Adulting with Confidence


Adulting with Confidence - Life Hacks Workshop


Adulting with Confidence isn't just another seminar - it’s a life-changing adventure for emerging leaders (ages 18–40ish) who are ready to unlock their full potential.


This six-month in-person experience, running from September 2025 to February 2026, meets together for 3 hours 9 am to noon, one Saturday per month, plus a 1-hour in-between mentoring and reflection practice, and is carefully designed for those who crave a deeper, more authentic way to live, lead, and connect.


Led by acclaimed leadership coach Michelle Sherman and supported by a warm, wise, multigenerational team of mentors, this experience will guide you in exploring:


  • Cognitive Replenishment – Learn how to recharge your mental energy.
  • Positive Imagination – Harness your creativity to shape what's next.
  • Self-Wisdom – Deepen your understanding of who you are and where you're going.
  • Emotionally Intelligent Leadership – Lead with heart, clarity, and purpose.
  • Healthy Relationships – Build lasting, meaningful connections.
  • Nonviolent Conflict Resolution – Gain tools for navigating life with calm confidence.


Each session combines rich storytelling, honest dialogue, powerful coaching, and joyful group practices.


You'll walk away with real-life hacks, a proven blueprint, and a supportive community to help you thrive long after the program ends.


Graduates will also have the opportunity to receive continued mentorship as they step into new roles and new chapters.


In Adulting with Confidence, you’ll join a rare group of people who believe in you, encourage you, and walk beside you as you grow.


We keep the group intentionally small so you can feel safe, seen, and connected. Every step, every story, every win is shared.


If your heart is saying “yes,” apply now — let’s see if this is your season for growth.


Fall 2025 – Winter 2026 Schedule

In-Person monthly on Saturdays 9 am-noon

West Seattle, WA
2025:(Sept 27 · Oct 25 · Nov 22 · Dec 13)

2026: (Jan 24 · Feb 21)


Workshop Fee: 
Six-monthly payments of $115 or;
$590 if paid in full before Sept 20, 2025.


Contact Us for scholarship availability.

Registration is Now Open for the Fall 2025

Life Hacks Workshop

Why Join Us?

Because life doesn’t come with instructions—but it can come with support, community, and a toolkit that actually works.


Be part of a group who are all learning how to do life better—on their own terms - no fluff, just wisdom, energy, imagination, and skills that stick.


Let’s make adulting something you enjoy...

Imagination ─ Your Next Superpower

A VAST Institute sponsored Cognitive Replenishment webinar with guest star Paula Intravaia of Cloud Club Collective.


Take command of your mind, stress level, and imagination. During this online workshop for Lifelong Learners and Educators, Co-Hosts Paula Intravaia of Cloud Club Collective & Michelle Sherman of VAST Institute dazzle your imagination with a toolkit of creativity tips and techniques to reduce the stress and access the nourishing side of your imagination.

Encouragement Labs

Encouragement Labs are psychologically safe forums facilitated to share impactful  solutions to everyday issues. These keynotes, or 60-90-minute in-person and online sessions build self-respect, confidence and trustworthy community. 


Those interested in improving their Quality of Life can then become peer mentors focusing on the following skills:

  • Kindhearted Power
  • The Ancient Art of Truth Telling
  • Positive Imagination: your key to flourishing
  • The Alchemy of Self-Wisdom
  • Staying Authentic
  • Original Thinking
  • Cultivating Intimate Relationships
  • The Multi-faceted Power of Wonder
  • The Practical Optimist's Guide to Life

The Curly Girls Guide to Belonging

Fun, sassy, and uplifting. Join two authentic women who use their curls as a metaphor for belonging; to share their joyful and instructive experience to encourage all people who feel marginalized.


Michelle Purnell Hepburn and Michelle Sherman smooth the rough edges of inclusion by exploring how their curls unfolded into a nexus of learning about equity, belonging, and diversity.


Learn how being an honorary Curly Girl can aid you on your path of self-discovery.  Identify specific techniques that support you and your allies to laugh, learn, and grow. 


The Curly Girl Mission:

To joyfully generate enthusiasm about how beautiful life is and we all are using anecdotes, proven techniques, and encouragement.


Gain perspective, inspiration, and practical tools to improve your world lovingly and compassionately.


Explore the power of your authentic presence to accomplish your greatest good


Learn how to listen and employ that inner voice to bring greater peace and equity into your world.


In Lesson One, I AM Creative, we cover:

  • Owning our ability to make positive changes
  • How to begin making positive changes
  • Harnessing the power of your emotional and intellectual creativity for the greatest good


In Lesson Two, Worthiness Rules, we cover:

  • How to be a better ally
  • Owning your value and truth
  • Dealing with bullies and negativity


In Lesson Three, Here I Am, we cover:

  • The elegant practice of self-acceptance
  • Self-cherishment
  • Setting boundaries by saying ‘No’
  • Remedy mistakes with friends, colleagues, and allies