Blog
Insights from Ann-Marie Flinn, Champion Change Agency Founder
How to Get Your Employer to Fund Your Professional Training (and Why So Many Women Still Hesitate to Ask)
Struggling to ask your employer for professional development funding? You're not alone. Research shows only 7% of women negotiate their first job offer compared to 57% of men, and this gap persists throughout careers. Learn how to overcome your Inner Critic, craft a purpose-driven request that aligns with organizational goals, and transform "no" into "not yet." Discover the proven strategy to advocate for your growth with confidence—because when you invest in your leadership development, everyone wins. Your next career breakthrough starts with one bold ask.
My 2026 Word Of The Year
At this time of year, I love reflecting on the moments that shaped me and the people I had the privilege of walking alongside. I also choose an “anchor” word to return to throughout the new year, a word that helps me grow into who I am, who I’m becoming, and what I desire more of in my life and work.
This year, when a team member asked what my word for 2026 would be, the answer came out before I could overthink it: Curious.
Core Principles of a Champion Mindset
Imagine this: You’re standing at the crossroads of a significant change in your life. Maybe it’s a new job, a personal challenge, or a big decision you’ve been putting off.
You feel a mix of excitement and fear, and that little voice of doubt starts whispering, "Can I really do this?"
Today I want to talk about how to embrace a Champion Mindset.
Champion Women’s Summit 2024 Recap
This year, we welcomed over 50 women to the Champion Women’s Summit for an immersive 2.5-day journey of learning, growth, and transformation. Through embracing discomfort, participants embarked on a powerful path to personal and professional transformation.
Rewrite your internal self talk
A few years ago, I had the privilege of taking part in a year long leadership development program held in California. I met the most incredible humans from around the world. Many are now life long friends and colleagues. A group of us still meet virtually every two weeks to practice our leadership skills, hold...
What is unhealthy Perfectionism?
What's the difference between unhealthy perfectionism and the healthy pursuit of excellence? I was recently a keynote speaker at a large women’s conference where I presented Perfect Imperfection. Part of my talk included the idea of giving ourselves a bit of slack when it comes to the rigid standards perfectionists place on themselves when wanting...
Are you a Perfectionist?
Are you a Perfectionist? What are the signs? How do I know if I'm a perfectionist? I was recently asked by some folks, “How do I know if I’m a perfectionist?” and, “How can I spot a perfectionist?” Being a recovering perfectionist myself – and researching this topic for decades – the short answer is:...
The Perfectly Hidden Wound
I never knew this until recently, but I am a recovering perfectionist. My aim in this newsletter is to share my personal story and shed some light on a growing epidemic: Perfectionism. I honestly thought that my innate need to function at an exhaustingly high level was just normal. The obsessive need to – practice…