Instagram

Contact Us Today

ambitiousadulting101

Leadership Specialist | Business & Process Optimization | Helping Teams Build Confidence and Deliver Results

Teamwork doesn’t make the dream work. Trust does

Teamwork doesn’t make the dream work.
Trust does.

You can have:
• The best team
• The slickest tools
• The flashiest retreats

…and still fail.

Why?
Because most “teams” aren’t actually teams.
They’re individuals protecting turf, managing egos, and pretending to collaborate.

Sometimes it’s a toxic teammate.
Sometimes it’s the leader.
(That’s when it really unravels.)

You don’t need more team-building.
You need more truth-telling.

More:
“I messed up.”
“I’ve got your back.”
“I trust you to lead this.”

Real teamwork = earned trust.
Built over time. Modeled by leaders. Lived by everyone.

So if your team’s off…
Ask yourself:
Do we trust each other enough to tell the truth?

Because without trust?
You don’t have a team.
Just a group of people with matching email signatures.

The dream works at the speed of trust.

#Leadership #Teamwork #TrustAtWork #AmbitiousAdulting #OrganizationalCulture

She didn’t need more motivation. She needed perm

She didn’t need more motivation.
She needed permission to trim the branch.

A client of mine was frustrated.
She’d been holding on to a Q1 goal that just wasn’t working.
But she kept saying:
“I already told people this was what I was going to do.”

Sound familiar?

We paused.
We looked at the facts.
We asked better questions:
What do you want now?

And then—she made the move.
Cutting what no longer fit.

Not failure.
Gardening.

Trim what isn’t growing.
Make room for what will.

That’s reinvention.
That’s spring energy.
That’s Ambitious Adulting.

PS: I talk about this and share the saga of my nearly-dead (but beloved) money tree in this week’s newsletter.
Link in bio.
Go see what’s growing.

#AmbitiousAdulting #SpringReset #Reinvention #Q2Goals #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Coaching #PersonalGrowth #PlantParent #MoneyTree

You’re not behind. You’re just ready to grow..

You’re not behind.
You’re just ready to grow...
(This week’s newsletter is technically about “reinvention”…
…but it’s really just an excuse to show off photos of my garden. 😅)

Q1 is done.

Whether you crushed your goals or totally missed the mark—it’s all just data now.

In this issue, I share a personal story (about a once-dying money tree - ALERT NPR... HA), the mindset of reinvention, and three strategic moves you can make to reset for Q2.

Spoiler Alert: Growth rarely looks like hustle.
It usually starts with a pause.

Check out the full post below—and yes, there are flower pics.
You’re welcome. (Check Bio for the link)

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #QuarterlyPlanning #Reinvention #AmbitiousAdulting #InfluentialU #Q2Reset #ProfessionalDevelopment #Coaching #Newsletter

How do you get through the hardest things in life?

How do you get through the hardest things in life? Gratitude.

Unfair moments? Gratitude.
Tempted to spiral or stay stuck? Gratitude.

Every day I take 9 minutes:
3 to feel grateful for my life and the world.
3 to pray for and think about others.
3 to plan and prepare for what I must do today.

I learned this from Tony Robbins—and it’s saved me more than once.
Try it.
It’s simple.
It works.

What’s good, #goodfriday?

📸: @onwardscollective

Most people think I walk into companies with all t

Most people think I walk into companies with all the answers.

Truth is, the answers are usually already in the room.

I once worked with a team saying:

“We need more collaboration!”
“More energy! New ideas!”

But when we got into the real work?
Crickets.

They didn’t have a collaboration problem.
They had a leadership avoidance problem.

No one wanted to own a decision.
Everyone was waiting for someone else to move first.

Clarity doesn’t come from comfort.
It comes from structure.
From deliberate practice.
From being willing to lead, even when it’s messy.

Your people want direction.
They want momentum.

Are you clearing the path for them?

Because the answers are probably already there.
My job? Helping your team be brave enough to say them out loud.

#Leadership #Leaderness #ConsultingLife #SpeakerLife #AmbitiousAdulting101 #BoldLeadership

“Servant leadership” is often used as an excus

“Servant leadership” is often used as an excuse to avoid making decisions.

There. I said it.

Too often, I see leaders freeze while their teams derail progress—then justify it by saying:

“I don’t want to force anything.”
“I want the team to feel heard.”

