Always Be Connecting, Communicating, and Collaborating Mackinac Moments: Connections, Conversations & What I Learned One of my personal mantras has guided me through every stage of my career: Always be connecting, communicating, and collaborating with your community. It’s simply another way of saying network with purpose—and those relationships are instrumental in advancing our careers, strengthening […]
The Power of Connection Read More »
In a world obsessed with speed, disruption, and “what’s next,” the CliftonStrengths theme of Context often gets overlooked. But in leadership, management, and even sales, Context is one of the most quietly powerful strategic strengths a team can have. People strong in Context don’t just remember the past — they understand the story behind it.
The Strategic Power of Context: Why the Past Is a Leader’s Secret Advantage Read More »
Every leader is creating culture—whether they mean to or not. And it’s not just in the big moments like strategic plans or retreats. It’s in the smallest interactions: a quick email, a hallway check-in, a meeting you rush into, even the silence you didn’t realize you communicated. Your culture isn’t written on a wall—it’s written
How did you show up to work today? Read More »
By Vanessa Denha Garmo Ash Wednesday is one of the boldest days of the Catholic year. We step into churches, receive ashes on our foreheads, and walk back into the world visibly marked by our faith. It’s a simple sign with a profound message: We are dust. We are sinners in need of mercy. We
We live in a culture that celebrates achievement. Goals, milestones, and accomplishments are often seen as the ultimate measure of success. But there’s a hidden trap that many of us fall into—the hyper-achiever saboteur. On the surface, being a hyper-achiever looks admirable. You’re disciplined, driven, and constantly striving for the next win. Yet beneath that
The Hyper-achiever Saboteur: When Success Steals Your Joy Read More »
How your inner dialogue shapes your outer reality. Growing up, my sisters used to tease me for talking to myself. I’d walk around the house narrating my thoughts, rehearsing conversations, or brainstorming ideas out loud. At the time, it felt silly. But now I realize: I was practicing something powerful—thinking out loud.Some people are silent
Thinking Out Loud — The Power of Thought, Self-Talk, and Affirmation Read More »
As a strengths coach, I often remind emerging leaders that the most effective leadership style isn’t something you copy—it’s something you cultivate. Your natural talents are the foundation. When you understand and apply your strengths, you lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. Today, we’re diving into the Strategic Thinking theme—one of the four domains in
Do You See the Cup Half Empty or Half Full?September 13th may be officially marked as Positive Thinking Day, but what if we treated every day as an invitation to reframe, refocus, and rediscover? Intentional thought isn’t just a mood booster—it’s a momentum builder. And the secret to unlocking that momentum lies in a remarkable
🧠 Train Your Brain to See the Possibilitie Read More »
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a sobering moment for anyone who believes in the power of dialogue, public engagement, and leadership—regardless of political affiliation. As a leadership coach, I view this not through the lens of ideology, but through the lens of human dignity, civic responsibility, and the culture we shape through our words
Leadership in the Wake of Tragedy: Reflection on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk Read More »
I recently facilitated a brief talk about employee engagement. This particular company was trying to figure out how to get employees more involved in the company events while building internal relationships. In my experience as a professional development coach, I can say that the less engaged employees are at work, the more they don’t care
What to do when Employees are Detached and Don’t Care … Lean on Strengths! Read More »
