Webinar Overview with April Ballestero
In our latest One Light Ahead webinar, April Ballestero unpacked the art of slaying perspectives and perceptions, drawing from her book Slaying the Onion. The session was packed with insights, frameworks, and reflections that invited participants to dig deeper into how we see ourselves, others, and the challenges around us.
Perspectives, Perceptions, and the Fear of Losing Control
April drew from David Allen’s Getting Things Done framework to illustrate how perspective and perceived control often shape the way we lead, respond, and sometimes struggle. She explained the four archetypes leaders often fall into: the captain commander, the crazy maker or visionary, the micromanager or implementer, and the victim or responder. Each carries strengths and risks, especially when fear of being out of control takes over.
Participants were invited to consider where they tend to show up on this spectrum—and what it takes to move beyond reaction and into choice.
Moving from Actions to Roots
One of the most powerful reframes came when April pointed out that most performance systems focus on actions and behaviors—the “fruits.” But real transformation happens when we examine the “roots”: our thinking. Tools like the VQ Profile and the Hartman Value Profile help reveal how we process perspectives, what blind spots hold us back, and how small shifts in thinking can create lasting growth.
“We want to get beyond just addressing the symptoms. When we go deeper into how we think, we can start producing better fruit from stronger roots.” — April Ballestero
Accountability as a Gift
April also reframed accountability, often seen as restrictive, into something empowering. Accountability comes from “accounting what is able.” It’s about acknowledging reality without blame, shame, or guilt, then choosing responsibly what’s next. This shift helps teams build trust, partnership, and transcendent collaboration beyond transactional or even collaborative models.
Layers of Growth
In the Q&A, participants reflected on how the framework met them where they were—reminding them to check their own perspectives and meet others with curiosity. Blaine shared that the retreat experience helped him peel back unexpected layers, saying: “I used to think I’m a leader, now I think I’m just a good student.” Mike added another layer, noting that sometimes it’s not just fear we slay, but also our obliviousness—the blind spots we didn’t know we had.
April closed with a reminder that growth is ongoing: once one layer is revealed, another waits underneath. The labyrinth metaphor from Slaying the Onion captures this ongoing, humbling, and rewarding process of inner work.
Watch the Replay
Missed the webinar or want to revisit the insights? Watch the replay here.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to peel back your own layers and step into new perspectives, contact April to learn more about upcoming retreats, leadership immersion, or the Living Unlayered experience. These programs integrate science, psychology, and heart to help leaders build mental muscles and create transcendent partnerships.
