You don't need to be the loudest to be the most influential

Dear Leaders, Members & Community Allies,

You don't need to be pushy to be powerful.

The leaders who influence most? They're not the loudest in the room. They're the ones who've mastered something far more valuable: emotionally intelligent influence.

And the results speak for themselves: Leaders who strengthen these skills see 30% higher sales conversion, 40% better team retention, and 35% improvement in team performance. Organizations report measurably stronger collaboration, faster decision-making, and leaders who can navigate resistance while maintaining trust.

At AWL, we know that real influence isn't about manipulation, pressure, or performance. It's about trust, clarity, and the ability to connect what matters to you with what matters to them.

The secret to influence? It starts with trust.

Whether you're leading a team, closing a sale, or advocating for change, influence is your most essential leadership currency.

And when you pair it with emotional intelligence? That's when transformation happens.

Here's what we've learned: the leaders who grow their influence grow their impact. And they do it without burning out, selling out, or sacrificing who they are.

As co-founders, we bring distinct strengths to this work. 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 influence with integrity, to lead with emotional clarity and operational strength, because true influence requires both heart and strategy.

This isn't just about closing deals or making pitches. It's about showing up as the kind of leader people want to follow, partner with, and trust.

This Month's Focus: Challenge & Growth Stage + Emotionally Intelligent Sales

The AWL Growth Sequence moves teams through three essential stages:

Safety → Growth → Performance.

This month, we're diving into Challenge & Growth, the stage where confidence meets capacity, and leaders learn to stretch without breaking.

This is where you move from "I can do this" to "I can do this consistently, even under pressure."

And one of the most powerful skills you develop here?

Emotionally intelligent influence.

Our Emotionally Intelligent Sales pillar isn't just for salespeople. It's for anyone who needs to:

• Motivate teams and inspire action
• Build trust-based relationships
• Communicate recommendations with confidence
• Navigate resistance with empathy
• Create alignment around shared goals
• Influence outcomes without manipulation

When you combine self-awareness with strategic communication, you don't just sell better. You lead better.

Here's why: Influence without emotional intelligence creates compliance, people do what you ask because they have to. But influence with emotional intelligence creates commitment, people engage because they want to. The difference shows up in your team's neurology: emotionally intelligent influence activates the brain's social engagement system rather than its threat response, which means people process your message as partnership, not pressure.

The business impact? Trust moves at the speed of business. Leaders who influence this way build what we call "trust equity" the psychological safety that lets teams move faster, take smart risks, and navigate change without fracturing. High-trust companies show 50% higher productivity compared to low-trust organizations, and trust accounts for up to 18% of the variance in organizational performance. When 80% of employees in high-trust environments feel motivated to work versus only 30% in low-trust environments, that gap compounds into sustained performance, innovation, and the kind of retention that protects your bottom line.

That's the leadership gap most organizations don't realize they're trying to solve.

So this month, we invite you to pause and ask yourself:

• Where am I avoiding influence because I'm worried about being "too much" or "too pushy"?
• What would change if I saw influence as service, not manipulation?
• How can I strengthen my ability to motivate and align others while staying true to my values?

This isn't about becoming someone you're not.

It's about developing the skills that make leadership sustainable, for you and your organization.

Whether you're growing a business, leading through change, or preparing for 2026, influence begins with trust.

Let's explore what that looked like across November.

What We've Been Up To at AWL – November Update, from Jen:

Where did November go? In fact, where did 2025 go? What a year! We've done so much, failed so much, succeeded so much! And that... is life right?

We have one more month of 2025. I tend to go into reflective mode around this time of year. What are you proud of? What do you wish you could have done better? What did you learn?

For me, I learned the power of my voice. Sounds weird given I am a speaker and a leader but even in those spaces, that inner critic can come up and distract, deter and destroy ideas, relationships and motivation. Been there? Well, that inner critic impacts all of us in different ways, but like I said, I've learned the power of my voice and I'm hoping for you that you understand the power of yours!

This past month we completed our Speaking Confidently program where participants learned how to construct their speech/talk/presentation and then how to present it. It was phenomenal! The next cohort will start on January 16th at 8am! You will want to sign up. Only 5 people can be in a cohort at a time. If there is a lot of interest then a second cohort will be created. Send a message to Shirley at hello@awlpartners.com to get more information.

We had a dynamic virtual Let's Get Intentional session with Shulamit Ber Levtov and a different but important Leaders' Circle session with Lerners LLP where we discussed wills and estates. Might sound like a downer but it was so informative. Something we all have to think about at some point or other. In December, we will hear from Jessie Jones and Jennifer Taylor. Check it out y'all - www.awlpartners.com/events.

