Nu Balance Consulting, LLC

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Change is hard, but storytelling makes it easier. 💫 Craft a compelling narrative to inspire your team and shape the mindsets needed for transformation. Tap the link for tips on becoming a master change storyteller. 👇

Great collaboration and partnerships are crafted with intention, not chance. When you partner with me, you get strategic skill and meticulous planning. I elevate every engagement, maximizing results with a warm, relational touch. Because excellence is never accidental.

Crafting the narrative is step one. 💫 In the ELDP framework, Visionary Leadership for Change begins with framing and messaging the story of your desired future reality. As a leader, you must continuously narrate this vision - rallying your team, creating a sense of urgency, and inspiring them to embrace the journey ahead.
Storytelling isn't just a tactic, it's a superpower. By painting a vivid picture of the transformation you seek, you supplant the default ""change is hard"" narrative with a compelling call to action. You provide context, highlight the potential upside, and connect your vision to the organization's core purpose.
Don't let your change story gather dust. Keep narrating it through words and actions, evolving the narrative as you progress. Become a master storyteller, and you'll shape the mindsets needed for sustainable transformation.

Every fall is an opportunity to rise stronger and more resilient. Let's inspire each other to never give up.

Continuing to increase our visibility as speakers at national conferences, Walter will be presenting at the National Federation for Families’ Annual Conference this November in Orlando, Florida. His workshop is titled, Youth Engagement: Empowering Tomorrow’s Change Makers where he will be focused on equipping leaders that work directly with youth to design programs centered on wellness and leadership development.

We're delighted to (re)-introduce to our Facebook community, Walter Higgs the Co-Founder of Nu Balance Consulting. When we joined together to create Nu Balance Consulting in 2020, we had a clear vision of supporting people from the inside out. We're not just a consultancy; we're mindset coaches, supporting both organizations and individual leaders to interrogate their barriers to meaningful growth and change within themselves and where they lead.

Walter brings a wealth of experience in clinical social work, mental wellness, and pastoral care, enriching our team with his profound insights and compassionate approach. His expertise enhances our services, offering specialized support for leaders in areas such as mental health, trauma-informed practices, and holistic well-being.

Growth is about doing the best you can until you know better. Then, it's about doing better.

🌟 Full Circle with My First Mentor 🌟

Last weekend in Florida, I experienced another incredible full circle moment—I ran into Mrs. Ella J. Gilmore, my very first mentor. She was the first to introduce me to the concept of entrepreneurship and was instrumental in shaping my early business acumen.

Mrs. Gilmore led a pioneering program in our community that taught young people about investing, computer fluency, business fundamentals, professional communication, and even how to be a CEO. I vividly remember leading a group of peers in a goods and services business, where we won an award for maximizing revenue and minimizing costs. And yes, I even got my first set of golf clubs through this program—still working on that swing!

Sharing the news of starting Nu Balance Consulting with her was a moment of joy. Seeing her glow with pride was truly a heartwarming reminder of how far I've come, thanks to her guidance.

"🌟 Celebrating Full Circle Moments at LANES 20th Anniversary 🌟

Last weekend, I had the honor of celebrating a milestone with an organization that has been a cornerstone in my journey—LANES, which stands for Loving, Assisting, Nurturing, Educating, and Supporting Teenage Girls. As a LANES alum, I'm filled with gratitude for the scholarships and support that fueled my education and growth, both internally and externally.

From joining LANES as a freshman, experiencing my first college tour, to sponsoring scholarships for the bright young minds of today, it’s been a beautiful journey of giving back to a group that has given so much to me.

At the celebration, we honored our founder, Ms. Lisa, and uplifted the class of 2024. It was a heartwarming reunion of alums and a testament to the enduring impact of LANES.

I’m proud to be both a personal sponsor and to have Nu Balance Consulting contribute to this empowering cause. Sharing my journey as an educator and entrepreneur, I emphasized that there's no perfect path. We each chart our own course, defining success on our terms, grounded in deep character and integrity. LANES girls grow up to do great things!!

Together, we can go further. Let's build communities where collaboration and unity light the way.

🌟 Bowling, Leadership, and Growth Edges 🌟

Yesterday, I hit the lanes for a fun bowling session with my partner, Walter. Now, let me be honest—I’m not exactly a pro bowler. My first game? A whopping 46 points. 😅 But I didn't let that stop me! In the second game, I set a manageable goal: hit at least one pin in each frame. With this focused mindset, I scored 99! 🎉

Here’s what I learned that applies to the leadership growth journey:

Consistency Over Perfection: Like my bowling score, leadership isn't about being perfect at everything. It's about showing up consistently and working on those growth edges.

