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Integrity is important to me. I constantly check myself to ensure congruence between my thoughts and actions … in other words, my being and doing. I ask myself questions like: “Is what I practice what I preach?” “Do I evaluate others in a similar way to how I assess myself?” “Does what I say depict…

Fun nature fact: Those massive Redwoods that are so awe-inspiring have shallow root systems that go out over 100 feet from their trunks. Their strength to withstand strong winds and floods is because their roots intertwine with the roots of the other Redwoods. What a beautiful lesson from nature about the value of support systems…

My second favorite thing to do while traveling is to stop in locally owned bookstores; invariably, I find a gem. My latest find is a children’s book called What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada. It’s a wonderful story about a small child who has an “idea” and not a clue what…

There’s a typical “get ready” drill when you’re on a plane: stow luggage, buckle up, and hear instructions from a member of the crew. As I write these words, I realize I typed hear and not listen to. After all, most travelers know what the flight attendant is going to say; we hear the announcement…

Influence doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I’ve coached numerous executives who want to be great at influencing. As we explore what it takes, it quickly becomes apparent that influence starts with paying attention to signals … signals that come from within you and around you. Influence starts with noticing signals or sensations within you. As…

My husband and I are halfway through a four-month renovation on our home. Over the first couple of months, the small crew of craftsmen have formed a true team: The collective mission is shared, their roles are defined, individual goals are set, and results are routinely delivered. As a homeowner, I certainly appreciate the “what”…

One of the reasons people work with coaches is to change certain outcomes, which means evolving one or more of their behaviors (because we focus on what they can control). Their excitement is high when we first begin because they can’t wait to get it “right.” They have convinced themselves that once they understand what…

Last week, Wally Funk joined Jeff Bezos in space. There’s been a lot of press about how she was part of the Mercury 13; but there is so much more to her story. At 17, she crushed two vertebrae in a skiing accident and was told she would never walk again. She didn’t consider that…

As you may know by now, the LAITHOS partners—ME, Jen, and I—rotate responsibility each week for sharing our perspectives on leadership impact. This was my week and, as I opened my computer, that paralyzing “writer’s block” descended upon me. I racked my brain to find what I considered a topic that hadn’t been covered. After…

Lightness, laughter, and levity can be useful in business. “Laughter relieves stress and boredom, boosts engagement and well-being, and spurs not only creativity and collaboration but also analytic precision and productivity” as Harvard Business Review highlights, citing research by serious institutions like MIT and Wharton. However, lightness – or lightheartedness – does not always show up…