Thanksgiving was full of good food, laughter, lots of love, and grief. This year is full of transitions for me as my daughters apply to colleges and prepare to leave home. While I was thankful for the break, I also found myself eager to return to a routine. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and…

The workplace and family structures aren’t so different. Both have rules, often unspoken, that we must follow to feel included, connected, and valued. Because we have a deep human need for belonging, it’s easy to find ourselves engaging in behaviors that don’t always serve us, from laughing off inappropriate jokes to staying quiet when someone…

Tomorrow is Election Day in the U.S., and every citizen has the opportunity to vote. Yet many won’t. Not because people don’t care, but because they don’t believe their vote or voice will make a difference. Organizations are microcosms of our society. Civic and organizational disengagement have a lot in common. I’ve been hearing from…

“How do you give feedback in a culture that prioritizes niceness?” An attendee asked during last week’s webinar, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. While niceness sounds good, comfortable, polite, and conflict-free, it often masks something else entirely. Nice-nasty. Agreeing publicly, then undermining privately Smiling in meetings, then bad-mouthing the idea (or person) later…

I almost ignored important feedback earlier this year. I was surfing when my instructor yelled, “TURN TO THE RIGHT!” as I was catching a wave. It wasn’t gentle or detailed. No prep or encouraging pep talk. Just a sharp, clear directive. I was irritated.  “Why am I paying to be yelled at?” I thought. In hindsight,…

Last month, I had the honor of winning the Titan 100 award for the second year in a row. My mother and godmother flew in to celebrate. My daughters and their best friend came. My bestie and my love were there. I was surrounded by joy, pride, and a whole lot of love. In a…