The Rising Together Series: A Journey of Authenticity, Connection, and Empowerment
The Rising Together series was born from a moment of stillness—an intuitive calling sparked by a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend, Charlotte. The vision was clear: empower conscious leaders to navigate challenges, build community, and rise stronger together. Little did I know, this vision would intertwine deeply with my own story—a year marked by illness, surrender, and profound transformation.
As the series unfolded, so did my personal journey, which mirrored the archetypal path of Scorpio: the Scorpion (shadow work), the Eagle (gaining clarity), and the Phoenix (rising anew). Through these phases, I learned that our individual paths and collective experiences are more interconnected than we often realize. By surrendering to life’s flow and releasing rigid outcomes, space is created for extraordinary transformations—both personal and collective.
This reflection is a tapestry woven from the threads of our community’s growth and my personal experiment with surrender, empowerment, and rebirth.
Event #1: The Spark of Empowerment (February)
We opened the series by diving into themes of spirituality, sustainability, and empowerment. With incredible speakers like Keith Logan and Tara McFarland, we explored how personal growth and conscious leadership intersect with sustainable practices.
For me, this event marked the beginning of my personal surrender. Just hours before, I became gravely ill. Unable to attend in person, I summoned just enough strength to host virtually while my steadfast partner, Ethan, managed the logistics in person. Despite my absence, the community’s energy was palpable. The synergy in the room—leaders and learners coming together—sparked something beautiful and enduring.
Guest Feedback: Attendees continued to express how they felt comfortable being themselves at Rising Together events, shedding their guards and tapping into deeper conversations that had been difficult to have elsewhere. They appreciated the diverse perspectives and the authenticity of the discussions, which broke away from the typical “elevator pitch” style, allowing for meaningful, evolving exchanges.
Event #2: Innovating Together (April)
In April, the Innovator’s Panel explored the intersection of AI, conscious leadership, and resilience. From ethical AI to sustainability and DEI principles, the event sparked invaluable discussions about how innovation, guided by intention, can uplift communities and create lasting change.
This event marked the beginning of my deeper surrender. As my health deteriorated in the following weeks, I had to step back from many commitments. By May, I paused Conscious Business Connections (CBC), focusing on my health while also finding new ways to stay connected. A 30-minute call with Jordan Weinstein reignited my passion for conscious leadership, and with renewed focus, I slowly began dedicating small bursts of energy to CBC.
Guest Feedback: The AI event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with guests raving about the panel discussions and the meaningful post-event mingles. They expressed how these conversations helped them gain fresh perspectives, enhancing their personal and professional journeys. For CBC members, the event continued to offer value with unlimited replays, allowing for deeper insights.
The In-Between: Philosophy Fridays
Living with long COVID presented profound challenges—not just physically but in every aspect of my life. With only a few hours of energy each day, even simple tasks like cooking or going for a walk felt monumental. But during those moments, I missed the sense of community that once nourished my spirit.
In those times of limitation, an idea was born: perhaps if I could make it to my patio once a month, we could still create something meaningful together. With Ethan’s help, we gathered paints and canvases, shared homemade dishes, and explored the depths of our hearts through open, vulnerable discussions. These intimate gatherings allowed us to explore both the micro and macrocosm of our lives. Each evening ended with a creative art activity, leaving us all feeling connected, uplifted, and inspired.
These moments of community became a lifeline. They helped me convert the little energy I had into renewed inspiration for writing and building out the Journey to Conscious Business courses, often working from bed.
Community Support: Knowing I wasn’t alone, the support I received from the community—whether in the form of shared meals, thoughtful messages, or collaborative energy—was a gift that allowed me to keep moving forward. The strength they provided became the energy I used to continue working on the CBC courses. This cycle of giving and receiving reminded me of the power of community. It’s like the quote, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” We were, and continue to be, there for each other.
Event #3: Community Connection (September)
The Awake Festival in September embraced the theme of “remembering who someone is, rather than their name.” It was an invitation to deepen our connections, seeing beyond titles and roles, and recognizing the shared humanity that binds us all. This practice invited us to honor our collective journey of rising together.
Personally, September was a continuation of my Scorpion phase—struggling with illness and slow recovery. Yet even in these challenges, I found strength in leaning on my community. Leaders like Hannah Yaritz stepped in, hosting events that allowed me to show up as my best self, while still honoring my need for rest.
Event #4: Rebirth and Renewal (November)
The final event in our series, the Rebirth Celebration, was a deeply personal culmination of everything we had learned. Themed around the Scorpio archetype, it symbolized the Phoenix rising from the ashes. For me, this event marked my emergence from surrender into renewal.
October, my birth month, brought more challenges. I questioned if I could authentically host this event. But I surrendered once again, letting go of perfection, and leaned into intention. This celebration was made possible by the support of Barry at Lumonics, Kimberly Beauchamp, Tom McGinnis, Charlotte Smith, and Ethan Silvera, who were the heart of the event’s success.
The Collective: This event encapsulated the core theme of the series: Rising Together. We embraced our collective and individual journeys of transformation, and it was a celebration of both the collective power and personal healing that we all experienced.
A Journey of Rising Together
The Rising Together series has been a testament to the power of authenticity, vulnerability, and community. Each event mirrored the harmony between inner transformation and outward connection, showing us how we can rise above challenges and embrace empowerment.
This year was not about rigid strategies or predetermined outcomes. It was about surrendering to the flow, letting go of control, and allowing the journey to unfold in unexpected and beautiful ways. Like the Scorpion, Eagle, and Phoenix, we faced our shadows, gained clarity, and ultimately rose anew—together.
Conclusion
As we look toward the next chapter, I invite you to continue this journey with us. While I don’t fully know what themes 2025 will hold, aside from our growing Conscious Business Cohort, I am as excited as you are to discover them. Together, we will continue to rise, embracing the power of community, authenticity, and conscious leadership.