When We Speak, Things Shift

Moments in May

With an emerald as its birthstone, May springs into bloom with growth, renewal, and the flourishing of life. April’s showers have done their work: Celebrations, grief, and gratitude weave in and out of the days, as plentifully as the blades of grass growing all around us.

Do we speak our truth? Do we even hear it ourselves? Do we understand the lessons and allow wisdom to alter our path? Or are we in too big of a rush to pay attention?

Questions only we can answer, but we must give ourselves the time to truly listen in order to hear and move forward.

"Everything is the way that it is - because someone like you was bold enough to change the way that it was." - Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871

Where Stories Sparked Change

For me, May has been a month of connection, travel, and truth-telling.

Truth-telling? Hmm, go on …

When we speak our truth, things shift, sometimes slowly, but often meaningfully. I have seen firsthand how storytelling, paired with intention, fuels change. One article, one conference, or one conversation at a time we’re shaping a future that better reflects our needs, values, and humanity.

It’s up to us after all. No one else can do the work that’s been handed our way. Purpose isn’t reserved for a few. We may not realize it, but it’s waiting for us to take hold and bring it to life after our own storms have cleared.

From Reflection to Action

In my last newsletter, We Failed … Now What? I explored failure, healing, and the partnerships that help us move forward.

This month, I’m spotlighting the value of your voice. When you speak (to yourself, a friend, or a wider circle) things shift.

Ready to begin?

DOWNLOAD this Free PDF: 5 Ways to Explore Your Stories

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

May began with a feature in The Atlantic’s article entitled “Embracing the Power of Menopause,” alongside two other remarkable women. We explored how purpose, identity, and advocacy evolve in midlife. It’s inspiring to see the energy shift on this topic with resilience and purpose in each story.

***Click on the image above to read The Atlantic article: Embracing the Power of Menopause***

SPOTLIGHT Panel: ACOG 2025 – Dishing on Menopause

Event: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN on May 17, 2025
Theme: Powered by Purpose
Panel: Dishing on Menopause: An Invitation to Listen
Sponsored by: Bayer

I was honored to join a panel moderated by Dr. Anna Barbieri alongside Donna Klassen and Wendee Lee Curtis, where we shared unfiltered stories of our menopause journeys with a room of OB-GYNs and healthcare professionals.

We each spoke from a unique lens and shared what surprised us most, what’s hardest to explain, and what we hope clinicians take to heart. It was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with doctors and industry partners on this natural phase of life.

BONUS Panel: Chicagoland Chamber Women’s Business Council

Event: Women’s Health Matters Summit in Chicago, IL on May 20, 2025
Theme: Research, Advocacy & Support for a Thriving Future
Panel: Balancing Act: Supporting Working Moms for a Healthier Future

What do you do with a last-minute request for support? Say YES. I joined a dynamic conversation about how to move beyond benefits to create workplace cultures that genuinely support working parents.

With 4 adult children, and almost 3 decades of experience navigating the “working mom” waters, my perspective and stories highlighted how culture is where change truly happens.

Model flexibility as a core value, not a favor.
Train managers to lead with empathy, not assumptions.
Redefine productivity through impact, not hours
Build community, not just programs.

This is where my mantra comes in: "Know your value, Live your values". Recognize your employee's worth and build cultures aligned with shared values. It’s an invitation for employers to lead with care and courage.

Additional May Activities:

Progress comes from partnership between people, organizations and within us. If you’re curious to see more of what this past month held, including photos, you can explore the recap here:

**May 2025 Events - click on image for recaps & photos**

Events on the Near Horizon:

It’s hard to believe the 1st half of the year is almost over. Now is a perfect time to reflect and redirect, if necessary. June Events are all about “Advocacy in Action”. Join us as we support our Women’s Health Partners across the Midwest (in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin). Reach out if you’ll be at, or are interested in, any of the following:

**June 2025 Events - click on image for more information**

That’s a wrap for this month. I'm an author, speaker, and consultant who helps organizations build strategic partnerships and create impact. If you’re interested in women's health and/or are looking to bolster your partnership ecosystem, let’s connect.

✨Susan