A Newsletter About Leadership, Community, and Celebrating What Matters
leopard print background with “When one of us rises, all of us rise.”
A reflection on leadership, resilience, and the work of staying grounded.
That question feels more urgent in moments of uncertainty. Economic shifts, rapid technological change, and the constant hum of news that tells us the world is either accelerating or unraveling.
In her recent bestseller Strong Ground, Brené Brown invites a new model of courageous leadership: one rooted in connection, discipline, and accountability. It argues that strength is not the absence of vulnerability but the willingness to engage with it. To name values. To navigate paradoxes. To have difficult conversations.
She asks core questions that BWB and many of our clients are sitting with as we strive for stability but not stagnation:
How do we build strong foundations in environments that are constantly shifting?
What does leadership look like when certainty is scarce?
These questions are not theoretical. They shape how businesses operate, how communities thrive, and how individuals find meaning in their work.
Our Friends Doing the Work
One of the privileges of our work at BWB is witnessing the creativity and resilience of small businesses and storytellers striving to make an impact. A few moments worth celebrating...
Deliver Us documentary cover
Our dear friend, and long time collaborator, Randi Matthews has brought to life an essential documentary project examining the Black maternal health crisis through the leadership and advocacy of Black midwives. Keep your eyes on this project and show some support for storytelling as care and social awareness.
Chef Javier Villatoro from Coray Kitchen rolling dough
BWB’s favorite restaurant, and Casey’s second business baby, was just awarded the title of Best Restaurant, Eastern Region as part of New York State’s Restaurant Associations RISE Awards. A testament to hard work, culinary craft, and community, reminding us that local businesses shape the character of the places we call home.
Red for Revolution work collage with images from the cover art, website, and moodboard
Clients and inspiration extraordinaires, Renee and Jana, keep pushing into new heights, recently being awarded two AMBIE awards for Best Fiction Scriptwriting and Best Fiction Series. We celebrate their recognition for creative excellence in a landscape where independent voices often struggle to be heard.
Maeghan Scott and Melodie Toby from Right at Home of Essex County
Caring Super Star Award 7th Year
Maeghan, Melodie and the whole Right at Home of Essex County are at it again. Earning the Caring Super Star Award for the 7th Year! Showcasing recognition for sustained commitment to compassionate care in an industry built on human dignity.
These wins matter. Not only as accolades, but as evidence that thoughtful, purpose-driven work can thrive. They also raise questions:
How do we support small businesses in a marketplace that often favors scale over individuality?
What choices can communities make to preserve diversity and creativity?
And how do we celebrate success without losing sight of the people and values behind it?
Small Businesses, Big Questions
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Small business owners are navigating complex pressures—rising costs, workforce challenges, and the homogenizing pull of large platforms.
Many are asking:
*How do we remain independent and distinctive? *
*What action steps actually move the needle? *
*How can communities support local enterprises in meaningful ways?*
There are no simple solutions. But there are practices:
*Prioritize relationships over transactions
*Invest in quality and authenticity
*Advocate for policies that support entrepreneurship
*Share knowledge and resources
*Celebrate businesses that reflect community values
The work of supporting small businesses is the work of preserving ecosystems. These are places where innovation and individuality can flourish.
The Akera Experience
BWB custom graphic with colorful collage graphic featuring a blue moon, a yellow leaf, green bracnhes, and a red tiger; red text stating “A DEEP REST RETREAT”
What becomes possible when we allow ourselves to rest? Join us April 22–26 or this fall September 30–October 4 in the Catskills and find out. We have three shared spaces available for April. Time to get some rest.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
The BWB Soundtrack Light blue record player with black record
