What you do is NOT who you are

I spent last week catching up on my newsletter backlog again. (I really need to find a better system for regular consumption. Maybe once this move is complete…) Luvvie Ajayi James sends her Luvv Letter weekly. Each issue has a Rant, a Reflection, and a Recommendation. I have to admit, her snark speaks to my soul. She has a real talent for saying the things people need to hear – even when they are hard Read more…

3…2…1…Channel your energy

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has a newsletter called “3-2-1.” It is, unsurprisingly, full of tiny “atomic” nuggets of wisdom. Here’s the format: three ideas from Clear, two quotes from others, and one question for the reader. No elaboration or commentary on the items in the list, just truly small pieces of content to get your mind thinking. At least that’s what it does for me. One of the “three ideas” a few weeks Read more…

Say it again for the people in the back

Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be out on Wednesday? How did this happen? I had no idea this was a risk when we got started. What are we even doing here? What do we care about at this organization? Any of these sound familiar? How about the “at home” versions? I have always had an aversion to repeating myself – it feels redundant and somewhat offensive to both the receiver of Read more…

The less you do, the more you do.

One of my favorite movies of all time is Forgetting Sarah Marshall. My husband and I have watched it countless times. There are so many good lines that make their way into our daily conversation. Here’s a scene I think of often: The less you do, the more you do.Less.Do less.Well, not nothing. You have to do something. Silly scene; great message. Let me share a story I read recently on LinkedIn. When Covid hit, Read more…

From panic to purpose

Last December, I got a panicked LinkedIn message from K. “I just got laid off and your brother said I should contact you.” My brother has a tendency to suggest that I can help with things I can’t really help with 😂 … but luckily this was not one of those times! I offered to meet and talk things over and K took my first available slot. The panic was palpable. I really felt for Read more…

What is toxic culture, anyway?

Sometimes I am really caught off guard by comments on LinkedIn. I know—not exactly an earth-shattering revelation. For the last 4 months or so, I have been engaging daily on LinkedIn. As a “solopreneur” it has been my substitute for colleagues. I have a group of folks I engage with regularly, most of whom also work in the areas of culture and leadership. One result of this effort has been feeling like I’m in a Read more…

One year later…

Last week I attended my second Women in Publishing Summit. Last year at this time, I had just attended the virtual conference for the first time. I wrote about my experience in ​one of my very first posts​–but this year, it felt different. Last year at the conference: This year at the conference: How did I go from point A to point B? I did some deep reflection and writing. I considered my values, how Read more…

Systems for organizational health

Can you believe February is over? It sped by in a blink. The only evidence I have that it really happened (and that I was there for it 🤣) are the recordings of the Toxic Culture Workshop Series. Thanks to those of you who registered and were able to join live! We had a good time. At the final session last week we talked about solutions – what do we do if we find ourselves Read more…