Work Life

"If we remain humble and grounded in nature's wisdom, our mind will guide us safely through the confines of unawareness and the blindness of ignorance." – Erik Pevernagie

Have you noticed how the concepts of leadership extend to all aspects of life? I love exploring the world and what I have come to realize is that a great travel experience requires what I call "Grounded Leadership."

There are scheduling complications, language challenges, and cultural customs to navigate. Those who can't adap…

"I have seen such beauty as one man has seldom seen; therefore will I be grateful to die in this little room, surrounded by the forests, and the sound, the sound of green." – Edward James

In the subtropical rainforest in the Sierra Gorda mountains of Mexico is one of the most unusual gardens you can imagine. It is called Las Pozas ("the Pools"), and it is the manifestation of a dream by Edward James, the Surrealist sculptor, art patron, and poet. It includes more than 80 acres of natural waterf…

Okay, raise your hand if you love conflict. Amazingly, there are always a few people out there who do. Most of us avoid conflict because it feels uncomfortable, damaging, and emotionally unsafe.

Some people welcome conflict because they know that healthy conflict can be a catalyst for brilliant collaborations, creativity, and growth.

If we look at the work of one of my favorite teachers… nature, it is clear that friction is a necessary part of evolution. Baby chickens would die if they didn’t …

Why do the moments when others believed in us stand out in our memories?

As a leader, it can feel confronting to climb up through dizzying heights, treacherous paths, and the constantly shifting weather of our career paths while wondering if we're even on the right mountain to begin with.

That's why it's so important to have people who are further along than you, who can see where you are and honestly tell you that not only are you on the right path but that you have what it takes to get there…

Hello, It's Me! Connect with Your Future Self

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." – Paulo Coelho

I am sure you have heard of the concept before, but have you ever really created a personal vision statement? Most people don't take the time to do this exercise, but it can definitely impact how you shape your future. A personal vision statement captures what you want to be, do, feel, think, and impact by some date in the future.

Let's start with yo…

"I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden with you" – Ringo Starr

The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is truly a fascinating creation. A first of its kind, the site is listed as one of National Geographic's 25 Man-Made Wonders of the World. It was designed and created by the sculptor, environmentalist, and professional underwater photographer Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006, and it still beckons countless visitors from across the globe. This underwater sculpture garden sits at a depth…

Have you ever had an experience where all the dots suddenly connected themselves?

It’s that beautiful moment where everything that had previously seemed like a mess of information suddenly formed a direct path from where you were to where you wanted to be.

When that happens, it’s like the weight of the world suddenly drops away, and it is replaced by feelings of clarity, excitement, and relief.

For some people, this is a rare experience, while others experience it all the time. So, what’s the…

I have a confession to make. I am obsessed with lists! I have a to-do list, a to-don't list, a bucket list, a book list, and a list of lists…just kidding, or am I? A few years ago, I had the absolute pleasure to connect with a person who I was destined to meet, Paula Rizzo, a fellow list fanatic, and so much more. Paula is the author of Listful Thinking: Using Lists to Be More Productive, Successful and Less Stressed and the follow-up book Listful Living: A List-Making Journey to a Less Stressed…

Prepare yourself for the most over-used question of the business world: “What are you optimizing for?”

In all honesty, that question makes me want to take a nap. “Optimize” has become buzzwords that, by itself, has become blended into the background noise of the business world, just like “solutions for success.” Snore.

But there is something important here. Optimize means to make something effective or as useful as possible. And as I am sure you know, wherever our attention goes, our energy fo…

"We need the courage to start and continue what we should do, and courage to stop what we shouldn't do." – Richard Evans

Have you ever heard of the Stop, Start, Continue, Change exercise? I am not sure who originally conceived of it, but it has been a key tool in the agile project management toolbox for years. I love sharing this concept with teams and leaders I work with because, if used properly, it can be a powerful team-building exercise and a fantastic way to generate new ideas. It is also…