"Wish you were here..."

Last week was one I used to look forward to every year: our annual summit. Coming together as a sales leadership team, spending coveted time in person with teammates, sharing ideas, celebrating wins, and relaxing with people who just get the world you live in each day. Professionally, it was my favorite week of the year, hands down.

This year, I wasn’t invited. Being laid off took care of that.

But my inbox and phone reminded me I wasn’t forgotten. On Monday, the first day of summit, a simple note came through: “Wish you were here.” It was the first of many similar texts I’d receive throughout the week.

Those words landed heavy. While I appreciated being thought of (and even missed, because I miss them too), I found myself wishing those messages never came. What should be a magic week of collaboration and celebration carried a shadow for me in those moments. I didn’t want them worrying about me. I wanted them immersed in the joy, the ideas, the connections that summit always brings.

So I responded with excitement for what was ahead for them. Because the truth is, while you might wish I was there, I’m just grateful that you are.

I’ve always wanted the best for the teammates I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside. Their success was never about me - it’s about their grit, their brilliance, their ability to rise and win together. I’m proud of them, and I’ll always be cheering them on, even from afar.

I don’t wish I was there, because I’m here. Writing the first chapter of a new book. Building something different with the next team I’ll be fortunate to sit beside. Of course, I miss my past crew, they’ll always hold a special place in my heart, but wishing to be back would mean missing the growth and direction that’s unfolding now.

So instead of “wish you were here,” here’s what I wish for you:

• That you never stop celebrating the moments of progress - big or small.

• That you lean into the uncomfortable conversations and challenges, because they’re the birthplace of growth. 

• That you keep lifting each other up, because the best wins are the ones shared.

• That you always remember the impact you have, not just on your business, but on the people standing next to you.

• That you stand authentically you, no matter what is thrown at you, and never question how much you matter.  

Because even if I’m not in the room, I’m still in your corner - as your cheerleader, collaborator, and friend.

Heather's comments

To piggyback or dovetail on what Natalie said, I’m not only glad that they are there and had the most magical week of camaraderie, sales training, and building skills to make an impact, but I’m also deeply grateful that I am here.

The real game-changer was reflecting on this last week during this week we always look forward to and realizing how lucky I am that I was laid off earlier this year.… yes, really.

I never would have realized how strong and solid my partnership with my husband is  -  someone who held me up when I wanted to crumble.I never would have realized how absolutely incredible my friends are - stepping in to give me confidence when I was doubting myself.I never would have understood the reach of the support system I had built - people showing up in ways I never imagined.

And finally,

I never would have known that I’m pretty badass leader who has so much more to give and that my job doesn’t, and never has, defined me.

I don't wish for anyone to have the rug pulled out from under them like we did. However, I do hope everyone gets to experience the kind of growth that comes from being pushed into the unknown and emerging stronger on the other side. If I had stayed stuck in my past, I wouldn’t be the person I am now.  And the best part? I actually like who I am ,now, even more than I did six months ago.

Thank you for wishing we were still there, but I’m so grateful that we’re not. I will always be cheering you all on from the sidelines and possibly being part of your support system when you need it most, and all I ask is the same in return

Chris’s Comments

Last week was Sales Summit. This year, I reluctantly went, and truthfully? I had a blast. I laughed harder than I expected, I learned more than I thought I would, and I walked away a better version of myself.

But here’s the part I wasn’t sure I could admit. Natalie wasn’t there. And something in me felt guilty for enjoying it without her. Like my growth would somehow be disrespectful, or that celebrating what I got out of the week would rub salt into the wound of her absence.

When I finally told her that, she didn’t hesitate. She very quickly said, “That’s dumb.” Then she reminded me—she could celebrate for me and with me, even if she wasn’t standing in the room. Heather echoed that same truth.

That moment made me pause. Because it forced me to see what real leadership looks like. The kind that doesn’t need the spotlight or the invite. The kind that doesn’t shrink when the circumstances shift. The kind that says, “Go win, and I’ll cheer from the sidelines if I have to.”

So yes, I learned a lot at Summit. But an equally important lesson came after: impact doesn’t die when you lose the stage. Sometimes the loudest voices in your corner are the ones who aren’t even in the building.

That’s Natalie. That’s Heather. And that’s why some of us Damaged Leaders still matter—because they remind us that the work isn’t about where we sit, it’s about who we sit beside. Think about that as you lead your own teams.