Kelly Holding 
Hey there, When I was little, I had chronic ear infections. We’re talking full-on swim band over earplugs, Halloween-costume-with-earmuffs level protection. If water got in, I got sick. Simple as that. But even when I stayed dry, sometimes my ears would feel plugged—like I was only catching half the world around me. And that? That … Read more
There’s a moment—whether you’re stepping into a new job or a new room—where everything feels uncertain.Will I fit in?Will I figure this out?Will this be worth it? I’ve been thinking about that moment a lot lately—both as a leader and just… as a person trying to do life well. This week’s newsletter touches on both. … Read more
Hi there, I’ve been in several conversations lately—both in coaching sessions and casual chats—where the same themes keep popping up: people feeling overwhelmed, leaders unsure how much to step in, and teams trying to do it all without burning out. It got me thinking about how much of our work isn’t just about making sure … Read more
Hey there, Ever walked into a room and instantly felt the energy shift? Maybe it was tension so thick you could cut it with a knife—or, on the flip side, laughter that made everything feel lighter. That’s the ripple effect in action. Ever noticed how one person’s energy can change an entire room? You bring … Read more
Hey there, Ever feel like life would be easier if people just did what you said? No pushback, no questions—just action. Tempting, right? Imagine your boss, your teammates, your spouse, your kids, your extended family… Imagine if they all just fell in line. No resistance. No negotiating. Just execution. Ahhh, that would be refreshing. But … Read more
Hey there, Have you ever noticed how pressure sneaks into our lives in quiet, sneaky ways—and then suddenly, it’s everywhere? It shows up in deadlines, expectations, and even faulty plumbing (more on that below). This week I’ve been sitting with that feeling: how pressure can either spark momentum or completely shut us down. Whether you’re … Read more
Hey there, Ever watch a juggler? They don’t hold onto every ball at once—they focus on what’s in front of them, lean into the rhythm, and keep things moving. Leadership: The Metrics & Morale Juggle Leading a team isn’t about touching every ball at the same time—it’s about knowing which one needs your focus in … Read more
Hey there, The other day I walked around with coffee on my shirt…(face palm). You ever look back on something that felt like a total failure at the time… and realize it was actually a key ingredient in your success? Yeah, me too. Failure has a funny way of showing up as an uninvited guest—annoying … Read more
Hey there, Not long ago, I had the opportunity to watch the Iowa Women’s Basketball team take on USC in a packed arena. But the most powerful moment wasn’t the game itself—it was Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement. During the ceremony, someone (Lisa Bluder? The athletic director?) said something that stuck with me: “There will never … Read more
Maybe it’s because it is starting to feel like spring or because I saw this quote, “Make space in your life for what matters,” but here are two ways I am being constructive in leadership and life. LEADERSHIP Creating Constructive Capacity. We all know the hustle: deadlines, meetings, and an endless to-do list. But what … Read more
