The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, Inc. 

Newly recruited to lead our fundraising efforts to support the mission of advancing oral health equity in Connecticut. I take a relational approach to development, building genuine connections with donors, partners, and community members.

Development Manager

Journaling for Growth

Chief Journaling Officer

CT Library Consortium

Community builder for librarians. First to fill the role of Events & Special Projects Manager for statewide membership collaborative serving ~1,000 Connecticut libraries. 

Known for my personal brand of magic - creating spaces where members felt safe to learn and grow, turning nebulous ideas into concrete programs and services, and planning and executing events so fun they didn't feel like work - I helped members of our community feel seen, heard, and valued, and provided opportunities for them to build skills to better serve their communities. 

Known for being an innovative thinker who imagines creative solutions to problems, often anticipating needs before they arose, I instigated moving our Roundtable program virtual in early 2020, teaching members to use Zoom and modeled how to run an effective meeting. (Librarians went on to use what they learned here to put on programs for their own communities.)

I partnered with the Connecticut Storytelling Center to launch a storytelling training workshop series for librarians. I conceptualized and executed three different vendor expo models, all of which were wildly successful. And I established a new Program Directory to connect libraries with performers and workshop providers. 

I led the national Take Your Child to the Library Day initiative, serving as project manager, growing the program in visibility through projects such as the creation of both community-centric and librarian-centric websites, speaking at the Public Library Association Conference in April 2024, and publishing an article in Public Libraries Magazine in Summer 2024. I partnered with EveryLibrary to create Advocacy Training webinar series to build capacity among children's librarians, and established State Ambassador program to build support and visibility nationwide. I partnered with Demco to create a line of promotional products for TYCLD 2025.

Events and Special Projects Manager

Northwest Village School

I was selected as the first certified library media specialist at this therapeutic day school for special education students ages 4-21.  

Tasked with creating our library media program, I transformed a humble bookroom into a vibrant library ecosystem welcoming and accessible to students of all ages and our teachers and support staff. 

I implemented a new library automation software system, replacing the traditional card catalog, revamped our entire collection of materials, assessing gaps for each section and curating age-appropriate resources, and established new collections of both print and digital resources. 

As the designer of library, information and research, and technology skills curricula that I delivered to students, I was part of our teaching team, delivering instruction to students, facilitating professional development for teachers and support staff, and collaborated with teachers on technology integration and co-teaching classes. 

I created safe and welcoming spaces for all of our students, differentiating instruction, employing de-escalation strategies as needed, and building strong relationships with our learners and instructors. 

I had the joy of surprising and delighting students and staff by instituting school literacy events including annual Read Across America celebrations, coordinated external speakers, and introduced graphic novel collection (our most popular and widely circulated school collection).

Library Media Specialist

Avon Free Public Library

As part of our children's services team, I had the amazing privilege of supporting children and families who came to the library.

While on desk, I assisted children and families with navigation of library materials, equipment and resources; provided readers’ advisory services, connecting readers with engaging materials.

I executed original programming for children including reader’s theater workshops, family thank you letter writing, and thematic creative programs connected to the Amazing Castle™ installation. 

I partnered with Teen Librarian on Book Buddies program pairing elementary school students with middle and high school students to foster reading skills.

And I brought my skills from my experience at Northwest Village School to tactfully manage challenging patrons (i.e. high energy and or poor in-library behavior) resulting in reduction of risk behaviors in the library.

Children's Library Specialist

Self-Employed

Family Sabbatical

Ketchum

At Ketchum (formerly Capital Strategies), I worked with associations such as the North Carolina Economic Developers' Association and NC Go! on events (meetings, conferences, legislative days), editing newsletters, and providing member support. I helped develop communications plans for organizations such as Junior League of Raleigh.

Project Coordinator

Journaling is one of the simplest, most beneficial habits you can use to create the life you want to live. 

And yet something is keeping you from it. 

Whether you’re completely new to journaling and don’t know where to start, you’ve journaled some but not found what works for you yet, or you’re a seasoned journaler looking for new ways to infuse your journaling with energy to get the results you want, I can help. 

✍️Why work with me?
If you were going to do it on your own, you would have by now. The information is out there. But you haven’t figured out how to make it work for you yet. And that’s okay. I love getting to help folks just like you create journaling practices that help you reach your goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. We start with you, what you want to achieve, and find simple, sustainable ways to make it happen. 

