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Soul on Fire Spotlight:
Jill Wesbecher

This month, we’re celebrating Jill Wesbecher, a woman whose fifty years in retail management, and lifelong commitment to people, show us that leadership isn’t confined to titles or offices. It lives in the everyday moments.

Jill learned early, growing up on a farm, that hard work and smart thinking go hand in hand. Those lessons shaped her career, including a defining moment in 1995 when a Sam’s Club member insisted on speaking to “the man in charge.” Jill stood steady and replied, “I’m the woman in charge. How can I help you.” It was a simple sentence, but a powerful everyday act of leadership—modeling confidence, clarity, and integrity.

Throughout her career, Jill became known for clearing obstacles for her team, organizing priorities into her famous “buckets,” and showing up shoulder‑to‑shoulder with her people. Her fire has always been seeing others succeed—helping them grow, try, and find confidence they didn’t know they had.

Even in retirement, Jill’s leadership shows up in small, meaningful interactions. She encourages overwhelmed employees in checkout lines, offers perspective to strangers, and gently reminds women not to apologize for simply doing their jobs. These moments may seem small, but they carry weight. They’re reminders that leadership can happen anywhere...at work, in a grocery aisle, or in a passing conversation.

Today, Jill hopes to leave a legacy of courage and possibility. She wants to be a safety net for those struggling with confidence, disappointment, or finding their voice. Her message is simple: you don't need a title to be a leader. You can take a leadership role in any position.

Join Us for a Night at the Ballpark!

Sometimes the best conversations don't happen in conference rooms or coffee shops—they happen while cheering on a baseball game, sharing a hot dog, and simply enjoying time together.

That's why we're inviting you to join us for SoulFire at the Ballpark on Wednesday, August 5, as we cheer on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and spend an evening building community together.

Whether you've attended one of our events, listened to the podcast, worked with us professionally, or you're simply curious about what SoulFire is all about, this is a relaxed, family-friendly opportunity to connect. No agenda or pressure. Just a fun summer evening with great people.

As part of this special partnership with the Naturals, $6 from every ticket purchased through our event link will support SoulFire's expansion into a nonprofit, helping us continue creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected through coaching, leadership development, community events, and storytelling.

Event Details:

Wednesday, August 5​
​Arvest Ballpark, Springdale, AR
​Gates Open: 6:00 PM
​First Pitch: 7:05 PM
​$1 Hot Dog Night!

We'll have a reserved section just for the SoulFire community, so invite your family, bring a friend, and come enjoy a summer night with us.

Tickets are $15.33 each.

Simply scan the QR code below or click here to reserve your seats.

We can't wait to see you at the ballpark!

SoulFire Sparks Series: Alex Widener

Every Person Has a Story

Some people have a gift for making others feel like they matter.

They ask one more question. They remember your spouse's name. They follow up weeks later about something you almost forgot you shared. They create the kind of conversations that leave you feeling seen, heard, and a little more hopeful than before.

That's the kind of spark Alex Widener brings into the lives of the people around her.

In this month's Sparks Series episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Alex steps out from behind the microphone and into the guest seat to share the experiences that have shaped her leadership, her faith, and her purpose. Throughout the conversation, one message rises to the surface again and again: every person has a story worth telling, and every story deserves to be met with honesty, compassion, and curiosity.

Alex shares why she no longer believes leadership is about titles or having all the answers. Instead, she believes it begins with relationships...asking thoughtful questions, listening well, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It's a reminder that purpose isn't something we have to have perfectly figured out. More often, it's revealed through the way we love people, the conversations we're willing to have, and the small moments that remind someone they matter.

Where in your life do you have the opportunity to slow down, ask one more question, or truly listen to someone's story?

You never know how one intentional conversation might change someone's life.

Listen to Alex's full episode here:

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Coaches’ Corner: Everyday Leadership Moments

Leadership isn’t always a grand gesture. More often, it’s the small, intentional choices we make in ordinary moments—how we speak to someone who’s overwhelmed, how we respond when we’re underestimated, how we show up when no one is watching.

Everyday leadership looks like:

• offering encouragement instead of criticism
• asking “What’s in your way?”
• modeling confidence in moments that feel uncomfortable
• choosing integrity even when it’s inconvenient
• reminding someone of their strength when they’ve forgotten it

These small acts accumulate. They shape culture. They build trust. They help people rise.

And if you’re working on strengthening your own everyday leadership, your confidence, your voice, your willingness to try, SoulFire coaches are here to walk with you. We help you identify the small shifts that create big change, practice new behaviors in safe spaces, and build the inner strength that makes those everyday moments easier to step into.

Your challenge this month is simple: Notice one everyday moment where you can lead and take it. Let it be intentional. Let it be rooted in who you are. And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to support you as you grow your courage, clarity, and confidence one moment at a time.

The Fire Library

Each month, we’ll share a hand-picked article, podcast, book, or tool designed to help you reconnect with your purpose and fan your inner flame.

This month’s recommendation: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A tender, timeless memoir about the quiet leadership found in everyday conversations. Through Mitch’s weekly visits with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, we’re reminded that inner strength isn’t built through big achievements rather it’s shaped in small moments of honesty, compassion, and willingness to show up. Morrie’s gentle lessons invite us to lead with presence, courage, and heart, one ordinary day at a time.

Bring SoulFire to Your Team

Did you know that we partner with organizations to create workshops and experiences focused on confidence, communication, leadership, and personal growth?

Whether your team is navigating change, building stronger connections, or investing in development, we design spaces that are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real-life application.

If this sounds like something your team could benefit from, we’d love to connect.

With gratitude,
The SoulFire Collective

The SoulFire Collective partners with organizations and leaders through consulting, fractional leadership, and executive coaching.