Laura Gassner Otting 
Have you ever written down some of the things you say to yourself when you self-doubt self-talk? In your mind, these things sound okay, almost reasonable, in fact. Maybe you’re really not that smart, maybe you’re really not that ambitious, maybe your butt really could benefit from a few more squats at the old gym. … Read more
You’d be surprised at the life lessons you can learn running marathons. Back when I used to run them, I’d say that there is a moment at mile 20, when you know you have six more miles to go, where you have to make a decision. Six miles, 10 kilometers. That’s all you’ve got left. … Read more
I woke up this morning — I mean really woke up, like for the day, with no chance of return to the prized, floaty, cocooned slumber from which I was so unceremoniously yanked — at 12:45am. 12:45am! That’s practically still last night. Perhaps it was the sriracha shrimp tacos I ate for dinner. Or, maybe … Read more
Guess how many perfect candidates I found in twenty years of doing an executive search? Precisely zero. Guess how many incredible, world-changing leaders I placed? Approximately all. Why does this math make sense? Because no one is perfect. So, that begs the question: What are you waiting around for? You will never have every qualification. … Read more
How many times have you stopped short of a goal because your brain said you couldn’t do it, you weren’t ready? I took up rowing two years ago. I found some early success, mostly because I was already in good physical condition and simply needed to apply a new skill set to an already fit … Read more
“I really want to launch my own business, but I just don’t think the time is right.” “I’d like to go for that next big job, but I just don’t think I’m qualified yet.” “I want to apply to give that big talk, but I just don’t think I’m ready.” Psst! Here’s a hard truth … Read more
Leaders talk. A lot. It’s not their fault. We expect it of them. They are on stage, they are at the head of the table, they are the ones in the know. We expect to learn from them. And, frankly, that’s a real problem. You can’t talk and listen at the same time (even though … Read more
Often we’re told: “Pick your battles.” This is sound advice for those of us lucky enough live in placid times when we have the privilege to decide where we spend our effort, what we fight for, what hills we want to die on. But, do we really? Are we the ones deciding? I think, all … Read more
Studies show that the most important skill that kids will develop isn’t a language, or math, or even coding, but grit. In an age of immediate satisfaction, instant gratification, and trophies just for showing up, the ability to persevere in the face of challenges turns out to be in short supply. And it’s exactly what … Read more
Are you committed to life-changing goals? We’ve all experienced it: a diet gone astray, an exercise routine run off track, a home improvement project left unfinished, a new year’s resolution forgotten. Why is it that we always fail when we commit to big, life-changing goals? Simply put: it’s because of the very fact that we … Read more