Reflecting on the Journey: A Season One Retrospective

To move from burnout to boundaries, you must lead with grace - show up authentically, honor your limits, and invite others to do the same

The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection—but for many neurodivergent professionals, it also introduces sensory overload, social pressure, and disrupted routines. As a leader, your ability to create inclusive environments during this time isn’t just compassionate—it’s strategic. Neurodivergent team members may experience the holidays differently due to sensitivities around noise, light, crowds, or changes in structure. By leading with awareness and adaptability, you can foster belonging while reducing unnecessary stress. Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Neurodivergent Employees Sensory Overload: Office parties, decorations, music, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Social Expectations : Unspoken norms around gift exchanges, small talk, or group activities may feel confusing or exhausting. Routine Disruption : Shifts in schedules, travel, and year-end deadlines can heighten anxiety or executive functioning challenges. Masking Pressure : The pressure to “fit in” or appear festive can lead to emotional fatigue and burnout. Inclusive Strategies for Leaders Here’s how you can support neurodivergent team members with grace and intentionality: Offer Opt-In Social Events Make participation optional and clearly communicate that declining is welcome. Provide alternative ways to connect—like virtual gratitude walls or one-on-one appreciation notes. Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces If hosting in-person events, designate quiet zones. Avoid flashing lights, loud music, or strong scents. Ask for input on what feels comfortable. Respect Communication Preferences Some team members may prefer written updates over verbal announcements or need extra time to process changes. Use multiple formats and give advance notice for schedule shifts. Honor Routine and Flexibility Maintain predictable workflows where possible. Offer flexible hours, remote options, or asynchronous participation in holiday activities. Model Inclusive Language Avoid assumptions like “everyone loves this time of year.” Instead, acknowledge diverse experiences and invite open dialogue: “We know the holidays feel different for everyone—let us know how we can support you.” Educate and Empower Your Team Share resources on neurodiversity. Encourage peer learning and normalize accommodations as part of a thriving workplace culture. Leadership That Listens Inclusive leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When you listen deeply, adapt thoughtfully, and lead with empathy, you create a workplace where every team member feels seen, respected, and safe to show up as they are.  This holiday season, let your leadership be a gift: one that honors difference, invites authenticity, and celebrates connection in all its forms. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to support all of your team members this holiday season.

In this episode of Success Your Own Way , Alex Popp shares his inspiring shift from a successful R&D & Sourcing career at General Mills to purpose-driven entrepreneurship rooted in permaculture. After a spiritual awakening in 2022 shifted his trajectory, he left corporate life and founded PermaCulture Party in February 2024. Shortly after, he met his fiancé, Chanel, and together—they transform landscapes into foodscapes, host plant & dance parties, gift trees, plants and food forests to children through Neighborhood Forest, and cultivate eco-conscious-tourism through Airbnb experiences. Alex discusses how his definition of success evolved—from career milestones to heart-led impact, gratitude, and alignment with the natural world. Mentorship played a key role, from family and colleagues to permaculture guides and business coaches. He explains permaculture as a framework for living in harmony with Earth, guided by three ethics: People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share. His proudest moments include proposing to Chanel and hosting a PermaCulture Party at Earth Vibe Festival, where his vision of planting a food forest while dancing and playing at a conscious festival came to life. Alex encourages listeners to: 🔥 Discover their soul’s purpose 🧘‍♂️ Use meditation to tune into intuition 💡 Plan wisely before making career shifts 🌱 Explore permaculture through books, videos, or design courses  His story is a powerful reminder to live intentionally, embrace abundance, and trust the journey.

Let’s be honest, staying healthy during the holidays is challenging. And I’m not just talking about physical; maintaining your mental health can be a challenge, too. Between festive gatherings, travel, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to lose sight of our well-being. The good news? With a few intentional choices, you can protect your physical and mental health while still embracing the spirit of the season. Prioritize Mental Health with Boundaries and Balance Set Realistic Expectations You don’t have to do it all. Choose what matters most—whether it’s quality time with loved ones, rest, or meaningful traditions—and let go of the rest. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. Schedule Downtime Block out time to recharge, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Read, journal, take a walk, or simply breathe. Protecting your peace is a form of leadership. Say “No” with Kindness It’s okay to decline invitations or step back from obligations that drain you. A simple, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to join this time,” honors both your needs and the relationship. Stay Connected—Your Way If large gatherings feel overwhelming, opt for smaller meetups or one-on-one check-ins. Connection doesn’t have to be loud or crowded to be meaningful. Support Physical Health with Gentle Consistency Move Your Body Daily You don’t need a gym or a perfect routine. Stretch in the morning, dance in the kitchen, or take a brisk walk after meals. Movement boosts mood, digestion, and energy. Hydrate and Nourish Amid holiday treats and toasts, don’t forget water and balanced meals. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast and aim for colorful, whole foods when possible. Sleep Like It’s Sacred Late nights are common this time of year, but consistent sleep is key to immunity, focus, and emotional regulation. Try to keep a regular bedtime and wind down with calming rituals. Listen to Your Body Pay attention to signs of fatigue, tension, or overwhelm. Your body is wise—honor its cues with rest, movement, or support. Celebrate with Intention Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about alignment. What brings you joy? What helps you feel grounded? Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a shared meal, or a moment of gratitude, let your celebrations reflect your values. And if this season feels heavy or complicated, know that you’re not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Offer grace to yourself and others.  Because the most meaningful gift you can give—at home, at work, or in your community—is your whole, healthy self. Reach out if you want to talk more about how to maintain your health throughout this holiday season.

