“Just hush.”
Those were the words Momentum facilitator Kathy Boswell said to two-time Momentum alumna Kristy Stewart. Words Kristy says helped shift the way she approached her Momentum experience and her growth as a leader.
For Kristy, “just hush” was an invitation to slow down. To listen and sit with what she was learning instead of being continuously on the go.
“Momentum Works made me sit in it. The good, the bad, the ugly…and it gave me a safe space to do so,” Kristy shared.
That space became a pivotal point in Kristy’s leadership journey.
Through Momentum Works, Kristy had the opportunity to take an honest look at where she was, where she wanted to go, and what might need to change to get there. The program gave her the tools and support to reflect on her leadership while challenging her to think differently about what could come next.
One lesson in particular stuck with her. During the first Momentum Works session, Momentum CEO April Benetollo encouraged participants to always be willing to pivot like a sunflower turning toward the sun.
The lessons from Momentum Works encouraged Kristy to go for “it”. For her, “it” was Upward, Momentum’s cohort program designed for early- to mid-career leaders in middle management who are ready to grow and take the next step in their leadership journey.
Kristy applied and was accepted.
“Momentum Works was the introduction…Upward put fuel to the fire and really tested me to see if I could focus on what I learned in Works and apply it. Not just in the classes, but in my day-to-day.”
Momentum Works gave Kristy the space to reflect and better understand herself as a leader, while Upward challenged her to turn those lessons into action.
After completing Upward, Kristy was promoted to Senior Vice President at Pinnacle Financial Partners. She credits both programs with helping her prepare for that next step.
“I constantly refer back to my binders from Momentum Works and Upward. They both sit on my desk, and I carry those lessons everywhere with me.”
Today, Kristy continues to attend Momentum virtual training sessions and events, maintains an active membership and serves on Momentum’s Member Engagement Committee.
For Kristy, continued involvement is a reflection of how her own Momentum journey began: someone first invested in her.
“Somebody poured into me. Somebody gave me the opportunity to attend,” Kristy said. “The smallest thing I can do is be an active member, share on social media, and support Momentum. Momentum will always have my support because they supported me.”
