I notice a pattern in high-performing leaders: the ones who feel most behind are rarely the ones actually behind. They’re comparing their scoreboard to someone else’s game. I got a personal reminder of this recently. (Hey, I’m on this journey, too!) “Let’s face it, Angie: everyone, ultimately, will find themselves living in a two-bedroom condo.” … Learn More
Not to brag, but I’ve got some powerhouse collaborators. Stephanie Cox, former SLB president and CEO of Wood Group Americas, is one of them. Together we created a mastermind for energy, infrastructure, and industrial executives, and it’s one of the most successful and fulfilling ventures I’ve been part of. When high-performing senior leaders gain the … Learn More
There’s a sadistic little saying in the Marine Corps: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, because my son Judge is in his fifth week of Officer Candidate School. But before I get to that, let me take you back a few years. When Judge was a freshman … Learn More
My sister is one of those people who shows up every day for work that most people couldn’t do. As a paraprofessional at a school for students with developmental needs, she pours herself into kids who need her most – the ones who are misunderstood, underestimated, and often just having the hardest time navigating a … Learn More
Last week, my fifteen-year-old woke up complaining of a sore throat. I’ll be honest: my reaction was skepticism. “Sore throat” has historically been code in our house for I’m tired and I don’t want to go to school, a mysterious ailment that’s conveniently difficult to verify. But this time, he pulled out his iPhone, turned … Learn More
We tell ourselves powerful lies to justify staying stuck: We white-knuckle our way through relationships that drain us, careers that suffocate us slowly, and credentials that lead nowhere—all because a younger version of ourselves made commitments we feel obligated to honor. That younger self decided who we should be, what we should want, and where … Learn More
Last year, my colleague Tracy and I were driving to our Detroit “Take the Lead” conference when we paused a Tim Ferriss podcast featuring Elizabeth Gilbert. She said something that stopped us cold: she had “no cherished outcome” for their conversation—no expectations, just gratitude to be there. We looked at each other, recognizing the wisdom … Learn More
When tensions rise over disagreement, my first instinct kicks in like clockwork: I want to flee. Yep, in the fight, flight, or freeze—I’m definitely a flighter. The moment disagreement surfaces, every fiber of my being screams “tap out.” Exit the conversation. Avoid the discomfort. Find the nearest emotional escape route. And sometimes, I do exactly … Learn More
I spend a considerable amount of time developing my happiness habit “stack,” which includes: While these practices have made a meaningful difference in my life, they don’t always prevent a funk. Admittingly, I’m a pretty positive, happy person … but I’m also human. I get frustrated, I get sad, and I certainty experience worry, concern. And when … 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
“Come on guys, this sucks … but we’re all in this together.” I’m sure many managers are using this refrain right now. I call it motivation misery. Here’s the catch: misery isn’t motivating. There are plenty of ways to communicate to those around you that “we’re in this together” without having to remind people of the negative … 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