✍️How to work together
If you need:
🌱A LITTLE BIT OF SUPPORT, check out my curated journal prompt collections through my Substack newsletter. At just $8/month, you’ll receive a daily journal prompt designed to help you get to know and love yourself a little bit better AND solve the problem of not knowing what to write about. (journalingforgrowth.substack.com)

🍀MORE SUPPORT, we'll work together to create your bespoke journaling practice that aligns with your personal growth journey. It’s all about you and what you need to grow. And it starts with a conversation. (tidycal.com/amandastern/strategy-call)

✨ Beyond Journaling—Event Planning & Community Building
Along with my passion for journaling, I bring years of experience as a community builder, event planner, and facilitator. I thrive on creating spaces where people can show up as their true, authentic selves and have real conversations that spark connection, growth, and impact. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale event, I specialize in curating experiences that foster meaningful connections and create positive change. If your organization or mission-driven nonprofit needs someone to plan and facilitate events or build a thriving community, let's talk about how we can make it happen.

✍️ About Me
I’ve been journaling since I was an angsty teenager, and it's my go-to tool for learning and growth. I've used it to uncover what I truly want, make plans to go after it, hold myself accountable, and celebrate success, all while creating a life I don’t want a vacation from. When I’m not journaling, you can find me with my nose in a book, puttering in my garden, laughing with my family, and trying to decide what to make for dinner again tonight.

Amanda Stern ✍️

Sounding Board

Sounding Board, the leader transformation company, offers a tech-driven, human-centric approach to leadership development in a volatile world. With world-class leadership coaches and the most flexible software for delivering customized, measurable coaching and mentoring programs, our award-winning Dynamic Leader Development Suite accelerates the growth of leaders at all levels and empowers organizations to thrive through disruption and change.

Sr. Enterprise Account Executive (Via Skye Acquisition)

Skye

RVP Sales, West

Ezra Coaching

Enterprise Account Executive

Ten Spot

Insperity

As a Business Performance Advisor with Insperity I help CEO's and business owners control expenses, minimize risk and exposure, and maximize opportunities for revenue generation through a comprehensive ready-to-use HR infrastructure designed for greater efficiency and profitability.

Sales Executive

GoSite

Providing cloud technology to small businesses helping them stay connected with new and repeat customers in order to continuing to grow their business.
• 100%+ to Quota.
• Identify and develop prospective clients.
• Aggressively prospect into targeted accounts creating interest in GoSite's product offerings.
• Execute daily product demos via screen share as well as in-person, to a variety of job titles.
• Complete a thorough discovery process of all prospects.
• Understand and address prospect questions and objections.
• Connect, engage and motivate in conversations, presentations and written communications.
• Keep a tight up to-date Pipeline in HubSpot that is easily reportable on.
• Travel nationally for in-person client meetings and conferences.

Senior Account Executive

Entrepreneur Academy

Entrepreneur Academy is a global online training program that both teaches and inspires entrepreneurs on how to create a healthy mind, body, and business.
•	Pioneered global growth into all 50 states, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
•	Developed strategic partnerships responsible for more than half of all B2C sales.
•	Exceptional sales conversion of 62% from webinars and email marketing campaigns.
•	Successful customer retention rate of 94%.

Founder

Tangoe

Championed explosive sales growth for Tangoe, the largest Global Managed Mobility Service and Telecommunication Expense Management Provider (Cloud/SaaS/Services). Estimated Revenue of $227M with over 1,500 customers.
•	Executed sales strategy contributing to over $40M of annual bookings and growth from $1.8M in recurring revenue to $227M.
•	Influenced market penetration into over 80% of the Fortune 500 and hundreds of the Global 2000 companies such as Exxon Mobile, General Motors, Cardinal Health, General Electric,  Wells Fargo, Disney, Coca-Cola, Best Buy, and Qualcomm. 
•	Ownership of weekly meetings and presentations with executive team, account managers, client executives, solution architects, digital sales specialists, and various team members in the sales enablement and operations team to address initiatives, challenges, risks, opportunities, and strategies for Tangoe’s annual recurring revenue pipeline.
•	Chief Evangelist for driving and measuring sales methodologies (Customer-Centric, Conceptual, SPIN selling) in over 13 acquisitions, a successful IPO, and global expansion.
•	Cultivated Strategic Partnerships and Business Development ecosystems with: IBM, SAP, HP, AT&T, CSC, and Verizon.

Director of Sales

ProfitLine

Pioneered ProfitLine’s sales strategy for high-growth through industry leading B2B sales, marketing and sales success teams, steering the TEM Industry to a SaaS/Cloud model.
•	Relentless commitment to measurable weekly prospecting activity and metric.
•	Architected 1000 new leads (300 qualified companies) in first 90 days.
•	Ownership of strategic, executive-level sales meetings to drive value-based outcomes that generated shorter sales cycles and faster revenue recognition.
•	Deep understanding of prospect value drivers; utilized these insights to steer and influence sales cycle, while fostering opportunities for additional business.

