Colleagues high-fiving - How to Be More Positive

How to Be More Positive

In an endless effort to juggle work/life responsibilities, I spent last week at Cedar Point.  For me, it was more like “relocation” than vacation – my laptop was open a lot!  For my son and his friend, it was like “Free Willy.”  I set them loose in the amusement park and I don’t think they’ll … Learn More

Person swimming in a Lake - Being Held Accountable

Being Held Accountable

We all want accountability. But what does that look like? No excuses, which can be tough. Everyone has an excuse for something – everyone.   Here’s my take: it’s easier to hold yourself accountable than to be held accountable. But for those who have the courage to hold others accountable? Results happen easier, with less friction. … Learn More

Frustrated person in front of a computer - Addressing Burn Out Head On

Addressing Burn Out Head On

Are you feeling drained? Like if you hear your boss announce another “new, exciting” initiative you’ll literally scream “Enough with the new stuff already??!!  Can’t you see we haven’t done the old stuff yet?” Despite what your boss thinks, not everyone is pumped up about new projects, goals, markets, and business opportunities.  Some of “us,” … Learn More

Tiny American flag stuck in the grass - A Patriot’s View on Independence Day

A Patriot’s View on Independence Day

I grew up in a rural Northern Michigan town and was part of an even smaller church community.  I’d often serve as an altar girl, which would put me in close contact with some of our more elder parishioners.   I remember one sunny July when a teenager showed up to mass wearing American flag patterned … Learn More

Photo of a person taking a photo of themselves in a mirror - The Difference Between Responsibility and Accountability

The Difference Between Responsibility and Accountability

I own it. That’s been my response to many of my mistakes, missed goals, and disappointing outcomes. When an idea is communicated poorly in an email – I own it. When a health and fitness plan doesn’t get off the ground – I own it.  When I flub a difficult conversation – I own it. … Learn More

Puzzle pieces - Finding Help in Four Simple Steps

Finding Help in Four Simple Steps

You Need Help.  Here’s How to Get It. Your breakthrough will come from the sage advice of a champion or friend. How to Ask for Help. Many consider asking for help to be a sign of weakness.  It’s acknowledging that you don’t know everything and feels like it signals to others that you’re incompetent, imperfect, and … Learn More

Woman feeling the sea air at the beach at sunset - Build Your Confidence One Moment at a Time

Build Your Confidence One Moment at a Time

Building confidence is a never-ending pursuit. In SPARK, my co-authors and I highlighted four key strategies to building unshakeable confidence, which included this concept of “developing positive self-appraisals.” In other words, self-talk. The words we tell ourselves have a significant influence over how we perform in the experience we’re about to enter. If we say, … Learn More

Woman shopping - Professional Business Attire for Women

Professional Business Attire for Women

In the Marines, workplace attire was pretty simple. When I transitioned into pharmaceutical sales, life got a lot more complex. Now, as a keynote speaker and consultant, I find that I’m always thinking about what I wear … and connecting that with what I hope to project.  I’ve learned a few things along the way: … Learn More

Hand in the shape of heart with American flag in the center. Please Don’t Thank Me – Connect with My Grief.

Please Don’t Thank Me – Connect with My Grief.

When anyone thanks me for their service, I’ve got to admit that I get a little uncomfortable. After all, I served during peacetime. I was in my early 20’s, stationed primarily in Hawaii, and drove a Jeep Wrangler – I was living my best life. I actually should be thanking you, tax payers, for my … Learn More