Most Recent Posts
Captain Obvious Gets A Lesson in Empathy
Key Takeaways: Empathy — Recognizing that stating the obvious might sting, Mary models curiosity and care over critique, inviting us to see what’s really behind someone’s choice before we comment. She reminds us that pointing out what everyone “should do” can feel...
Is The Era Of Servant Leadership Over?
I believe I have found the chink in the armor of servant-based leadership, which is that when only some people are served, everyone does not feel protected. Instead, they feel vulnerable.
Confessions of a Reluctant Feminist: My Role In Perpetuating Workplace Discrimination
Key Takeaways: Workplace discrimination is a mirror, not a point of blame—when we acknowledge our own contributions to the everyday dynamics, we open a curious, compassionate pathway to change. It takes bravery to notice the moments when we default to the systemic...
Women’s Equality: Blame Won’t Get Us There
Key Takeaways: Equality can’t thrive in a culture of blame; shifting from fault-finding to shared responsibility creates space for growth and understanding. Equality is more complex than just fixing individual bias—it lives in the intersection of beliefs, systems,...
Signs of a Toxic Boss: How Good People Can Succeed In the Executive Suite
Key Takeaways: “Signs of a Toxic Boss” go beyond isolated frustrations—they paint a picture of leadership that’s self‑centered, emotionally reactive, and ultimately corrosive to trust and authenticity. Toxicity often creeps in through ruthless behaviors: unrealistic...
Negotiation Tactics to Land a Win-Win Deal
Key Takeaways: “Negotiation tactics” aren’t about winning at someone else’s expense—they’re about discovering the solution nobody expected but both of you can smile about. (Inspired by Dana’s emphasis on "surprise win-wins." A powerful negotiation begins with...
Popular Posts
Unconscious Bias: The Key to Effective Gender Communication
In executive coaching (both women and men) I’ve often observed that two parallel stories about women and men in the workplace often coexist. First, “women and men communicate differently” is a truth that few bother to deny. Second, “men and women are treated equally...
Team Achievements Examples: Accomplishments When Applying for a Job
Welcome to “Dear Dana”, a column to give you career and workplace advice/coaching from executive coach, Dana Theus Dear Dana, I am updating my resume to apply for jobs. I read your article about "speaking accomplishments." I liked your advice and will apply it to how...
Middle Managers – The Critical (Weak) Link of Change Management
If you were in charge of your corporate culture and knew it needed fixing, would you fix it? Certainly anyone in charge of change management would want to say yes to this question, but as anyone who is actually in charge of corporate culture knows, it’s harder than it...
Leadership
Managing a Polarized Workforce Without Abandoning Your Principles
Key Takeaways Successfully managing a polarized workforce–including deciding whether to take public stances–requires a crucial mindset shift: move away from trying to align personal beliefs and instead focus on aligning teams around shared professional objectives and...
Is The Era Of Servant Leadership Over?
I believe I have found the chink in the armor of servant-based leadership, which is that when only some people are served, everyone does not feel protected. Instead, they feel vulnerable.
Confessions of a Reluctant Feminist: My Role In Perpetuating Workplace Discrimination
Key Takeaways: Workplace discrimination is a mirror, not a point of blame—when we acknowledge our own contributions to the everyday dynamics, we open a curious, compassionate pathway to change. It takes bravery to notice the moments when we default to the systemic...
Mentoring
Unlocking the Benefits of Reverse Mentoring
Mentoring is often thought of to help younger employees develop by passing on the wisdom of more experienced leaders. And it is! But that model ignores all the wisdom that many people have to give those of us who sit in leadership positions. And there is a lot that...
What Does a Mentor Do? A Comprehensive Guide for Mentors and Mentees
If you sometimes struggle to navigate the complex world of personal and professional growth, you're not alone. And that's the point. Many others have walked the path you're on, and you can learn from their successes and mistakes. Don't go it alone. Get a mentor to...
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Key Takeaways: Organic Mentoring: Formal requests aren't always necessary; consistent seeking of advice can naturally cultivate mentoring relationships over time. Clarify Your Goals: Understand your career objectives and challenges before seeking mentorship to...
Interviews
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Career Advice
Am I Crazy? 6 Tips for Getting Some Perspective
Key Takeaways: "Am I crazy" is often the wrong question—what you're really feeling is disconnected or overwhelmed. The real issue is usually a loss of perspective, not a loss of sanity. You're not alone—many smart, capable people question themselves when the world...
A Mentor Is Not Enough
Key Takeaways: A mentor is valuable, but it isn't enough—especially for women aiming for leadership roles. Studies show that while mentors provide guidance, sponsors—those who actively advocate for you—are crucial for career advancement. Without sponsorship, women...
You Are What You Think: The Significance of Your Word Choices
Key Takeaways: Word choices shape more than just conversations—they influence your reality, your relationships, and the path your life takes. Every word you say holds weight. Workplace jargon can subtly shift perception and behavior, often reinforcing exclusion or...
Women in Leadership
Women: Picture a World Where We Are Winning And Not The Underdog. It’s Here Today.
Key Takeaways: Underdog narratives keep women small—we’re actually already winning: Despite media spotlighting pay gaps and boardroom absence, the author invites us to see that women are founding thriving companies, earning competitive salaries, and excelling in...
Live Your Own Fairy Tale by Negotiating Your Own Value
Key Takeaways: fairy tale isn’t just fantasy—it’s your own value story: The author encourages women to view the negotiation process like crafting their own fairy tale, reclaiming narrative control by defining and asserting what they’re truly worth. Negotiation goes...
Do You Suffer From “Sorry-itis?”
Key Takeaways: sorry can become a self-sabotage habit: The author shows how women often apologize reflexively—even when no harm was done—and how this "sorry‑itis" gradually teaches others to see us as less capable or confident. Owning your space means choosing...
Diversity & Inclusion
If You Have to Fight, Shoot Like a Girl
Key Takeaways: “Shoot like a girl” means lead with grit, heart, and skill. MJ Hegar’s story redefines what it means to be tough—not by acting like the guys, but by showing up fully as a woman who can fly, fight, and stand her ground under fire, both in combat and in...
Why The Woman Effect? Men are Helping Us
Key Takeaways: Work-life balance is evolving into work-life partnership. Many successful women are thriving not because they’ve mastered a solo juggle, but because they’ve built supportive partnerships—especially at home—with men who share the load, often in ways that...
Are You Doing The Office Housework? 3 Ways to Manage This Subtle Discrimination In The Workplace
Key Takeaways: Subtle discrimination in the workplace often shows up as “office housework,” where women are expected to handle tedious, low-visibility tasks that don’t advance their careers—it's time to name it and challenge it. “Office housework” is real—and women...
