The Power of Assembling Your Crew
There's something magical that happens when values-aligned people come together. Not the surface-level networking kind of connection, but the deep, authentic relationships where you can show up fully.
My friends Lori Cohen, Jessie Cordova, and I were each other's crew for over a year. We've gathered virtually to check in, hold each other accountable, celebrate victories, and navigate the inevitable roadblocks of doing work centered on equity, liberation, and wellness. We've laughed, problem-solved, and reminded each other that we don't have to choose between professional excellence and personal well-being.
And now? We're all launching work into the world at the same time. There's so much joy in my heart because of it!
When Your Crew Shows Up, Magic Happens
This is what happens when you assemble people who are genuinely aligned: they create work that complements and amplifies your vision. Each of our projects stands beautifully on its own. Yet, together they are a collective reminder that sustainable leadership requires sustainable practices, that wellness and leading aren't separate, and that transformation happens when we stay connected to our humanity.
This is the essence of my Abuntu principle, "Assemble Your Crew" - finding those humans who enhance your life through their authentic presence, openness to learning, and commitment to leading with abundance even during challenging times.
Celebrating Beautiful Work from Beautiful Humans
With so much enthusiasm and joy, I'm amplifying our work. Please check out their books and my deck and integrate our wisdom into your life and leadership.
Lori Cohen's "Integrating Educator Well-Being, Growth, and Evaluation: Four Foundations for Leaders" (co-authored with Elizabeth Denevi)
Educator growth, well-being, and evaluation are often disconnected. How can we weave them together to better champion adult learning needs so educators can thrive and remain in their roles?
In this important resource, bestselling authors Lori Cohen (The PD Book) and Elizabeth Denevi (Learning and Teaching While White) present a framework for creating a healthy ecosystem of school transformation: equity, well-being, growth, and evaluation. The authors discuss each foundation in depth and provide research-informed practices, tools, and case studies for easy implementation. Resources include reflections to co-create a vision for equity, a sample coaching/mentoring conversation arc, steps for implementing a growth structure, the Teacher–Student Relationship Quality (TSRQ) Matrix, the Integrated Classroom Practices for Equity rubric, and more.
Whether you're a school leader, mentor, or teacher evaluator, this accessible guide will help you create a transformative school environment to sustain and grow effective, empowered educators.
Order at https://bit.ly/IEWGE25 and use the code 25EFLY3 for 20% off.
Jessie Cordova's "A Liberation Playbook"
A Liberation Playbook: Healing and Leading Across All Spaces—from Classrooms to Conference Rooms was written for people navigating high-impact work in education, nonprofits, and social change. It offers adaptable tools and practices grounded in four guiding principles:
Transformation comes from mastering the basics.
Professional development does not work without personal integration.
Leadership requires range and discernment.
Healing is a prerequisite for effective leadership.
At its core is a belief that leadership and healing are not separate. The habits we've built to survive stress, harm, or scarcity often follow us into leadership. If left unexamined, those patterns shape how we respond to others, how we make choices, and how we carry our power. This playbook brings healing, leadership identity, and equity together in a comprehensive and holistic approach.
Purchase here: https://www.healingisjustice.com/a-liberation-playbook
My Abuntu Affirmation Card Deck: Leadership affirmations for wellness and growth
The Abuntu Affirmation Card Deck is a wellness-centered leadership tool for leaders who refuse to choose between professional excellence and personal well-being.
This card deck features 52 affirmations, each including reflection questions and concrete action steps you can take immediately. Based on the Abuntu framework ("abundance in our collective humanity"), the deck guides you through five core principles: Assess Your Well-Being, Align With Your Core Values, Assemble Your Crew, Activate Your Plan, and Attune To Your Inner Compass.
Perfect for leaders who understand that sustainable leadership requires sustainable practices. The deck proves that wellness is the foundation for creating lasting impact without burning out.
Pre-order through September 20th using the code FAMILY for 10% off.
Speaking of Assembling Your Crew...
If you're in the Richmond, VA area and feeling like you need a reset moment with like-minded women, I've got something special coming up. My co-host Tiffany Winfield and I created The Full Day Reset: Where Work + Wellness Coexist because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between thriving in your career and protecting your peace.
This one-day experience includes group coaching, guided movement, chair massage, co-working time, wellness walks, community connection, catered lunch, and a curated self-care bundle to take home.
It's more than a break—it's your reminder that YOU are your best investment.
Only 8 spots remaining - Reserve yours on Eventbrite!
The ripple effects of good humans doing good work together are infinite. Thank you for being part of this community and for investing in work that centers humanity, dignity, and wellness.
With abundance and gratitude,
Tamisha
PS. I’ll wrap up the Summer Reflection series next go round. I was just too thrilled to wait on this one.
