BluOpal

Michele Roden leads BluOpal to partner powerfully with clients to make a difference. Relationships are at the center of her focus internally and externally, building a team of trusted colleagues well equipped to serve our clients.

She describes her proudest moments:

“I love welcoming old clients back when they reach out with new needs, even if several years have passed. To me it means we have built enough success and trust between us that they are willing to share current challenges and want a partner to approach those challenges. This is not an occasional occurrence- we regularly welcome back organizations we’ve worked with for several different projects.”

Michele is committed to keeping in touch, celebrating client successes and working with a team of colleagues she truly loves.

When working with our organizational clients, we remind leaders that strategic planning is never a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation, adaptation, and implementation to stay relevant and effective.

Think about planning a road trip, identifying the must-visit destinations and cool restaurants to try, only to get focused on getting to your destination- with your list of aspirations untouched and forgotten in your glove compartment. That would defeat the purpose of a rich adventure! The same goes for strategic planning in organizations. It is not enough to create a plan; it needs to be actively implemented and regularly reviewed to ensure it remains aligned with the ever-changing business landscape.

When strategic planning is an active and dynamic process, it becomes a powerful tool for organizations to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the game. It allows for flexibility and agility, enabling leaders to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and make informed decisions- what to do, and sometimes more importantly, what NOT to do. So, let's not let our strategic plans gather dust on a shelf. Instead, let's embrace the importance of keeping them active, regularly revisiting and refining them to ensure they continue to guide us towards success. We may just find the most interesting delights along the journey.

Was the trip for work or fun? Yes! We always integrate the two! Don't forget to stop by to see the world's largest popcorn ball when in Sac City Iowa! With Michele Roden Melissa Rewinkel Taylor Loring Hospital

As a company climbs to new heights, navigating complexities and constant changes can resemble a dynamic dance. Picture this journey as ballroom dancing, and at the center of it, the key performers are the resilient individuals who keep the rhythm alive. In the ever-evolving landscape of growth, maintaining resilience is the secret sauce for success. It begins with self-awareness and the need to step back and observe oneself. “How am I reacting in this moment? How do I want to respond?”

To weather the storms of change with unwavering resilience, leaders who embody the spirit of adaptability and perseverance turn challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Resilience is not just a buzzword, but a guiding principle allowing leaders to navigate the maze of complexities that accompany a growing enterprise.

In the grand tapestry of a thriving company, resilience is the golden thread that weaves through each department, connecting individuals who embrace change as an opportunity rather than a hurdle. It guards against burn-out as the business landscape transforms, a resilient workforce stands tall, demonstrating that in the face of complexity, a positive and adaptable mindset is the true north. So, let's celebrate the unsung heroes who infuse growing companies with the tenacity needed to not just survive- but thrive in the midst of change.

In the vibrant tapestry of company culture, there exists a CEO who skillfully weaves threads of connection, positivity, and personal engagement to create a workplace masterpiece. Meet Olivia Turner*, the inspiration behind an organization where every interaction with an employee is not just a transaction- but a transformative moment.

Olivia understands that fostering a positive work culture goes beyond leadership strategies; it's embedded in the day-to-day exchanges that shape relationships. Her secret? Reinforcement. Every email, every meeting, and every hallway chat becomes an opportunity to uplift and inspire. Whether acknowledging a job well done or simply expressing gratitude, Olivia ensures that her interactions are a beacon of positivity, illuminating the path to a cohesive and motivated team.

The impact is palpable. Employees feel valued, not just for their contributions, but for who they are as individuals. Olivia's leadership style transforms the workplace into a community, where every team member knows their worth. It's a culture where new thinking is necessary, collaboration thrives, and a sense of belonging becomes the heartbeat of the organization. Olivia Turner remembers the profound impact a CEO can have when each interaction becomes a brushstroke, creating a masterpiece of a workplace culture.

*All names have been changed to protect client privacy.

Stay Tuned!

Professionalism. Collaboration. Humanity. Equity.

The ICF Code of Ethics

BluOpal and the International Coaching Federation share a commitment to serving people and improving the world. Coaches play diverse roles in various situations, offering countless benefits both professionally and personally.

