Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Connection

In 2023, I lost my job and my first instinct was to retreat. I pulled back, telling myself I just needed time to figure things out on my own. But the truth? I was stuck. I didn’t know what was next, and going it alone only made the uncertainty heavier.

What changed everything for me was leaning into vulnerability and connection. Once I shared with my network what I was going through and how they could support me, they showed up in ways that carried me forward. It wasn’t grand gestures that made the difference. It was the text check-ins on hard days, the five-minute unexpected calls that reminded me I wasn’t alone, and the coffees or lunches that gave me space to talk it out. Each touchpoint pulled me out of freeze mode and reminded me that I didn’t have to do this alone.

The real game changer, though, was when I said yes to attending my first retreat. I spent time with 11 incredible women at different stages in their careers, each bringing their own stories of resilience, growth, and reinvention. In that space, I found clarity. I carved out my next steps. And I gave myself permission to dream big, bigger than I had ever allowed myself to before.

That experience made such a profound impact on me that I am now co-hosting a women’s retreat, March 8–10, 2026 in San Diego. This retreat will lead directly into The WIT Network’s Igniting Excellence conference, creating a powerful experience of reflection, connection, and inspiration. My hope is to create the same kind of supportive, empowering space for others, a place where vulnerability is welcomed, connections run deep, and new possibilities come into focus.

This journey taught me that vulnerability opens the door to connection, and connection creates possibility. When you let people in, when you share honestly where you are and what you need, you invite your network to do what it does best: support, encourage, and lift you higher.

If you’re feeling stuck right now, consider this your reminder: you don’t need to figure it out alone. Reach out. Send the text. Ask for the coffee. Be brave enough to say, “Here’s where I’m at.” The difference between staying stuck and soaring into something new might just be one real conversation away.

If the idea of a retreat resonates with you, I’d love to share more. You can email me at coachkellynagel@gmail.com to learn more about joining us in San Diego.