Small Wins Matter: Just as I celebrated every pin I knocked down, celebrate your small victories. They build momentum and keep you moving forward.

Study Your Actions: I paid attention to how I held and released the ball and found the right weight. In leadership, reflect on your actions and adjust as needed to improve.

Embrace Challenges: Yes, I broke a nail 😩, but that's part of the game. In leadership, you'll face setbacks, but they’re just stepping stones on your growth journey.

Bowling is fun and brings joy, just like the learning and growth in leadership can be rewarding. Keep engaging, keep learning, and remember—every small step counts!

🚫 Are you doing too much as a leader? 🚫

In my latest blog post, I dive into the common trap of over-initiating and the importance of process-based goals. Learn how to set goals that foster growth within your organization and empower your team to achieve sustainable progress.

✨ Discover practical tips and examples to help you focus on doing it right, not just doing more.

Read the full post now! [Link in bio] 📖

🌅 Leadership Lessons from the Lake 🌅

During my morning walk, I came across this sign: ""No Fishing, No Running, No Diving."" It got me thinking about leadership and the importance of boundaries and focus.

As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in trying to do everything at once—just like running, fishing, and diving simultaneously. But true leadership requires clarity and prioritization.

No Fishing: Avoid distractions. Stay focused on your core goals and resist the temptation to ""fish"" for new ideas without fully committing to your current initiatives.

No Running: Leadership isn't a race. Slow down and take the time to develop thoughtful strategies. Rushed decisions can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.

No Diving: Don't dive headfirst into every challenge. Assess the situation, gather your resources, and plan your approach. Thoughtful preparation leads to better outcomes.

Remember, effective leadership is about setting clear boundaries and maintaining focus. Let's lead with intention and purpose! 🌟

🌟 Just a few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to work with my TNTP and MA DESE consultant colleagues to facilitate the Instructional Prioritization Institute for the third time! 🌟

Over 20 school districts and their senior leadership teams came together to kickstart their strategic improvement planning for SY24-25. The momentum in the room was palpable, and I was overjoyed to lead one of my district clients through their own deep planning process.

So grateful for the collaboration and the dedication to leveraging strategic resources to enhance educational outcomes. Here's to the power of strategic planning and the positive change it brings!

Touchdown in Florida! Thrilled to be back for the LANES Teenage Girls Mentoring Program's 20th Anniversary Celebration! 🎉 I remember my days as a LANES girl 20 years ago, where seeds of leadership, confidence, and faith were planted deep within me. Who knew that those moments would blossom into my strongest convictions today as I lead Nu Balance Consulting? 🌱

LANES opened my eyes on my first college tour, empowered me with scholarships for undergrad and grad school, and inspired me to be a woman of confidence, faith, and community. I'm beyond excited to host the Annual College and Career Fair, where alumnae and current LANES girls come together for real talk on college, careers, and life. 💪🏽📚

Nu Balance is proud to support the incredible work Ms. Lisa and LANES are doing to uplift and empower teenage girls in Central Florida. Let's keep nurturing, empowering, and supporting the next generation!

This week we're turning the focus inward. 🔄 In change work, it's easy to look outward, identifying what needs to shift around us. But true transformation begins from within. Before we can effectively lead others or implement external changes, we must first understand our own biases and behaviors. Dive deep, collect insights from those experiencing the challenges firsthand, and align your inner growth with your leadership goals. Let's embark on this journey of self-awareness and change together.

Every learning moment is a step towards transformation. Embrace the change it brings.

In each interaction, I strive to balance support with push, courage with grace, and inspiration with action. The goal? To ensure that the leaders I coach feel a surge not just in their community's momentum but in their very confidence to lead and make an impact.

As we navigate the complex tides of educational leadership, focusing on racial equity, belonging, and results, remember that it's not just about the winds of change, but about the gentle breezes that sustain us day by day.

To every leader out there making a difference: I see you, I support you, and together, we rise.

Today, I received a note that truly warmed my heart and reminded me why I'm so passionate about what I do. 💌 A client wrote, 'Thank you for pushing us to the highest heights in our practice.' This kind of feedback is invaluable. As a coach and consultant, my role is not just about delivering results, but about fostering a space where learning leads to transformation. I am committed to modeling this journey and building a community of practice that challenges and supports each other to grow. Thank you for trusting me to be part of your story. Let's keep reaching new heights together!

