In 2018, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania set out to understand how social norms shift – how real change happens, not just in theory, but in groups of people living real lives.

They designed an experiment where participants were asked to label a simple image. But midway through the task, a small group of people were instructed to call it something different – and to politely push others to do the same.

At first, nothing happened. The group shrugged them off.

But when the dissenting voices reached about 25% of the group, things started to tip. Quietly at first. Then faster.

That 25% – a committed minority, was enough to tip things!

“Small groups of regular individuals – that is, with the same amount of social power and resources as everyone else – can successfully initiate a change in social conventions. According to this view, the power of small groups comes not from their authority or wealth, but from their commitment to the cause…”, the researchers said.

The study confirmed something sociologists had long suspected: when just a quarter of a group believes deeply enough in something – and acts on it – they can start a cultural shift.

Every group has three layers.

The ones who are in.

The ones who are watching.

The ones who never quite get it.

That’s true in research labs and social movements. And It shows up in families. In classrooms. In group texts and group projects and board meetings.

And maybe the useful thing – the thing that actually helps – is remembering who we’re trying to reach.

Not everyone. Just the ones who are already leaning in.

The ones who ask good questions.
The ones who keep showing up.
The ones who’ve been quietly waiting for someone to say what they’ve been thinking.

That’s who we build for.
That’s who we answer.
That’s who we trust.

I count on that – the influence of my own “committed minority” – so much. They’re the ones I count on to tip the scales in my favor. And I honestly can’t thank them enough.  

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re part of that group for me. 

You’ve read my blog. You’ve shared a post. You’ve told someone about my coaching. You’ve sent a kind message. You’ve given me a testimonial.

Earlier this year, I decided I wanted a website that finally made space for all of that – something that could hold some depth and the uniqueness of what I offer. 

So, after a series of serendipitous events (or divinipitous events, as my dad would say) I had some really good help in reimagining it.

It’s clearer now. More organized. It reflects what I’ve built and what I’m still building. You can find more information, more worksheets and printables, more answers, more of what you’ve asked for.

Here’s the thing. I’ve logged more than 2,600 one-on-one hours with clients. I’ve written over 180 blog posts. And I believe – on most days – that I’m really good at what I do.

If you, my committed minority, know someone who might need my kind of help, someone who could use some steady listening and coaching – I’d love for you to share the new website or send them my way.

Thank you – so so much – for being part of my committed minority. You’ve helped shape everything that’s coming next. And I sincerely hope you enjoy the improved website.

I can’t wait to hear about your committed minority, and if you’re having trouble finding them, I would very much love to help. 

PS This post has taken forever to write. (Truth be told, the new website went live a couple weeks ago.) It feels really vulnerable to just outright say “I’ve done a lot of work,” “ I’m proud of it,” “ I’ve launched a new home for it,” “I’d love for you to share it.”  And the new website itself feels vulnerable – more of my words, more of my face. But I knew if I was going to keep showing up, it needed to feel like a space I wasn’t hiding in. I really hope in some way, it helps you keep showing up in your spaces, too. 

You can check it out here.

Thank you SO much for passing it along.