I was recently listening to a Brené Brown podcast featuring an interview with Abby Wambach. Abby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup champion, and the highest all-time international goal scorer for any soccer player, regardless of gender. After retiring from professional sports, Abby discovered a new passion for public speaking, leadership development, and social advocacy. I was so inspired by the podcast that I had to purchase Abby’s book that they were discussing – Wolfpack.

In her book Wolfpack, Abby shares the leadership lessons she learned throughout her career and encourages readers to embrace their strengths by showing up as their most authentic selves. Although the book is geared towards women, the leadership traits she discusses are applicable to any reader. She challenges outdated cultural norms and redefines leadership in a way that is inclusive, empowering, and accessible to all.

A while back, I hit a wall. Not a dramatic, crash and burn type of burnout. It was quieter, more deceptive. I was still delivering, still showing up, still checking the boxes, but I had completely lost my spark. The creative energy, the strategic edge, the little “oomph” in my day, the part of me that loved this work.

So, I stepped back. I said “no” more often. I deleted apps and silenced notifications. I started doing less.

SMPS Colorado hosted its annual Marketing Excellence Awards on May 22^nd at the beautiful Balistreri Vineyards. This signature event celebrates the outstanding achievements of Colorado’s top AEC firms and marketing professionals across a range of categories. The evening was emceed by the ever-energizing Lisa White, who added a meaningful touch by encouraging attendees to seek out, create, and share joy every day.

Help us congratulate this year’s winners!

A few weeks ago, I took a trip down to Manitou Springs to do the Manitou Incline—a 2,744-step hike that covers less than a mile of horizontal distance, making it famously steep. The average grade is 45%, with some sections reaching as high as 68%. By the time you reach the top, you’ve climbed more than 2,000 feet in elevation.

I had never heard of this hike before I did it. When I got invited to go, I looked it up and thought it sounded “fun.” That may have been  an ignorant thought.

InDesign Templates for AEC Proposals

Customizable templates for RFPs, SOQs, resumes, etc. “Not a great writer? Can’t afford a pro? On a tight deadline? No problem. Just fire up your Proposal Kit, pick a layout, enter your company, client, and project details—and let the AI Writer do the heavy lifting. In minutes, you’ll have a first draft ready to edit.”

Tucked into the vibrant heart of Denver’s RiNo Arts District, Corsica Wine Bar  is a compelling new addition to the city's dining scene, and a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors—both on the plate and in the glass.

At Corsica, wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a condiment, an essential pairing that enhances every bite. The 200+ bottle wine list, curated by award-winning duo Emily Nevin-Giannini and Gretchen Thomas (of Barcelona Wine Bar fame), is a treasure trove of European selections, with a focus on rare, farmer-crafted wines from Corsica and beyond. Impressively, three-quarters of the list is priced under $75, making exceptional wine remarkably approachable.

The 2025 Strike Gold Conference in Park City, Utah, felt like just that-striking gold with a pivotal professional experience. Approaching my sixth year in AEC marketing, the conference provided an overview of the broader industry landscape in 2025. I gained insights from professionals who deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities in our industry. 

From the intricacies of data visualization, marketing strategy, neuromarketing, and streamlining Word to InDesign to the nuances of team and time management, the regional conference served as a powerful connector in the A/E/C industry. We were all there as AEC marketers, united in our roles, whether we were content strategists, pursuit managers, social media innovators, or technical communicators. Our firms, ranging in size, spanned the Mountain States & Southwest. Throughout the two days, we cultivated a powerful sense of shared perspective, sparking numerous ideas for new tools, and allowing an avenue for insights from people who truly understand what it means to be an AEC marketer. It was inspiring to learn from marketers who continue to push the envelope on creativity and resourcefulness.

Business development often gets boxed into metrics: calls made, meetings booked, pursuits tracked. And sure, those things matter, but for me, BD has always been less about the chase and more about the connection. It’s not a numbers game; it’s hospitality. It’s hosting.

Think about the best party you’ve ever been to. What made it great? Was it the music? The food? The perfect guest list? Maybe. But chances are, it was the host. The person who greeted you warmly, made sure you felt welcome, and introduced you to someone new with a thoughtful “You two have to meet.”