This past month we also celebrated the fact that AWL's coaching team won the Consumer Choice award for coaching. What a freakin' honor!! We are really proud of our team and humbled by your choice of us. THANK YOU. If you have been thinking about coaching, give us a shout. We'd love to help.

I spoke at different venues across the province this month and facilitated trainings, built programs (I LOVE program development) and made connections. Life is good.

With all that said, planning is underway for 2026. As you may have heard, AWL Partners has 5 pillars - Emotionally Intelligent sales, change management, confidence, E.Q.U.I.T.Y. and leadership. My focus for 2026 is to really hone in on our confidence pillar. When you are confident ANYTHING is possible. It feeds into all of our other pillars.

Be prepared to learn about our book club, our networking circles, our small groups and our events. We are here to serve and to grow together.

Have a great start to your December! I know that this month can be overwhelming for some of us - me included! Please take care of yourselves. Contact us if you need support, we have a great coaching team AND amazing counsellors who are here to help you through.

You got this! 

With gratitude,
Jen

Now let's check in with Melissa.

In November, Melissa was in full momentum mode and she brought the energy everywhere she went:

Morning Breakfast Networking: I was invited to speak on "Everyday Influence - Selling for Non-Sellers" and it was an amazing event! Even better? Meeting new friends and learning about incredible new businesses in our community.

Tech Startup Sales Workshop: I delivered a sales workshop to 21 new tech startups, supporting them with their own Sales and Influence strategies and helping to build their frameworks for both clients and funders. Watching entrepreneurs find their confidence in selling? That's my fuel.

Strategic Partnerships: I've met with many amazing new clients and partners this month and discussed how we can align their commitment to gender equity and women's leadership at work with the work we are doing at All Women L.E.A.D.

Client Coaching Wins: Had lots of fun coaching some new clients on both their sales leadership strategies and their client acquisition strategy as they are going to market with their MVP. There's nothing quite like helping someone translate their vision into a strategy that actually converts.

Chamber Connections: I also got to spend time with our friends at the London, Sarnia, and St. Thomas Chambers of Commerce as I participated in their business showcase events. Community matters, and these connections fuel everything we do.

November reminded me why I love this work: every conversation, every workshop, every partnership is a chance to help leaders sell, speak, and show up with confidence that creates real results.

We are busy and loving it!

Talk soon!

Mel

P.S. Our 2026 bookings are opening now. 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.

📩 Reach out to us at hello@awlpartners.com to explore what's possible.

Exciting News: Double Take with AWL Partners Podcast is Now Live! 🎙️

After an incredible summer of LinkedIn Live sessions, we're thrilled to announce that Double Take with AWL Partners is now a full official podcast!

Join Jen and Melissa as they bring you the real talk, bold insights, and practical strategies that made the live sessions so popular, now available whenever and wherever you want to listen.

Each episode features the "two brains" approach you've come to love: one brain understands humans, the other understands business. Together, they tackle the leadership challenges that matter most.

Perfect for your commute, your morning coffee, or that midday reset you didn't know you needed.

🎧 Subscribe now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AWL-Partners 

Because leadership development doesn't have to wait for your next professional development day. Sometimes it just takes 30 minutes and a good conversation.

5  Opportunities to Grow Your Influence This Month

1. Actually, I Can Leadership Hub Update: November Let's Get Intentional Replay & Resources

Available Now | Exclusive Hub Access

Missed our transformational November Let's Get Intentional session with Shulamit Ber Levtov, The Entrepreneur's Therapist?

In this powerful session on "The Overlooked Factor in Business Success: Healthy Mind, Thriving Business," Shulamit explored the critical connection between mental health and business performance that most leaders ignore until it's too late.

As a culture change catalyst working at the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship, Shulamit brought over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and 24+ years supporting women's mental health. With certifications in the Trauma of Money, Financial Social Work, Nonviolent Communication, and Yoga, she offered a truly unique perspective on what really drives sustainable business success.

Key topics covered:

• The hidden mental health factors affecting your business performance
• How to build resilience without burning out
• Creating sustainable success patterns that support both you and your business
• Recognizing when stress becomes a business liability

The replay is now available exclusively in the Actually, I Can Leadership Hub, along with two essential resources from Shulamit:

Bonus Resources:

• 📄 7 Entrepreneur Mental Health Challenges – Recognize the patterns holding you back
• 📄 3 Principles of Stress Relief – Practical strategies for sustainable wellbeing

Perfect for: Business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are tired of choosing between success and sanity.

📍 Login to the Hub to access the replay

Not a Hub member yet? Explore individual and Employee Resource Group/Team membership options here → INDIVIDUAL or TEAM

2. Leadership Accelerator Replay Library – All Five Sessions Now Available

Can't believe you missed our intensive 5-Day Leadership Accelerator in October? We've got you covered.