That’s not servant leadership.
That’s avoidance.

Real leadership is decisive.
It’s clear. Structured. Practiced.
(It’s a little like dancing—relational, but led.)

When a firefighter sees a building on fire, they don’t ask the crew how they feel about it.
They lead. They act. They move others to act.

This week’s newsletter breaks down what decision-making really looks like.

Read it. Challenge it. Apply it.
(Link in bio)

#Leadership #ServantLeadership #BoldLeadership #TeamDevelopment #AmbitiousAdulting101 #Leaderness

NEW BLOG: “Decide Like a Leader” What do fire

NEW BLOG: “Decide Like a Leader”

What do firefighters, city councils, and CEOs have in common? (And more importantly—what separates the ones who act from the ones who stall?)

Over the last few weeks, I watched a city council member avoid making decisions by delivering a five-minute monologue about how hard it was for him.

No analysis.
No insight.
No leadership.

Just a plea for sympathy… for being our leader...? (WHAT...?)

If you’re in leadership (or working with those who are), this post is for you.

This is what high-pressure pros actually do to make better decisions—and how your team can do the same.

Give it a read—and let me know what kind of decision-maker you are. 😜 (We’ll find out when we see your decisions, anyway...)

#Leadership #DecisionMaking #Clarity #Process

Excited to team up with @afpsbv for this event. Op

Excited to team up with @afpsbv for this event. Open to guests!

See @afpsbv for more details.

Don’t sell!!! Invite!!!

Every conversation does not have to be about contr

Every conversation does not have to be about contracts, KPIs, or quarterly projections.

Sometimes, you just need to send one final email, close your laptop with dramatic flair, and walk into the weekend like you’re starring in your own biopic.

Kick your shoes off and TREAT YO SELF!!!

If you’ve had a week full of back-to-back meetings, document revisions, and “circling back”—consider this your permission slip to chill.

You’ve earned it.
Go for a walk.
Play some soccer.
Eat a burrito.
Pretend you don’t know what a Zoom link is or how to use it.
Work as hard at resting as you do at work!

After all you shouldn’t work to live, you should live to work!!!)

See you on Monday. 🏝️🍹😴

#AmbitiousAdulting #FridayVibes #LinkedInHumor #WeekendMode #Leadership

One of the hardest contracts I ever had to send…

One of the hardest contracts I ever had to send… was the first one.

I had a bad case of “imposter syndrome”.

I worried they’d laugh at my pricing.

I triple-checked the PDF for typos like I was submitting it to NASA.

But here’s what no one tells you when you’re getting started as a speaker or consultant:

The contract isn’t the scary part.
The belief that you haven’t earned it is.

Once I realized that this “inductive kick” was just a feeling, and that the “lightswitch” that is the contract is simply the moment the real work happens—that’s when things changed.

It’s not about “getting the signature” it’s about aligning intentions.

Now, I send contracts after I have a few meetings of the mind. After I truly understand the breakdown and know that I can provide a solution.

Contracts setthe tone: “We’re professionals. Let’s build something real.”

If you’re working without contracts because you’re afraid of the “inductive kick”- remember that you’re not only protecting you… you’re also protecting the client.

It’s incredibly helpful in your wrap up meetings, as well, to be able to point to what you said you’d deliver, and prove that you did.

Perhaps it’s time to renegotiate with your own self-doubt.

Oh, and that first contract?

J.R. Luna

And we just signed another one. 🥹

Looking forward to working with his team.

There is literally nothing better than growing your business while helping to grow your client’s businesses as well.

Thanks for trusting me, J.R.!

8 years later and we’re still doing it!

(Only now… we do it with much more confidence and much less “imposter syndrome”.)

#ConsultingLife #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #CourageToClose #ImposterSyndrome #ProfessionalGrowth #KeynoteSpeaker #SpeakerLife #TrustInBusiness

Some people think sending a contract too early wil

Some people think sending a contract too early will ruin the relationship.
I think NOT sending one ruins your credibility.

If you’re serious about working together, why hide the part that makes it real? (Moves the idea from the subjective to the objective…)

A contract isn’t aggressive. It’s a sign of respect. It says:
“I value our time, and I’m ready to make this official.”

