Meet Hilary Bilbrey | Co Founder, People Consultant & Keynote Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilary Bilbrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilary, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking did not come naturally to me. I was an adult before I even learned to ski. My husband, an amazing skier, would patiently encourage me down the slopes, as my legs shook in the obligatory pizza shape, and my ego became battered and bruised. Looking down that little green run, it still looked terrifying. I thought of 10,000 things that could go wrong. Meanwhile, my husband, seeing the terror on my face, started falling and laughing next to me. I stared at him, trying to decide if I should be mad or laugh with him. He finally turned back and said, “If you don’t fall, you aren’t trying hard enough. Don’t be afraid to learn to fall, because that is when it gets good.” Sure enough, I took a deep breath, let go, and was skiing double black diamonds by the end of the day.

Fear keeps us small and restrained. When we have the courage to take risks, we learn how to level up through trial and error, and we discover potential we never knew we had. I have learned I don’t grow when I am comfortable. I grow when I breathe through to excitement and take the next step, even when I am scared.

This is what helped me found PEQ Performance LLC with Sonja Montiel, write my upcoming book, The Authenticity Formula, and even reach out to speak or consult at places I never would have dreamed of before. The worst that can happen is a no – and then I learn. The best that can happen is a yes – and then I learn.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
PEQ Performance is a leader in talent development and organizational effectiveness, dedicated to transforming individuals and teams through innovative coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship strategies. Our mission is to unlock human potential and drive sustainable performance improvements in diverse professional environments. We listen first, so we can collaborate to create actionable and sustainable solutions for our clients. We put trust and heart first and challenge our leaders to do the same.

I am most proud of how we bring the values we want to see in the world to our clients, and then show them how being truly good people is also good for business. It has not always been easy. It can be uncomfortable to be vulnerable and radically honest in companies that have sometimes had fearful cultures, but once we show leaders how we can leave one another better, we form long-term and meaningful relationships.

The biggest lesson we have learned along the way comes from Donald Miller in the book, Building Your Story Brand. Marketing always felt uncomfortable because it felt like bragging. Once we shifted our mindset to seeing our client as the hero, and our job was merely to be the guide, our business took off. We stopped being uncomfortable in how we talked about ourselves and started being able to authentically connect with our ideal clients. Really, if you just focus on leaving people better – life gets so much simpler.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow. This is so tough. My favorite thing is to just hop in the car and see where I end up. It also depends on what my bestie is interested in. I love going to Warner Brother Studios with people because it is such a cool way to get insight into what LA is most known for creating – entertainment. I would scout for great live music. Love a little Yachtley Crew or any other live band that is playing songs we all know and love. Ojai is one of my favorite places to visit for great hiking, wine, and my favorite farm to table pizza at Boccali’s. I also love hiking Ray Miller Lookout in Malibu, and then heading over for brunch at Sunset’s, right on Zuma Beach. Santa Barbara is always a favorite place to go walk around and pop into local wineries and shops.

All in all, I just really look for time and space to move our bodies, marvel at the views, and connect with meaningful conversation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve a shout out for making me who I am today, but for the sake of not making a whole book out of my thanks, here are a few people who are magic.

First and foremost, my husband, Jeffrey Bilbrey, is my biggest supporter, challenger, and investor. He sees what can be and pushes me to be my very best. We spend so many nights in conversation helping one another achieve more than we thought possible.

My PEQ Performance co-founder, Sonja Montiel, is such a purposeful and enthusiastic partner. We continue to grow and lift one another as a team and as individuals. We have learned to navigate our unique gifts and cherish them.

Julie Lomakka of Tabono Lifestyle continues to be chief inspiration officer of women bosses. She is always there with a sage piece of advice or power walk to clear my head.

Last, but not only or least, my Wolfpack. In February 2020, I started this crazy little book group that has turned into a beautiful space for each of us to hold one another with intention and grace. I am because we are.

Website: https://www.peq-performance.com/

Instagram: @hilary_bilbrey

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-bilbrey

Image Credits
hilary bilbrey