Reflections on meaning, purpose, and why we keep showing up Over the weekend I read Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles (thanks to Donna Buehler for the recommendation!), and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The book explores the Japanese concept of ikigai (your […]
Where’s Your Ikigai Whispering? Read More »
As an organizational ombuds, I often encounter individuals struggling under the weight of overwhelmed leadership. The consequences are familiar: stress, distraction, inconsistency, and a creeping sense of disengagement across a team. A recent article from Admired Leadership Field Notes captures this dynamic with remarkable clarity. According to Admired Leadership, an overwhelmed leader is more than
Supporting an Overwhelmed Leader: A Quiet Kind of Leadership Read More »
Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and shame, defines these concepts through grounded theory—building definitions based on real-life experiences. This sounds pretty straight forward, but what happens when we’re actually in the thick of it? My Story: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave In February of last year, I had my son, Harry, and
Vulnerability, Resilience, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves Read More »
The line between being “uncomfortable” and “unsafe” has become a significant topic in discussions about psychological safety, especially as our understanding of these concepts evolves. This post draws on insights from the presentation “Uncomfortable Versus Unsafe: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Emerging Perceptions of Safety” by Sarah Klaper of Northwestern University and Carol Gregory of Baldwin
Navigating the Line Between Unsafe and Uncomfortable Read More »
Imagine facing a performance review with dread, heart pounding, and mind racing. This was my reality years ago. A surprising mid-year review left me rattled, despite feeling confident in my work. The unexpected feedback threw me off course. That experience has shaped my approach to performance reviews ever since. I’m determined to face this year’s
Recharge, Reflect, Renew: A Holistic Approach to Performance Reviews Read More »
It is the day after election day, and while you may be experiencing a range of emotions, it’s important to prioritize your mental, your emotional well-being, and your relationships. This post offers practical tips to help you manage post-election stress and maintain relationships. Tune In to Yourself: Set Healthy Boundaries: Practice Mindful Communication: Remember, it’s
Prioritize Self-Care: Navigating the Post-Election Day Landscape Read More »
Over the years, I’ve observed a trend in workplace dynamics: we’re becoming more aware of mental health, but sometimes this heightened awareness can blur the lines between normal emotional reactions and more serious concerns. This isn’t about downplaying anyone’s experience—emotions like sadness, frustration, and anxiety are real and valid. However, it’s also important to recognize
Change is inevitable. It’s the transitions that often trip us up. Whether it’s a new job, a relationship change, or a major life event, understanding how to manage these shifts can make all the difference. This year, I had a baby and transitioned from my life before to my life with this new baby and
Navigating Life’s Transitions: A Framework for Success Read More »
A colleague recently posted an article A Simple Way to Get Unstuck by Ozan Varol, author of Awaken Your Genius. The article shares a piece of advice from his high school soccer coach: “If you’re not in possession, get in position.” On the soccer field, that means if you don’t have the ball, you should
Change Your Scenery, Change Your Mindset Read More »
In the professional world, grappling with an absentee boss can be challenging. Whether they’re constantly traveling, frequently calling in sick, or simply not responsive to emails and calls, it can leave you feeling stranded, frustrated, resentful, and unsure of how to proceed. The lack of guidance and prolonged decision-making processes can hinder project momentum and
Navigating an Absent Boss: Tips for Maintaining Productivity and Morale Read More »