I used to say I hated networking. Small talk felt like punishment. I could never remember anyone’s name two seconds after they’d told me. Pitching and listening to people’s pitches was embarrassing. And within five minutes of arriving, I’d usually attached myself to someone who was more than happy to talk at me for the… Read More »

When “Positive Thinking” Just Isn’t That Helpful A client once told me she didn’t want to “sound like she was complaining.” I asked, “If someone else described your exact situation to you, would you think they were complaining?” She laughed and said, “I’d probably say, ‘That’s not complaining. That’s noticing.’” We do this a lot:… Read More »

Let’s start with a trick question: Do you need help? If your answer was “No, I’m fine,” this article might be for you. Especially if “fine” means being the go-to person for everyone, except yourself. If “fine” means “I can handle it”, when you’d rather not. If “fine” comes with a racing mind, tight jaw,… Read More »

We all like to think we’re in control, of our time, our choices, our facial expressions in meetings. But often, what we call “being in control” is really avoidance, with good PR. It often starts with one uncomfortable thing: a conversation we don’t want to have, a decision we keep postponing, a truth we’re not ready… Read More »

You know that moment when you read an email from a colleague, perfectly polite on the surface, but your jaw locks before you’ve even scrolled to the end? Your body read the subtext before your brain caught up. That’s your emotional “first responder” system in action. And it often knows more than your inner analyst…. Read More »

You’re thoughtful. You’ve read the books. You’ve had long conversations over tea or wine. Maybe you’ve been to therapy, or coaching, or both. You’ve got insight. You know your patterns. You’re emotionally intelligent.

And yet… something still doesn’t shift.