Have you ever had a book resonate so deeply it felt like the author was speaking directly to you? That was my experience with Shonda Rhimes' transformative work, "Year of YES." Yes, the Shonda Rhimes—the mastermind behind TV hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and the unofficial queen of Thursday night television. While she may not know it, her book turned her into my personal mentor. And because she dared to write a book in such an authentic, relatable, girl-next-door way, she is unwittingly, but most definitely my new best friend. Back in 2013, a simple yet profound observation from her sister—"You never say yes to anything"—jolted Shonda into a new reality. This pivotal moment inspired her to start embracing every challenge, from public speeches at Dartmouth to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It wasn’t just about accepting invitations; it was about engaging fully with life, enhancing her health, and cherishing moments with her children. Witnessing her transformation, I couldn’t help but start my own "Year of Yes." On a chilly January morning, as I packed for a trip to Chicago—Shonda’s hometown—I decided to challenge myself to embrace "yes" at every turn. This wasn't just about mimicking her—it was about redefining my own life’s narrative from passive to active. It began with waking up early, which led to discovering an inspiring podcast on life's purpose. The day continued with a profound interaction with my shuttle driver, whose resilience and gratitude were so compelling, it felt like he walked right out of a novel. He even gifted me an umbrella as a keepsake, a simple act that felt deeply significant. The journey didn’t stop there. Choosing to listen more than I spoke, I uncovered my Uber driver's harrowing escape from a war-torn country to the hopeful avenues of Chicago. Spontaneity led me to the box office of "Hamilton," where I snagged a last-minute ticket to the sold-out show—an exhilarating testament to the power of "yes." The Power of Yes: A New Way of Living This newfound perspective wasn't confined to grand gestures; it permeated my daily decisions. It found me saying yes to decluttering, embracing strategic naps, and tackling dreaded projects. I even found myself saying yes to green kale drinks, a testament to my commitment to health, no matter the taste. But saying yes goes beyond personal benefit—it creates ripples that affect everyone around us. Friends and clients alike have adopted this mindset, discovering their own superpowers in saying yes to life's little and large moments. Saying yes can be our own personal 3-lettered superpower. Shonda’s online network encouraged her to “power pose like superwoman” when she needed courage. “Power posing like Wonder Woman is when you stand up like a badass—legs in a wide stance, chin up, hands on your hips. Like you own the place. Like you have on magical silver bracelets and know how to use them. Like your superhero cape is flapping in the wind behind you.” That’s some potent life advice. Go ahead. Assume your power pose and complete this sentence… This year I will say yes to__________________________. According to my new BFF, “every yes will change something in you. Every yes is a transformation. Every yes sparks some new phase of evolution.“ This year, I invite you to join me. Say yes to something that scares you, something new, something transformative. What will you say yes to this year? I’m eager to hear how your journey unfolds as you embrace your inner superhero through the simple, yet powerful act of saying yes. Are you on social media? Come say Hi on Linkedin, Facebook and/or Instagram!

