With International Women’s Day fresh in our minds this month, I’ve got a story to share that I hope will inspire anyone chasing a dream – especially women and girls out there who’ve hit roadblocks just because of their gender.
Creating meaningful connections with others doesn’t require monumental efforts. Transforming a routine customer interaction into a memorable bond can be as simple as showing genuine interest and attentiveness.
You can find inspiration anywhere. Recently I went to my hometown of Mercer Island, Washington to celebrate the life of a dear friend, James Cassan. James along with his wife Doris (who were married for 62 years) were the parents of classmates of mine and lived in my neighborhood.
Have you ever felt the sting of disappointment? It’s an experience we all share. Whether it’s a lost contract, an unexpected shift at work, or a no-show date, these moments can be more than just disappointing—they can shake our foundation.
Ever notice how the world seems a bit brighter after a storm? There’s something about those moments following the rain, wind, or even a snowstorm that brings everything into sharper focus. It’s like nature’s way of hitting the reset button, showing us beauty we might’ve missed under all those dark clouds.
Ever played the New York Times’ Connections puzzle? It’s all about spotting the hidden link between seemingly unrelated things and putting them into a group. Now, think about using that concept when meeting people who seem different than you. It’s like a real-life puzzle, but way more rewarding. I
The nice thing about being invited to speak in other countries is the research that I do to understand my audience. This week I am in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the President of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. It is the largest female university in the world and the president is a woman. I met her in France when she was a panelist at an economic summit in Aix-en-Provence.
What do the New England Patriots in the 2017 Super Bowl, Kerri Strug in the 1996 Olympics and Serena Williams at the 2005 Australian Open all have in common? They all were top performers who found themselves at a deficit with the world watching. Yet, they didn’t give up.
How do you create a positive reputation as an influential leader? What are you doing to leave the legacy that you intend? The concept of a leadership legacy often conjures images of grandiose achievements and monumental contributions.
Can you ever retire from your purpose? Yes, you can retire from a job, or a career, but no, you never retire from your purpose. I went to a networking event where someone found out I was a motivational speaker. Usually a follow-up question is “What do you speak on?” or “Wow, can you motivate me?” But not this time. She asked me “Are you thinking of retiring in the near future?” This threw me for a loop.