Yesterday, the Downshift team gathered for our first off-site in Beacon, NY, with the crisp fall breeze and the mountains turning shades of yellow and orange behind us. The leaves crunched underfoot, and the sun cast a warm glow through the cool October air. It was the perfect setting to slow down, connect, and reflect as a team—nature’s own reminder of the beauty in transition and change.
The purpose of the day was to set clear intentions and objectives for the rest of the year, visualize the impact we aim to create by the end of our fall cohort, finalize the curriculum for the upcoming cohort, and put the finishing touches on our retreat planning.
One of the most powerful exercises of the day was led by my colleague, Tracy. It was a simple yet profound process where we each explored both our individual “light” and “shadow.” This exercise invited us to reflect on the strengths we naturally bring into our work and the personal challenges or blind spots that may hold us back. It created space for honest self-assessment, allowing us to reveal where we shine and where we need to grow.
Our light represents the strengths, talents, and zones of genius we bring into Downshift. It’s not just about what we excel at but also our aspirations—how we want to show up for ourselves, each other, and the team. As we shared our strengths, we also discussed how we could support one another in staying in our light more consistently. It’s about actively enabling our teammates to operate in their zones of genius, ensuring we all have the space and encouragement to shine.
We structured the exercise by having each person take turns sharing their light. We went through three rounds, diving into the nuances of each person’s unique gifts and contributions. We didn’t rush it; we took our time—listening deeply, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on how these strengths manifest in our day-to-day work.
For instance, I shared that one of my strengths is the ability to intuitively identify opportunities and connect the dots regarding the company’s direction. I also highlighted my capacity to evangelize our mission and distill complex ideas into easily understandable concepts.
This wasn’t just an exercise in self-awareness—it was a chance for the team to see how we can better support each other in staying in our light. We explored how we could enable each other to show up in these strengths more consistently and cultivate an environment where each person’s genius could shine more often.
But we didn’t stop there.
The next part of the exercise focused on exploring our shadows—those hidden or repressed aspects of ourselves that hold us back yet represent important growth opportunities. These are the traits or tendencies we may not be proud of, but acknowledging them is the first step toward transformation.
Our shadows reflect areas where we have the most potential for growth, and by bringing them into the light, we open up the possibility for change. This wasn’t just about identifying weaknesses but about committing to the work needed to transcend and transform these patterns. We explored how we could support each other in working through these tendencies, offering both accountability and empathy.
I shared that after working as a lone wolf for the past five years, I’ve developed a tendency to make quick, impulsive decisions without always consulting the team. While my intuition often serves me well, it can create a sense of disconnect. Quick decisions sometimes leave others feeling left out or unvalued. I’m committed to improving this by slowing down, inviting more input, and creating space for thoughtful discussion before jumping into action.
What made this exercise particularly impactful was the space we created to illuminate our shadows with empathy and without judgment. We went deeper than simply naming them; we reflected on how we could actively support each other in transforming these growth edges. It became less about pointing out flaws and more about helping one another grow in areas where we’re still works in progress.
As coaches and operators, it’s essential to integrate this work into the rhythm of our daily business practices. Self-reflection and team alignment shouldn’t be confined to once-a-quarter or once-a-year moments. The real challenge is embedding this work into our everyday rhythm, not as something that slows us down but as a tool to help us grow faster—both individually and collectively.
By creating space for both light and shadow, we’re fostering psychological safety within the team. This allows everyone to show up authentically, knowing they can share both their strengths and growth edges without fear of judgment. When team members can share openly, it strengthens trust, communication, and collaboration, leading to more innovative thinking and better problem-solving.
This practice also helps us hold each other accountable with empathy. Sharing our shadows invites our teammates to support us in transforming those edges. It’s not about pointing out flaws—it’s about creating an environment where growth is a shared responsibility. This alignment between personal development and team goals accelerates collective growth while modeling a culture of continuous learning.
By weaving this reflective practice into our culture, we believe we’ll not only elevate our performance but also stay deeply aligned with our values, growing individually and collectively. In doing so, we hope to inspire other leaders, teams, and organizations to embrace the full spectrum of light and shadow, creating environments where everyone can thrive and truly honor who they are.
So, what light and shadow do you bring to work each day? By recognizing and embracing both, you open the door to deeper growth, stronger connections, and a more authentic way of leading those around you