2020 was tough, to say the least.

Between the pandemic turning our world upside down and unprecedented challenges we never imagined, many of us couldn't wait until 2020 was over and 2021 to be here. Now that 2021 is here, many of us are still doing our best to adapt to the “new normal." It's hard not to feel anxious about the future, especially in light of a new year.

One thing we know for certain is that regardless of what happens next, you’ll still need your tribe and support group. Hopefully, you’ve been leaning into your relationships already for comfort and support. If you haven’t, it’s not too late to start. Our relationships are key to our well-being, and as we continue to manage the stress and uncertainty of the coronavirus, we need our relationships now more than ever. Let’s look at the reasons why.

The following is adapted from Assemble the Tribe.

Support Helps Us Grow

Our support networks don’t just pick us up when...

The holidays remind us about each other 

By almost any measure, 2020 has been an incredible year. The world has experienced so much loss and pain. However, in the midst of hardship, we have also seen the beauty of humanity and been reminded of the importance of family and relationships.  As I pause and reflect, I would like to share my annual Holiday Message. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays. 

Even if we can't be physically together as friends and family, my prayer is that we can still find ways to love each other and connect. Whether we are together, apart, or remembering loved ones, let us take the time to connect with our tribes any way that we can. We need people and they need us, especially this holiday season.  

Thank you to each and every one of you, for your love, support, well wishes, and friendship as we connect and build our tribes in a whole new way. Be well, stay safe, and stay connected.

Xo 

Leah 

Today is the day! It’s finally here!! It’s BOOK RELEASE DAY!!

Today I get to share my “baby” with all of you. To be honest it’s a little nerve-wracking! As with human babies we birth, there are some parts of them you may love, while you would prefer to set aside others. My hope is that every single person who reads Assemble the Tribe will join me on this journey of the tribe and experience a shift for themselves, their tribes, and the next generation of young women.

What is happening today?

Ok, ok, so much is happening today! Today all across the world you will be able to purchase your copy of Assemble the Tribe! You can also join me on social media as I share messages about the book. Please share posts about the book with your friends and connections and invite them to join the tribe! Let's get the message of the book out there. Last but not least, tonight there will be a virtual launch party. You can register here! Join the party! 

...

Today I am SUPER excited, she says in her excited, yet calm voice! Today I want to share my book-writing journey and the biggest lesson I learned from writing a book.

Where did it all begin…

About five years ago I went on a journey to discover my purpose. I loved my job. I helped leaders build organizations and tribes, but I knew I needed something more. I spent hours in what I call “personal strategic planning.” I dedicated time to thinking, talking to mentors, and praying, but still whatever “it” was, escaped me. 

Then one day, I remember it like yesterday, I was sitting in my kitchen and it came to me, “Leah, you are going to use all your talents, experience, and gifts to help women and girls.” Well, who saw that coming? I know I sure did not! However, the push was so clear that I knew it was time to take action. That’s how my journey of bringing women together began.  

Shortly after that moment in my kitchen, I got...

Writing a book is NOT easy. I am sure there are some authors who write books with a clear concept in mind and it never changes. In my case, I started with an outline, and then the book, through my life experiences, began to write itself.  Here are some of my findings.

What is tribe?

You see, when I first started writing Assemble the Tribe, I thought I was writing a book about how to create a connected thriving strong female group. However, through my experiences and the stories of others, I learned that the process of creating a healthy tribe is NOTHING like I imagined or had experienced. Here are three myths that regularly get in the way. 

Myth #1: A tribe is just a “group” of people

Well...this one is both true and false. Most of us think about our tribes as the “groups” of people we choose to spend time with. However, if we dig deep into the word “tribe” as I did, the history and use of the word tribe are COMPLICATED! Tribes can be...

Today’s blog is about discovering why we need to think about our tribes right NOW! I hope you will feel my passion and share in the urgency. Our tribes really do matter. 

Why is this idea of tribe important?

The more I have read, researched, and written, the more I have learned about why now, more than at any other time in our history, we need to talk about our tribes. For me, it comes down to three simple, but powerful words - I call them the three R’s.

1. Relationships
2. Rejection
3. Reliance

Let me explain…

Relationships are important

We need relationships to THRIVE, they are not optional. It’s 2020 and it’s almost as if the lenses on our glasses have been strengthened. Suddenly, we can see in a whole new way - the divides, isolation, and loneliness that are attacking the world in epic proportions. Research shows that our relationships impact our physical, mental, and emotional health and that we need each other! As we try to navigate the pandemic,...

I am so excited to welcome you to my new blog! 

Today marks the beginning of a journey that I have every expectation will change over time. Some days you will receive a written post and at other times I will send you video or audio.  I will use whatever method helps me to connect with you in ways that matter. Please share the blog, comment on the ideas and concepts you love, and let me know what you would like to know more about. This way we can co-create and grow together. 

Let’s start at the beginning…

Just in case you have never met me before, my name is Leah J M Dean. The J stands for Julie, which is my mom’s name. The M, that’s Michelle. No deep family meaning there, my mom said it sounded nice...Leah Julie Michelle and I agree. However, I do have at least 5 girlfriends, including my best friend, who have the same first or middle name. Michelle also means “who is like God”. What better life goal could there be? So I am...