Find Your Brainstorming Partner
Dear Women Leaders,
Who is your brainstorming partner?
The person who helps build on your ideas, not just punch holes in them.
You don’t need a devil’s advocate.
(Fun fact: no one actually needs that.)
You’re not looking for someone who simply agrees or tells you your idea is perfect. You need something much more valuable:
💙 Someone who will reserve judgment and get curious about the idea and its possibilities.
💙 Someone who knows how to ask thoughtful questions instead of offering instant criticism.
💙 Someone who helps you shape your thinking and make your ideas stronger.
This person might be your boss, a trusted colleague, or someone entirely outside your organization. They could be a mentor, a coach, or a peer in your professional network.
Could you identify this person, and call them when you need to flesh out your ideas?
Brainstorming doesn’t have to be a 24-hour marathon session.
Sometimes, the clarity you’re seeking happens in a 30-minute phone call. A short conversation can save you weeks of spinning your wheels alone.
I have a few brainstorming partners who are a text, phone call or a voice memo away from helping me get better at what I do.
Together, we can take an idea from good to great in just 10 minutes. Or sometimes, we realize the idea isn’t quite right—and that’s progress too.
Having this kind of partnership means I can maintain momentum in my work, even when things feel messy or uncertain.
💡 If you don’t have a brainstorming partner yet, consider this your invitation to find one.
Reach out to someone you trust, share what you’re working on, and invite them to think it through with you. You might be surprised how quickly new possibilities unfold when you don’t go it alone.
Sincerely,
Your Leadership Coach
P.S. Want more intentional leadership strategies like this?
👉 Explore the blog or book a discovery call to learn how coaching can support your growth at every stage.
Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is the founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching & Consulting, where she helps women working in independent schools and non-profit organizations to lead more confidently, authentically, and unapologetically. Rebecca combines a background in social research with 20 years of sales, marketing, communications, and school leadership to create an in-depth and engaging experience for her clients. Rebecca is also the co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership Podcast.
