Retreats Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Necessity: Reflections from Boulder
After years of helping clients design impactful retreats, we finally planned one for our own team—and it exceeded every expectation. From personal connections to leadership growth, our first-ever retreat wasn’t just about strategy; it was about building trust and celebrating what makes us a team. Read on to see why retreats matter and how this experience is shaping our 2025 vision.
What’s on Your Bookshelf? Curating Reads to Inspire Growth
As 2025 kicks off, many of us are taking stock of our personal and professional aspirations for the year ahead. For book lovers, this often means curating a list of must-reads to inspire growth and spark new ideas.
At transform.forward, we know that the right books can do more than entertain—they can shape the way you lead, think, and approach challenges. Whether you’re building strategies in higher education, leading a corporate team, or navigating organizational change, intentional reading can fuel your growth.
In our latest blog post, we explore:
Why reading strategically matters for leaders and innovators
How books can foster creativity, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity
Five top picks for Q1 of 2025 to inspire professional and personal development
Ready to build your bookshelf for success? Check out our full post and join the conversation about what you’re reading this year!
Reflecting on 2024: Celebrating transform.forward’s Impact and Growth
2024 was a year of growth, connection, and transformation for transform.forward. From strategic planning to coaching and retreats, we partnered with organizations across sectors to drive meaningful change. Traveling over 65,000 miles and facilitating 740+ meetings, we made an impact nationwide. Dive into our year in review and see how we’re shaping the future of organizational success.
The Difference Between Coaching and Therapy
One of the most common questions we hear is, "How is coaching different from therapy?" While both are valuable tools for personal and professional growth, they serve distinct purposes. Therapy focuses on healing from past experiences, while coaching helps you set and achieve future goals. In this post, we explore these differences and how Transform.forward’s coaching services can empower you to succeed.
2025 Reading Goals: Inspiring Growth Through Consistent Reading
2025 Reading Goals: Inspiring Growth Through Consistent Reading
As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on personal and professional growth—and what better way to do that than by setting meaningful reading goals? Reading is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to explore new ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and recharge.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, explore strategic thinking, or simply find your next favorite story, books are a powerful tool for transformation. Ready to make 2025 your best reading year yet?
20 Questions to Guide Your End-of-Year Reflection
As the year winds down, take time to pause and reflect with your team before jumping into 2025. Our 20 questions guide you through celebrating wins, processing challenges, and setting goals for the future. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat or a formal session, these prompts and facilitation tips will help you end the year on a high note and build momentum for the year ahead.
Why Having a Best Friend at Work Matters
In today’s workplace, friendships do more than brighten our day—they’re essential to thriving professionally. Gallup’s research shows that having a “best friend at work” can lead to higher engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction. From boosting productivity to creating a supportive environment, close work relationships make a measurable difference. Explore how nurturing these connections can enrich our work lives and even impact career success.
Leading Future-Focused Goal Setting for Your Team
As the year wraps up, it's time to reflect on achievements and plan for the future. A well-structured goal-setting workshop can align your team, inspire collaboration, and set the stage for a successful 2025. From celebrating wins to defining priorities and scheduling progress check-ins, this guide walks you through creating a productive, future-focused workshop tailored to your team's needs.
Finding Your Role in the Strategic Plan
Strategic planning—it’s a term we hear often, but how well do we truly understand our role within it? For some, a strategic plan is just a document gathering dust. For others, it’s a blueprint for action. Whether you’re just discovering your organization’s plan, trying to align your work with it, or overseeing its implementation, this post will help you understand how to engage meaningfully with strategic planning at every level.
Finding Meaning or Making Peace - Remembering Why You Love the Work You Do
Some people find deep purpose in their work, while others see their job as a way to support a fulfilling life outside the office. Both paths are equally valid—but what happens when the balance feels off? In this post, we explore how to assess your connection to your work, recognize signs it may be time for change, and take practical steps to rekindle purpose or make peace with your role.
