Two years ago, the head of sales at a company heard my keynote via live stream and was moved by my 'be who you came to be' message. She kept this message close and, two years later, invited me to share it with her sales teams across Germany and Hungary. I was a mix of excitement and nerves. Two-thirds of the audience would be wearing headphones for live translation. What if it didn’t resonate? What if the message didn’t translate?

As summer winds down and the school year kicks into gear, many of us find ourselves juggling new schedules, driving our kids around town, and trying to keep up with all the demands that come with this transition. If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely found yourself playing chauffeur to a teenager with plenty of plans but no permission, no money, and no transportation!

Assertiveness is a powerful skill that is often misunderstood. Many people think it means being loud or aggressive, but true assertiveness is about confidently expressing your needs, thoughts, and opinions, even when it invites opposition or conflict. It’s an essential skill for personal and professional growth, and it’s one we can all learn to master.

Recently, my 16-year-old son started working at McDonald's. I've often received surprised responses like, "He's working at McDonald's?" as if such a job is beneath him. This reaction has made me reflect on the importance of work ethic and how it intersects with emotional intelligence.

When I ask people what they want in life, the most common answer is, "I just want to be happy." While happiness is a wonderful emotion, it’s only one of the seven core emotions we experience.

This week's emotional intelligence tip is inspired by one of my favorite quotes from Michelangelo. When asked how he carved the statue of David out of a huge piece of marble, he simply replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set it free."

Whether it's a new job, a shift in relationships, or an unexpected life event, we often find ourselves questioning if something is wrong with us or the situation. But here's a thought: What if change isn't a sign that something is broken but rather a natural part of our growth and evolution?

We’ve all been there – wanting to be liked and appreciated by everyone we meet. But the truth is, not everyone will like you, and that's perfectly okay. Let's dive into the concept of self-regard, which is the ability and tendency to accept yourself fully, both your strengths and your flaws, and still have confidence in who you are.

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating authenticity, respect, and love. As we honor this month, I want to take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to "be who you came to be."

This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to take a cruise with my two older brothers and my mom. It was a truly special experience, one that reminded me of the profound importance of family and taking time to connect with loved ones.

Have you ever held a childhood dream close to your heart, tucked away as life took you on different paths? I have. Ever since I was a little girl growing up in a small town in Kansas, I dreamed of being on a game show. It seemed as distant a dream as the stars in the sky.

I'll never forget a moment back in 2018, during a pivotal consultation for my mission, "Be who you came to be." I was told by the experts that while my message was resonant, my "ordinary" background might make it hard to sell. Not being a Fortune 500 executive, an author, an Olympian, a Nobel laureate, or a survivor of extreme adventures, I felt momentarily defeated.

We’ve all experienced that moment—the realization that we weren't included in a gathering or event. It’s a common scenario that can evoke feelings of disappointment, but it often isn’t a reflection of our personal worth or relationships. 

Recently, I had the honor of being featured by GDA Speakers as a "home run speaker pick." It was an exhilarating moment that brought with it a mix of pride and the hesitancy that sometimes accompanies public recognition. This experience led me to reflect on an important component of EQ: self-regard.

This week, we're diving into a crucial part of personal and professional development: self-assessment. Understanding ourselves clearly and accurately is foundational in being the person we are meant to be. It's about using a "clear mirror" to reflect on our actions, behaviors, and results—seeing ourselves truly, without distortion or distraction.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking in two vastly different rooms. The first was a grand convention center, complete with dazzling lights, booming music, giant screens, and a sea of chairs. It was an exhilarating spectacle, accompanied by a luxurious green room, a makeup artist, and an electric atmosphere.

In our journey to greatness, we often encounter a shadow that trails closely behind our successes – Imposter Syndrome. It’s that nagging voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough.” But what if we viewed this not as a deterrent but as a beacon guiding us toward our true potential?

In this week's edition of Tuesday Tips, we explore the empowering journey of self-actualization and how embracing change signifies growth and development, not a sign of inadequacy or failure.

In our fast-paced world, stress is a common visitor in our lives. Yet, it’s our response to stress that shapes our experiences and well-being. This week's tip focuses on mastering stress through the powerful tool of self-regulation.