Resiliency in Hard Times: Leaders Gathered, Ideas Shared, Community Strengthened

There is something special that happens when leaders from different organizations come together with a shared purpose.

Conversations become more honest, ideas begin to take shape, and connections are formed that last well beyond the time spent together.

That is what made our recent Irresistible Workplace Initiative Gathering: Resiliency in Hard Times for Leaders and Organizations so meaningful.

Leaders from a range of industries joined us at the Smyrna Train Depot on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for a day centered on a challenge every leader understands: staying steady while guiding people through uncertainty, change, and adversity. Throughout the day, people shared real experiences, practical ideas, and lessons learned through their own leadership journeys.

Holley and Tony were joined by Greg Pihs and Colby Jubenville, and together they helped create a space where people could think honestly about leadership, resilience, and the kind of workplaces we are all trying to build. One theme continued to surface throughout the day: strong organizations are shaped by leaders who care about people, build trust, communicate honestly, and create cultures where people can thrive, even when the road is hard.

Greg Pihs encouraged attendees to think about authentic leadership in a deeply personal way. He challenged leaders to reconnect with who they are, recognize the potential within themselves, and remember that resilience often begins on the inside. His message was a reminder that the work we do as leaders starts with the work we are willing to do in ourselves.

Colby Jubenville invited participants to take a closer look at one of the most important parts of any healthy organization: trust. Drawing from his work as a trusted advisor, professor, and leadership coach, he reminded leaders that people do not follow titles; they follow trust. He encouraged leaders to create places where people feel safe speaking honestly, and to remember that trust is built when leaders go first, listen well, and lead through real relationships.

Holley and Tonyhelped guide the day’s conversations by connecting resilient leadership back to the heart of the Irresistible Workplace Initiative: helping organizations build workplaces where people and businesses thrive. Their insights helped frame resilience not only as getting through hard times, but as building cultures strong enough to support people in the middle of them.

One of the most encouraging parts of the gathering was the variety of perspectives in the room. Each organization has its own story and its own challenges, but there was a shared understanding that resilient leadership is built through clear communication, trust, strong values, and the willingness to keep learning together.

The conversations around the tables were a powerful reminder that leaders do not have to walk through hard seasons alone. When we make room to learn from one another, encourage one another, and share what we are seeing and experiencing, everyone leaves stronger.

We are grateful to everyone who attended, contributed to the discussion, and helped make the gathering so meaningful. The openness, honesty, and care in the room are what continue to make the Irresistible Workplace Initiative feel like more than a series of events. It is becoming a community of leaders who are committed to building workplaces where people and organizations can flourish.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to gathering again as we continue learning, growing, and building irresistible workplaces together.