Business Development Manager

24 Hour Fitness

Ownership of hiring, developing, and leading all client-services personnel from training through to sales, service delivery, and renewals of 100+ clients and 1200+ members.
•	Architected, measured, and scaled fitness department sales and services revenue.
•	Produced company leading fitness department revenue of 120%+ of quota each month.
•	Managed 8 direct reports, providing coaching, performance reviews, certification and management programs, and balanced feedback.

Sales Manager

Enterprise Sales Leader | Business & Sales Performance Coach | Ultramarathoner | mikegoncalves.com

Strategic leadership is the cornerstone of my role at Skye, driving sales growth across the western region. Previously, at Ezra Coaching, I honed my expertise in business development, fostering robust sales pipelines and nurturing key partnerships. At Skye, these competencies are instrumental in expanding our market presence and achieving ambitious sales goals. Our team thrives on creating competitive advantages and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. My mission is to elevate organizational performance through innovative sales strategies and a coaching mindset that ensures success.

Michael Goncalves

Today marks my last day at Sounding Board. 

I leave with a grateful heart & fully at peace. 


Grateful.. for the opportunity to work w/ SB, for the incredible CSM’s I got to work and learn from (Heidi Anderson, Reva L., Dana Parker)..

for the clients who trusted me, who trusted us, our coaches, and our commitment to their leaders, their growth, & development..

for the challenges, the two acquisitions in less than 12 months, the transitions, the ups the downs, the wins, the losses, the unknown..

grateful for all of it..

because of the growth, the confidence, and resiliency it’s provided me as a result.

As I leave, I leave fully at peace.

Knowing I gave my all.
Not just some days, all days.

Knowing I served my team, my customers, my partners to the best of my ability.

Knowing my customers are in great hands with the CSM team I mentioned earlier.

Knowing I leave excited, happy, fulfilled, and heart full for an exciting career opportunity I’ll share more about in the days ahead.

Overwhelmed with gratitude at the moment.

To do work you love.
With people you care about.
Who care about you.
Who value trust, integrity, relationships.

That’s the holy grail.
Grateful. Fortunate. Blessed.
Onward!

Michael Goncalves MS, ATC

Enterprise Sales Leader | ICF Certified Coach (in progress) | Ultramarathoner

No alternative text description for this image

I’m excited to share I’ve stepped into a new 

role with Activate 180.


I’ll be serving as Director of Client Develoment.

Activate 180 is a leadership development and coaching company that helps individuals, leaders, and teams create real, measurable behavior change (not just insight).

They combine expert human coaching with thoughtfully integrated tools and experiences to meet people where they are.

The focus is practical, personal, and deeply human.

The commitment is building self-aware leaders who perform better, lead with intention, and create healthier, higher-impact cultures.

As many of you know through my posts here.. coaching didn’t just influence my career..

it changed the trajectory of my life. 🙏🏻

That’s not hyperbole either, it’s truth. 

I feel fortunate to have had great coaches over the years who’ve challenged my assumptions, expanded my thinking, and helped me lead with more intention, more courage, and clarity.

It’s this experience, my own personal experience with coaching, that continues to fuel my belief in coaching and the power of human-centered leadership development.

Activate 180 represents what I believe leadership development should be. 

A company that understands real transformation doesn’t come from frameworks alone, but instead..

from trust, culture, and leaders willing to do the inner work. 

Leaders who are self-aware, coachable, courageous, and deeply committed to the growth of their people, not just performance metrics. 

A company that believes leadership development is, and will remain, deeply human. And while AI is here to stay and will absolutely shape the future of work..

the future of leadership development belongs to humans. Because awareness, courage, trust, and accountability can’t be automated.

A leadership team that genuinely cares about its people, its customers, and lives the values they help others build.

A company that doesn’t just talk about leadership and culture..they live it. 

* This, more than anything, matters to me. *

A culture built on integrity with a belief that when leaders grow, organizations transform. 

I feel excited, energized, inspired to work alongside this team and contribute to helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock what’s next..

for themselves and for the people they serve.

It’s work I believe in.
Work that matters to me. 

Rod McDermott, Zach Smith.. thanks for the opportunity. 

I’m all in!

