Find Your People, Reflect Love

How to bottle the energy of true community...

  • The power of collective energy when mirrors gather, as witnessed at JPM25

  • How to harness and maintain the inspiration from moments of connection

  • Building your personal community of mirrors 

  • Making every day feel like Galentine's Day through intentional connection

Mirror Mantra

We're strongest when we cheer each other on.

Serena Williams

Something extraordinary happened in San Francisco last month. Across the bustle of JPM25, the world’s biggest healthcare conference, a sea of pink emerged—women leaders and allies wearing their support literally on their sleeves. From Union Square photo shoots to powerful panel discussions, we created spaces where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. Project Mirrors brought together hundreds of biotech leaders, encouraging everyone to wear pink in a stunning visual demonstration of solidarity. When you looked in any direction—across crowded elevators, through busy streets—you saw reflections of what's possible when women lead. These "mirrors" weren't just role models; they were leaders who truly see us, hear us, and understand our potential. They actively reflect our brilliance back to us, proving we belong and we're not alone.

The most common feedback? "I wish we could bottle this energy."

Here's the thing: We can. And we must.

When hundreds of brilliant minds gather in pink, it's more than a fashion statement. It's a reminder that we're not meant to do this alone. That we're strongest when we lift each other up. That the spirit of Galentine's Day—women championing women—should fuel us every single day.

As I've learned throughout my career, it's not just about filling your cup with moments like these. You have to keep your own cup full to serve others effectively. I love the saying: "Serve from your saucer, not your cup." When your cup overflows with support and encouragement, you can give to others without depleting yourself.

That's why I'm committed to creating regular "sisterhood fixes"—intentional moments of connection and empowerment that keep that energy alive long after the pink outfits are put away. Read more about bottling your Galentine's Day spirit and creating your own sustainable support system here

Create your own mini Galentine’s celebration or "Project Mirrors" moment this week. Host a coffee chat, virtual meetup, or lunch gathering with 2–3 people who make you feel seen and supported. Include someone you admire but haven't connected with deeply yet. 

Make it intentional: Share one challenge you're facing and one win you're celebrating. Listen deeply to others doing the same. These small moments of authentic connection build the foundation for lasting professional relationships that reflect your brilliance back to you all year long.

Bonus: Wear pink (or whatever color makes you feel powerful). Sometimes the external can help manifest the internal. Those of us at JPM25 certainly felt it!

Keep shining, 

Sheila

For more behind-the-scenes insights on work, life, and beyond, follow me on Instagram!

Have you seen my TEDx talk "Focus on the Mirror, Not the Glass Ceiling"? In it, I explore how finding the right mirrors—people who reflect our potential and validate our experiences—can transform our leadership journey. I'd be honored if you'd watch and share it with others who might benefit from this message.