I think this was the first time I've been through an experience even remotely like this, where I felt like the facilitators were genuinely invested in the outcome, genuinely invested in my learning and improving my leadership abilities. The word is genuine. A lot of facilitators, trainers or coaches can say that they are invested in you, but I really got that from the Bloombase team.

At first, it was a little uncomfortable. You realize that you're going to be with all these women that you don't know, and you are going to be vulnerable and learn from each other, but it was really natural. The unnatural became natural in that space.

The thing that sets AWL apart for me is the cohort and exploring the learning content with someone else. It’s being with people who all might be trying to get something different out of AWL, but, at the same time, are all mindful of what each other's focus is.

I thought that I was probably beyond that in my career. I was more senior, more experienced, and I felt that AWL was probably for more early career women versus people who were now role models. I realized that I felt I had stalled a bit in my organization, so it was time to do something different. It was time to reset and concentrate on my leadership skills and abilities. AWL highlighted to me, even on day one, that I still had a lot to learn and I still had room to grow - a lot more room to grow than I thought I had.

Energy, it's back. I'm excited again about work. I'm excited about being a leader, and I've had the opportunity to lead now that I have a new position. I have an opportunity to lead different people and it's just really exciting.