When you look in the mirror, what do you see about your leadership? Our latest blog, 'Know Thyself, Lead Effectively,' explores how deep self-awareness shapes your impact at the helm. 🌟 Discover the leadership secrets of icons like Satya Nadella and Ursula Burns, and learn why the best leaders don't just lead others—they understand themselves first. Ready to transform your leadership?

https://nu-balance.my.canva.site/

This is the most challenging part of my work as an leadership coach and change consultant. I help you get unstuck by navigating the complexities of power dynamics, championing systemic change while upholding the highest standards of integrity. I minimize harm and maximize progress.

Discovering and being true to yourself is the privilege of a lifetime. Let that authenticity guide your leadership.

🌟 Embracing Equity in Coaching 🌟

As coaches deeply committed to fostering and in educational spaces, we understand the art of conversation is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about moving seamlessly between various stances to build rapport and challenge our clients constructively.

Here’s how we can use Heron's Six Categories of Intervention in Equity Focused Coaching:

1️⃣ Cathartic & Prescriptive: We start by creating space for emotional release ( ) and couple it with clear, actionable steps ( ) when working with leaders taking their first steps towards systemic change.

2️⃣ Catalytic & Informative: Encouraging self-discovery ( ) is powerful, especially when enriched with knowledge-sharing ( ) to empower leaders with the tools they need to drive change.

3️⃣ Supportive & Confronting: Every leader needs affirmation ( ) to reinforce their strengths and the courage to face their challenges head-on ( ) in a way that fosters growth and equity.

In our coaching sessions, we blend these approaches to tailor a dynamic, responsive pathway for each leader. Our goal? To cultivate an environment where the complexities of change become clear, manageable, and centered on justice and equity.

Let's continue to guide with empathy, challenge with care, and transform with courage.

Join us live for a transformative conversation at Ubuntu Leaders Link! ✨ I’ll be speaking on the essential topic of ‘Maintaining YOU in Your Workplace’. Discover strategies to nurture your well-being and stay true to yourself in professional settings. It’s time to thrive together, because when we empower ourselves as women, we empower our entire workplace. Let’s dive into self-care at work this Tuesday, April 30th – can’t wait to see you there!

"Resistance is an Unmet Need" Just Dropped!

Rethink resistance with us! Our latest blog explores how leaders can decode resistance to uncover the growth opportunities it signals. Transform how you lead and connect—starting now.

https://nu-balance.my.canva.site/

Change isn't just spoken; it's lived through the courageous conversations we dare to have. My approach—rooted in trust and persistence—shows us that moving the needle on equity is more than a goal; it's a journey we undertake together, one brave dialogue at a time.

In a world of constant change, being a lifelong learner isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential.

Speak with your words, lead with your tone, and inspire with your presence. 🗣️💡 The 7-38-55 rule reminds us that true communication is a blend of what we say, how we say it, and the unspoken energy we bring into a room. As a leadership coach, I see the power of aligned messaging—where words, tone, and body language are in harmony.

It's not just about the message you intend to deliver; it's about the truth that others perceive. Leaders, remember: your team doesn't just hear you, they feel you. In the realm of effective, equitable leadership, consistency across all communication forms is key. Let's ensure your leadership speaks volumes, even in silence. Because when it comes to influence, your actions often echo louder than your words.
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/7-38-55-rule-57-years-old-secret-exceptional-emotional-intelligence.html

✨ Beyoncé never misses a beat—and with 'Cowboy Carter', she's transcending genres and redefining leadership. This album goes beyond the music; it's a narrative on taking risks, embracing growth, and leading with authenticity. Just like a powerful lyric that lingers long after the song, true leadership resonates beyond the immediate moment. Check out the latest blog post for a deep dive into the leadership lessons we can learn from Beyoncé’s bold new chapter. Because great leaders don't just follow the rhythm—they create it.
Read more here:
https://nu-balance.my.canva.site/

🎉 I’m overjoyed to announce that I’ll be speaking at the ASCD Leadership Summit this October in Nashville! Proud is an understatement when it comes to how I feel about stepping into the spotlight to share the transformative work we do at Nu Balance Consulting.

Through deep coaching, we confront the beliefs that block progress, and I’m thrilled to reveal how intentional planning can radically change the game. Expect practical strategies for coaching conversations that don’t just aim for equity but actively disrupt the status quo to achieve it.

Join me in Nashville for a session filled with heart, strategy, and the power to change. We’re doing the deep work, and I can’t wait to dive in with you all.