Here I sit, suspended between Christmas and the New Year, in this reflective week I always love. Like many, you may find yourself looking backward to inform how you want to move forward with New Year's resolutions. The holiday season, bridging the end of one year and the beginning of another, is a reflective time that often inspires us to connect more deeply with those around us. I didn’t have to reach too far back to find fuel for my first resolution of the new year. I’ve been recalling my recent holiday interactions with family and friends in particular. The Impact of Asking "How Are You" In some cases, I’ve spent long stretches of time with some of them and the feeling of true connection was missing. In other cases, a quick breakfast or phone call yielded that warm glow that Hallmark reminds us we should feel at this time of year. What made the difference between the two situations? It often boiled down to one thing—which exchanges made me feel seen and cared about. In a world where life can be far too complicated, I look for simplicity. So the simple fact is I felt more connected and cared for when others asked “how are you?” and truly cared to know. In which exchanges did we really wonder with sincere interest about the other?  And who asked simply as an entire for telling me all about how THEY are…or asked but didn’t really listen to my reply–both the words and the emotions.  And where was I guilty of the same? Key Insights for Fostering Genuine Interactions Implementing effective communication strategies can transform your interactions into more meaningful connections. Here are some tips to help you enhance your conversations during the holidays and all year round. Be Sincere: Ask "how are you?" with genuine interest. Showing genuine interest in how others are feeling can dramatically enhance interpersonal connections. Active Listening: Pay attention to both words and emotions. Listening attentively to responses shows that you value the other person beyond mere courtesy. Show Empathy: Respond with understanding and care. This approach can significantly enhance your relationships, much like embracing new opportunities can lead to transformational change. Using Emotional Intelligence in Leadership This phenomenon isn’t limited to the holidays or our personal lives. These strategies are not only beneficial in personal interactions but are equally important in professional growth. All year long, I work with leaders who want to know how to make a difference, how to connect with staff, keep their fingers on the pulse of the organization, boost morale, gain respect, reduce turnover, and communicate value. It seems to me all of that could be helped along by one question in the new year—“how are you?” –delivered sincerely and followed up by deep listening–the kind of listening that would have you pass the hypothetical pop quiz about their answer. Effective Leadership Tips for Deeper Connections Here’s how leaders can use simple words to make a big impact: Consistent Engagement: Regular, sincere inquiries about well-being can significantly impact team dynamics. Empathetic Leadership: Showing empathy and understanding in your responses fosters trust and respect. Follow-through on Details: Remembering and acting upon what you learn about others shows that you value them genuinely. Power of Simple 3 Words! So as you utter the three words that usher in the Times Square ball drop—“happy new year!”—consider following them up with three other words—“how are you?”—and then just listen. Their answers may shift from “fine” to something more telling. With this resolution enacted, we’ll be on our way to being more impactful leaders, friends, and family members. Have you experienced a change in your relationships by using these small words with big impact? For more insights on fostering genuine connections, check out our communication strategies and leadership tips.

As an under-confident and self-conscious teenager, I declined my parents’ offer to set me up with braces. Or if I’m more honest, I outright refused. I couldn’t bear the idea of having a metal smile adding to my self-image issues. I just wasn’t ready. I preferred my overbite. So, in my late 20’s I made the move. I encased my teeth in the barbed wire called braces, took on the pain of the metal–and the pain of the expense. Two years later, those wires produced the smile I always wanted and a partner! They came off right before a major turning point in my life—my wedding day. In the same way I thought my marriage would last, I also thought my perfect and beautiful smile would as well. I was wrong on both counts. My life shifted and evidently so did my teeth. My dentist confirmed it—my bite was off again, teeth were jostling for position in my mouth, and they would continue down this path unless I did something about it. I was “out of alignment” and this called for action. Invisalign seemed to be the answer. If you don’t know what Invisalign is, imagine