THE STUMBLING BLOCKS PHILOSOPHY
A practical framework for navigating workplace stumbling blocks.
Face what's true.
Name the issue. Stop avoiding difficult conversations. Get clear on what's actually happening.
Feel what's real.
Acknowledge tension, emotion, frustration, and different perspectives--without getting stuck there.
Fix what you can.
Take practical action that improves communication, strengthens trust, and creates forward momentum.
BRING THE PHILOSOPHY TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
MEET BARBARA MAY
Built from real experience.
Focused on real impact.
After surviving life-threatening pulmonary emboli at age 46, Barbara May began looking at challenges and setbacks differently. She came to understand something simple: everyone stumbles. What matters is how we face what’s true, feel what’s real, fix what we can, and move forward.
That insight became the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy.
A former national-level gymnast, award-winning coach, educator and experienced leader, Barbara brings more than 30 years of real-world experience to the work she does today—sharing and teaching the philosophy through interactive team building seminars, leadership training and keynotes.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Sometimes we get stuck in the things that trip us up, our stumbling blocks, and this was a great opportunity to hear that somebody else has experienced those issues too.”
Shawna Miller, President, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
“Barbara presented to our department at a time of significant change. Her sessions helped get conversations started about the impacts of change in a way that was fun, engaging and accessible to all who attended.”
John Younk, Director, Strategic Planning Ancillary Services, University of Alberta
“Barbara May is an engaging speaker who effortlessly adapted her material on the fly to suit our specific needs. In a group that is hard to impress, we were all genuinely impressed by her expertise and delivery.”
Fay Eagles, Operations Manager, Avison Young