Turns Out, Starting a Blog Made My 2025 Bingo Card

Welcome to the inaugural post of Leading with Lori, my very own corner of the internet where I’ll be sharing thoughts, opinions, and (hopefully) a bit of wisdom. If you’ve met me, you know I’m not shy about having (or sharing) my opinion—and, as it turns out, more often than not it's helpful to people. So, why keep those thoughts confined to one on one conversations? 

Why a blog? Well, why not? Kylie Kelce can start a podcast, so why can't I step into the blogosphere. Leadership and business are my sweet spots, and as CEO of PayNW, I’m constantly learning, growing, and refining how we serve our mission: making lives easier. This blog is an extension of that mission, a way to connect with more people and spark ideas, solutions, and maybe even provide a bit of inspiration. 

Let’s talk about what you can expect from Leading with Lori. This isn’t just a space for me to share stories or reflections; it’s a platform to explore leadership lessons, business strategies, and insights that can help professionals thrive at every stage of their journey. Leadership, after all, isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, making decisions, and creating positive ripple effects for the people and teams you work with. 

"Leadership, after all, isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, making decisions, and creating positive ripple effects for the people and teams you work with."

I’ll dive into topics like staying resilient in the face of challenges, elevating yourself to see the big picture, and fostering a culture that doesn’t just prioritize results but also values people. At PayNW, we call that “making lives easier.” It’s more than a tagline—it’s the lens we use to guide every decision we make. This blog will extend that philosophy, offering practical takeaways that you can apply in your own career or business. 

But here’s the twist: life isn’t all about business. I’m also a wife, a parent, a daughter, a board member and someone who finds joy and fulfilment in the messiness of everyday life. So, don’t be surprised if I occasionally share a story about balancing homework help with boardroom deadlines or finding life lessons in unexpected places (spoiler: kids are incredible teachers). My hope is that these moments remind us all to bring our full, authentic selves to every role we play. 

Now, a little housekeeping: this blog will live right here on the PayNW website because most of what I’ll share connects to leadership, culture, and the broader world of business. However, I want this to feel like a conversation, not a lecture. If something resonates with you—or even if you disagree—I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on LinkedIn. Let’s make this a space where ideas collide and evolve. 

And since we’re setting expectations, I’ll add this: I don’t promise perfection, but I do promise honesty. Sometimes I’ll have fully formed strategies to share; other times, it might be a thought I’m still working through. Either way, I hope you’ll find value in the journey. 

"I don't promise perfection, but I do promise honesty."

This is a new year and a fresh chapter, not just for me but for all of us. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply navigating life’s twists and turns, my hope is that this blog becomes a resource for you—a place where ideas flow freely, growth feels attainable, and challenges seem a little less daunting. 

If you’d like to keep the conversation going, follow me on LinkedIn, share your thoughts in the comments, or connect with PayNW for more updates. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—together. 

See you in the next post! 

Thanks,