
Why ‘Fixing’ Problems Isn’t Always the Solution
It’s natural to want to fix things. We see a problem, and we jump in with a solution. That instinct — especially strong in leaders — comes from a good place. We want to help. We want to move things forward. But here’s the catch: sometimes the real issue isn’t what we...

How To Communicate When It Feels Like No One Is Listening
Ever been in a meeting where you’re speaking, but it feels like no one is actually hearing you? Maybe you’ve raised a concern, only to have it dismissed — or worse, ignored. There’s something about the workplace dynamic that can make us feel invisible, especially when...

The Importance of Transparency in Leadership
In leadership, transparency is key. It’s easy to assume that if we just go about our business and don’t address the uncomfortable realities, they’ll resolve themselves. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I see this first hand all the time with my clients. If you’re a...

The Real Power of Leadership: What Happens Next?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that it's not what happens in the moment that truly matters — it’s what happens next. Think about it: when a crisis arises, a mistake is made, or a challenge surfaces, that thing that occurs can feel like...

Empowerment Starts with the Environment: Are You Lifting People Up?
When we talk about leadership, we tend to focus on the individual — the person in charge, the one making the decisions, the one inspiring the team. But real leadership isn’t just about how one person leads; it’s about the environment they create for everyone around...

The Leadership Blind Spot: Are We Evaluating Our Decisions?
Here’s a thought that’s been sticking with me: great leaders aren’t just good at making decisions — they’re exceptional at evaluating them. Too often, we make decisions, put plans in motion, and forget to ask the critical question: "Is this still working?" Take the...

The Ripple Effect: How We Impact Each Other
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the idea that every interaction we have affects the people around us in ways we might not fully understand. Something that C.S. Lewis wrote in his book The Four Loves speaks to this, and I can’t seem to get it out of my head: Lamb...

Perfection Is a Myth: The Truth Behind Our Perceptions
We’ve all seen the iconic final dance scene in Flashdance — Jennifer Beals, a powerful leap, and a breakdancing segment that’s nothing short of amazing. But what if I told you that scene, as perfect as it seemed, was made possible by a team of people — each...

Finding Common Ground: Lessons from a Philly Cheesesteak
I never thought a Philly cheesesteak would teach me a lesson about humanity, but life is funny like that. Turns out my favorite cheesesteak west of the Liberty Bell comes from a little food truck in Hillsboro, Oregon, practically in my backyard. The first time I...

Navigating Toxicity: Balancing Curiosity with Self-Protection
We often hear that curiosity and empathy are essential in bridging divides. In fact, I talked about just that in my last blog post. But what happens when the divide includes toxicity? When someone’s actions aren’t just different from ours but harmful? It’s crucial to...