Blog
When I Was Held Back
When I was held back, I didn’t know it. It’s not abundantly apparent to those of us who believe we are pursuing the right path.Let me explain.I’m out in Denver at a conference for people like me who speak for a living. I was at this same conference this time...
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Years ago, I was at a posh little restaurant on the fancy isle of Nantucket.“You’ve got to get their Big Mac! It’s the best thing ever! You won’t believe how much it’s just like a real Big Mac!” implored my friend and island host.And it was. If you had blindfolded...
Overcome a Fear of Public Speaking
I’m often asked in the book signing line after I get off stage how I got so comfortable speaking in front of thousands of people, especially when the fear of public speaking surpasses a fear of dying for many.“Speaking in public terrifies me,” they’ll admit.I would argue that it doesn’t....
Consonance Matters at All Ages
It was first obvious during the 2018 Super Bowl when viewers saw something surprising aside from the Eagles beating the Patriots, the ads were different. Normally funny (and even raunchy) bits made to promote products like beers and cars, the ads in 2018 featured a significant shift to storytelling arcs...
Break Some Rules
It's Independence Day weekend. That means freedom. And, yet, tyranny abounds. No hats, no sunglasses, no fun. It's time to break some rules.I grew up understanding that there are hard rules and soft rules. Hard rules: don't cross the street without looking both ways, don't steal, don't kill people. Soft...
My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
I've been thinking a lot about our country lately.I'm a democracy nerd of the highest order. I once thought I'd be the first female US Senator from the Great State of Florida. (That title is still open, btw. Get your shit together Florida!).The Preamble to the Constitution of the United...
The Purpose Fallacy
“Do your job, make your money, and volunteer on the side,” they advised. “Get your purpose outside of work,” they counseled. Once we’ve gotten out of the passion trap, we muck about in the other long-held college career center trope, where one conflates consonance with purpose, having a higher calling,...
What Did You Do for Fun Today?
“What Did You Do for Fun Today?”Ten years ago, I picked my son up from preschool and, per usual, asked him about his day. Normally, a happy, chatty kid, he didn’t hesitate to regale me with tales of story time, snack time, painting time, pee-in-your pants time. But then, suddenly,...
If Only We Could Freeze Time
Do you ever reflect on your life – the past and the present – wishing if only you could freeze time?A friend of ours recently passed away. He was 47, a year younger than I am right now. My heart wrenches for his wife and his two young daughters. I...
Want Success? Stop Keeping Score.
There are two types of people in the world: those who keep score, and those who don’t.I’m not a scorekeeper. Never have been.That doesn’t mean I’m not hella competitive. Trust me, if you’re on a rowing machine, treadmill, or spin bike next to me, I’m racing you… even if you...
Stop Living a Consonance Crisis
If the “who” you are doesn’t match the “what” you do, regardless of how it manifests, it’s time to figure out why. We suffer a consonance crisis when we know when things aren’t right; we just don’t quite know what’s wrong, and so solving for the void becomes difficult. Not...
Wonderment Awaits
Sitting at my niece’s high school graduation, and listening to the speeches about their potential and the wonderment that is to come for these fresh-faced, young vessels of promise. There is nothing but open road for these graduates. It is a sheer delight. And yet, I can’t help but wonder if...