Professional Development

The “coma” story

The “coma” story

I told her I’d just come out of a coma.   That was my line to my personal trainer on our very first conversation: “Treat me like I’ve just come out of a coma.”   It was half-joke, half-truth. Years of back problems plus a foot issue had kept me from my...

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Don’t let Q4 run you over

Don’t let Q4 run you over

Q4 always seems to sneak up on us. One minute it is summer, and the next, the calendar is packed, the holidays are around the corner, and every project suddenly feels urgent.A client recently told me they always feel like they “lose” Q4. By the time December arrives,...

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From new manager to real leader

From new manager to real leader

Stepping into leadership can be tricky. You're great at your role, and now you're managing people, which is a different skill set. I just wrapped a coaching engagement with a client who recently took on direct reports. Fortunately, their company supported coaching, so...

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Can you answer this simple question?

Can you answer this simple question?

Yesterday I asked a client a simple question: ​“What’s one thing you’re good at?” They paused. They hesitated. And they honestly struggled to answer. And they’re not alone. So many of us freeze when it comes to talking about what we do well. We call it “tooting our...

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Neglected your network? Read this.

Neglected your network? Read this.

The questions are rolling in from Dana On Demand, and I just got one that comes up again and again: “I’ve totally neglected my network, and now I feel like an asshole reaching out when I need something.” Let me be clear. You're not an asshole. Unless you act like one....

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Mid-summer and feeling unfocused?

Mid-summer and feeling unfocused?

First, I think we need to acknowledge that we're not always focused on getting ahead at work. Summer is often a time to take a step back and recharge.   Maybe you're carting kids from camp to camp.Maybe you’ve got a big vacation on the books.Maybe you’re just...

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2025 books so far…

2025 books so far…

I'm now 2 for 2 in my decision to do a mid-year check-in on my media consumption (and 0 for 3 on quarterly), so I guess it's working well enough.   I started the year off with a severely sprained ankle, which impacted my walking and listening to audiobooks. And...

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Wait… how is it already July?

Wait… how is it already July?

Can you believe it’s July 1? Somehow, we’re halfway through the year. Whether you’ve been thriving or just surviving, it’s a moment worth pausing for.   It seems like just yesterday I struggled to find a theme word for 2025. I landed on Thrive. Eventually.  ...

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Leave room for dessert

Leave room for dessert

Ever been at a buffet line and filled your plate so full… you didn’t have space for dessert?   That’s exactly what happens to most professionals when they try to lead or navigate change (or anything else).   Last week’s Thrive Through Change panel was full...

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