The hesitation isn’t strategy—it’s fear.
And fear doesn’t close deals.

Fear kills ideas.

Normalize leading with clarity instead of charisma.

Send the contact.

The last webinar of “Close Big Sales” w/ the Ventura Chamber of Commerce is next Tuesday!

Link to read more and register in the bio.

#LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessMindset #SalesTruths #CourageToClose #ProfessionalGrowth #TrustAndTransparency #KeynoteSpeaker #CorporateTraining

I used to delay sending contracts. I’d have a g

I used to delay sending contracts.

I’d have a great discovery call, get verbal buy-in, and then… hesitate. (And usually forget…)

Why?

Because somewhere deep down, I thought the contract would scare people away.

I had a mentor once say, “Josh, if you don’t learn to love the contract, you’re going to constantly struggle with money, which will effect your work, which will effect our company…

…Respect your own offer, or no one else will.”

That moment shifted everything.

Now, I send contracts early and confidently—not because I’m trying to “close the deal,” but because it sets clear expectations, protects both parties, and signals professionalism.

It also lets them know that I’m a pro and will take care of business.

If we’re in business together, the courage to close is part of the job.mmm

We owe it to ourselves, our teams, our families, and our companies to get good with “the contract.”

Transact powerfully!

(Link to this week’s newsletter on “Don’t Be Afraid of the Contract” in my bio.)

#LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #SalesStrategy #CommunicationSkills #CorporateTraining #KeynoteSpeaker #TeamPerformance #TrustInBusiness #HRLeadership #WorkplaceCulture

Don’t Be Afraid of the Contract You’ve pitche

Don’t Be Afraid of the Contract

You’ve pitched.
You’ve presented.
Now it’s time to sign… and suddenly, it gets awkward.

Let’s fix that.

This week’s newsletter is for salespeople, fundraisers, consultants, and ambitious adults who hesitate at the final ask.

What We’ll Cover:
-Why contracts are commitments, not confrontations
-The 3 ingredients that make it legal
-Why you should never start the work without one

Link in bio to read + register for our final Make Big Sales session on April 8th with the @venturachamber (It’s free!)

#sales #contractanxiety #closers #ambitiousadulting101 #makebigsales #consulting #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness

Growth may take time, discomfort, and sometimes a

Growth may take time, discomfort, and sometimes a little mud.
Keep going—you’re becoming something beautiful.
-j

#BloomWhereYourePlanted #GrowthMindset #FloralInspo #KeepGrowing #UncomfortableGrowth #SlowGrowthIsStillGrowth #NatureInspires #GardenTherapy

A few years ago, I delivered what I thought was a

A few years ago, I delivered what I thought was a flawless presentation.

I had practiced.
I had visuals.
I had jokes that landed. (this is my story. Remember… Just go with it for a second, okay… I am funny… I am. Anyways…)
I even had a “next steps” slide.

And then… crickets.

No email.
No response.
No deal.

After a few days, I finally reached out.
The prospect responded with:
“Honestly, it sounded great—but I wasn’t sure it was the right fit for me.”

That moment changed how I think about presentations.

I realized I had made the classic mistake:
I focused on what I wanted to say—instead of what THEY needed to hear.

Since then, I’ve restructured how I train teams to present (Thanks to Influential U!)

1. Produce a breakdown
2. Speak the language of the person in front of you
3. Invite decisions, and ask for the sale - not for applause

Your presentation isn’t about looking good.

It’s about making someone feel understood—and helping them take a clear next step.

What’s one lesson YOU learned from a sales pitch that didn’t go as planned?
Swap stories in the comments. You never know who needs to hear yours!

#ThoughtLeadership #SalesLessons #PresentLikeAPro #CloseBigSales #AmbitiousAdulting101 #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #SalesCoaching #StorytellingInBusiness

Tired of pitching… and never closing? You probl

Tired of pitching… and never closing?

You problem may be your presentation.

In this carousel, I share the 5-part framework that turns info-dumps into YES decisions.

If you pitch anything—your services, a product, a partnership, or even just the show you like on Netflix—you’ll want to check this out.

Join @ambitiousadulting101 and the @venturachamber’s free “Close Big Sales Lunch & Learn” Today! (March 25 @ 12PM PST).
(If you can’t make it, a recording will be emailed to you, but you must register!)

