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I’ve coached several executives on “imposter syndrome” or the sense of feeling unworthy. It’s not something with which I thought I identified, and attribute this to both my parents and grandparents. Through their unconditional love, they taught me that I am enough…perfect in the eyes of God. I do, however, understand about having doubts. As…

Every morning I sit at my desk and watch the squirrels tackle the “squirrel proof” bird feeder. Their acrobatics rival any of our world-class gymnasts … hanging, twisting, jumping, falling … stretching. They are lessons in desire, creativity, learning, endurance and resilience. Their desire to conquer the bird feeder is greater than any fear that…

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…

The movie St. Elmo’s Fire has intrigued me since I was a teenager. Part of the draw was Georgetown University. I never went to school there; however, I did live in the Washington, DC area and got to drive past it often…such a majestic view from the Potomac River! And then there was that catchy…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what motivates and demotivates us to make changes. Often when I’m in this frame of mind, I will pick up a book and be struck by words that relate to the matter at hand. This happened while reading Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen…

I have always enjoyed watching the Summer Olympics. While I like watching certain events, I appreciate the athleticism of all competitors. This was the first year I also watched the Paralympics; and the word appreciation doesn’t even scratch the surface. These athletes model courage, fortitude, perseverance, drive, focus, and creativity. These were just a few…

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…

The last time I was in London, I came across a giant chalkboard with the words “Before I die …” The board was filled with people’s thoughts – some happy, some painful, some sad, some aspirational, some inspirational. For all who wrote, I think it helped to release it on the board. There is power…

You’ve likely heard the terms “glass half-full” and “glass half-empty” used to describe the outlooks people can have when looking at the same, seemingly exact, thing. While the water level in this figurative glass is the same for both (that is, half-way up or down the glass), people can perceive the same glass of water…

Do you feel like there just isn’t enough time to fit “play” into your life? The “To Do” list is overflowing, deadlines loom, and friends and family clamor for attention. I was feeling that way when I read a quote by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.: “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly…