As I was preparing for the week, I found myself thinking about Punxsutawney Phil.And it struck me: he’s never been recognized as an excellent communicator or a strong leader.We’ve been far too focused on one thing— Early spring or six more weeks of winter.So let’s cut Phil some slack and take a moment to appreciate […]
In this debrief episode of Leadership Story Talks, Jerome and I reflect on what we learned from our very first Leadership Story Talks LIVE—a live storytelling event that delivered exactly what it promised, though not in the way anyone expected. What begins as a conversation about a technical glitch quickly becomes a deeper exploration of […]
Parking, traffic, food, and Queens often serve as sources of inspiration for my articles and talks about communication, listening, and human connection. So it should come as no surprise that my Happy New Year’s social media post includes one of these elements. This year, I settled on a picture of the New York Pavilion from […]
A lesson about public behavior. A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went to a movie at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Our film was showing in one of the smaller theaters, and by the time we arrived, seating options were limited. As I walked toward the front of the theater, several of […]
I was supposed to be preparing to leave the Bonamanzi Game Resort and Conference Center today. I had been invited to present two workshops to members of the Lifeline Zululand community and my fellow authors and attend a book launch and the Beacon of Hope Mission Awards Gala. I had prepared materials, stories, learned a […]
I often talk about the importance of appreciating and using your authentic voice—in the talks I give, the podcast I co-host with Jerome Deroy, and in coaching sessions. We tend to think of “authenticity” as something gentle and natural, like simply aligning with our true selves. But here’s the truth: using your authentic voice requires […]
We’re heading into peak “So, what do you do?” and “How are you doing?” season with family gatherings, holiday parties, end-of-year events, and alumni mixers. Here’s how to handle it with strategy, story, and humor. 1⃣ Lead with Your Story, Not Your Job Instead of opening with “I’ve been laid off” or your title, share […]
I’m honored to be part of Dr. Anja Timmermann’s 2025 Storytelling Symposium: “Learning and Leadership,” an international online conference hosted from Hamburg this November. This four-day event brings together professionals, researchers, and creatives to explore how storytelling can transform leadership, learning, and communication. I’ll be joining as a guest alongside Jerome Deroy, Tamsen Webster, Dr. Franz Hütter, Dr. Katja Brunkhorst, Elma Esrig, […]
Rodney Dangerfield wasn’t exactly your typical leading man. Sweaty, self-deprecating, and always on the losing side of life—he made a career out of being the underdog. But in the 80s comedy Back to School, he gave us more than laughs—he gave us a lesson. Thornton Melon (Dangerfield) is a millionaire who thinks money can buy anything—including […]
When we affirm others, let them know we see them and understand their needs — people lean in, they engage. How can we better see and affirm those around us this week?
