How women can have a career AND a life
A small group of professional women were sharing life stories at a local networking event. One woman's story, combined with her matter-of-fact delivery, brought the conversation to a stunned silence: Managing a career, children, and marriage was much harder than I...
3 gifts for the “I’m right/you’re wrong” folks
Several times over the last few months, I've either been a participant in, or observer to, situations in which an individual felt free to lash out with a personal attack when faced with a point of view they didn't support. They went directly to the I am right and you...
Can something that’s imperfect be beautiful?
Several years ago lightning struck and killed the tall pine tree in the small wooded area across the street from our home. Today the tree still stands tall, its branches bare and bleached, a resting spot for eagles, cranes, and other waterfowl. To my eyes, the tree is...
12-point checklist to get a leadership license
Doctors take an oath. People get certified to be a coach. Politicians are sworn into office. I had to get a license before I could drive. Certifications, licenses, and performance pledges aren’t uncommon for professions and activities where the responsibilities to be...
#GiveLocalAmerica helps us be philanthropists
Let's talk about Give Local America and why giving is important. In my first act of life, getting promoted and having the latest designer purse or shoes made me happy. Until they didn't anymore. So now, in my second act of life, doing good, giving back, and...
5 good (yep, good!) tips about interrupting
"I loved how you encouraged us to speak up, but I'm not sure I can do it. I don't want to be rude." Like this workshop participant, I think most of us are taught from an early age that interrupting is impolite and something best not done. Yet my experience in...
