Workshops and Retreats

My Philosophy

I believe workshops are where real change begins. Not because people hear something new, but because they experience something different.

A great workshop is not a lecture or a performance. It is a guided space for reflection, practice, and application where insight becomes action.

My responsibility as a facilitator is to move beyond inspiration and create an environment where professionals can safely explore how they currently think, communicate, and lead, and then begin shifting those patterns in real time.

I design every workshop to be practical, interactive, and directly relevant to the realities of the workplace. Participants don’t leave with theory, but rather they leave with tools, language, and strategies they can immediately apply with their teams, colleagues, and leaders.

I believe leadership development is not about adding more information. It is about strengthening awareness, building emotional intelligence, and practicing new ways of showing up until they become consistent habits.

My Responsibility as Your Workshop Facilitator

In every workshop, I am responsibility for:

  • Creating a safe, engaging, and judgment-free learning environment

  • Translating complex leadership concepts into practical, usable skills

  • Encouraging honest reflection without judgment or criticism or defensiveness

  • Providing real-world application, not abstract ideas

  • Guiding participants from awareness to insight to action

  • Ensuring every participant leaves with clarity on what to do next

The Outcomes I Aim For

Participants don’t just leave saying, “That was interesting.” They leave saying:

  • “I see where I can improve immediately.”

  • “I have language and tools I can use tomorrow.”

  • “I understand my impact differently now.”

  • “I know how to show up more effectively as a leader.”

That is why every workshop I lead is designed to move people from knowing to doing because leadership is not learned by listening, it is developed through practice.

My Signature Workshop

The Influence Advantage: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Strong leaders aren't defined by their title. They are defined by their ability to inspire trust, communicate with clarity, navigate change, and bring out the best in others.

In today's workplace, technical expertise and operational excellence are no longer enough. The leaders who create lasting impact are those who lead with emotional intelligence, confidence, resilience, and influence.

In this interactive workshop, Connie Holmes draws on nearly 30 years of corporate leadership experience, combined with her expertise in emotional intelligence, mindset, communication, and personal development, to help current and aspiring leaders bridge the gap between managing tasks and leading people.

This workshop includes practical strategies and actionable tools where attendees will discover how to strengthen their leadership presence, communicate more effectively, build trust, and create a culture where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best.

Participant Outcomes

Participants will:

  • Understand the critical difference between managing people and leading them and learn how to lead rather than manage.

  • Develop greater emotional intelligence to strengthen relationships and improve team performance.

  • Communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence to inspire action and results.

  • Build trust and psychological safety within their teams.

  • Lead with resilience and adaptability during times of change.

  • Identify practical actions they can implement immediately to elevate their leadership impact.

I customize every workshop for your organization's needs. Workshops are traditionally facilitated in the following timeframes:

  • 2-hours

  • Half day

  • Full day

  • Two full days

Additional Workshop Topics

I've worked with businesses of all sizes, from family-owned companies to multi-million-dollar corporations, to design training, mentorship programs, and leadership strategies that drive results. Each program is designed to be interactive, practical, and customized for your team's goals. Available in person or virtually.

Most requested workshops:

  • Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. Boost collaboration, reduce conflict, and strengthen leadership by teaching your team how to understand, manage, and communicate emotions effectively.

  • Creating a Values-Based Business. Align your hiring, training, and performance with clear company values to build culture, loyalty, and long-term success.

  • Leadership at Any Level. Empower employees to lead with influence, regardless of title, so your entire organization operates with confidence, accountability, and respect.

  • Mastering Speaking & Presentation Skills. Elevate professional presence with proven techniques to speak confidently, engage audiences, and influence effectively.

  • Personality Plus. Help teams understand and leverage different personality styles to improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and create synergy.

TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

"Incredible Asset"

"I can't say enough good things about Connie! She has been an incredible asset to our team and our clients. From the very first interaction, Connie has shown exceptional professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping others. Her expertise in her field shines through in everything she does. She takes the time to understand our clients' needs, providing tailored solutions that truly make a difference. Her communication skills are outstanding, always keeping everyone informed and engaged throughout the process. Connie's positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have made a significant impact on our projects. It's clear that she truly cares about her clients and their success. I highly recommend Connie to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and personable expert in her field. Thank you, Connie, for being such a remarkable partner!"

- Peter, Business Owner

"Amazing Information"

"I was a part of Connie's strategic business program and coaching, and it was fantastic! Each class was filled with so much amazing information. We went through everything together which allowed us all to learn and grow together. Connie is an incredible source of information, wisdom, and practical application! I'm so grateful to have been a part of this class! I also had one on one coaching which was absolutely priceless! Connie has so many tools to help you through any blocks or issues that may be hindering your growth. She is professional, easy to talk to and an absolute inspiration to me. I truly enjoyed working with Connie and am excited that I'm in the monthly group meetings so I can continue in this beautiful community that she has created! I would give her 10 stars if I could!

- Danielle, Business Owner

"Outstanding"

"Our salon team has had a mini retreat on goal setting, a budget workshop, and an awareness master class with Connie, and I have to say each one of these has been outstanding. We learned new things about each other, set goals for different areas of our lives, created a vision for our future, and so much more! I have also had personal sessions with Connie to dig deep into my values and goals as a company and love the clear vision she brought to life. She brings positivity and a safe space to connect and share. She is a true professional and expert!"

- Carrie, Business Owner

"Phenomenal"

"Connie provided us 4 different workshops on Communication, Leadership, Public Speaking, and Stress Management. She did a phenomenal job using real examples, facilitating conversation with all staff, and being very engaging. Months later, we still have staff referring back to materials from Connie's workshops. Highly recommend!"

- Kelsey, President