Data Dive: Careers in Student Affairs Month
Data Dive: Careers in Student Affairs Month
As we reach the end of Careers in Student Affairs month, we want to recognize the tireless work of student affairs professionals. These individuals are the heartbeat of campus life, supporting students and driving key programs that enhance the college experience. But what’s the current state of the profession as the higher education landscape evolves?
In this post, we dive into the data to explore:
Job market trends and openings in 2024
Salary ranges across different roles
The rise of remote work in student affairs
The challenges professionals face, from burnout to work-life balance
If you're curious about the future of careers in student affairs, this deep dive into the numbers will give you a clear snapshot of where the field is heading. Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession today.
Read the full post to learn more!
Professional Development When Conferences Aren't Your Thing
Tired of the typical conference grind or forced networking events? You're not alone. In this post, we dive into alternative professional development strategies that feel more natural and authentic. From podcasts and specialized skill-building to exploring unconventional conferences and personalized coaching, find out how to grow in ways that resonate with you.
What’s On Your Bookshelf? Fiction Favorites: The Plot
Fiction Favorites: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Looking for your next great fall read? The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz is a dark academia thriller that blends suspense with the intrigue of the academic world. Set at a small college, this gripping novel follows a struggling writer-turned-professor who stumbles upon the “perfect” story idea—only to find himself caught in a chilling psychological web that blurs the line between reality and fiction. If you enjoy books with richly detailed campus settings, complex characters, and unexpected twists, The Plot is a must-read!
With The Sequel—the highly anticipated follow-up—released this October, it’s the perfect time to dive into this compelling literary thriller. Whether you work in higher education or just love a good page-turner, this one is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.
Read the full review on our blog!
Infusing Equity Audits into Your Organization for Inclusive Growth
As we honor National Coming Out Day, it’s important to reflect on how organizations can move beyond visibility and take meaningful action toward equity and inclusion. This post explores the power of equity audits to identify hidden biases and drive systemic change across all areas of diversity, from LGBTQ inclusion to racial and gender equity.
An Introduction to CliftonStrengths
Discover how CliftonStrengths coaching can unlock personal and professional growth. In this blog, our Gallup Certified coach shares their journey from skepticism to becoming a passionate advocate for the power of strengths-based development. Learn how focusing on strengths can drive success for individuals and teams. Explore the benefits of CliftonStrengths today!
What’s On Your Bookshelf? Reading Recommendations from transform.forward - Atomic Habits
After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, I was reminded of how small, consistent changes can lead to powerful, long-term results. In this review, I’ll share two standout concepts from the book—Motion vs. Action and Habit Stacking—and how I’ve adapted Clear’s strategies to fit my routine.
Clear emphasizes the importance of moving from planning (motion) to doing (action), and he introduces the idea of habit stacking—building a new habit by linking it to one you already have. In my own life, I’ve found success by taking this a step further with Habit Blending, where I incorporate new habits within my current routine.
Check out the full blog post to dive deeper into these concepts and explore how you can implement them in your own life!
Impact-Driven Resume Tips for Mid-to-Senior Level Professionals
Ready to take your resume to the next level? In this blog, we share essential tips for mid-to-senior level professionals to highlight leadership, measurable results, and strategic thinking. Discover how to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), craft a standout professional summary, and create a resume that showcases your true impact. Let’s make your resume a powerful tool for career growth!
National Video Game Day Inspires Intentional User Journeys
Video games are more than just fun—they're a blueprint for creating engaging, intentional user experiences. In this post, we explore how gamification and user journey mapping can transform customer interactions, boost employee engagement, and drive success across industries. Whether you’re a gamer or not, discover how to apply these powerful strategies to your business today!
Data Collection: Beginning with the End in Mind
In the world of consulting, data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. Are you collecting data with a clear end goal in mind? Discover why it is important to start with the end in mind, transforming your data from a potential burden into a powerful tool for growth.
Building Rhythms of Reflection
Whether you're preparing for another year in education or simply feeling those "back-to-school" vibes, this season offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the journey so far.
In our latest blog post, one team member shares insights on how annual reflection has shaped her approach to coaching and personal growth. From creating "Done" lists to weekly team check-ins, discover practical strategies to make reflection a powerful tool for you and your team.