Strengthen Your Core (Values)

As a communications professional, I always coach executives to never miss the chance to tell any reporter who they are, what they do, and why it matters.

You might recall the newsletter about the power of a strong elevator pitch and why great storytellers often “start with why,” to borrow a phrase from Simon Sinek. But behind every why is something even more foundational. 

Our core values. 

The beliefs that shape what matters most, guide our decisions, and motivate our actions.

My personal values are trust, relationships, communication, achievement, responsibility, and fun. I’ll be honest: I didn’t identify them until I completed a values clarification exercise as part of my coaching education. Once I did, so many moments of friction in my life and career suddenly made sense. 

Take my first reporting gig. My news director micromanaged us, gossiped about employees and even called us names. (🐍 IYKYK) 

At age 22, I knew the situation was toxic, but I didn’t fully understand why it stuck with me for the next 22 years. Looking back, it’s clear: the culture he created clashed with (ok, crushed) my top three values of trust, relationships and communication.

When you know your values, decision-making becomes clearer, including how you spend your time. A few of my clients, for example, have adventure as a core value.

While their day jobs don’t always fill that cup, they intentionally build in adventure elsewhere—through travel, hiking or simply trying new things.

So let me ask: how confident are you in knowing your core values? They’re so central to who we are that they’re one of the first (and most recurring) things we explore in 1:1 and group coaching sessions. 

If you’re feeling stuck—or like something’s just off—join me for a free webinar on Nov. 4. I’ll walk you through simple but powerful exercises to help you uncover your core values and begin living in greater alignment with what matters most.

In the Spotlight
Workshops & Speaking Opps

My bags are packed to spend time with accomplished PR professionals from West Virginia to Western Michigan. I’m closing out the PRSA ECD conference this weekend, so you can count on me to bring big burnout-buster energy to the final session! 💥

After that, I invite local leaders to join me at the next Commerce Lexington @330 Series event on Oct. 29, where I’ll share how to “Think Like a Spokesperson.” You’ll learn how to apply core media training principles to everyday situations. Are you ready to communicate with confidence and elevate your executive presence? Register today.

Brain Food

Workplace humor can be a risky strategy (see: Michael Scott). It can also build trust, one of my core values, according to author Adam Christing. When done well, bringing levity to a situation can be a humanizing way to boost leadership presence to lighten tense situations. Hear how.

Real Talk

Ever feel like something on your plate is draining your energy instead of fueling it? I realized recently that one of the tasks that's really important to my business but I hate doing was costing me more mental energy than it was worth. So, I made a shift and the difference has been huge. In this week’s video, I’m sharing what I let go of, why outsourcing it was a game-changer and how you can apply the same principle to spark more joy.

A Milestone to Remember

This week marks one year since I announced Katie Neal Coaching & Consulting and stepped fully into my path as a certified executive coach. 🎉

Over the last 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with leaders spanning industries, roles and identities, and I’ve learned that while our experiences may differ, our challenges are far more universal than we realize. Most of us are simply seeking to move forward with clarity, confidence, purpose and intentionality.

If a client reached this kind of milestone, I’d invite them to pause and celebrate. In that spirit, I’m excited to share some year one highlights with you :

🎯 200+ coaching hours dedicated to helping dozens of leaders 

🎙️ 15 media appearances made (bylined articles, podcasts and TV segments)
🎤 10 speaking and keynote opportunities delivered
💌 6 months of bi-weekly newsletters sent

📜 1 ICF ACC credential earned

🤝 Countless relationships built, strengthened and cherished

To my clients, colleagues and friends: thank you for your trust, encouragement and support. It’s an honor to serve as co-pilot along your leadership journey, and deeply rewarding to witness your growth and success. My gratitude is immense. As my grandmother always said, “I am so blessed!”

Here’s to year two—more growth, more impact and more stories of leaders like you stepping into your fullest potential! 🚀