Race weekend. I’m excited, I’m nervous.. it’s 

it’s my 4th 50 miler. Why I keep coming back


for the discipline it requires
for the confidence it provides me
for the fear it requires me to face
for the struggle
especially middle ranch (mile 37-46) 😭
for the feeling of doing something hard
for the feeling of crossing that finish line
hands held high
tears in my eyes
meg’s loving hug
victorious 

(getting emotional just thinking / writing that)

work is hard
sales is hard
relationships are hard
life is hard

It’s a race, an event, an experience I hate to love.. I’m come to love.

It’s not about the metal.
It’s about what it took to achieve it.
All I am, must be, and become to achieve it.

50 miles.. let’s do this!

My post on Sunday went viral 😳 .. wasn’t 

expecting that. Especially considering that:


the post wasn’t about business, or coaching, or motivation, or personal development, or goal setting, or prospecting, or sales..

things I typically share and post about.

The post was me sharing that I pray, I journal, I run, I drink, I swear, I’m liberal, I mediate, watch football, love music..

and the fact that.. it’s me, it’s who I choose to be, and encouraging others to be more of themselves in 2026.

without apology
without explanation
without regret

It must have struck a cord.. 🚀📈😮

In a world where there’s so many things you could be, are asked to be, or feel you should be..

choose to be who you are..

first,
everything else, second.

(Photo: Bali 2018)

I’m not a fan of the word “motivation”.

It’s misleading, and here’s why:


Motivation isn’t a feeling..

👉 it’s a choice

More often than not, I don’t feel like working out, running, cold calling, preparing for a demo, journaling, reading, posting on here..

but, 👉 I do it anyways.

Because it align with my goals, my standards, with who I believe myself to be.

If I wait for a feeling (to feel motivated) before taking action, I might be waiting forever.

And while we’re at it, let’s address this as well..

you don’t have to love the process (contrary to what you hear).. fall in love with the process, they say 🙄

if you do, bonus!

More often than not, I dread the process (like training for a 50 mile ultramarathon) 😫

What I do love is the outcome.. the confidence, conviction, discipline, and person I become in the process..

👆 that’s my motivation..

In 2026, choose to show up and do the work, whether you’re “feeling” like it or not.

(Photo: post 50 mile run this past weekend.. tired, deleted, immensely fulfilled)

Saw lots of new faces at the gym this week. 

Here on LI too. My advice to all “newbies”.. 


stay focused on the one ☝️ thing that matters most:

> showing up

• forget who’s looking at you
• forget what others are doing
• forget what others are saying 
• forget how many likes you get
• forget how perfect or imperfect it looks 
• forget the missed day (show up tomorrow)
• forget past fears, misses, losses
• forget all of it

> show up

give your best,
do your best.

Knowing and accepting that:

• some days will look better than others
• some days you’ll give 110%
• some days you’ll barely give any percent 
• some days you’ll feel on top of the world
• some days you’ll be ready to quit
• some days you’ll say “this is great”
• some days you’ll say “this sucks”

👉 just show up

Not for 365 days, just today.

Make your focus today, that’s it.

Today, focus on today.
Tomorrow, focus on tomorrow.
Friday, focus on Friday.

That’s it, nothing else.
In 2026, just show up.

I reached out to 300 L&D leaders asking 

what’s top of mind for them in 2026. Answer:


👉 Leader Develomnent (78%)

👉 Specifically, mid-level managers (35%)

With a 34% response rate to a 10 question survey I sent each L&D leader..

it provided some very rich and insightful data into how and what L&D Leaders are thinking and focused on in 2026.

Other questions asked in the survey were:

• What are the biggest challenges you anticipate facing in 2026?

• How do you expect your L&D budget to change in 2026?

• What areas are most likely to receive increased budget allocation?

• How is your organization currently leveraging AI within Learning & Development?

• What concerns do you have about integrating AI into your learning ecosystem?

• What are your top objectives when investing in leadership development and coaching?

• What metrics will matter most for evaluating L&D success in 2026?

If you’d like a detailed PDF report of the survey and findings.. shoot me a DM and I’ll happily provide you a copy of it.

(A sincere thank you to every L&D leader I reached out to who took the time to complete the survey.. much appreciated!)

Probably my least favorite day of the year 🫤

Taking down all the Christmas decorations.


Not because of the work it requires, 

or the mess the tree makes with dry pine needles everywhere as I battle to wrap it up, 

or the dogs running off with different ornaments..

but because of the joy the decorations bring me.

the tree
the lights
the lighting
the ornaments 
the smell of pine
the spirit of Christmas

I love everything about it.
And I know it’ll be here again in no time.

340 days to go..
but who’s counting 😉

Have a great Sunday! (Go Pats! 🏈)

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Michael Goncalves

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