🌟 The Magic of Live2Lead South Florida 2025: The Power of Community in Growth
There are some days that fill your heart so full, you wish you could bottle the feeling forever. For me, that day was October 10th — Live2Lead South Florida 2025.
This year’s event was truly magical. For the second year in a row, we sold out three weeks early, bringing together over 225 leaders and teams from 52 different companies across South Florida — all in one room, united by a shared desire to grow.
My word of the day was “Proud.”
Proud of the leaders who chose to spend an entire day investing in their own growth. Proud of the organizations that sent their teams to learn, connect, and be inspired. And proud of the community we’ve built, one that continues to show up for each other in extraordinary ways.
The atmosphere inside The Club at Quail Ridge was electric. From the moment guests walked the red-carpet entrance to the final standing ovation, the hospitality and service from the Quail Ridge team was pure five-star magic. Every detail reminded me why I love partnering with them...they get what world-class leadership and service look like.
Our live speakers brought such depth and authenticity to the stage — Lauren Long of JM Family Enterprises, Shirelle Francis of iLeap Group, Roddy Galbraith, and Chris Robinson from Maxwell Leadership — each sharing stories that helped us bridge the growth gap within ourselves. And of course, John Maxwell’s virtual message on “The Six Characteristics of a Winning Team” had the entire room laughing and reflecting at the same time.
But beyond the content and speakers, what made this year so meaningful was the people.
My family was in the room — both attending and volunteering at The Kelly Merbler Company vendor booths. My incredible volunteer team, led by the amazing Pat Stidham, made every guest feel welcome and loved from the moment they walked through the doors. And for me personally, my favorite moment was finally meeting my admin assistant, Addie, in person after three years of working together virtually. Watching her meet many of the clients she’s served from afar was surreal. It honestly felt like planning a wedding, with all the people I love most in one room together! 💛
💡 Leadership Lesson: Growth is a Team Sport
If Live2Lead reminded me of anything this year, it’s this: Growth doesn’t happen in isolation.
It happens when we surround ourselves with people who challenge us, cheer for us, and help us bridge the gaps between who we are and who we’re becoming. Leadership is a team sport.
So here are two takeaways to carry forward:
1. Stay in rooms that stretch you. Surround yourself with people who make you think bigger, lead better, and believe more.
2. Create the kind of community you crave. Be intentional about building spaces where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow, whether that’s in your organization, your friend group, or your family.
Because when leaders grow together, communities thrive. And that’s what Live2Lead South Florida is all about.
Thank you to every leader, sponsor, and volunteer who made this day possible. You are the heartbeat of this event — and I’m already dreaming about what’s next. 💛
Check out this year's recap video edited by Quail Ridge!
Cheers to your growth and whatever comes next,