Resiliency is the ability to stand strong through a storm, not buckle beneath the weight of adversity, problem-solve under pressure, remain calm even as others may not and, I would add, maintain integrity through challenging and shifting circumstances. The most admirable examples of resiliency I’ve … [Read more...] about Resiliency in Action: Keeping Calm, Saving Lives
business cents
Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
A few years ago, I called up a friend I’d known since grade school and asked her if she would go shopping with me. As the mother-of-the-groom, I needed a dress that would not embarrass my son and would fit with the colors and style of his large, formal wedding. Turns out, my friend, Claire, needed a … [Read more...] about Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
There is so much to be said about knowing yourself. What do you care about? What interests you? What are your talents? What makes your heart skip a beat? Knowing and honoring your authentic self sets you up for a lifetime of fulfillment and helps you steer away from pain. John Mellencamp says, … [Read more...] about Appreciating the Value of Knowing Yourself
Letters We Will Never Send
The teddy bear cholla sure sounds cuddly, but don’t let it fool you. The spines on these prolific desert plants are often barbed, like a little fishhook. The cactus itself grows in a collection of smaller pieces. The pieces easily disconnect from the main stem and their needles are designed to catch … [Read more...] about Letters We Will Never Send
Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Kyle Maynard and his long-time friend and business partner, Joey Leonardo, know all about failure. Before becoming world-class mountaineers, they weren’t even campers. “We didn’t know how to put up a tent,” said Leonardo. Today, they have over-the-top memories of viewing the world from some of … [Read more...] about Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Know Yourself: Honor Your Heritage, Embrace Your Environment
Knowledge is power. And knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, is critical when embarking on a career path, climbing a mountain, choosing a friend and needing a go-to answer in an interview process in which that annoying question about your strengths and weaknesses is still asked. What you … [Read more...] about Know Yourself: Honor Your Heritage, Embrace Your Environment
Creating Space for the New Normal
COVID-19 has been a horrific ongoing nightmare for many many people, and it is not my intention in any way to make light of its truly awful impacts that have caused such vast suffering. But there are some take-aways from this global experience that may help us as we move forward into the new … [Read more...] about Creating Space for the New Normal
Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
Americans are creative and resourceful. Right now, I have no doubt there are novels being written, movies being imagined and start-ups being developed. Many individuals are using this time of uncertainty to re-assess, re-tool and re-invent themselves and their careers. I’ve talked to entrepreneurs … [Read more...] about Considering Cuomo, Cranberry Juice and COVID-19
When Bad People Happen to Good Jobs
My mom once told me, “Nature’s laws are God’s laws, and they must be followed.” In her wisdom, she recognized the need to respect and adhere to the forces that aren’t going to change one iota – like gravity. One of my favorites is balance. This Law of Nature is demonstrated everywhere in the … [Read more...] about When Bad People Happen to Good Jobs
Are You Hiding in the Conference Room with Noise-Canceling Headphones?
Walking through a building of scientists one day, I noticed a sign taped to a door that reminded me of a handmade “Keep Out” message hanging from a child’s treehouse. The words said something about “Writing Time” and “Please Do Not Disturb.” At first glance, the sign felt harsh and almost rude, … [Read more...] about Are You Hiding in the Conference Room with Noise-Canceling Headphones?