For years, there has been a debate about whether learning and development programs are worth it. We all know that soft skills matter, yet there are arguments about whether or not soft skills deliver a positive ROI. Historically, the focus has been on investing in “hard skills”—WHAT we do. This should continue. With advances in technology, collaborating effectively is crucial, as is relating— HOW we do what we do together. Conscious Leadership is your solution. The skills of a conscious leader offer an overall level of agility. It's crucial to acknowledge that even within an exceptional organiz ..read more

How often have you heard the statement: “Just be yourself”? I applaud this encouragement, but sometimes, being yourself can be dangerous. Instead, “Just be yourself, but bring intelligence to read your context.” Authenticity is an essential topic and it’s a brain game. That’s why the skills I offer are grounded in neuroscience and biology. Today, thanks to advances in science, we know precisely how our brains and biology affect our behavior. Like we know two plus two equals four, we know what causes our behavior. Humans are a mixture of biochemical events. If being yourself means going against ..read more

How about this?!?!? Research shows that “indulgent consumption was seen as more authentic than healthy consumption - consumers viewed it as reflecting a person’s genuine preferences - and that perception of increased authenticity heightened perceptions of warmth.” (1) Competence was neutral. Here’s the point: People are perceived as warmer by holding an unhealthy milkshake instead of a healthy drink!!! When we view people as warm, we are more likely to be influenced by them. This is an example of unconscious behavior. You are likely seeing the implications. How can you tell if someone is “warm ..read more

One of the topics I am most asked about is navigating difficult conversations. Let’s get right to it. THE big idea The big idea is to reframe difficult conversations into an opportunity to learn and grow. There’s no better lab than life and business for social learning. Dive in, experiment, screw it up, do it well, learn, and move on. We have to make space for all of our humanity. This requires us to keep practicing like any other hobby to strengthen our ability to navigate these challenging interactions. What’s Up with that? Why are difficult conversations so tough? We seem to be perplexed in ..read more

Why are all the skills I teach grounded in neuroscience and biology? Today, thanks to advances in science, we know precisely how our brains and biology affect our behavior. And yet, most people get into a mental debate or drama about behavior instead of educating themselves and checking it against their direct experience. Like we know two plus two equals four, we know what causes our behavior. Humans are a mixture of biochemical events. Where this is remarkable is with the biology of confirming. In a previous blog, I introduced you to Us vs. Them. It is okay to want to be part of any group – w ..read more

There is so much information out there, it can get overwhelming. As you may already recognize, my goal is to invite you into applicable practices - REAL action steps you can take to experience more peace, ease and freedom. This invitation is lifelong. Not only am I offering tips at my website, you can click on logo to see additional skills and practices via my executive contribution at Brainz Magazine. This is our opportunity - the infrastructure and scaffolding of our individual and collective behavior is not in place. We can take responsibility for how we behave and lead. The “learning and ..read more

I call conscious venting “clearing the pipes”. This skill is particularly useful for auditory processors - people who move their energy by speaking. EVERYONE can benefit from this practice. To remind you, The Drama Triangle is useful in movies. Films would be boring if we never included drama. Even documentaries add some suspenseful music to keep us interested. People label Drama “bad”. It can be toxic, that’s for sure. But when used consciously it can add value. Besides movies, another place The Drama Triangle can be useful is by conscious venting - clearing the pipes. THe PROCESS - HOw to “C ..read more

It’s June 2022 and Elon Musk is in negotiations to purchase Twitter. The word on the street is Elon is a “free speech absolutist”. The debate about free speech is a timeless one. Thank goodness we live in a country where free speech is a fundamental right. People having the right to speak freely is a gift. AND is it possible we have a collective blind spot? THE 1st Amendment RATIFIED IN THE YEAR 1791 Here it is: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the ..read more

The practice of presence is the foundation for everything. It’s the spark for lasting growth and development. With mastery of the practice of presence, you can navigate anything AND know when you can’t and therefore, must consciously retreat. “When you love some the best thing you can do is offer your presence. How can you love someone if you are not there?” - Thich Nhat Hanh The same holds true for all relationships, situations, when working alongside others, and especially leading. Let go and ALLOW presence be your guide Through the practice of presence you will find ease within the effort ..read more

If you want to see how as humans we struggle to cooperate and collaborate, just try lap swimming. I was a marathon runner, but switched back to swimming for the ease on my joints and muscles. As I swim I am aware of the parallels between lap swimming and collaboration. Swimming is my “go to” exercise, even when I travel. No matter where I am swimming, the experience is the same. AND, there’s a lot we can learn from sharing swim lanes. There are always guidelines for how to COOPERATIVE & behave At every pool there are guidelines for how to behave. Guidelines about how to pass, how to share ..read more