Visibility Matters. But So Does Intention.
When my book, BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It, came out in 2003, social networking was just beginning. In 2005,
Authenticity Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
“Being authentic doesn’t mean showing up exactly the same way in every situation.” ~Peggy Klaus Every day, you move through a variety of situations—naturally, you
Attack at Your Own Risk: A Leadership Lesson from the 60 Minutes Showdown
According to multiple reports, tensions reached a boiling point during a June 1 meeting between CBS News leadership and the 60 Minutes staff when veteran
The Leadership Failure Behind the CBS News Upheaval
Multiple reports, veteran correspondents, and producers at CBS’s 60 Minutes described the arrival of CBS’s new leadership as abrupt, dismissive, and, at times, tone-deaf. Explanations
Begin Again. No Cap and Gown Required.
Commencement literally means “a beginning.” And as anyone over the age of 18—or 22—quickly discovers, beginnings are constant. When a career transitions.When relationships begin.When relationships
Are you stretching—or faking?
Call me old-fashioned, but experience and expertise are not optional when it comes to doing the work. They’re what build your knowledge base, your judgment,
When “High Standards” Become Resistance
Last fall, I found myself asking the same question many of my clients ask: Now what? I was flummoxed. I couldn’t see a clear path
Purpose and Values as Anchors
Not surprisingly, 2026 has brought an uptick in clients and friends seeking career advice. Ongoing attrition in the labor market, combined with geopolitical uncertainty, is
From Cape Town, With Confidence
Last month, I had the privilege of spending two unforgettable days in Cape Town, South Africa, working with forty brilliant women—medical doctors, scientists, and professors—from
Performance Reviews: A Reality Check You Actually Need
With the world feeling so precarious and unstable these days, do you really need to feel that way at work too? That’s why performance reviews
THE TIGHTROPE
Women—and especially women of color—have long walked a more treacherous path when it comes to acceptable communication and behavior in the workplace. I’ve been in
The Likeability Trap: Because You Didn’t Come This Far to Be Quiet
In my family, being well-liked wasn’t just encouraged—it was essential. Popularity was prized, and the desire to be liked often came at the expense of
Confidence and Courage: A Deeper Connection
This work has led me to rethink two words I hold dear: Confidence and Courage. I used to think of confidence as a belief in
Going Big: What’s the Payoff?
Why Do We Play Small? Moving from Playing Small to Going Big requires tremendous self-awareness, strategizing, stamina, and staying power. Hunkering down in our comfort
Playing it Big, Not Small
It’s the twenty-first century. Why are women still wrestling the confidence demon? Armed with this data, I had my mission – to address women’s ubiquitous
Confidence: What is it to you?
Each of us has our own definition of confidence. I am sure mine will evolve as the survey results come in, but for now, I
“Just Say ‘I’m Sorry’”
Full disclosure. I really don’t like making mistakes, and I’m guessing you’re not that crazy about getting caught making one either. I hate when I miss
Navigating Workplace Conflict: A Case Study in Effective Communication
In the fast-paced world of business, navigating workplace conflict and engaging in difficult conversations are inevitable challenges for leaders. Recently, a client shared a delicate
Stop Assuming, Start Asking!
It’s no secret that there is a plethora of different communication styles that vary greatly based on age, experience and individual circumstances. Yet recently, in
Why Even Seasoned Professionals Fail at Networking
Everyone talks about the importance of networking, from finding a job to securing a board position. Yet an effective networking campaign hinges on two words
Make the Most of Your Performance Reviews
End of year performance reviews are right around the corner and with them comes the anticipation and excitement usually associated with having a root canal.
Bringing Back Civility at Work
“Civility costs nothing, and buys everything” Mary Wortley Montagu As people we are prone to thoughtlessness, narcissism and impatience. But recently, I’ve noticed that the
Still Hiding After All These Years
Backstage after her Oscar win for best supporting actress, Viola Davis, 51, spoke with Good Morning America’s Amy Robach about how she felt. Davis acknowledged
Want to Last as a Leader? A State of the Union Address Helps You Stay On Top
Far too often, when Professionals are promoted to their “dream jobs,” they experience something closer to a nightmare. In fact, research indicates that up to
Do More. Do Better. Do It Now.
A couple of days before the election a group of my friends and I sat down for our monthly supper club and, like most of
Master the Art of Deflection
There has never been a shortage of political and social drama for tongue wagging around the office water cooler. But this year it seems our
Do Women-Only Business Events Really Work for Women?
Have women-only conferences and workshops failed in their goal to advance the careers of the women who attend by leaving the guys out? Given the
It Pays to be Specific
Be specific – two little words that have the power to change your behavior and the behavior of others. Yet, business professionals are rarely specific
#stupidcareermoves
“The stupidity of brilliant people never ceases to amaze me.” – Jeno Paulucci Read these doozies… March 23rd, 2016 My company has a catering firm
Now What? Here’s How Smart Women Succeed Despite Gender Barriers
T’is our season of discontent, women! Earlier this month what many of us already knew from experience was hugely confirmed by the Lean In and
You Can Go On!
According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person,
I Was Not Prepared for This!
I recently had the pleasure of welcoming a young woman into the office as my new Manager of Business and Client Services. Contrary to popular
Public Speaking Is The #1 Fear In America. It Shouldn’t Be Yours
Public speaking can seem like a daunting task, and more often than not business professionals underprepare and under deliver when it comes to making an
Buddha At Work: Keeping Calm in the Hairiest of Situations
Most of us don’t want to react poorly when things aren’t going our way at the office. We don’t plan or rehearse our outbursts. Rather,
Can You Be Cute and Perky And Still Have Executive Presence?
Recently we took a poll asking people to vote on who has more executive presence, Katie Couric or Diane Sawyer. Diane Sawyer won hands down
Raising Your Executive Presence in Conflict Situations
As much as many of us would like to run for the hills when faced with conflict, it’s part and parcel of our daily business
Should Women Say “We” Not “I” When Promoting Themselves?
In a word, no! After two decades of coaching professionals at every rung of the corporate ladder, I want to set the record straight when
New College Graduates—What Employers Are REALLY Looking For
What’s the one thing that many college graduates fail to consider when preparing for a job interview? Overcoming stereotypes! Everyone to a certain extent faces