What If Leadership Didn't Have to Feel This Hard?

What If Leadership Didn't
Have to Feel This Hard?

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You Didn't Need Help to Get Here.

But Leading? That's Different.

Here's something I believe deeply: everyone deserves a good boss.

You deserve one. Your team deserves one. And yet, most of us have worked for someone who was... let's just say, still figuring it out.

But here's the thing – those leaders aren't bad people. They were just never taught how to lead. They got promoted because they were great at their job, handed a new title, and expected to figure out this entirely different skill set on their own.

Sound familiar?

You didn't get here by accident. You got here because you're driven, you deliver results, and you're the person others count on. But the skills that made you exceptional as an individual contributor? They're not the same skills that will make you the leader your team deserves.

And that's not a personal failing. That's just reality.

Leadership is a high-performing profession.

If you're serious about being the kind of leader your team deserves – the kind of leader YOU would have wanted – then investing in your development isn't just smart.

It's responsible.

You Didn't Need Help to Get Here.

But Leading? That's Different.

Here's something I believe deeply: everyone deserves a good boss.

You deserve one. Your team deserves one. And yet, most of us have worked for someone who was... let's just say, still figuring it out.

But here's the thing – those leaders aren't bad people.

They were just never taught how to lead.

They got promoted because they were great at their job, handed a new title, and expected to figure out this entirely different skill set on their own.

Sound familiar?

You didn't get here by accident.

You got here because you're driven, you deliver results, and you're the person others count on.

But the skills that made you exceptional as an individual contributor? They're not the same skills that will make you the leader your team deserves.

And that's not a personal failing. That's just reality.

Leadership is a high-performing profession.

If you're serious about being the kind of leader your team deserves – the kind of leader YOU would have wanted – then investing in your development isn't just smart.

It's responsible.

The Shift No One Prepares You For

The transition from doer to leader is one of the most significant shifts you'll make in your career. And it's one of the least supported.

You weren't handed a manual. You were expected to figure it out while still delivering results.

But here's what I've learned working with leaders like you: the struggle isn't a sign that you're failing. It's a sign that you're in the middle of a transformation that requires new skills, new mindsets, and new support.

Elite athletes have coaches. High-performing executives have coaches. Not because they're struggling, but because they're committed to excellence. You deserve that same level of support.

The question isn't whether you need support.

The question is: what becomes possible when you get it?

Here's how we can work together...

Training

From my signature Leadership Locksmith System (bite-sized weekly lessons with targeted coaching) to custom in-person workshops and webinars, I create training that helps you apply one leadership principle at a time to your actual work challenges. No overwhelming theory dumps. No unrealistic expectations. Just practical strategies you can implement immediately to build momentum and confidence.

Coaching

Customized support for your unique leadership challenges. We work together to address what's happening in real time, building the skills and mindsets you need to lead with confidence and clarity.

Consulting

Whether you're looking for organizational leadership development, support leading your organization through planning or changes, or consulting on specific leadership challenges, our team at Clear Waters Consulting creates approaches that fit your specific needs and context.

The common thread? Everything I do is designed to help you implement what you learn, not just know more. Because leadership transformation happens through action, not information.

Hello, I'm Tabbi Kinion...

I'm a leadership trainer and coach who works with overachieving leaders who care deeply about their work and their teams, but who are discovering that caring isn't enough.

I believe everyone deserves a good boss. And I'm here to help you become one.

After 20 years in leadership roles, I left my position in 2023 because I discovered what truly transforms overwhelmed managers into confident leaders. I learned it the hard way in 2008 when I hit a leadership wall that shook my confidence to the core. I was doing everything I thought a good leader should do, working harder than everyone else, carrying the weight of responsibility for everything. And I was exhausted.

The turning point? Realizing that leadership isn't about knowing more. It's about implementing differently.

That shift changed everything for me. And now? Helping leaders make that same shift is what lights me up.

My work is about helping you become the kind of leader who walks alongside their team rather than standing above them.

A leader who knows that true influence is earned through service, not demanded through authority.

A leader who creates conditions where others thrive.

Because life is too short to be a terrible leader (or to work for one).

Learn More About Me

What Other Leaders Say

From Class Clown to Confident Leader

"I was always 'the funny guy' at work and worried I'd never be taken seriously as a leader. Tabbi helped me transform my humor from a crutch into an authentic strength that builds trust. Now my team follows my lead AND appreciates my jokes! I've found my leadership voice, built deeper staff connections, launched new programs, and can have those tough conversations that actually move us forward. I'm not a different person—I'm a better leader." — JJ, Assistant Division Chief

From Frustration to Productivity

"Going from prison guard to DMV manager, I thought I knew tough environments—then I tried having performance conversations with my new team! I'd take issues personally or explode when standards weren't met, and our wait times suffered. Tabbi's training taught me to separate the person from the problem and have productive accountability conversations instead of emotional reactions. We've dramatically cut wait times while strengthening team relationships—because people respect consistency and clarity more than they fear difficult conversations." — Cass, Assistant Manager, DMV

Outstanding Job - Highly Relevant Content

"The workshop was a great success, and Tabbi did an outstanding job. She was very in tune with the audience's needs and made the content highly relevant. Several participants have already shared positive feedback and expressed interest in more training from Tabbi." — Jess, Training & Development Specialist, Southern Legacy of Life

Let's Grab Coffee!

(Virtual or In-Person)

The best conversations about your leadership development path happen over coffee - where you can be honest about what's really going on, ask the questions you're afraid to ask your team, and figure out what's actually possible.

So let's do that.

Whether we meet virtually over your favorite brew or sit down in person, I'd love to hear what's happening in your leadership world right now. No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you are, where you want to be, and whether I'm the right person to help you get there.

Grab your coffee. I'll grab mine. Let's talk.

Schedule Here

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Ready to Transform Your Leadership Journey?

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🔑 LEADERSHIP LOCKSMITH SYSTEM

Transform from overwhelmed to outstanding in just 6 months—guaranteed.

Walking into work confident and calm, knowing your team has everything under control. Making decisions with clarity, not doubt. Leaving the office on time, showing up fully for your team and your family.

Because here's what I know after more than 20 years of leadership: You don't need more theory or training. You need a proven system that works in the real world.

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This is for leaders ready to invest in real change. If that's you, let's talk.

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From high-impact one-day sessions to comprehensive multi-day experiences, I'll create a custom leadership development solution that transforms your team.

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By providing your contact information, you consent to receive messages from Tabbi Kinion LLC. Message and data rates may apply. Your information will not be shared with unauthorized third parties. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.