The complete Leadership Accelerator Replay Library is now ready, featuring all five recorded sessions, each paired with its companion workbook.

This isn't just about watching videos. It's about having a complete, self-paced roadmap for strengthening your leadership across all five AWL Pillars.

Here's what's inside:

Day 1: Rewire Your Confidence Loop

Shift your inner dialogue and reclaim your voice. Learn to silence the inner critic and build unshakeable confidence that lasts.

Day 2: Emotionally Intelligent Change

Lead with empathy through uncertainty. Discover how to navigate transition without burning out your team or yourself.

Day 3: Emotionally Intelligent Sales

Influence outcomes with trust and integrity. Transform how you motivate, recommend, and create alignment.

Day 4: Practicing E.Q.U.I.T.Y.

Build inclusive, psychologically safe teams. Create workplaces where people feel safe to contribute, innovate, and belong.

Day 5: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership

Model sustainable leadership for the long game. Develop the systems and mindsets that prevent burnout while driving results.

Each session includes:

• Full video recording
• Video Supplements
• Reflection exercises
• Application strategies you can use immediately

📍 Get instant access to the Leadership Accelerator Replay Library: GET FREE ACCESS

We'd love to hear from you:

• Which session resonated most with you?
• What's one insight you're already putting into practice?

Remember, the best leaders don't just learn, they apply.

3. Volunteers Needed: International Women's Day 2026 – The Future is NOW!

Be part of Southwestern Ontario's largest women's empowerment conference!

We're looking to fill the remaining spots for our 20 dedicated volunteers team to help create an unforgettable experience for 700+ attendees, featuring the inaugural She L.E.A.D.S. Awards, inspiring speakers, and transformational workshops.

Volunteer roles may include:

• Registration and check-in support
• Session room coordination
• Vendor expo assistance
• Award ceremony support
• General event logistics

What you'll gain:

• Behind-the-scenes access to an incredible leadership event
• Networking opportunities with 700+ women leaders and allies
• Exclusive volunteer appreciation benefits
• The satisfaction of supporting women's leadership development

📍 Sign up to volunteer: SIGN UP HERE

Questions? Email us at HELLO@AWLPARTNERS.COM with "IWD Volunteer" in the subject line.

Let's make history together. Because the future is NOW and we're building it with intention, inclusion, and incredible people like you.

4. Early Bird Pricing: International Women's Day 2026 Tickets

📅 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 big when you register early for Southwestern Ontario's largest women's empowerment conference!

Early Bird Special (Until December 31st, 2025):
Use code EARLYBIRDFIN26 to save!

• All tickets: 13% off 
• Actually, I Can Leadership Hub Members: 30% off 
• Tables of 8: Pay for 7, get 1 free

This full-day experience features:

• The inaugural She L.E.A.D.S. Awards celebration
• Inspiring keynote speakers including Isabelle Hudon (President & CEO of BDC), Marci Ien (Minister for Women and Gender Equality), and more
• Practical workshops and actionable tools 
• Networking with 700+ women leaders, entrepreneurs, and allies
• Vendor expo featuring local women-owned businesses
• Lunch included

A few vendor tables are still available! Secure your spot to connect with 700+ engaged professionals ready to discover what you offer.

📍 Get your tickets now: TICKETS

📩 Vendor table inquiries: HELLO@AWLPARTNERS.COM 

The future is NOW. Will you be part of it?

5. NEW for 2026: Emotionally Intelligent Sales & Speaking Confidently Cohorts

Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or sales leader who can coach, strategize, and deliver, but still hesitates when it comes to selling or speaking about yourself?

You're not alone.

This January, we're launching small-group, high-impact cohorts designed specifically for leaders who want to:

• Sell with confidence and emotional intelligence
• Convert more conversations into paying clients
• Speak with clarity and presence (on stage, in meetings, or online)
• Build the mindset and communication skills that support real revenue growth

Research shows that leaders who strengthen emotional intelligence and communication skills increase their sales success by up to 30% and report 50% greater confidence in high-pressure settings.

These aren't theory-heavy trainings. They're practical, experiential cohorts where you'll learn by doing, supported by a community of peers who get it.

Choose your path:

• Emotionally Intelligent Sales (6-week cohort)
• Speaking Confidently (6-week cohort)
• Combination Package (our most popular option)

Why Group Coaching?

