Sometimes leadership lessons show up in feathers. There are baby owls up the street from my house, and lately, they’ve become the talk of the neighborhood. It started with one neighbor posting a picture and then another sharing a sighting. Pretty soon, folks were gathering under the trees, standing shoulder to shoulder in the quiet, […]
Lead with Wonder: Why Awe Is a Leadership Skill Too Read More »
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the connection between anxiety at work and anxiety on stage. It’s the same heartbeat, really—the ache to be seen, to belong, to make something matter. Yes, I started with talking about a literal stage, but let’s broaden it. “Taking the stage” can mean leading a meeting, navigating a tough conversation,
Does Anxiety Mean You’re Unqualified? Read More »
Right now, there’s a subtle but rising return to more directive leadership–fewer questions, faster decisions, more top-down control. In some cases, it’s needed. But in many, it’s reactive. This is what I want leaders to ask: Where does this directive need to come from?Is it clarity—or is it control? As leaders, we’ve all been there—things
Why “Directive” Is Having a Moment—And What It’s Missing Read More »
Let’s demystify that your purpose must compare to “purpose icons” who are famous for living their purpose—people like activist Mahatma Gandhi, athlete Serena Williams, or musician Taylor Swift. True purpose isn’t just for the famous or extraordinary; it’s woven into our daily choices and interactions. How we live our days is how we live our
Purpose Isn’t Only for the Famous: Try This Exercise with Your Team Read More »
I was recently invited to speak about purpose to a classroom of MBA students at Sonoma State University. Specifically, the request was that I speak on how to find purpose or stay aligned to purpose in times of chaos or massive change. I talked about where we leak our energy by using our precious resources
Imagine It’s the Year 2035: What Impact Did You Have in the Last Decade? Read More »
Many of you know that my dad was a letter carrier for the post office when I was growing up. He loved being the person everyone could count on, and he took pride in walking three miles every day to deliver the mail, no matter what the Chicago weather had in store for him. Meeting
Let’s Bust This Myth About Purpose Read More »
Today, I’m thrilled to share something close to my heart. After years of nurturing and honing the Leading and Living on Purpose (LLOP) program, my coaching team has dedicated an online space for it. Our new website is called leadliveonpurpose.com. More than just a website, this space celebrates our commitment to leading and living authentically.
Announcing a New Space to Grow Together Read More »
I took a brief break from sharing what I’m reading, yet many of you have asked me to continue, so I’m listing my recommended books and much more below. Here’s a quick sweep of some of my favorite books and musings for the first quarter this year. I’d love to hear if you agree. Non-fiction
Did you know we check our phones an average of fifty-eight times each day? In a hyperconnected world, we’re drowning in information. We’re constantly bombarded by headlines, updates, and breaking stories. If you’re like me, you sometimes wish for a flip phone. Flip phones are actually trending again, thanks to people driven by nostalgia, a
Digital Spring Cleaning: 5 Ways to Refresh Your News Diet Read More »
I love the quote by Jon Kabat-Zinn: “Emotions are like waves. Watch them come and go, without getting caught in the undertow.” This idea encourages us to acknowledge emotions rather than suppress them. Rather than simply welcoming our temporary visitors, we often buy into a common myth: When stress hits, we should just “power through”
The Power-Through Myth: Ignoring Your Emotions Is Not a Badge of Honor Read More »