You already have the vision—now let’s make it real

We just wrapped the Spring cohort of the Inside Out Leadership Accelerator (IOLA), my signature program—and this one was truly special.

In our first week together, I guided a group of high-achieving women to uncover their unique Genius Zone (the strengths and purpose that make them extraordinary at work) and define their Vision (what success looks like on their terms—not anyone else’s).

These two elements create the foundation for everything that comes next.

If you’re at a career crossroads, it’s tempting to hold off until you have a polished five-year plan.

But in my experience, real clarity comes from getting honest, listening to your inner voice, and having the courage to take the next right step. And the next.

Below, I’m sharing some of the biggest insights that emerged in our first IOLA session (Week 1: Unlock Your Genius Zone & Define Your Vision), along with reflection prompts so you can begin doing this work on your own.

And if you’d like to be guided in this journey alongside a small group of like-minded, heart-led leaders, I’d love to invite you to APPLY HERE for the Fall 2025 IOLA cohort.

Spots are limited—and this round will include something extra special… more on this at the bottom of this newsletter.

Insight #1: Feeling stuck is often a sign you’ve outgrown your Excellence Zone.

In IOLA, as we explored the Zone of Genius—the work you’re naturally gifted at and can’t stop learning about—many realized they were stuck in their Zone of Excellence:

Doing what they were great at… but not what actually energized them. Thus, limiting their ability to make the impact they’re capable of.

This is what Gay Hendricks calls the Upper Limit Problem—staying too long in a role that brings external rewards while slowly abandoning what truly fulfills you.

We all tend to play it safe out of our natural instinct to stay in homeostasis.

If you like your job but something still feels misaligned, pay attention.

As one client put it:

“It’s not just what you do. It’s how you feel while doing it.”

For example—maybe you’re amazing at leading high-stakes projects, but what truly lights you up is mentoring your team and creating a space where others thrive.

As you model a leadership style rooted in authentic human connection, you build trust, which, in turn, positively impacts your team’s performance.

Reflection Prompt:

What parts of your work are you excellent at…but feeling drained by? Where are you bumping up against your Upper Limit Problem?

Insight #2: Doing work that energizes you isn’t a luxury—it’s your unique path.

One IOLA participant lit up when she said:

“I love solving complex problems—but only when they involve people. That’s when I’m on fire.”

The moment she said it, her voice softened—that’s what I call embodied clarity, our inner knowing, and ultimate compass.

She ended up deciding to step away from her current senior leadership role to redesign her career to optimize for what matters to her.

After coaching hundreds of leaders, I’ve seen this again and again:

When you design your career around your Genius Zone, you’re fully invested, emotionally and energetically—and a higher level of success follows. And remember: your definition of success is uniquely your own.

Reflection Prompt:

What part of your work makes you feel most like yourself—alive, in flow, and on fire?

Insight #3: When you’re unclear on your priorities, you follow someone else’s.

It’s hard to get clear on the change you want to make when you over-function and overwork for the sake of keeping it all together for your team, clients, your org.

But people-pleasing and over-functioning are not sustainable leadership strategies. You can’t lead powerfully while chronically sidelining your own needs.

Here’s a better strategy:

Name your top 3 “big rocks”—the priorities that align with your Genius Zone. Then decide what to delegate, delay, or delete.

Your work will feel more fulfilling when you stay focused and honor your boundaries. Plus, you model healthier working habits for those around you.

If you work in a culture where overwork and burnout are normalized, this is even more difficult to do.

Reflection Prompt:

Where are you over-functioning just to keep the peace—and what’s one boundary you can reset this week?

Insight #4: If you feel stuck, it’s probably an inner conflict between your fear and your soul.

Several participants in IOLA spoke about feeling stuck in inaction—not because they lacked skills or ideas, but because because fear made them procrastinate or avoid taking action.

One said:

“I know what I want. But I act like I don’t. I’m my own worst enemy.”

That’s the Upper Limit in action—where fear kicks in just as we’re about to expand. And it’s so common.

Here’s the truth: Fear doesn’t mean stop. Sometimes it means: “You’re getting close to what really matters.”

We are conditioned to wait for permission, or for the “right” moment. But your soul doesn’t care about your self-imposed timeline. It cares about you being in alignment with your values.

Another client got teary-eyed when she said:

“I already know. I’m just afraid to say it out loud.”

It takes courage to tell the truth and take the initiative to make a change—especially when it means disrupting your way of living and working.

Reflection Prompt:

What truth are you afraid to say out loud? What bold move would you make if you trusted it would work out?

Insight #5: Clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

So many clients say:

“I just need more clarity.”

But what they really need is to make a move. Movement creates momentum—and that creates clarity.

Stop waiting to feel ready. Make a move. Write the email. Take the class. Book the call.

Everything you’ve experienced until this point is leading naturally to your next chapter.

As you fully open up your heart, actually envisioning yourself bringing your vision to life, you’ll naturally activate your creative thinking to make it work.

Maybe it’s designing a new product. Or co-creating a new role within your org. Or advocating for your team.

Clarity isn’t a prerequisite for action.

As you write your one-year vision, say it out loud, and take small steps toward it, clarity emerges.

One client stopped procrastinating and finally booked the networking calls she’d avoided for months. Another launched a test run of the business she’d only ever journaled about.

Because momentum creates clarity—not the other way around.

Reflection Prompt:

What small, bold move could you make this week toward what you think you want?

It’s a radical act to prioritize joy, alignment, and purpose. It takes courage to get real about your vision—and be willing to follow through.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

The next IOLA, launching this Fall, is going to be even more expansive—because why not make it even better?

I’m envisioning us kicking things off with a one-day, in-person retreat… in a gorgeous setting right here in magical Santa Barbara. We’ll workshop your ideas, build meaningful connections, and leave feeling clear, energized, and ready to take bold action.

This special retreat will be open to all current and past clients… stay tuned for more details coming soon!

With love and empowerment,

Ramona

P.S. Know someone standing at a crossroads? Forward this their way—sometimes, all we need is a nudge to remember what’s possible.