What distinguishes professional coaches is our Ethical Code. In coaching, we establish a secure space for clients to explore their internal landscapes. This commitment is crucial because, much like planting a tree to improve a landscape, with mud, shifting sandy soil, and stubborn rocks, coaching can involve navigating through messy situations like overcoming obstacles and addressing issues you might prefer to avoid.

When working with an ICF-affiliated coach, whether delving into work practices, personal relationships, or mindset improvement, clarity and professionalism are paramount. The complexity of the world today can feel messy, and your coach, armed with tools and expertise, is there to help you navigate through encountering challenges, like slippery mud or impenetrable rocks of your own leadership landscapes.

Throughout this process, a professional coach upholds values such as integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct. Your personal discovery journey is treated with the utmost respect and privacy, ensuring it remains a safe and secure experience. Certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF), BluOpal Coaches undergo regular training, demonstrating a serious commitment to your goals, aspirations, and societal responsibility. Together, we partner to make a positive difference.

Recently, we met with clients on-site, offering 360 Leadership Feedback for their senior team. The clients said it was so enlightening to see how others saw them differently than they saw themselves, and how it only took small changes to lead better and more effectively.

If you’re looking for this kind of leadership growth, give us a call. Let’s talk!

Today we celebrate our team member Melissa Taylor! Melissa recently obtained the globally recognized ACC (Associate Certified Coach) certification from the International Coaching Federation. This certification adds to her portfolio of several graduate degrees and a full career in business strategy. To obtain this certification, she completed more than 125 hours of coach specific education and 100 hours of client coaching experience. Coaching skills enhance Melissa’s ability to create strategic planning that builds people as well as their organizations. Melissa has been a part of BluOpal for several years and we love what she brings to the team. Congratulations, Melissa!

Gratitude - it’s more than Thanksgiving!

Gratitude is defined by Oxford as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Gratitude is one of BluOpal’s top values! As we approach the end of 2023, we’ve made a Gratitude List and encourage you to do the same – to put it into practice regularly!

We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us

We are grateful for each other’s presence and support within our team

We are grateful to lead others to explore possibilities

We are grateful to watch possibilities turn into a plans and actions

We are grateful to learn from each other

We are grateful to love the work we do

We are grateful for YOU!

The virtual world is very handy to be able to recruit top talent that works anywhere that works for them. Yet there is a gift in meeting with people in person!

BluOpal teammates work from many locations and when we have the opportunity to be in the same place It is a huge gift for a relationship building.

Recently I had the opportunity to sit down to a meal with Wendy Hancharick. We work almost daily together virtually. But there was something special about sharing a meal telling stories and really getting to know one another in ways we don't have time to do virtually.

We like to walk our talk... We encourage our clients to do in person trainings and gatherings when possible. There's magic there! You can see it in our faces!

Melissa Winter loves to create transformational change in organizations! She comes to BluOpal with a background in communications and public relations and uses those skills to help clients through really challenging scenarios and continue to move forward with purpose.

One of Melissa’s proudest professional moments: “I was with part of the leadership team who engaged with a diverse group of more than 400 individuals to identify the first-ever Core Values of a healthcare organization; then helped communicate and celebrate them across the system. It was like opening a window on a perfect spring day. It was a booster shot of enthusiasm and provided much-needed clarity on individual and organizational behaviors.”

Melissa’s kind demeanor and midwestern charm gets clients to open up and engage. Her commitment to strategic thinking and data-driven decisions keeps organizations improving beyond their expectations! We are grateful for her powerful talent.

Here are some scenarios which you may be able to relate to:

* You find yourself leading a team that is increasingly disengaged, yet you struggle to understand why

* You feel as though you’ve stalled or reached a plateau in your position

* Communication is not optimal, and you don’t have a solid background in emotional intelligence



A coach can assist you in solving the above challenges and more. When leaders see beyond their own limitations, they help their team and ultimately their organization experience greater success.



An effective coach carefully guides a leader to explore, identify, and enact a plan to work through their leadership challenges.



