My Mission
Leaders have as much impact on employee mental health as a spouse or partner, yet most were never trained to lead. I help coaches, office managers, and professionals who feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure in their leadership roles learn how to build trust, motivate their teams, and create a culture where people actually want to work. My approach is practical, real-world, and built for people who care deeply but feel unprepared. Leadership doesn’t have to feel lonely or unclear anymore. When leaders grow, teams thrive and everyone’s well-being improves, on and off the job.
Meet Valerie
Valerie Alston is a leading expert in mental performance and resilient leadership who helps organizations, coaches, and teams build elite-level talent without burning people out.
A former Division I softball player at the University of Minnesota, Valerie holds a Master's degree in Sport Psychology and Mental Health from Boston University and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
For over 17 years, she has trained thousands of soldiers and leaders through her work with the U.S. Army, where she serves as a primary instructor for the Army’s prestigious Master Resilience Trainer Course. Valerie’s keynotes and workshops are rooted in the belief that people learn best through dialogue, reflection, and intentional leadership that respects the whole person.
Her message is simple but powerful: You don’t have to crush people to build excellence. With deep experience in both elite sport and high-stakes military environments, Valerie equips audiences with practical, science-backed strategies to lead, coach, and develop others in ways that enhance, not erode, mental health, confidence, and long-term performance.
Valerie's Talks
The Motivational Climate Code: 5 Strategies to Fuel Engagement, Growth, and Team Buy-In
Most leaders want to motivate their teams—but end up guessing what actually works. This session unpacks the three core psychological needs every person requires to feel motivated, engaged, and resilient. You’ll learn how your everyday leadership behaviors either support or sabotage these needs—and walk away with five specific strategies you can start using immediately. Plus, you’ll explore how to get your own needs met as a leader so you can show up with more clarity, energy, and impact.
Trust Is the Hidden KPI: How to Lead High-Performing, Mentally Tough Teams Through Psychological Safety
Behind every high-performing, resilient team is one key ingredient: trust. This session introduces the science of psychological safety and why it’s essential for motivation, innovation, and mental toughness—especially in high-pressure environments. Leaders will learn which day-to-day behaviors foster (or fracture) trust and how to intentionally create a culture where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and grow. You'll leave with actionable tools to build a stronger, more connected, and more effective team.
Feedback That Fuels, Not Fractures: A 3-Part Framework for Real Growth and Accountability
Most people were never taught how to give feedback that actually helps others improve—without triggering defensiveness or shutting down communication. In this session, you’ll learn a research-backed framework for delivering feedback that fuels learning, growth, and accountability. We’ll explore the core elements of high-quality feedback, common mistakes leaders make, and how to build a team culture where feedback is not feared but embraced. Walk away with tools you can use immediately to strengthen trust, boost performance, and lead with clarity.
Testimonials
"The positive attitude, enthusiasm, and zest that Val brings every day keeps me engaged and wanting to learn...She has a sense of confidence in her teaching that puts me at ease."
Resilience Training Participant
"Amazing ability to hold my attention, made me feel welcomed and appreciated."
Resilience Training Participant
"In my opinion, Val's preparation delivery, and overall knowledge of the material made it very easy to enjoy this class. One of the best instructors I've experienced!"
Resilience Training Participant
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