Link to register is in my bio. (Or screen shot the last slide.)

#salesstrategy #linkedinforbusiness #presentationskills #leadershipdevelopment #ambitiousadulting101 #closebigsales #salescoach #webinar

“Your presentation is the product. Make it unfor

“Your presentation is the product. Make it unforgettable.”

Here’s a hard truth:

Most sales presentations are forgettable.
Even the good ones.

In this week’s newsletter, I break down why—and share the 5-part framework I teach business owners and top-performing teams to present with confidence, structure, and impact.

This is Part 2 of our “Close Big Sales” series, and if you pitch ideas, offers, or services—you’ll want to read this.

Link in bio to read the full post.

Free webinar this Tuesday @ 12PM PST with the @venturachamber

#PresentLikeAPro #CloseBigSales #EntrepreneurTips #PublicSpeaking #SalesCoach #SmallBusinessGrowth #AmbitiousAdulting

“Most people aren’t listening. They’re waiti

“Most people aren’t listening. They’re waiting for their turn to talk.”

I had literally just met the man.

I believe it was possibly his 12th sentence to me.

“Most people aren’t listening. They’re waiting for their turn to talk.”

I don’t remember what I said to deserve that quote.

I don’t remember what happened after he said it.

But I think about it, now, every single day.

That single piece of feedback changed my entire leadership trajectory.

I had always prided myself on being the sociable one.
The one with great ideas.
The one with natural leadership skills.
The one who could jump into any conversation with gusto and charisma.

But what I wasn’t doing?

Listening.

I said a lot of things, but didn’t make any points.

My mentor saw that.

He didn’t give me a five-step framework for leadership.

He didn’t try to micromanage my growth.

He just called it out—and left me to wrestle with it.

There was a shift.

At first, I resisted.

Then, I experimented.

Here’s where I’ve been told, I’ve improved:
✅ I pause more often before jumping in.
✅ I ask better questions instead of immediately offering solutions.
✅ I’ve learned to read between the lines of what isn’t being said.
✅ I stand my ground and stay calm—even when others get emotional.

The best leaders aren’t the greatest speakers.

They’re the greatest listeners.

I wish I had learned this sooner…

But I didn’t know that I wasn’t listening.
I was waiting for my turn to talk.

#Mentorship #Leadership #HowToBeMentored #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #LeadershipLessons

Poll Question: What’s the biggest lesson a mento

Poll Question: What’s the biggest lesson a mentor ever taught you?

Vote below or DM me your story!

My thoughts - A good mentor can change your life… IF you know how to be mentored…

A great mentor can shift your entire perspective—but only if you know how to receive, accept, decline, or counter their advice, invitations, feedback, coaching, counsel, and criticism.

We’ve all heard amazing mentorship advice… and some that was, well, questionable.

🚩 Maybe it was a blanket statement that covered way too much.
🚩 Maybe we tried to force a cute phrase to apply in situations where it just didn’t fit.
(Example: “Just Keep Swimming” isn’t great advice if you’re stuck in quicksand…)
🚀 Or maybe it was the exact advice we needed at the time, and it shifted how we think forever.

That’s what great mentors do—they help us shift paradigms and see what we couldn’t before.

#Mentorship #Leadership #HowToBeMentored #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #ambitiousadulting101

How to Be Mentored the Right Way: 5 Key Lessons M

How to Be Mentored the Right Way: 5 Key Lessons

Most people think they want a mentor—but don’t always know how to maximize the relationship.

Here’s how to find, learn from, and leave mentors the right way:

1. Be a follower, not a fan. Ask real questions, don’t just admire from a distance.
2. Take initiative. Don’t expect your mentor to do the work for you.
3. Challenge, but don’t rebel. Respect your mentor while thinking critically.
4. Know when to move on. Exit mentorships with gratitude.
5. Become a mentor yourself. Teach others what you’ve learned.

📖 I’m writing a book about this!
“How to Be Mentored: A Know-It-All’s Guide to Finding, Learning From, and Leaving Your Mentors”

Follow and subscribe on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!

#Mentorship #Leadership #HowToBeMentored #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalSuccess #SelfImprovement

Load More Follow on Instagram

Contact us Today!

Join 999+ Subscribers

Join Josh’s Latest Blog and Stay Up To Date With The Latest Info