Spark with Merilee

Back-to-school season always brings a shift.

My son, Alex, is heading back to Penn State, summer is winding down, and there's more structure again, more routines, more places to be, and more things pulling at our attention.

Transition times can feel stressful. But they also give us an opportunity to reset before we slip back into autopilot.

Before fall gets busy, I've been intentionally thinking about these questions:

→ What do I want to give my time and energy to this fall, and why?
→ What tends to hijack my priorities, and why do I let it?
→ Who do I want to be this fall, and am I willing to protect that?

We spend a lot of energy thinking about what we should or need to get done. As leaders, business owners, parents, and people with full lives, there's always something else waiting for us.

Being intentional isn't just about managing your time better. It's about choosing what you give your focus and time to.

Maybe this fall isn't about adding another goal, commitment, or responsibility. Maybe it's about creating more space for what matters most.

And if you're in the middle of a bigger transition of your own, I'm excited to share something new I've created for this fall:

SAVE THE DATE
The Messy Middle: A Spark Petite Retreat for Women in Transition
Friday, October 9 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Location TBD

This is a brand-new retreat with new content, designed for women going through transition, living in the space between what was and what's next. I'll be sharing more soon.

If you'd like dedicated space to find some clarity sooner, message me and we'll schedule your Spark Clarity Session today.

Whatever this fall brings, my hope for you is that you enter it on purpose. Choose what's important to you instead of reacting to the pressure of life, and show up as the truest version of you.

Here's to the leader in you!

Your identity is allowed to be shaken.

You're allowed to not know who you are for a while when something has changed.

I said that to a room full of successful women business owners last week, at our quarterly meetup. The topic on the agenda was leading ourselves and others through change.

What we actually talked about was losing our identities and grief.

The kind of grief that shows up when your son or daughter graduates high school and your relationship changes.

When you finally let go of an employee who wasn't the right fit, and it still keeps you up at night.

When you hire your first team member and realize the business isn't just you anymore.

When you're scaling faster than you can recognize yourself inside it.

When you lose a loved one.

We shared different stories, but we’re putting the same pressure on ourselves.

The pressure to have the change already figured out. A solid answer ready when someone asks how we're doing. To not let the people we lead and love see us rattled.

Transition is hard enough on its own. Telling ourselves "we should be handling it better" on top of it isn't helping.

Change is a process, and a painful one at times. Something you knew has ended, and now you're in the "messy middle."

Or as my friend Hollie likes to say, you're renovating an aspect of your life. Renovations don't last forever. Yes, they can be a pain in the arse, but when they're complete, you have clarity. Something new and stronger.

So if you're mid-renovation right now — mid-mess, mid-grieving, mid-figuring-it-out — you're not failing or lost.

You're exactly where the process requires you to be.

Let go of the pressure. Stay the course with grace. What's on the other side is worth it!

sparkwithmerilee.com

Okay, but how is July almost gone?! ☀️➡️🍂

If you've been thinking, "we really should do something for our team this fall," this is your reminder to start now.

The most impactful development experiences don't happen by chance. They start with a clear objective and a partner who understands your people.

Whether you're planning for fall, wrapping up the year, or already looking ahead to 2027, I'd love to help you build something customized:

✨ Keynotes and speaking engagements that move people from awareness to action

✨ Interactive workshops and petite retreats that build practical mindset and emotional agility tools

✨ 1-on-1 Spark Coaching and Spark Clarity Sessions for anyone ready to lead from clarity, not pressure

✨ Leadership and team development tailored to your organization's goals

You can't fully eliminate pressure. But you can teach your people to lead through it with confidence and ease, not just survive it.

Let's build something that helps your people lead differently, not just feel inspired for a day.

Learn more at sparkwithmerilee.com/services
Here's to a grounded fall! 🍂

Grace Over Judgment ❤️

Some lessons aren't learned in a workshop or a book.

They're learned in the moments that break your heart.

Last week, I shared that I said goodbye to my sweet Sandy after 14 wonderful years together. As I've moved through the grief, I've noticed several of my Inner Board Members™ trying to take the microphone.

• My Judge says, "You should be handling this better."
• My Rationalizer whispers, "You're fine. Other people have it worse."

