We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hilary Bilbrey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hilary below.

Hi Hilary, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

The traditional education system, with its focus on memorization and rote learning, has remained largely unchanged for decades. Yet, the world our students are stepping into has transformed dramatically. With nearly infinite information at their fingertips, thanks to technology, students no longer need to memorize facts—they need to know how to access, apply, and evaluate information in meaningful ways.

Tim Elmore’s concept of “artificial maturity” highlights this gap. While young people today have unparalleled access to knowledge and tools, many lack the life experiences necessary to contextualize that knowledge or apply it beyond the immediate task at hand. This creates a generation that may appear informed but struggles with critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.

Our education system needs to become more agile, heart-centered, and hands-on. It should prioritize activities and experiences that help students connect to themselves, their learning, and the world around them. Project-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and opportunities for collaboration can deepen understanding and foster skills like empathy, adaptability, and creativity—qualities that will serve students far better than the ability to regurgitate information on a test.

It’s time for an educational approach that does not prepare students for exams but rather, prepares them for life. By creating a system that values meaningful engagement over memorization, we can empower students to navigate complexity with confidence, purpose, and connection.

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

I have always been passionate about helping leaders, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential by fostering authenticity, resilience, and connection. As the co-founder of PEQ Performance Consulting, alongside Sonja Montiel, my work revolves around empowering leaders to create meaningful, sustainable change—both for themselves and their teams.

I have always been drawn to the art of transformation, which is what led me to this industry. My journey began as an educator and facilitator, where I developed a deep understanding of what it takes to inspire and engage others. After becoming a mom and experiencing three impactful challenges in a row: pregnancy complications that were initially thought to be life-threatening, my second child born early and put in NICU, and my 18-month-old being severely burned an in ICU for a month, I found myself struggling to make sense of life and purpose. As I grappled with my own identity and healing, I learned that I could support others on their journey to authenticity and hope. Over time, I transitioned into executive coaching and team leadership development, finding my true calling in helping others navigate challenges and discover their best selves.

At PEQ, we specialize in creating tailored coaching experiences, dynamic workshops, and strategic consulting for leaders and organizations who want to move beyond the status quo. Our focus is on solving problems like employee disengagement, team misalignment, and the struggle to balance authenticity with performance in high-pressure environments. We give our clients the tools to build trust, communicate effectively, and inspire excellence.

What sets us apart is our emphasis on heart-centered leadership combined with actionable strategies. Our work isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world application. We help leaders connect with their purpose, shift their mindset, and foster collaboration that leads to exceptional results.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on individuals and teams. From helping organizations rebuild trust to guiding leaders through the toughest moments of their careers, our work creates ripple effects that go far beyond the boardroom. I’m also thrilled to be working on my first leadership book, The Authenticity Formula, which will offer a framework for living and leading with integrity.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I believe that leadership is deeply personal. When leaders invest in themselves and their people, they create workplaces where everyone can thrive—not just as professionals, but as human beings. That’s the kind of legacy I aim to build with every client, every team, and every organization I work with.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My cofounder, Sonja Montiel and I met through an entrepreneurial mastermind led by the incredible Jen Buzza. I was presenting a workshop on building an authentic brand statement, and as soon as the session ended, Sonja approached me with a sparkle in her eye and said, “So… can I take you out to lunch?” It was as if she was asking me out on a date—and honestly, she kind of was.

From that first meeting, we instantly connected. But that’s easy to do with Sonja. I joke that she’s a “people collector”—but the good kind, not the scary kind! She has this remarkable way of making you feel like you’re the only person in the room, and it didn’t take long for us to realize we were kindred spirits.

Our first collaboration was a podcast called The DH Effect, which we launched during the height of COVID. We wanted to model how authentic, meaningful conversations could bring people together in a time when so many felt isolated. That small, heartfelt project became the seed for what would blossom into our business partnership.

Today, we run PEQ Performance Consulting, where we combine our 40+ years of experience in education and coaching to help teams and organizations level up their performance. While we’re laser-focused on achieving business outcomes for our clients, we have a little secret mission, too: teaching people skills that help them show up as the best version of themselves—not just at work, but at home and in their communities.

Working with Sonja is pure joy. She’s a powerhouse of wisdom, connection, and heart, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed. Together, we’ve built something that feels meaningful, impactful, and entirely authentic—just the way we like it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When it comes to books that have shaped my approach to business and leadership, I find myself continually inspired by a mix of practical tools, philosophical insights, and frameworks for personal and team growth.

1. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
This book transformed how I approach marketing and messaging. It taught me to put the client—our hero—at the center of the narrative and bring clarity to their journey. By focusing on solving their pain points, I’ve been able to communicate the value of our services more effectively. This shift not only helped me refine my marketing but also deepened my ability to empathize with and truly serve my clients’ needs.

2. Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss
Alan Weiss’s book has been an invaluable roadmap for best practices in consulting. From positioning and pricing to client engagement and delivery, it offers brilliant insights into building a sustainable, impactful business. It gave me a foundation of confidence and clarity as I stepped further into the consulting world, and I continue to apply its lessons every day.

3. Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine
This book has been a game-changer, not just for my business, but for my personal growth. It helped me quiet my own “head trash” and shift into a mindset that embraces opportunity over fear. Sonja and I both became certified coaches in Positive Intelligence, and it’s now a foundational framework we use to help our clients build resilience, emotional intelligence, and greater life satisfaction.

Philosophical and Team Dynamics Inspirations
On a more philosophical level, I’ve been deeply influenced by Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and leadership, as well as Simon Sinek’s focus on purpose and starting with “why.”

When it comes to team dynamics, two books stand out as my current favorites: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant and Multipliers by Liz Wiseman. Both books resonate with me because they challenge us to focus not only on improving ourselves but also on growing those around us. Success, after all, isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s about how we elevate others. I love the sense of belonging and possibility that both books inspire, and they’ve been invaluable as Sonja and I help teams and organizations unlock their full potential.

These books, together, reflect the values I bring to my work: clarity, empathy, empowerment, and a deep belief in the potential of individuals and teams to achieve remarkable things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peq-performance.com/
• Instagram: @hilary_bilbrey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-bilbrey