wearing a mouth guard fitted just for you that you wear for 6 weeks at a time and continually replace over a period of months or years. It’s made of a clear plastic-like substance and snaps in and out of your mouth easily. (I think of them as my pre-dentures.) You’re required to wear them 22 hours a day, taking them out only long enough to eat, brush, and reinsert. Admittedly, I was not in love with them the first week. But I did love the name…Invisalign. I was embarking on an invisible alignment. I felt both proud and uncomfortable. Here’s what my Invisalign reminded me about change and the need to get realigned. Staying Aligned Requires Constant Care and Action I thought I had this handled a long time ago. I had done this already—this working on the teeth thing. Checked the box. Ya mean I had to do it again? Yes, the changes we need to make aren’t necessarily one-and-done. Unless, I wanted my teeth to regress, I needed to take new action. It’s not an excruciating pain but a dull ache. It’s tolerable and necessary, but uncomfortable. Slowly, my tongue adjusted to the foreign plastic edges encroaching on its space. The grip of the mouthpiece felt more like a hug than a strangle-hold. My lips made way for this intruder. My temporary lisp eventually subsided, and I’m reminded that the hardest part is committing to change. It got easier with time. Changes Take Longer Than We Think Dr. Vila/Carlos—my friend and dentist rolled up in one—read the treatment plan. “You should be done in 6 months, but” he added, “expect it to take longer.” Transitions take time, and we can’t always foresee exactly how much time. We simply get on with them and let the process unfold. I could no longer unconsciously pop something into my mouth. I needed to remove the Invisalign trays first, rinse them, set them aside, eat, brush, and re-insert. So I was forced to weigh each eating and drinking choice. Is it worth it? Do I need this snack? This change was overriding my auto-pilot for eating whatever I want whenever I want. I’m thinking more, but eating less and brushing more. Sometimes one change leads to other positive changes. Our Misalignment May Be Invisible to Others, but We Know We Need Help People say they didn’t notice my teeth shifting. They’re either being polite, or it wasn’t obvious yet. Either way, I knew things were out of alignment. We are the ones who know what we most need and when we are out of alignment. Fortunately, many realignments can be subtle, through means invisible to others. Just when I got comfortable wearing one Invisalign tray, it was time to get another one and begin a new adjustment period. It’s necessary in order for things to keep moving in the right direction. Over time, I was ready to graduate to a retainer. This cycle of discomfort to comfort and back to discomfort is how we improve over a lifetime. It Ultimately Yields Favorable Results It’s important to take the long view. Times of change, realignment, and discomfort often signal something big and new around the corner that we’re getting ready for. In my case, I can picture and feel my realigned smile. And I feel other shifts in my work and life happening that are quite exciting as well.

Brenda Reynolds, founder of BKR Consulting Inc., specializes in transforming complex situations that require compassionate imaginative results-oriented intervention. Navigate Change. Create Conscious, Competent Leaders. Build Resilience. Build the mindset, behaviors, and strategies to work, lead, and live intentionally in the workplace or life space! WATCH BRENDA Hi, I'm Brenda Consultant. International & TEDx Speaker. Author. Coach In foggy "Now What?" moments, I turn uncertainty into productivity, engagement, and resilience for clients. In 2008, the economy took a nosedive and so did my life. Things went sideways. And no part of my life was left unchanged. Even as an expert in organizations, systems, and change, the universe simply didn’t care, nor spare me. There I sat in my family room with my face in my hands uttering the words "Now W hat?" It was time to navigate some serious fog. Because there was one thing I believed… On the other side of "Now What?" is a "Why Not?!" ready to be unleashed! But I didn’t go it alone. As I embarked on unleashing all tha t was now possible in my newly forming work and personal life, I grew excited , more compassionate , and more committed than ever. I aimed to roll up my sleeves and bring my expertise and insights to help clients navigate times of complexity, uncertainty, and change, finding clarity, confidence, and new possibilities. If you’re ready for a "Now What?" Transformation ® and to find greater resilience, I’m right here ready to meet you in your fog with the mindset, behaviors and tools to dr ive results. After all, FOG is simply what I call a F reaking O pportunity for G rowth! Let's unleash your "Why Not ?!" ABOUT ME TRUSTED BY TESTIMONIALS UPLIFTING Brenda has such natural poise and confidence. She is