Then my Compassionate Leader gently reminds me:

"How can I take care of myself today?"

That simple question has changed everything.

Whether you're grieving, navigating change, or simply feeling overwhelmed, your Inner Board Members™ are talking.

✨ This week, notice which voice you're listening to.

May your Compassionate Leader have the loudest voice.

Your Inner Leader is the wise CEO of your life. And she showed up for me recently when I knew I should workout — right when Rationalization paid me a visit.

Rationalization is the inner voice that sounds completely reasonable, as she always does.
"You're tired. You're busy. You can skip it. It's fine."

She wasn't even wrong. Rationalization never lies outright. That's what makes her so convincing.
But my Inner Leader stepped in. And she didn't fight her.

She called on Compassion first.

"Your body is changing and that's a fact. You don't have to punish yourself — and you don't have to abandon yourself either. Both things are true."

Then Opportunity.

"This isn't about the perfect body or workout. What's one thing you can do today to honor your health?"
Then Connection.

My mom passed away at sixty-six. Her story is never far from me when I want to take the easy way out. Your health is your freedom — not your obligation.

That's the whole inner board meeting.

Not perfection. Just a conscious choice made from my values, not my excuses.

My Inner Leader doesn't silence the other voices. She knows when to call upon whom. She reaches for the right Inner Board Member to help me meet the moment honestly and respond with intention.

And I practice choosing her every single day. Because when I do, I show up more fully — for myself and for everything that matters most.

She's always been with you too. She was there every time you paused before reacting. Every time you chose progress over perfection. Every time you kept going when it would have been easier to quit.

She's not missing. She's just waiting for you to put her back in charge.

The next time Defeat, Judgment, or Rationalization takes over your inner board meeting — pause. Ask yourself: which voice does my Inner Leader want to call in right now?

Compassion to restore calm?

Opportunity to reframe fear or procrastination?

Connection to return to what matters?

That moment of conscious choice? That's your Inner Leader leading! 🔥

Read more at sparkwithmerilee.com/spark-insights/!

Last week, I introduced you to Connection, Compassion, and Opportunity, the Inner Board Members who energize you and remind you of your purpose.

This week, we're going a little deeper.

Meet three Inner Board Members every woman knows intimately, even if she doesn't know their names yet.

🔥 Judgment — your Driver and Critic-in-Chief
Her motto? "Do more. Do it faster. And do it right."
She's the fire behind your ambition. And she's incredibly effective. But left unchecked, she'll drive your health, well-being, and confidence straight into the ground.

⚠️ Defeat — your flashing warning light
First, she's telling you to slow down and take care of yourself. Ignore her and keep pushing? She becomes the 3 a.m. voice whispering "What if I drop the ball? What if I make the wrong decision?"

She means to protect you from failure. But she also protects you from your own potential and taking action.

😌 Rationalization — cool, calm, and convincing
"It's fine. I'm fine. Everything's fine."
She sounds completely reasonable while talking you out of what you really need — your health, your happiness, that relationship change, that career move.

These three are not your enemies. They are your messengers.

The goal isn't to silence them, it's to get curious. To ask: Is this Inner Board Member helpful right now, or is it time to choose differently?

Which one has been loudest lately for you? 👇

Want to meet ALL of your Inner Board Members and learn how to work with them? This is your last chance to join me this Friday, June 26th, for the Spark Your Mindset Petite Retreat — 12 to 4 p.m. Spots are limited.

✨ Grab yours here: https://loom.ly/O2Fe75Q.

This June, I'm celebrating six years in business! 🎉

Running a business is both incredibly rewarding and stressful at times. But I've learned that I have a choice about who leads.

That's where my Inner Board Members come in. Today I'm giving a shoutout to three specific ones: Connection, Compassion, and Opportunity. The inner voices that fuel your confidence, purpose, and peace.

Before I introduce them, this is important. Your Inner Board Members don't clock out at 5pm. They show up in your relationships, your parenting, your health, your finances, your self-talk at 2am. Every single area of your life, every day.

✨ Connection reminds me why I do this work. She re-energizes and inspires me and helps me get present and focused on what truly matters. When you lead with Connection, you stop spinning and start moving toward what matters most.

