“Shelby guided me through a point in my career that, looking back, was a bridge. She helped me vocalize what my career in public service meant to me and build the strength for a much-needed change. I ended coaching with Shelby more than a year ago, and I am still drawing lessons from the experience of working with her. When times are challenging, I know who I am and what my purpose is. I did not understand what Shelby meant when she said “lead with love” was her first leadership principle. Love is not something for work, right? But actually, I now perfectly understand this is exactly what’s needed and what happens when my purpose, mission, and a deep caring for those around me come together. Thanks to my work with Shelby, I understand better that my job is not to perform but to show up as me with all of my unique skills, which also means I will stumble and need to pick up the pieces sometimes. This is a scary place, but also where I am strongest, and what I tap into to build teams and work that matters. ”

— Mid-Career Professional, U.S. Department of State, 10/23/2025