As young adults increasingly face the next stages of life underprepared for its rigorous demands, the role of the Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) has shifted from simple placement to high-stakes advocacy. To address this growing challenge, Joanna Lilley, M.A., NCC, and Hanna Stotland, J.D., will host a live advanced masterclass, "Honesty First: Mastering the Tough Conversations That Lead to Student Success," on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST.
The session addresses a common industry fear: that unvarnished honesty regarding a student’s work ethic, lack of readiness, or unrealistic goals might lead to conflict, negative reviews, or a terminated contract. However, Lilley and Stotland argue that the consultant’s true job is to help a family build a viable future, not to provide temporary comfort. This webinar provides IECs with a practical roadmap for choosing "tough love" that leads to genuine growth, offering strategies to address client preparedness gaps while solidifying a professional reputation for prioritizing truth and tangible outcomes over short-term happiness.
“Being an honest advocate for long-term success necessitates mastering the art of the tough conversation with both students and their parents,” says Hanna Stotland. “Mastering this crucial skill—the ability to speak up and speak truthfully—is about protecting a student’s future and ensuring they are truly college-ready, not just college-capable.”
The event features Joanna Lilley, a Therapeutic Consultant specializing in the "launched & unraveled" young adult (ages 18-29), and Hanna Stotland, a Harvard Law graduate and Educational Crisis Management Expert who helps students navigate academic and disciplinary setbacks. Together, they will share techniques for communicating complex, difficult realities in ways that preserve professional integrity and foster student resilience.
Registration for this free online session is now open via Eventbrite.
About Lilley Consulting:
Since 2016, Lilley Consulting has been helping young adults (18+) find mental health, substance use, and wellness resources. Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel in college or aren’t thriving in adulthood. She also hosts the "Success is Subjective" podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.