engaging and uplifting. When I watch people's faces when she speaks, it's like they are mesmerized by her. She delivers such impact in such a gentle way. got FOG? Are you a leader struggling with the complexity and responsibility you face in your job? Are you dealing with a troubled team? Are you dealing with some personal or professional transition and the "fog" that accompanies it? Is your organization facing a big change? NAVIGATE CHANGE CONFIDENCE with WATCH FULL TEDx WHEN NOTHING IS SURE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE - Brenda K. Reynolds Let’s Embark on your " Now What?" Transformation ® WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER CONSULTANT SPEAKER AUTHOR BKR CONSULTING INC. HOW WE'LL WORK TOGETHER MAKE THE COMPLEX SIMPLE Working together to do what's right for you and to forge desired business results. EMBRACE CHANGE Every change can lead to something even better. We work to find possibilities and next right moves to navigate your challenge. FIND POWER IN CHOICE Intentional choices yield big results; I'm no expert in your field and you're not expert in mine...so let me help you more clearly define your next moves; to clearly see what's needed and bridge the gap. Choice is our ultimate superpower. COLLABORATE While I work with a deep body of knowledge, I believe in keeping it simple, using actionable tools. LET AUTHENTICITY RULE Integrity and trust are the magic in any organization. If you're asking yourself, "Now What?" then let's get busy converting it to a "Why Not?!" Together we'll connect the dots and create a shortcut to clarity. GET CONNECTED Sign up for my monthly newsletters to access free resources and tips on your "NOW WHAT?!" moments! Name Email Submit

Brenda Reynolds, founder of BKR Consulting Inc., specializes in transforming complex situations that require compassionate imaginative results-oriented intervention. Are you a leader struggling with the complexity and responsibility you face in your job? got FOG? WATCH FULL TEDx If you're asking yourself, "now what?" then let's get busy converting it to a "why not?!" Together we'll connect the dots and create a shortcut to clarity. NAVIGATE CHANGE CONFIDENCE with CONSULTANT SPEAKER AUTHOR TRUSTED BY TESTIMONIALS UPLIFTING Brenda has such natural poise and confidence. She is engaging and uplifting. When I watch people's faces when she speaks, it's like they are mesmerized by her. She delivers such impact in such a gentle way. BKR CONSULTING INC. HOW WE'LL WORK TOGETHER MAKE THE COMPLEX SIMPLE While I work with a deep body of knowledge, I believe in keeping it simple, using actionable tools. EMBRACE CHANGE Every change can lead to something even better. We work to find possibilities and next right moves to navigate your challenge. FIND POWER IN CHOICE Intentional choices yield big results; I'm no expert in your field and you're not expert in mine...so let me help you more clearly define your next moves; to clearly see what's needed and bridge the gap. Choice is our ultimate superpower. COLLABORATE Working together to do what's right for you and to forge desired business results. LET AUTHENTICITY RULE Integrity and trust are the magic in any organization. CONSULTANT SPEAKER AUTHOR WHEN NOTHING IS SURE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE - Brenda K. Reynolds BLOG POSTS Ladder of Inference and Psychological Models in Air Travel Insights Say Yes More To Transformational Change Navigating Uncertainty: My TEDx Journey KEEP READING ABOUT BRENDA K. REYNOLDS As founder of BKR Consulting Inc., I am an organization and leadership consultant, coach and facilitator who has advised major corporations, nonprofits, and organizations for over 20 years on how to manage the people side of change and organizational complexity. I'm a change agent, who draws on my extensive consulting and personal experiences to equip individuals and organizations with easy-to-apply strategies for navigating through and managing complex transitions. I'm a partner for thinking strategically and helping clients get unstuck. I'll support your next steps and inspire you to take them - holding you accountable along the way. You'll get the benefit of my broad range of experience, including my background in education, leadership, organization dynamics, consulting, speaking, designing and facilitating retreats or workshops, and much more. CONSULTANT SPEAKER AUTHOR Brenda holds an M.S. in Organizational Development and bachelor's degree in Education and Communication. She uses her background to bring practical, collaborative methods to complex issues. Brenda works with a deep understanding of organizational reality, having held leadership positions in a pediatric healthcare system and national environmental consulting organization. She has earned a reputation as a results-getter for a wide range of clients in business, government, non-profits, education, and healthcare. CONTACT BRENDA

