In 2008 I quit my job to become a coach.  I studied and got three certifications.  I hired a master coach to work with me.  I offered free sample coaching sessions to over 50 friends and colleagues.  Someone told me, “You won’t really be a coach until you’ve run a $10/person seminar in a church […]

One of the small pleasures that emerged from confinement is that the city became so quiet, I could hear loud bird song each morning during my coffee and meditation.  I thought about that last Friday when I had a rich conversation with creativity facilitator Martin Holme.  In corporate life the frantic pace, competition and performance […]

The last few weeks of summer always bring excited anticipation for something new, and nervousness about the unknown. This year of course, the butterflies are amplified. Ambiguity and uncertainty are cute for a while, but honestly it would be really nice to know what’s around the corner so we can prepare and optimize the outcome, […]

Last week there was a New York Times article about confinement envy — I don’t even have to explain, right?  As I read the first paragraph, I rolled my eyes sheepishly, remembering my own envy. While I was stuck in New York City, others were in suburbia and could barbecue (I imagined) or let their kids […]

Recently I asked a senior leader what he’s noticing in his company’s Zoom and Slack community. What he said broke my heart a little. He said that of the 40 people he deals with on a regular basis, the same handful participate regularly in Slack or on Zoom meetings. Another handful almost never speak up […]

For every story I’ve heard from someone who’s been feeling isolated the last three months, I’ve heard a story from someone, usually an introvert, who is feeling such a sense of freedom!  Without the constant buzz and interruption of an office, they can finally think. That’s a big part of introversion. It’s not that introverts […]

I’m a little tired. Tired of not knowing whether activities I try to do with the kids will be open. Tired of not feeling motivated enough to go and find out (and risk being disappointed). Tired of no one appreciating what I serve for dinner, even though I’m trying! Tired of feeling uncomfortable with friends […]

You prep a presentation. Then you worry for days because in your enthusiasm, you spoke over your boss’s boss. You say you’re a perfectionist, but really you burn yourself out with overwork.  Or maybe you keep putting off the thing you dream of because you have to come out of the gate doing it super […]

Last week I was super present in my work.  I’m always present, but this felt like present on steroids.  What’s funny is that it also felt easy.  My kids can’t go to camp this summer, so it’s Mom as cruise director and I decided to work mornings only (most days).  The most important tricks are […]

A funny thing happened last Friday. I felt sad when governor Cuomo did his final briefing. For three months I saved his press conference and watch it while I prepped dinner. First, thirsting to hear the “numbers” as they were going down for New York, but then just listening to him repeat the same reassuring […]