We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabby Rosely a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gabby, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

One of the most pivotal lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is the power of saying yes before you feel fully ready, trusting that everything is figureoutable. This mindset was born out of necessity during my very first corporate job at Goldfish Swim School.

Fresh out of college, I was offered a management role—my first real taste of the corporate world. The position required me to perform a lot of “firsts”. One of those “firsts” being my first time interviewing, hiring, and training an entire staff in preparation for our grand opening – all while learning the ins and outs of a brand-new company. To say I felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. I had minimal experience in hiring, let alone training and managing a team. But I said yes, not because I felt prepared, but because I believed I could figure it out.

What followed was a whirlwind of trial and error. I scoured resources, leaned heavily on colleagues, and got comfortable with asking for help when I needed it. I learned how to build a team from the ground up, navigate the challenges of leadership, and foster an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but I discovered that leaning into discomfort was often where the greatest growth happened.

This lesson didn’t stop with that first management role. Over my two years at Goldfish, I encountered countless situations where I had to step into uncharted territory, trusting that I could figure it out along the way. Each experience strengthened my resilience and problem-solving skills, preparing me for the many leaps I would later take as a business owner.

When I launched my coaching business, I felt those same nerves when a potential client reached out. I didn’t have a fully fleshed-out plan, but I remembered the lesson: say yes. Similarly, when I was approached to deliver my first corporate communication workshop or stand in front of a large audience as a speaker, the familiar doubts crept in. But each time, I reminded myself of the Goldfish days—how I had figured it out then and how I could do it again now.

Saying yes before you feel ready isn’t about recklessness; it’s about trusting your ability to adapt, learn, and grow. That first management role taught me that the key to success isn’t about knowing everything in advance but having the courage to dive in and figure it out along the way. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day, and it’s one I encourage others to embrace.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I specialize in Speaking Engagements and Team Workshops that focus on topics like Conscious Communication, Authentic Leadership, Confidence & Mindset, and Goal Setting. I work with corporations, sports teams, and various organizations to create transformational experiences that foster deeper connections, improved communication, and empowered leadership. My sessions are interactive, practical, and designed to leave participants with actionable strategies they can implement immediately in their personal and professional lives.

I also offer 1:1 coaching in 1, 3, and 6 month packages, tailored to specific needs. With my coaching clients, we follow my VROW Framework: Vision, Reality, Options, and Way Forward. I guide them through practices to deeply reflect and connect with themselves, take inventory of their lives, set meaningful goals, create systems for aligned action, and cultivate positive change. My role is to hold space, facilitate powerful conversations, and provide structure, accountability, and guidance as clients tap into their unique gifts and potential.

In addition, I host and co-host events that center around connection and community, and I’m thrilled to be launching my first extended retreats in 2025—imagine a Conscious Summer Camp where participants connect with themselves, nature, adventure, and a supportive community. In other words, A TOTAL VIBE.

What sets me apart is the way I bridge the practical and the profound. I bring structure, accountability, and systems to the table, but I also hold space for radical acceptance, empowerment, and transformation. I connect the mind, body, and spirit in everything I do, using my heart and my voice to inspire others and remind them of their inherent gifts.

My journey here has been shaped by unique experiences that taught me resilience, leadership, and the power of connection. From family issues, to health issues, to running my first business at 18, to leading a team and opening a new location for Goldfish Swim School, to volunteering in a conscious community in Costa Rica, every step has grounded me in my purpose: helping others lead fulfilling, connected lives.

The thing I’m most proud of is the way I can use my gifts to help others step into their own. Whether I’m delivering a keynote, facilitating a workshop, or working one-on-one with a client, my goal is always to make the experience fun, intimate, impactful, and deeply transformative.

I want people to know that my work is about real connection and real change—whether it’s a team discovering new ways to collaborate or an individual stepping into their confidence and power. I believe every person and every organization has untapped potential, and I’m here to help them unlock it.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When managing a team and maintaining high morale, it’s all about building trust, fostering connection, and creating a culture of open communication. Start by being intentional with your communication. This means truly listening—not just to respond, but to understand—and creating space for team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns openly. People thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Lead with authenticity and empathy. As a leader, your team looks to you for guidance, but they also want to feel that you’re approachable and human. Share your own experiences, including challenges, to build relatability and trust. Show compassion and curiosity when team members face obstacles, and work together to find solutions.

Focus on strengths. One of the most powerful ways to boost morale is by recognizing and leveraging the unique talents and strengths each team member brings to the table. When people feel their contributions matter and align with their strengths, they’re more engaged and fulfilled.

Encourage collaboration over competition. A team that works together effectively doesn’t just accomplish more; they also build stronger connections with each other. Create opportunities for the team to bond—both professionally and personally—so they see themselves as a unified whole rather than isolated individuals.

Celebrate wins—big and small. Recognizing achievements, whether it’s hitting a major milestone or showing progress in a smaller task, goes a long way in reinforcing a culture of appreciation and positivity. Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple thank you or acknowledgment.

Finally, lead by example. Morale starts at the top, and your energy, attitude, and actions set the tone for the team. Show them what it looks like to approach challenges with optimism and resilience, to celebrate growth, and to create a culture that values connection, accountability, and mutual support.

Managing a team isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and creating an environment where people feel empowered, fulfilled, and excited to contribute. That’s the foundation for not just high morale but long-term success.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist”, “Conversations with God”, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, “The Wisdom of Yoga”, “Women who Run with the Wolves”, “Love and Awakening”, The Ed Mylett Show (podcast), the Mel Robbin’s podcast, and the DejaBlu podcast :). I now have my own podcast, Crucial Conversations, as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabbyrosely.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyroselyco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabbyrosely/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabbyrosely6092
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/gabbyrosely
  Book a Call w/ Me: https://calendly.com/gabbyroselyco/meeting

Image Credits

Professional Branding Photos – Ava Elezaj
Women’s Event Photos – Riley Faulkner