I believe that behind every “ Now What? ” is a “ Why Not?! ” ready to be unleashed. Let’s unleash yours–Together! About Hi! I’m Brenda K. Reynolds I’m an organization and leadership consultant, international speaker (yep, even TEDx!), author, coach and lifelong believer in the power of possibility embedded in change. In fact, I’ve adopted the dragonfly as my logo because it’s a symbol of the transformation that change can usher in. ABOUT ME I’m known for helping people and organizations navigate change, uncertainty and disruption—what I call their “now what? ” moments--with clarity, confidence, and impact (while staying in their resilience zone). For over three decades, I’ve consulted and spoken to global powerhouses like Goldman Sachs, QVC, and Sherwin Williams , as well as mission-driven entities like Junior League International, Special Olympics, and Nemours Children’s Health—to turn uncertainty into opportunity. I don’t just talk about resilience and change—I help you live it. Turning Transitions Into Transformation Whether you're leading a team, growing a company, or simply figuring out your next step, let’s face it: navigating disruption can feel daunting. I’ve lived it. And…that’s where I come in. Let me be your thought partner. My journey—from holding 2 different corporate leadership roles, to launching a successful business , to personally navigating a life gone sideways in 2008—has fueled my mission: to help others harness change as a powerful catalyst for growth. To move you from confusion to clarity . With a Master’s in Organization Development and a deep passion for making the complex simple, I blend real-world insight with research-backed strategy to meet you where you are and keep you from being stuck. Together , we’ll figure out your objective—change management, a healthier culture, high-performing leaders or teams , or a strategy for a clear path forward . And then I’ll bring the tools, skillsets, and mindset to provide what you need—coaching, consultation, strategy, team facilitation, skill-building, or inspiration. Honestly, I pride myself in the breadth of experience and abilities I bring to the table. (a not-so-humble brag, but I can bring receipts.) My style? Think: thoughtful, energizing, interactive, a caring diplomatic truth teller, and always down-to-earth. Whether I’m speaking, facilitating, coaching (or even parenting), I’m all about making the complex simple—and turning insights into practical action. From Second Grade to the Stage In second grade, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said a “novelist.” Hmm...isn’t that what every second grader says? Well, I haven’t written the next great American novel, but I am the author of two Amazon bestsellers: TBD: To Be Determined and The 5 FROGS® Transformation Journal . I created the 5 FROGS® Framework and the “Now What?” Transformation® Clarity Card Deck to give people tools they can actually use to navigate change—because ideas are great, but action is where the magic happens. I’ve delivered transformational experiences across the globe—from Beijing’s International Society for OD & Change Conference to Bermuda’s Designed for Impact Women’s Conference—because leadership knows no borders, and neither does uncertainty. Founder of COMING TOGET HER I’m also the proud founder of COMING TOGET HER , a virtual year-long women’s leadership experience dedicated to the growth, confidence, and empowerment of women rising in leadership and life. It’s rooted in connection, confidence, and the kind of community that makes you feel seen, supported, and ready to soar. Because when women come together? We rise. Every time. I lived most of my life in an all-male household, so I created the community I always longed for. A Little More About Me I live in Pennsylvania (where I was basically born into uncertainty), but my heart feels equally at home in South Africa. Fun fact: I’ve never had a single cup of coffee in my life—ever—but I will never say no to a scoop of Handel’s coconut cream ice cream topped with Graeter’s raspberry chip. (Yes, both. Together. Try it and thank me later.) I’m petite in stature, but apparently tall in presence. And yes—it’s true—I landed one of my biggest clients ever while on bedrest during pre-term labor. Expect the unexpected, right? At my core, I believe in the power of possibility, the courage to do what it takes, and the faith that things will always work out. Because they do. (Oh, and fresh flowers—I believe in the power of fresh flowers in my home at all times! They also make impossible days seems possible. ) So… What About You? Ready to Turn Your “Now What?” Into a “Why Not?!” If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I hope this is just the beginning of our relationship. If you’re looking to energize your team, shift your culture, or figure out how to thrive through change, I’d love to be part of it. 📩 Email me anytime at Brenda@BrendaKReynolds.com Let’s turn your “now what?” into your most powerful “why not?!” yet. EXPLORE MORE