September 2026 Newsletter
September often brings a question: What do I want to grow into next?
The beginning of a new school year still gives me that sense of possibility. It invites me to reflect on what I have learned, consider where I want to focus, and prepare for the final quarter with intention.
Before filling the calendar, though, I want to pause with gratitude.
August was busy, and the experiences that stayed with me have something in common: they brought me closer to people and deepened my awareness of how I show up in my relationships.
A sunset cruise on Lake Ontario. Learning that challenged my assumptions. A short trip to Hong Kong to spend time with aging relatives.
Each offered something I want to carry into this next season, both personally and in my work as an executive leadership coach.
The connections we make time for
One of August’s highlights was the Be the Next 52 Women sunset cruise on Lake Ontario.
It was a meaningful evening of reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships. I am grateful for opportunities like this, where we have space to get to know the people behind their professional introductions.
It reminded me how much I value connection, and how important it is to make room for it.
As leaders, our calendars can become filled with conversations that have an immediate purpose: a decision, a deliverable, a problem to solve. There is also value in spending time together with curiosity and openness, allowing relationships to deepen.
Who would you like to reconnect with as this new season begins?
Learning to create a deeper sense of belonging
In August, I also completed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) certification program with EZRA.
I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen my understanding of these ideas and reflect on how differently each person may experience them.
The learning has stayed with me beyond the program. It is influencing how I think about the space I create with clients, colleagues, family, and friends.
In August, I also completed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) certification program with EZRA.
I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen my understanding of these ideas and reflect on how differently each person may experience them.
The learning has stayed with me beyond the program. It is influencing how I think about the space I create with clients, colleagues, family, and friends.
Four reflections feel especially meaningful.
What we see is only a small part of someone’s identity.
There is so much we cannot know from someone’s appearance, title, or first introduction. Their experiences, values, responsibilities, and sense of belonging may be very different from what we assume.
Embracing diversity asks me to stay curious, listen without judgment, and notice where I might be filling in someone’s story for them. It also asks a more challenging question: What might I be avoiding learning because it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable?
Psychological safety requires ongoing attention.
In coaching, I want clients to feel able to speak honestly, explore uncertainty, and bring forward parts of themselves they may usually hold back.
This learning encouraged me to be more intentional about how I invite different perspectives, check my assumptions, and respond when someone shares something vulnerable. It reminds me to pay attention to how the space is experienced by the person in it.
My cultural background is a resource for connection and understanding.
Reflecting on my own cultural background helped me appreciate what I bring to my work and relationships. It also reminded me that my experience is one perspective among many.
Understanding our differences can help me listen more carefully and recognize that someone else may interpret a question, an interaction, or an expectation differently than I do. There is so much to learn when we make room for those conversations.
The learning continues through everyday practice.
Completing the certification is a milestone. Applying the learning is an ongoing commitment.
I want to keep asking questions, welcome feedback, and improve how I bring DEIB into everyday choices. That includes noticing whose perspective I have sought, how I respond to differences, and where my approach needs to change.
For those of us leading teams, a useful question is:
What could I do differently to make it easier for someone to be themselves and contribute fully?
Making time for family
August also included a short trip to Hong Kong to visit aging relatives.
Making that time was important to me.
With a full calendar, it can be easy to assume there will be another opportunity to visit or spend time together. This trip reminded me to give those relationships the attention they deserve.
As I think about finishing the year strongly, I want my definition of a strong year to include being present for the people who matter to me.
Entering September with intention
These August experiences have brought fresh meaning to my 2026 mantra:
Connection. Strength. Breakthrough.
Connection asks me to make time for people and understand them more deeply. Strength includes the willingness to examine my assumptions and continue learning. Breakthrough can begin with a small change in how I listen, communicate, or choose to spend my time.
As I plan for Q4, I am reflecting on three questions. Perhaps they will be useful for you, too:
What deserves my energy and attention in the remaining months of this year?
What am I ready to learn or practise that will strengthen how I lead?
Which relationships do I want to nurture along the way?
You do not need to have the whole next chapter figured out. Choosing one meaningful place to begin can give this season direction.
Opportunities to connect and grow this fall
I am looking forward to bringing that intention into several upcoming gatherings.
#IAmRemarkable | September 18, 2026
After a summer break, my free #IAmRemarkable sessions resume. This is a space to reflect on your achievements and practise communicating your value with authenticity and confidence.
In this 90 mins. workshop, we will discuss the importance of self-promotion, celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond while challenging the social perception around self-promotion.
Leadership Impact Summit and Awards Gala | October 14, 2026
In my volunteering role as Director on the ICF Toronto Board, I am leading the planning of this year's in-person event. It will bring together corporate executives, HR and people leaders, professional coaches, and members of our broader leadership community for an afternoon of learning and connection, followed by an evening celebrating excellence and impact through coaching.
Our theme this year is: The Human Advantage: Leading & Coaching in the Age of AI. I look forward to conversations about leadership and the human capabilities our workplaces need in the Age of AI. If you are in Toronto on October 14, 2026, join us. https://www.icftoronto.com/events/2026-icf-toronto-leadership-impact-summit-and-awards-gala/
Distinctly You Leadership Lab | October 15, 2026
Hilda Gan and I are hosting a full day of hands-on learning for women leaders. Together, we will learn how knowing yourself and understanding others can strengthen the way you communicate, lead, and own your impact.
If you are looking for space to reconnect with your strengths and be intentional about your next stage of growth, I would love to welcome you.
Join us at an upcoming gathering and make time for your growth this fall.
Group Coaching (Accepting Enrollment application)
A space for leaders to learn, grow, and create breakthroughs together in an inclusive, supportive environment. If someone you know would benefit, feel free to share the application with them too. Innovate You Group Coaching Application – Fill out form
Booking inquiry for the following services:
1) Let’s co-create impactful moments
Hire me to speak at your event
Industry Summit
Corporate events
Tech & Innovation Conferences
2) Custom workshops, including:
Fascinate® Workshop for Teams Learn more
Women in STEM Leadership topics
Self-Promotion Mastery (#IAmRemarkable volunteer Facilitator - Gold Tier)
3) Coaching Services - Custom packages
For Teams
For 1 on 1
Combination
At Innovate You, we believe in creating positive impact for a brighter future, one leader at a time.
Together, we rise with courage, clarity, and connection.
✨ Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call with Amy Au Let’s explore how Innovate You can support your growth through coaching, connection, and community.
Let’s innovate you.
Wishing you a month filled with inspiration, growth, and bold moves forward!
