Kondwera: Mothers are legends and we’re raising the next wave. Oh, just you watch.
#LeapCon2025 was nothing short of legendary, and I’m convinced its impact will extend far beyond those who attended. The proof may very well be in the first photo. Without ever seeing the photo of Ilana Golan, my son unknowingly mimicked her posture. Whether it was a funny coincidence or something more, it reminded me that what we choose to immerse ourselves in, who we surround ourselves with, and how we respond to challenges all ripple through and serve as examples to those closest to us.
A last-minute need led me to the ambitious step of bringing my son with me to Silicon Valley for my first Leap Academy conference. Despite having three contingency plans, life tested even those, and for a moment, I wondered if it was a sign not to go. But I’m so glad I pushed through. The experience was incredible. Had I not gone, I would have been left asking, "What if?" So, I crafted an exciting itinerary for my curious little explorer, and off we went! My coach, Shannon Vukovljak, would call this “taking massive action."
Of course, I couldn’t have done it alone. Thanks to my friend who babysat, I was able to be fully present in the sessions. Meanwhile, my little one enjoyed a planetarium, two aquariums, playgrounds, and sites between San Francisco and Monterey. While walking around the hotel, my little reader found this sign, and he exclaimed, “That’s where Mommy has gone to work!” (He doesn’t quite understand what a conference is yet, but there may be multiple applicable meanings).
This was just an example of a mom making things happen. I had something important to do for myself, and I found a way. Choosing ourselves isn’t always easy. It can be hard to prioritize our needs while managing everything else.
Moms some feel the pull to do it all and, as parents, in general, but especially for those of us who work, Murphy throws out random barriers that we expertly navigate. No one should ever count mothers out.
After my last post, someone asked what was on my mental soundtrack. Right now, it’s "Legends Are Made" by Sam Tinnesz.
“I've got that lightnin' inside me
Son of a God
I'm like a titan that's risin'
Oh, just you watch
I'm steppin' into fate
There is no time to waste…I'm crankin' up on the throttle
Victory is mine
Show you the harder the battle
The harder I fight
I've come too far to quit
Step back I'm goin' in…Like iron
From the fire
Gettin' stronger
This is how legends are made
Above it all
Untouchable
A new animal”
The lyrics are fitting today and on theme for LeapCon 2025 and the inspiring words of Trent Shelton, Tim Storey, and Ilana herself.
Embracing bold actions, like investing in ourselves and accepting the support of trusted friends, can have a lasting impact on our state, all we do, and those around us… even our little ones.
After all, "This is how legends are made."
I shared a version of this on my LinkedIn.