Courtney's Blog

Look the Part, Lead with Confidence — Crafting Your Perfect Style Strategy for Leadership Presence

Confidence starts from within, but the way you present yourself can elevate how you feel. The right outfit, hairstyle, and accessories can make you feel unstoppable. That’s the philosophy behind the approach when coaching others — help people enhance their appearance to boost their confidence and feel their absolute best. Your image is a powerful tool that can shape how others perceive you and, more importantly, how you perceive yourself. A Transformation to Remember For my sister’s 40th birthday, I planned a surprise “gift” that would change the way she saw herself. She had spent so much time (decades) caring for others that she had forgotten to prioritize herself. I whisked her away for a full transformation — a fresh haircut, professional makeup, a shopping

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Why Feedback Feels Uncomfortable — And How to Make It Work for You

Why is it that the word feedback can make people feel sick to their stomachs? We know feedback is essential for growth, yet many of us instinctively brace ourselves when we hear, Can I give you some feedback? Years ago, when I became certified in Fierce Conversations—a communication model designed to help organizations improve dialogue—I experienced firsthand just how much people dread both giving and receiving feedback. One of the most eye-opening activities we used as facilitators was a simple poll at the start of a session: On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being not at all, 10 being absolutely), how excited would you be to give someone constructive feedback? On that same scale, how excited would you be to receive feedback so

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Courtney Graham and women she has encountered on panels, hiking, and more.

Honoring the Women Who Paved the Way- Lessons on Passion, Opportunity, and Paying It Forward

As I reflect on my journey this International Women’s Day, I am deeply grateful for the women who saw my potential before I fully saw it in myself. They opened doors, offered guidance, and gave me chances I might not have otherwise had. Their belief in me shaped my path, and today, I strive to do the same for others. My mother was the first to teach me the power of alignment and manifestation—that when we pursue what we truly desire, opportunities unfold in ways we never expect. I didn’t fully grasp this as a child, but her words stayed with me as I navigated the twists and turns of my career. The Power of Saying Yes to the Unknown Like many college students, I

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Courtney and two boys, Hunter and Dane.

The Strength of a Mother’s Love, Sharing My Breast Cancer Diagnosis with My Children

As I sit down to share this profoundly personal chapter of our lives I’m reminded of the strength and resilience that define family. Although we are a blended family with our unique dynamics and shared experiences, the foundation of love and support remains unwavering.  After 20 years of marriage, I found myself single again and ready to tackle the world. When I remarried in 2022, three of our four collective children were already adults, leaving just one son still at home with us. So, as I reflect on this journey, let me set the stage: picture me, the stalwart rock for my two biological sons, navigating the tumultuous seas of single parenthood with what I aimed to be: determination and grace. Okay, okay, if I’m

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Courtney with her husband Bill at the hospital

My Unexpected Breast Cancer Journey, The Discovery

As I write this, I’m overwhelmed by the memories of the past handful of months. It’s been a journey I never expected to embark on, yet I am sharing my story with you. On December 1st, 2023, my world turned upside down. That was the day I received the dreaded diagnosis: Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Her 2 negative, estrogen and progestogen positive. Hearing those words they echoed in my mind, sending shockwaves through every fiber of my being. Cancer. The word that alone is heavy, laden with fear and uncertainty. But this journey didn’t start there. It began long before, with a family history of breast cancer guiding my path. Knowing the risks, I diligently underwent regular breast MRIs and mammograms since the age of 35

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