I had an ah-ha moment last week, and I can’t take credit for it. It came from Shan Escobar, Director of Talent Development at CoVolt Power. She was one of our panelists at Time to Lead. The panel was focused on career development, and Shan said something that flipped the script on conventional wisdom: “It … Learn More
“Can you help?” That’s how this whole thing started. A client – an oil and gas association – was hosting its annual conference, the intent was solid: build real relationships across the association. I was challenged to deliver a keynote not on leadership, but on the nuts and bolts of relationship building at events. This … Learn More
I grew up in Kalkaska, Michigan, the self-proclaimed Trout Capital of the state, population small enough that everyone knew your business better than you did. And like a lot of young girls in a lot of small towns, I had big dreams: I remember telling my parents, with total confidence, that after I met those … Learn More
We’re watching it happen in real time. Jeffrey Epstein’s acquaintances are losing friends, connections, and their jobs. If you knew the guy, and it’s surprisingly how many influential people did, you’ve suddenly got a stain on your reputation. It might be the kind that fades with time. Or it might be the kind that lingers … Learn More
Every year, as holiday events appear on the calendar, leaders and employees alike quietly ask the same question: “Do I really need to go?” The answer: Yes — and not because of the food, the photo booth, or the ugly sweater contest. Your presence at your company’s holiday event carries far more weight than most … Learn More
The phone call that changes everything usually comes on a Tuesday. The shock hits harder when you’re staring at retirement accounts you hoped never to touch and wondering if decades of expertise suddenly mean nothing. You know everyone says, “it’s all about networking” and “most jobs aren’t posted on LinkedIn,” but here’s the uncomfortable truth: … Learn More
I find myself in this situation more often than I’d like to admit: standing outside a conference room door, taking a few deep breaths before walking in. Sometimes it’s after a keynote presentation—a talk that went well, judging by the engaged questions and positive feedback—or sometimes it’s a conference I’m attending. But now comes the … Learn More
My friend has a pretty big title. She’s worked hard throughout her career to earn a President’s role in a large energy company. I’ve known her long enough to know that there are parts of the role she loves, and others she tolerates. Regarding the latter, she hates networking. Hates it. She hates getting invited … Learn More
We know we need to network. Many of us cringe at the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and making small talk, though. I get it. I grew up painfully shy. I used to hide behind my mom’s knees whenever adults would talk to me. I’ve obviously gotten better at this, but it’s taken … Learn More
