevation without inclusion is just climbing
â–¶ And you're not doing this alone, we're building this movement together, every step of the way
Know someone else who would love these conversations?
Forward this email and invite them to grow alongside you.
Until next time, stay engaged with what matters, stay committed to elevation, and stay connected to the community that's rising with you.
Rooting for your growth, always,
The AWL Partners Team
We help people and teams grow smarter with their emotions to work better and achieve more.
P.S. Missed last month's newsletter? Catch up here and keep the momentum going: LAST EDITION
Actually I, Can Hub Member Business Spotlight:
đź“Ł Calling All Actually, I Can Hub Members!
Your Business Deserves the Spotlight 🌟
Dear Hub Members,
Every month, we celebrate the incredible businesses within our community through our newsletter's Member Business Spotlight and we want to feature YOU!
This is your opportunity to:
✨ Share your story with thousands of leaders across our network
✨ Showcase your services to a community that believes in supporting each other
✨ Amplify your impact and connect with potential clients who align with your values
✨ Celebrate the amazing work you're doing (because you deserve to be seen!)
What we need from you:
- A brief description of your business (150-200 words)
- What makes your approach unique
- Current offerings or upcoming programs
- How people can connect with you
- Optional: A special offer for our community
We're looking for businesses to feature in our November, December, and early 2026 newsletters.
First come, first featured!
Ready to shine? Simply send us an email and we'll send you the quick details form.
Because your success is our success, and this community rises together.
đź“© Email us at hello@awlpartners.com with subject line: "Member Spotlight - [Your Business Name]"
Let's celebrate what you're building!
Because leadership shouldn’t feel like you’re carrying it all alone.
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