Janet is a human resource manager who’s lost her mojo when it comes to asserting herself in her newest position. “I’ve become afraid to speak up when I should,” she confessed to me. She’s not alone – I hear this theme often. Just like any fear, the more we avoid it, the larger it looms.…
“So, do you have a job yet?” my parents once again asked during our ritual, weekly call to which I replied, “Not yet.” Given the latest research on waiting, I now understand why my folks were anxious. After all, the outcome was out of their control, coupled with the fact both were concerned for my…
After reading compelling research specific to women getting ahead in the workplace, I want to revisit why no is the password to the next level. No matter your position or career goals, I believe you can benefit from these findings by Lise Vesterlund, economics professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Her latest research reveals that…
If you’ve ever wondered why someone with similar skills seems to get ahead faster, it may be due to their level of confidence rather than competence, according to a recent article, “The Confidence Gap,” in The Atlantic Monthly. No matter how comfortable we are in our skin, we all find ourselves in situations where we…
In recent weeks, a frenzy has erupted over a photo that ran in a woman’s magazine. It wasn’t the picture that caused the outrage, but rather the less than transparent way it was obtained and how it was used. If you missed the story, I’ll bring you up to speed. Monika Allen, a 35-year-old San…
Shortly after sending out my monthly e-zine, I received an email from one of my subscribers, an executive assistant. “You are completely professional, articulate, and obviously a very intelligent speaker. So, when I read the most recent e-zine, I wondered if it was a test for us to see if we could find all the…
Be Here Now! Not only is that the title of spiritual teacher Ram Dass’s book published over 40 years ago, but it’s the rallying cry of the mindfulness movement (and the cry of the frustrated homeowner waiting for the cable guy). Based on the latest research, it’s also a way to avoid unhappiness. Be…
If you’ve ever thought about launching a career as a speaker, you’ll want to read two blogs by my friends and fellow speakers Linda Larsen and Kelly Swanson. Linda shares some real-life experiences she has had during her speaking career that reveal the not-so-glamorous truth about being a motivational speaker. Kelly surveyed a dozen female…
Recently in the media we were able to witness a beautiful example of a professional woman who, in an awkward situation over something she was ultimately responsible for, chose to take ownership, be vulnerable and speak her truth. Would you have done the same? A little background: Melissa Harris-Perry, a writer, professor and political commentator,…