✨ Compassion tells me I'm human and I can only do so much. Taking a break, asking for help, giving yourself grace. That's a strength, not a weakness. When you lead with Compassion, you stop being your own worst critic and start being your biggest ally.

✨ Opportunity is my confidence in action. She tells me to go for it. What if it works out? And no matter what, I will learn something. When you lead with Opportunity, you stop playing it safe and start showing up boldly.
These three are always available to you. You just have to choose them — in your work, your relationships, and every space in between.

Which one do you need most right now?

Ready to meet your Inner Board Members in person? Join me on June 26th for my Spark Your Mindset Petite Retreat.

Spots are limited. Grab yours here: https://loom.ly/Wju0ZVc! ✨

This is what it looks like when women come together to learn, grow, and support each other.🔥

No fluff, no filters. Just women being real, getting honest, and walking out changed.

My next Spark Your Mindset Petite Retreat is June 26th. Space is intentionally limited and I'd love for you to be there.

This unique Friday afternoon experience (for just 16 women!) is for you if you're ready to:

✨ Silence the inner voices that drain your peace, confidence, and happiness

✨ Strengthen your Inner Leader — the most grounded, clear version of YOU

✨ Walk away with a practical mindset tool you will use daily to reduce stress and reclaim your power

✨ Feel lighter, clearer, and ready for what's next

We'll explore your Inner Board Members™ — those 7 internal voices that either fuel your growth or sabotage your goals.

Through group conversations and reflective exercises, you'll immediately apply what you learn to your current life situations.

You'll build the self-awareness to consciously lead yourself differently.

Enjoy light appetizers, meaningful connections, and an introduction to Energy Leadership.™

👉 Individual Ticket: $125
👉 Bundle (bring a friend!): $197

Come as you are. Bring someone you love. Leave energized and transformed.

Registration link is in the comments. Grab your spot! ✨

Last week, I shared why your Inner Board Members™ matter.

Because the thoughts running through your mind don't just influence how you feel—they influence how you lead, how you enjoy life or respond to challenges, and ultimately the life you create.

But where do those inner voices come from?

That's exactly what I explore in my newest blog.

The Inner Board Members™ are rooted in Energy Leadership™, the transformational framework that serves as the foundation for my speaking, coaching, workshops, retreats, and Energy Leadership Index™ (ELI) Assessment, which is a tool that we use for our work together.

For years, I operated on autopilot, driven by the pressure to be perfect and constantly feeling like I needed to do more. Learning Energy Leadership™ helped me understand the perspectives and patterns that were shaping my reactions, decisions, and stress levels, and showed me that I had the power to choose differently.

That experience inspired the creation of the Inner Board Members™ framework.

In this article, I'm sharing the science behind the framework, the 7 Levels of Energy, and how understanding your energy can help you lead yourself with greater clarity, confidence, and calm.

📖 Read the blog: https://loom.ly/2yGw9uM!

✨ Want a deeper look? Download my free guide, The Science Behind the Inner Board Members™, to learn how Energy Leadership™ and the 7 Levels of Energy connect to the voices influencing your everyday thoughts, decisions, and actions at https://loom.ly/V5ricE8.

The stories you tell yourself shape the life you create.

Every day, there are voices influencing how you think, make decisions, respond to challenges, experience joy, and show up in the world.

✨ The voice that says you should be doing more.
✨ The voice that tells you to keep pushing through.
✨ The voice that worries about what others think.
✨ The voice that encourages you to trust yourself and move forward.

Over the past several Weekly Sparks, we've explored perfectionism, burnout, self-compassion, and giving ourselves permission to not be okay.

What if those aren't separate struggles?

What if they're clues pointing to the conversations happening inside your own mind?

As you may know, I call these voices your Inner Board Members™ (https://loom.ly/YXf4a8k).

Understanding them isn't about fixing yourself. It's about becoming more aware of the stories shaping your choices, energy, and leadership.

Because when you recognize the voice behind the story, you gain the power to choose a different response.

Over the next several weeks, I'll be revisiting the Inner Board Members through a fresh lens—not simply who they are, but why they matter.

💭 What story has been shaping your life lately?

And is it helping you create the life you want? Drop a comment below.