We’ve found a very interesting report we’d like to share on the effectiveness of leadership coaching:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/02/24/the-roi-of-executive-coaching-a-comprehensive-guide/?sh=42402cd959e1



Feel free to reach out to us at BluOpal to discuss how we may assist. We believe Strong Leaders Make a Difference.

Rhonda Van Diest is an ICF-Professional Certified Executive Coach, Graphic Meeting Illustrator, Facilitator, OD Professional, Corporate Trainer, and has been part of the BluOpal team since 2015.

When asked, Rhonda says what she loves about coaching: “It’s always in seeing clients recognize limitations they have put on themselves – and make a conscious decision that those boundaries are unnecessary and no longer helpful. When they let go of those limitations and really examine why they hold ideas dear, the shift is really amazing to behold.”

Those who work with Rhonda gain tremendous insight and emotional intelligence that assists them on their path forward.. BluOpal has the good fortune of collaborating with Rhonda and her unique skill set that has helped so many experience clarity and success!

She enjoys collaborating with conscientious professionals who find themselves overwhelmed or in need of a renewed sense of purpose. They are professionals who are trying to balance priorities but find themselves sometimes questioning their choices -- both at work and outside of it.


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Meade Dickerson, MCC has been part of BluOpal Consulting since 2005. He describes one of his proudest moments in coaching:

“I was honored when a client told me that due to the work I had done with her, I had helped save her life. This client had gone through a horrific bout of cancer treatments while trying to change her life and her career. Our work together allowed her to move through the transition and heal with empowerment and grace.”

He specializes in leadership and team development, as well as emotional intelligence. Meade’s collaborated within a variety of industries such as real estate, technology, financial services, and many more. He holds several designations in the coaching environment including Master Certified Coach from ICF.

Meade’s interactions with his clients bring out the introspective side of some of the highest performers we have seen. He is direct and caring and always brings out their best!

Meade is one of the highly skilled coaches working with BluOpal that can make all the difference for clients. Curious? Contact us to learn more about how you can start your journey on the path of coaching.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Keefe. Part of BluOpal Consulting since 2006, Tamara says...

“It’s when my clients reach that special breakthrough moment when they become more fully aware of ALL they are capable of and clear about how to achieve it.”

Leadership coaching provides a great deal of positive interaction between coach and their client. The coaching work is intended to facilitate transformational changes that the client can build on going forward in their career.

You may have heard the phrase, “Everyone needs a coach.” Those in the know agree wholeheartedly, and the rewards aren’t limited to the client themselves. The more a coach builds their savvy skills, the more they can help others, making a win-win for everyone involved.

Tamara is just one of the fantastic coaches working with BluOpal that can make all the difference for clients. Curious? Contact us at https://lnkd.in/gyhi7cHC to learn more about how you can start your journey on the path of coaching.

Celebrating National Hospital Week and International Coaching Week! We invite our hospital friends to contact us this week for a complimentary coaching session. bluopal.com/contact.html

BluOpal BluOpal Consulting guides organizations to achieve results by awakening the power in people.

What a year it has been! We're just over here doing the work and not posting on social media. Hope each of you are happy and well!

Today we are reminded of the power of CONNECTION! It's incredible the feeling and the learning when we take the time to nurture the human part of the business relationships we are in.

Health care workers can be overcome with anxiety, stress, depression and job dissatisfaction when dealing in high volume, life and death crisis situations. Leaders who can sustain themselves and others when stress is expected to
continue for an unknown duration are urgently needed.

This session will discuss how health care leaders can engage
with employees in informal ways to help reduce stress and anxiety using team and group activities.

"In order to lead others you must lead yourself first." - Bruce Kawahara, Founder BluOpal Consulting

Being able to self-regulate emotions, stay engaged and on topic independently helps the entire team be effective.

Defining Excellence creates a vision for a team to reach toward.

The urge to micromanage is a "check engine" sign for your leadership. Instead of micromanaging, provide a road map to the end goal.

Your urge to micromanage is actually the result of bad communication A forensic interviewer explains that micromanagers are often leaders who fear they’ve lost control of their workers, so they double down.