Lasting Leadership: How Luminal’s Values Define Our Work

We don’t just talk the talk - everything we do is grounded in the values that define us.

As we step into 2025, leaders across the nation are setting goals to foster team growth, enhance employee engagement and drive organizational success. At Luminal, nothing matters more than audacious goals like these.

Our mission is to empower leaders in nonprofit and service industries to build resilient, cohesive teams through intentional development and engagement. This purpose drives everything we do - and as the new year begins, we’re reflecting and redefining how our core values shape our approach to leadership development. Below, a love letter to our values.

Core value #1 - Authenticity

We believe that every individual deserves to show up to work as their fullest, most true selves. By embracing authenticity, leaders can create environments where team members feel valued and understood, leading to increased trust and collaboration.

In 2025: If you’ve met Paige, you know that she doesn’t show up as anything other than her authentic self (even when she’s goofy or awkward, which is often...) In 2025, we are committed to helping staff members find their own most authentic selves, allowing them to lead from the core and empowering their teams to do the same.

Core value #2 - Growth

Evolution is your birthright. We provide access to innovative development opportunities that support organizations and individuals in discovering how best to lead moving forward. Especially in moments where change is necessary, we know that what got you here won’t get you there - and we help you figure out the right pivots.

In 2025: This year, we aim to facilitate accelerated growth by offering new “open source” tools to support managers and team leaders to develop their people faster, while simultaneously addressing the unique challenges of the nonprofit and service sectors. We also commit to continuing to seek out new learning opportunities for ourselves, modeling what matters and bringing innovative ideas to the work.

Core value #3 - Inclusion

None of us are welcome until all of us are welcome. We hold a deep belief that everyone belongs and deserves access to growth opportunity. We believe that all learners are welcome and should be catered to in development work utilizing inclusive, diverse learning experiences.

In 2025: We ensure our content is grounded in the science of learning, including multiple modes of expression and engagement for diverse learners. We will also continue to offer discounts to clients supporting historically underserved communities as well as to individuals seeking individual learning opportunities who may struggle to access them.

Core value #4: Connection

We find fulfillment where we find connection; where we know that we aren’t alone in a feeling or the work. At Luminal, we foster moments that lead to lasting bonds among teams and individuals as a means to our richest work-life experiences.

In 2025: In the coming year, we will emphasize the importance of building strong interpersonal relationships within teams, understanding that connection is the foundation of effective collaboration and employee engagement. We also seek real connection with every client, learning what matters most and ensuring we are providing solutions that come from a place of “knowing, not guessing.”

Core value #5: Playfulness

Watch any child and you’ll be reminded that play is a vital means to learning. We embrace our inner child and provide levity throughout the important work of leadership. By incorporating playfulness into our programs, we create engaging and enjoyable learning experiences that inspire creativity and innovation among leaders and their teams.

In 2025: We consistently revitalize our workshops to make them more fun for adult learners by using new technology, story-telling, real practice and just a touch of silliness. Our coaching work is frequently grounded in the power of playfulness, and we often encourage our clients to get silly in order to face the serious.

Core value #6: Achievement

Ultimately, the work of leadership and team development is about the pursuit of individual and company goals (not our goals!) Recognizing this, we customize our work together to ensure that every team is getting the Goldilocks treatment for them.

In 2025: Our focus on achievement means that we partner with organizations to set clear objectives and provide the tools and support necessary to reach them, driving success in the new year and beyond. No one-sized fits all programs or approaches here!

Inspired by similar purpose?

We would love to connect with you!

At Luminal Development, our values are not just words; they are the principles that guide our actions and shape our programs. As you set your leadership development goals for 2025, we invite you to join us in building leadership that lasts - grounded in authenticity, committed to growth, inclusive in approach, connected through relationships, enriched by playfulness, and driven by achievement. What better moment than now?