I’ve been drawn to St. Francis de Sales for years now. Something about him—his gentleness, his wisdom, his practical spirituality—kept nudging me to learn more. A few years ago, I chose him as my Saint of the Year and asked him to pray with me and for me as I wrote my book On the […]
Understanding the Temperaments: An Ancient Path to Modern Self‑Awareness Read More »
As a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a dual‑certified Life and Leadership Coach from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, I spend much of my time helping people navigate conflict, strengthen communication, and build healthier relationships — at work, at home, and in their communities. Over the years, one truth has
Every organization today is feeling the pressure: rapid change, talent shortages, rising expectations, and teams that need more support than ever. The common response is, “We need more leaders.” But the real truth is sharper than that. We don’t just need more leaders — we need better leaders. Better leaders aren’t created by accident. They’re
We Don’t Just Need More Leaders — We Need Better Ones Read More »
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