Group coaching isn't just cost-effective, it's transformational. Here's why:

• Peer Learning: You learn as much from others' questions and breakthroughs as from the content itself
• Built-in Accountability: Group momentum keeps you moving forward even when motivation dips
• Diverse Perspectives: Different industries, experiences, and challenges create richer insights
• Confidence Through Practice: Safe space to test new skills before high-stakes situations
• Lasting Connections: Build relationships with leaders who understand your journey
• Sustainable Investment: Get expert guidance at a fraction of one-on-one coaching costs

Studies show that 95% of group coaching participants achieve their goals compared to 15% working alone, and the peer accountability factor increases follow-through by 65%.

At AWL, our group cohorts blend expert facilitation with peer support, creating an environment where growth feels possible, progress feels measurable, and you're never doing it alone.

Cohorts begin January 2026. Limited to 10-12 participants per cohort for maximum impact.

Interested? Email us with "Sales," "Speaking," or "Combo" to hello@awlpartners.com and we'll send you the full details, dates, curriculum, pricing, and next steps.

You've built something worth sharing. Let's help you sell it, say it, and sustain it with confidence.

🏆 Celebrating Excellence: Consumer Choice Award Winner

We're honored to announce that AWL Partners' Coaching & Counselling Services have been recognized with a Consumer Choice Award!

This recognition reflects what we've always believed: that real leadership support requires both strategic coaching for moving forward AND therapeutic support for processing what holds us back.

Thank you to every client who trusted us with your growth journey, shared your story, and chose to invest in becoming the leader you're meant to be.

Your courage inspires us every single day.

Want to experience award-winning support for yourself or your team?

Keep reading.

Support That Moves You Forward: Why Coaching AND Counselling Matter

One helps you as a leader to strategize. The other helps you process.

At AWL, we don't believe you should have to choose.

Coaching is for when you're ready to build new skills, refine your goals, and step confidently into your next level. It's future-focused, action-oriented, and designed to strengthen what you're building.

Counselling is for when you need to pause and process the experiences, beliefs, or patterns that keep showing up in your leadership. It's about healing, understanding, and creating space for sustainable growth.

Here's what we know: the most effective leaders don't choose between strategy and healing, they integrate both.

That's why most of our support packages combine coaching and counselling, because real leadership requires performance AND presence, clarity AND capacity, confidence AND compassion.

Research shows that 82% of senior leaders report feeling emotionally exhausted, and leaders who address both skill development and emotional wellbeing see 40% higher retention and 35% better team performance.

Our integrated approach means you get:

• Strategic clarity when you need direction
• Emotional processing when you need understanding
• Skill-building when you're ready to grow
• Therapeutic support when you need to heal
• A team that knows when to coach and when to counsel

You don't have to carry it all alone. And you don't have to figure out which type of support you need, we'll help you navigate that.

📩 Ready to explore what integrated support could look like for you or your team?

Let's talk: BOOK A FREE INTAKE PHONE CALL or EMAIL US

Because the best leaders know: growth isn't just about getting better at what you do. It's about becoming more of who you are.

You've seen the what, now let's choose what's next with intention.

We believe influence without integrity is just manipulation.

And growth without support eventually becomes burnout.

This month, we've explored what it means to influence with emotional intelligence, to grow through challenge while maintaining trust, and to build the kind of leadership that creates lasting impact, not just temporary results.

Because the future isn't built on charisma alone. It's built on character, competence, and the courage to keep growing even when it's uncomfortable.

So here's your reminder:

▶ You don't need to be the loudest voice to be the most influential
▶ Selling yourself doesn't mean selling out your values
▶ And you're not building this alone, we're creating this movement together, every step of the way

Until next time, stay committed to influence that serves, stay curious about what's possible, and stay connected to the leaders who are 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

Community Spotlight: Emm Gryner Live in Concert

Emm Gryner, a celebrated speaker from our International Women's Day 2025 celebration and award-winning musician, invites you to an intimate evening of music and storytelling.

Join Emm for her last live set with the full band this year as she performs new material alongside a collection of beloved favorites. This is a rare opportunity to experience the artistry, resilience, and powerful voice of a woman who leads through her craft.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 28th, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM show (doors open at 6:30 PM)
• Venue: Aeolian Hall, London, Ontario
• Tickets: $34 Advanced -   $39 Doors  -  $29 Student   

Special Guest: Andrew Spice, a clinical psychologist turned incredible songwriter

The Band: Stephan Szczesniak (drums), Jaron Camp (guitar), Rachael Frankruyter (keys and vocals), Michael Holmes (guitar)

This is more than a concert, it's a celebration of artistry, authenticity, and the powerful way women lead through creativity and courage.

📍 Get your tickets: let's go!

🌐 Learn more about Emm: emmgryner.com

Seating is limited, so grab your spot early. We're honored to support Emm and encourage our community to experience this special evening.

Actually I, Can Hub Member Business Spotlight: 

📣 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 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.

📩 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.