Bad bosses and bad business decisions can be such incredible teachers. Right now in the tech industry we’re seeing the “correction” of so many leaders’ mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. ‘Oh, I don't want to be the leader who does … [Read more...] about Notice what’s wrong
The sky IS blue
When I was in coaching school, I met a wonderful human who told me that he taught his clients this beautifully simple practice. Whenever they’d have a negative or scary thought, he asked them to add this short statement: “And the sky is blue.” As … [Read more...] about The sky IS blue
Embrace the pivot
Great spokespersons know that the ONLY thing you have any control over in a media interview is what comes out of your mouth. When you sit down with a reporter you have no control over how prepared the reporter is, what questions the reporter asks, … [Read more...] about Embrace the pivot
Change is hard!
Brains like patterns. Our brains are wired to lay down neural pathways and then to encourage us, via clever deployment of hormones like cortisol and dopamine, to stick to those pathways. Your brain knows that if you do what has kept you safe before … [Read more...] about Change is hard!
Where does it hurt?
Want to be a great communicator? You need to understand who you’re talking to. You need to know what your audiences need, hope for, and fear most. It’s a new year! It’s time to double down on building empathy for your customers, prospects, … [Read more...] about Where does it hurt?
Earned, Owned, Paid
We continue to debate and evolve our definitions of paid, earned, and owned media. For a marketing person, these distinctions may be vital, but my advice as a communications coach to clients is the same no matter which channel they’re … [Read more...] about Earned, Owned, Paid
What’s next?
Remember when the New Year was a time of delightful anticipation? We’d make plans to conquer the world? In March 2020 I looked back with a sinister laugh at my January and February 2020 self and said, I’m never doing THAT again. But even though … [Read more...] about What’s next?
Looks like we made it
Well here we are, at the end of another chaotic year. Will 2023 be more “normal”? Do we even know what “normal” means anymore? Regardless, we made it. We piloted our rafts through whatever rapids came at us. We got thrown out of the raft and … [Read more...] about Looks like we made it
Take the opposite view
My head loves worst-case scenario thinking. It was great when I was a PR person who needed to envision and prepare for any potential crisis, but it’s not so awesome when I’m just trying to live my life. One tool I’ve learned from a few coaches is … [Read more...] about Take the opposite view
Words. They matter.
Let’s talk about words. If I say “ruby” to someone at a jewelry store, I’m going to get something very different than if I say “Ruby” on GitHub. Shared vocabulary is a prerequisite for any successful conversation. It’s your responsibility both as … [Read more...] about Words. They matter.
