Post by Mica Crouse, MBA, CPC

Back from #GreenBiz26 feeling more grounded than when I arrived – and extremely grateful 💫 As always, the sessions were rich and thought-provoking. What I’ll carry with me most, though, are the people – the in-between times, the laughs, and the moments when we dropped the small talk and spoke honestly about what’s hard, what’s working, and what we’re still figuring out together. I keep coming back to this: relationships are still our strongest lever. When we share lessons generously, choose abundance over scarcity, and show up for one another with care, progress feels less abstract and more within reach. I’m deeply grateful to have co-led an unforgettable REBOOT with the ever-inspiring Farrell M. Calabrese – creating space to slow down, disconnect, and remember why we do this work, especially when it is (extremely) heavy. Those quieter, more reflective moments mattered. Thank you to the leaders who trusted us to hold that space. I’m continuously energized by Katie Ryan’s steady leadership and practical optimism, and grateful for the chance to organize this year’s communications tutorial. Freya Williams offered a powerful reminder that messaging cuts through when it’s grounded in human values and connects with hearts and minds. Our panel discussion with Emily Chan, Chris Gaither, Madeline Patterson Smith reinforced that credibility is built through real decisions and real-world impact – and lost when sustainability messaging turns abstract, defensive, or disconnected from how the business actually operates. Facilitating team coaching sessions throughout the week reinforced a simple truth: organizations are groups of people working together...doing the absolute best we can inside highly complex systems. We talked honestly about what strengthens teams, what gets in the way, and how to support each another in real, tangible ways. Guiding those honest conversations was a gift, and I hope to do much more of it this year. Co-organizing a sustainability communications dinner with Mike Hower and attending Kari Hayden Pendoley's Good Table lunch were powerful reminders that some of the most meaningful unlocks happen offstage – in rooms where people are curious, candid, listen closely, and learn together. The work continues – despite the very real headwinds – because this community is passionate, committed, deeply aligned, and incredibly capable. Sincere gratitude to the entire Trellis Group team for bringing sustainability leaders together to challenge one another, build real connection, and move the work forward. And to David Fiss, Asheen Phansey, and Dylan Siegler for providing opportunities for pure joy and lots of F.U.N. Can't wait for #GreenBiz27 in San Diego next year ☀️

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