There is life beyond the bargains. As the world rushes into Black Friday with urgency and noise, leaders have a unique opportunity to step back and ask: What are we really chasing? The day after Thanksgiving often marks a cultural shift—from gratitude to consumption, from connection to competition. But it doesn’t have to. For leaders committed to legacy, impact, and values-based living, Black Friday is a powerful moment to reclaim what matters: rest, reflection, and reciprocity. Rest as Resistance In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest is a radical act. It’s not laziness—it’s leadership. When you choose to pause, you model sustainability, self-respect, and trust in your team. Block off time for deep rest, not just surface-level breaks. Encourage your team to unplug without guilt. Resist the pressure to fill every moment with productivity. Rest is where renewal begins. It’s where clarity emerges. And it’s where leaders reconnect with their purpose. Reflection Over Reaction Black Friday thrives on urgency. But leadership thrives on reflection. Use this day to look inward: What did you learn this year? What values did you uphold—and where did you drift? What legacy are you building, one decision at a time? Invite your team into this process. Host a “Lessons Learned” circle or share a personal reflection that models vulnerability and growth. Reciprocity Instead of Consumption While the world chases deals, leaders can choose to give differently. Reciprocity isn’t about transactions—it’s about mutual uplift. Write a note of appreciation to someone who shaped your year. Offer mentorship to an emerging leader. Share resources, wisdom, or time with someone who needs it. This kind of giving builds trust, culture, and community. It’s the kind of leadership that lasts. A New Kind of Friday Imagine if Black Friday became a day of intentional leadership—a pause between gratitude and goal-setting. A day to rest, reflect, and give back. You don’t need a campaign or a hashtag. You just need to choose differently. Because the most powerful leaders aren’t the ones who chase the loudest trends. They’re the ones who listen deeply, act intentionally, and lead with heart. So today, skip the frenzy. Reclaim the moment. And let your leadership be the gift. Reach out  if you want to talk more about taking that necessary pause.

Welcome to our Thanksgiving episode! As we gather for this special time of year, we’re taking a heartfelt journey into the power of gratitude—what it truly means, why it matters, and how it can transform our lives. In this episode, we reflect on the joys and challenges of the past year, sharing personal stories and moments of thankfulness—from everyday experiences like taking a child to the movies, to life-changing journeys toward parenthood. We revisit some of our favorite guest moments from the season, highlighting what our guests are most grateful for: family, friends, mentors, resilience through hardship, and the opportunity to give back. We explore the science behind gratitude and its many benefits, from boosting happiness and resilience to strengthening relationships and fostering personal growth. Our guests open up about navigating adversity, practicing self-advocacy, and the importance of both receiving and giving support. Along the way, we offer practical tips to help you weave gratitude into your daily life—whether it’s through journaling, mindful reflection, or simple acts of kindness.  Links to Episode Buzzsprout link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468012/episodes/18236174-thanksgiving-reflections-the-power-of-gratitude.mp3?download=true

Gratitude as a leadership practice in the workplace is far more than a fleeting “thank you” scribbled on a sticky note or tacked onto the end of an email. For leaders, genuine gratitude is a powerful tool that shapes culture, boosts morale, and helps teams navigate the inevitable storms of high-stress seasons. When leaders weave […] The post Gratitude as a Leadership Practice appeared first on McGinty Coaching.

It is the season of harvesting, not just crops, but harvesting wisdom.  This article is my 50th and this isn’t just a creative milestone—it’s a harvest. Each piece represents a seed planted in service of others: a thought offered, a question posed, a perspective shared. Over time, those seeds have grown into a field of […] The post Harvesting Wisdom – 50 Articles appeared first on McGinty Coaching.

In this episode of SuccessYourOwnWay, “Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice”, executive coach and leadership advisor Sadie Wackett shares her journey of redefining success. With 20+ years in global HR leadership, a former CHRO, and as co-founder of Life Intended, Sadie empowers women through self-leadership and intentional living. She reflects on her career and […] The post Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice appeared first on McGinty Coaching.