I recently set a goal to complete a 10K with a group of moms I met through FIT4MOM, a community I joined during maternity leave. I didn’t tell many people outside that circle I was doing this. I just put my head down and did the work. Last week, I crossed the finish line faster than expected and it felt incredible. To top it off, my husband and son surprised me at the end. All the feels.

But like most things, it wasn’t really about the finish line. It was about what I learned along the way: - The strength you find in yourself is often powered by the community around you. - Every early morning run, a simple wave or smile from another runner kept me going. Out there, we weren’t red or blue, we weren’t debating, we were just runners encouraging each other along the way. Imagine if we carried more of that energy into our daily lives. - Joining this community helped me show up better everywhere else. I felt calmer and more grounded at work, more patient at home and more present with my kids. - It reminded me that community isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the foundation of how we thrive.

The communicator in me couldn’t help but see the parallel. Whether it’s a brand, a team or a family, community is what sustains momentum. It builds resilience, fuels creativity and strengthens connection. The art of communications is a team sport and we all have something to share and learn from one another. When we do, we elevate the craft and the communities we serve.

So just a note of gratitude for the communities I’ve formed, am part of or am still building.

Follow Jennie on her LinkedIn to keep up with her journey!