When people hear I just got back from Hawaii, the first thing they usually say is, “Must’ve been nice.” And yeah, I won’t lie—Hawaii is paradise. But this wasn’t a vacation. It was the Global Leadership Conference (GLC), and while the ocean views were spectacular, what really left an impression were the people in the room and the energy around what’s possible when passionate minds gather with a shared purpose.

For those who don’t know, EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) is a global network of business owners who come together to learn, grow, and support each other through the wild ride of entrepreneurship. It’s been a space where I’ve grown personally and professionally—where I’ve found a like-minded tribe that challenges me, lifts me, and grow as a person. I’ve gained insight, perspective, and let’s be real, more than a few lessons learned the hard way.

At this year’s GLC, I was honored to step into a new role that I’m incredibly excited about: Growth Director for the Central US Region, supporting roughly 23 chapters. That means for the next year, I’ll be working directly with chapter leaders across the heart of the country, helping them grow their membership, build stronger cultures, and bring new energy into the fold. It’s a big role, and I don’t take it lightly.

Why This Role Matters

EO doesn’t grow by accident. It grows because people invest time, energy, and passion into making it stronger. My job as Growth Director is to be a resource, a thought partner, and a cheerleader for these chapters—whether they’re in big cities with established momentum or smaller markets where growth requires a more creative approach.

This isn’t about filling quotas. It’s about helping entrepreneurs find a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired. It’s about connecting people who understand the weight of being the one responsible for payroll, vision, strategy, culture—and sometimes all in the same hour. The truth is, EO changed the trajectory of my life. And now I have the chance to pay that forward in a bigger way.

I’ll also be helping chapters host what EO calls Momentum Events—dynamic experiences designed to attract and onboard new members. I’ll likely lead or MC many of these, and I’m looking forward to that. Not just because I enjoy the stage, but because I love seeing people light up when they find their people. That spark is what drives me.

A Team Worth Building With

One of the best parts of stepping into this role has been meeting the incredible people I’ll be serving with. There’s a powerful alignment between the work we’re doing here and the importance of ensuring new energy doesn’t come at the cost of existing engagement. Growth is exciting, but sustained connection is what makes that growth meaningful. When people feel like they belong—when they’re learning, contributing, and having fun—they stay. In fact, data shows that engagement is one of the strongest predictors of long-term member retention.

It’s not that different from how we approach things at Eclipse Creative. Whether helping a brand with a national rollout, designing an exhibit experience, or launching a new retail concept, the same principles apply: care deeply about people, keep things fresh and engaging, and show up consistently with energy and intention.

That’s why this EO role feels like such a natural extension of who I am. It’s not separate from Eclipse—it’s a reflection of the values we live every day: creativity, growth mindset, commitment, enthusiasm, teamwork, and a deep connection to community.

What I Took Away from GLC

Being in a room full of entrepreneurs from around the world is both humbling and energizing. You hear stories that remind you how resilient people can be. You learn that the challenges you think are unique to your market or your industry are, in fact, universal. And you gain a deep appreciation for the hustle, the heart, and the humanity behind every business.

We shared wins and failures. We talked about scaling, burnout, reinvention, purpose, and leadership. We laughed, we challenged each other, and we built relationships that I know will last far beyond this year’s council term. For me, the trip wasn’t just a chance to learn my new role—it was a reminder of why I said yes in the first place.

EO calls this a “Path to Leadership,” and while I appreciate the structure and intention behind that phrase, I like to think of it a little differently. For me, this is a path to becoming a better leader—not just inside EO, but inside Eclipse, inside my family, and inside every room I walk into. It’s about listening more. Leading with curiosity. Building bridges. Owning mistakes. And helping others find their voice along the way.

Leadership at a Different Level

Over the next year, I’ll travel to several cities, working hand-in-hand with EO chapters to create meaningful experiences. I’ll be advising on strategy, offering creative solutions, and showing up as someone who’s walked the road and is still walking it.

Some events will be high-energy and public. Others will be one-on-one calls or small group coaching sessions. But no matter the setting, the goal is the same: create space for connection, clarity, and growth. I’m not coming in with all the answers—but I am coming in committed to asking the right questions and building something great together.

And honestly, that’s what leadership should be about. Not titles. Not control. But presence, contribution, and the willingness to grow alongside others.

That’s something I try to bring to Eclipse every day. We don’t have all the answers when a project starts. But we listen. We challenge ideas. We explore possibilities. And together, we build something that matters. Something that moves people. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Tying It Back to the Core

Every so often, someone asks me, “How do you find the time for all this?” And it’s a fair question. Running a business isn’t exactly a part-time gig. But here’s the thing: I don’t see this EO role as separate from what I do at Eclipse. It’s aligned. It sharpens me. It gives me new perspectives, new tools, and new relationships that ultimately help me be a better leader, strategist, and teammate.

At Eclipse, we’ve built our culture around six core values. And while I won’t list them on a wall here, I see them showing up in everything this EO experience is about.

• Creative: Growth takes innovation. Every chapter is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. I get to think outside the box, just like we do with client activations.
• Growth-Minded: This whole journey is about stretching—not settling. Personally, professionally, and organizationally.
• Committed: I didn’t say yes to this role because it’s convenient. I said yes because it matters, and I’m all in.
• Enthusiastic: Energy is contagious. When you bring the right vibe, people want to join the movement.
• Team Player: None of this works alone. The council, the chapters, my experts, the members—we’re better when we collaborate.
• Community-Engaged: EO is a global community. Eclipse is a creative community. Both thrive on connection and shared purpose.

Looking Ahead

There’s a lot to be excited about this year. I’m already brainstorming ways to help chapters create more immersive, on-brand Momentum Events that reflect the vibrancy of EO. I’m thinking about ways to encourage cross-chapter collaboration and help new members feel at home faster. I’m asking questions about where we can remove friction and make joining EO as intuitive and energizing as possible.

And along the way, I’ll be learning—a lot. That’s one of the things I love most about being part of this community. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, someone opens a door to a whole new way of thinking.

So here’s my promise: I’ll show up. I’ll bring my best. I’ll listen more than I speak. And I’ll do everything I can to help EO grow—not just in numbers, but in depth, in heart, and in impact.

If you’re part of EO, I’d love to connect. If you’re not, but you’re a business owner looking for a place to grow, hit me up—I’ll point you in the right direction. Either way, here’s to growth—in business, in leadership, and in life.

Our first Momentum Event is May 15, 2025 in Detroit, MI. If you’re interested in learning more about it, feel free to reach out to me with questions, or check it out here.