Opening the Window: A New Chapter in Curiosity and Connection

After more than 25 years in nonprofit leadership, I finally took the leap to pursue one of my greatest passions, to start my own company, Open Window Solutions.  I’ve always been insatiably curious, constantly learning, and eager to see the world from different perspectives. This curiosity shapes my decision-making and fuels my drive to explore paths that promise extraordinary outcomes. Whether it’s my Libra nature—seeking balance—or the influence of a conservative father and an adventurous, free-spirited mother, this deep desire to understand has been a guiding force in my life. 

When my mom and dad got married in 1969, he couldn't stand pizza. It was far from the traditional Czech and German food he’d grown up with. My mom, the daredevil, encouraged him to try it. Over time, he not only came to love pizza, and became more open to new experiences. Over the years not only did his pallet expand, but he also evolved in his perspectives on politics religion, relationships and . He became more open, more curious. Witnessing this transformation taught me an important truth: people grow and change when they become curious about the unfamiliar. 

I’ve carried this lesson with me, forgiving easily and choosing not to hold grudges. Instead, I approach life’s pain points with curiosity, which invariably leads to growth. It’s not blind optimism; it’s the understanding that perspectives are fluid, and clinging to old truths might prevent us from discovering bigger ones.  

So I took this leap, one I've been contemplating since 2011, when I named my company. When it's time to close a door, open the window. Breathe fresh air and life into what you know, make room for what you don’t. Bring clarity and new meaning to your life's work, your experiences and your expertise. Then learn how to share it. 

Now, I’m thrilled to dedicate this next chapter to helping others bring their complex, transformative ideas to life. Throughout my career, I’ve met extraordinary people with world-changing ideas—in science, technology, kindness, and innovation. Yet, their proximity to the work often makes it challenging to communicate their vision with clarity and passion. That’s where I come in.

When big thinkers connect with the power of their ideas and share them effectively, magic happens. The energy in the room shifts. Audiences are inspired, motivated, and compelled to take ownership of those ideas. And as these ideas enter the collective consciousness, they grow, evolve, and take root. Witnessing this process brings me immense joy. 

Open Window Solutions relies on three core values: 

Curiosity – Explore the journeys of ourselves and others, ask genuine questions, and remain open to learning. 

Integrity – Take pride in the work and the expertise that fuels it.  Approach ideas with honesty, and deliver reliable expertise. 

Authenticity – Bring kindness, compassion, and hope into everything, letting our humanity and our vision shine through.  

By applying these values to communication we build a safe spaces to establish a shared understanding. This elicits a common respect, regardless of what your own beliefs are and allows us to be open to new information. Finally, the culminating outcome is to build trust. As Stephen Covey says, "Change moves at the speed of trust."  

Open Window Solutions partners with professionals—professors, nonprofits, associations, business leaders, and individuals—who have ideas worth sharing. I help translate complex or technical concepts into compelling messages that resonate with their intended audiences. 

I'm excited to continue this work of making great ideas stand out in a noisy world.