Key Takeaways: Fear is normal—don’t pretend it’s not there. Instead of hiding behind rational excuses, call fear what it is. You're not broken; you're just human. And fear, like heartburn after pizza, is something we all deal with. Make friends with your fear. Invite it in, give it a nickname, and...
I just read a great article by Richard Boyatzis detailing the brain science behind “emotional contagion.” I find this particularly interesting in the context of corporate culture, having observed some pretty toxic bosses “infect” their staffs and encourage cultures where competition, backstabbing, emotional abuse and just plain incompetence were so rampant that you could feel the powerlessness and despair when you walked in the door.
The good news is that the ability to emotionally infect your staff and teams can be used for good by leaders who understand their responsibility to foster a positive environment and culture where others are in their power and able to perform at their best. To be a good leader, then, you need to…
Key Takeaways: Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about understanding them. EQ isn’t the absence of emotion; it’s the skill of recognizing emotions (yours and others’) and responding to them in a way that’s constructive, not reactive. Strong emotions don’t mean someone’s...
Key Takeaways: You don’t need a singular, lifelong “purpose” to live meaningfully. Let go of the pressure to find your one true calling and instead focus on what brings meaning to your life today—right now, in this moment. Shift your mindset from “I” to “us.” Purpose doesn’t have to be grand or...
Key Takeaways: Women often build great networks but hesitate to use them—and that hesitation comes from deep, gendered wiring. Many women feel “icky” about leveraging relationships for professional gain, confusing authenticity with self-sacrifice. It’s time to rewrite that internal script and own...
Key Takeaways: Authentic leadership isn’t about sticking to a fixed identity—it’s about aligning with your core and adapting in service of something bigger. Henna Inam’s definition of authenticity goes beyond “just be yourself”; it’s about being present, honest, and willing to evolve moment by...
Key Takeaways: Jerks at work are energy vampires—don’t let them drain you. They’re out there slamming doors and yelling, but your power lies in how you respond, not react. Don’t take it personally (yes, really). Their behavior is about them, not you—and when you stop buying into their opinions,...
Key Takeaways: Leadership isn’t reserved for the C-suite—it’s a daily, personal choice to stand in your power and be a force for positive change, wherever you are. We've let go of our dreams and power too easily—traded in our passion for the illusion of security, and it’s time to wake that...
Key Takeaways: Gratitude isn't about denying your frustration—it's about learning how to shift your emotional state so you can respond from a place of peace and power. Waiting for your boss to change gives away your control; learning to shift your own mindset puts the power back in your hands....
Key Takeaways: The traditional view of the glass ceiling as a boys’ club barrier still holds truth, but it’s not the whole story—gender bias exists, yet it’s no longer just about women being excluded. Simply getting more women to the top won’t automatically change toxic leadership cultures,...
