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May 24

One of the hardest for most of us – I’ll raise my hand high for this one – is focusing on the NOW. Too often, we are carrying luggage filled with things that have happened in the past, or alternatively looking ahead to a future that’s not yet here and may not happen.

Our brains are a wonder. But oh, can they be chatty. Our inner dialogue is so busy worrying about yesterday or tomorrow that we forget to focus on what’s in front of us. What happened five minutes ago, or what might happen five minutes from now, pulls our attention away from the joy, learning, intimacy, or connection we could be receiving right now.

To read our original blog post from May 2022 about What are you waiting for? Right now is the only thing we are promised. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d5tlq
#lessonslearned #lookingahead #leadershipvitae
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#leadershipcoaching #executivecoach #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership #executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadership #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thepowerofleadership

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May 22

We’re going to hear “No.” If we want to try new things, push ourselves, and grow, “No” is a fact of life.

We do not become resilient by hearing “Yes.”

We do not become better, stronger, and more determined from “Yes.”

Next time you hear “No” – smile. You know what that is. It’s the sound of a challenge coming on. A dare to look past that locked door and find a window. To find another way, a better way.

Opportunity doesn’t always knock. Sometimes, it sounds like a closed door. It’s really just a cue to get your game face on and show the world what “Hell yeah!” looks like.

#changejourney #growth #changeleadership
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#executivecoaching #workingwomen #womeninbusiness #leadershipadvice #femaleentrepreneurs #empowerher #leadershipcoach #networkingwomen #executivecoach #personaldevelopment #leadershipconsulting #careercoach #empowerher #leadershipdevelopment #careergrowth #coaching #executivecoach #womensupportingwomen #livingmyvitae #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership

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May 20

Don't let anyone tell you there's a way to live. Some roadmap that everyone else has that you're missing. We are all winging it. Even those you may look at and think are successful or have achieved the things you are dreaming of.

We must each make the best decisions we can for ourselves in this moment. Your needs and mine are not the same. Nor are our desires, obligations, priorities, or circumstances. We are all map-makers, charting (sometimes walking or stumbling) our course through this life. With no two journeys or maps alike.

#mapmaker #lifejourney #goals
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#livingmyvitae #leadershipmatters #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #businessmindset #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #inspirationalquotes #worklife #inspiration #development #leadershipgoals #coaching #leadershipcoaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thoughtleadership #executivecoach #leadershipservices #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership

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May 19

Leadership is something we can all practice every day. We can lead ourselves from within, embracing vulnerability with ourselves and others, being truthful in our interactions, or taking accountability for our actions.

When we demonstrate leadership practices consistently, maybe we’re given the privilege of leading others. Formally or informally. Once we move to formal leadership, suddenly our behaviors and practices become part of our job with (hopefully) clear expectations. ⠀

There are so many books and frameworks out there about leadership. What it is and what it isn’t. Yet there’s no one definitive guide. Companies have job descriptions and role expectations they publish, but leadership is rarely found in a list of discrete actions. ⠀

Instead, each individual has to practice leadership the best they know how. Modeling good examples, learning from mistakes, and embracing a growth mindset are great ways to move from newbie to experienced, and maybe even great leadership.

Yet even great leaders must be wary. At no point is the journey done. We can never learn so much that we’re done growing. Be so good that we can’t make mistakes.

Instead, great leaders must know that they can be great AND a villain simultaneously.

To read our original blog post from April 2022 and featured by @smartbrief about
A warning to all great leaders. Beware becoming the villain you fear. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d6ij5

#progressoverperfection #leadershipjourney #thepowerofleadership #executivecoach #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership
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#executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment#empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadershipcoaching #worklife #inspiration #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #leadershipservices

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May 18

There are so many opportunities in life. Endless forks in the road, taking us in one direction or another. It can be confusing. Immobilizing. The what ifs and if onlys in life.

If we’ve done the work, we may have life and career goals that make those twists and turns clearer. Intentions that can be our compass when the way becomes unclear.

But what if we know the way, which turn we need to take, and we find ourselves hesitating? We see the road ahead and know it’s time to go left, but we just can’t take that step?

When I ask myself, or coaching clients, what is driving the hesitation, there are always reasons. Many of them may even sound justified. And yet. They – and I – really want what’s down that road, no matter the reasons for hesitation. What’s holding us back?

I’ve found one question that helps me when I find myself hesitating. Whether it’s in a relationship, work, or that big dream I’m pursuing.

What’s the lie I’m telling myself?

To read our original blog post from May 2023 about Hesitating? One question to ask yourself and move forward ➡️➡️➡️ https://leadershipvitae.com/2023/05/hesitating-one-question-to-ask-yourself-and-move-forward/

#progress #leadership #leadershipdevelopment

leadershipvitae

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May 17

As a change leader, you’d think I’d embrace change. Generally, I do. Change I initiate that is.

And isn’t that the way of things? The reality is that we don’t resist change. Not really. We resist being changed. More specifically, we resist the messy middle on the path to change.

To read our original blog post from May 2022 about Caught up in the suck? Why we need to embrace the messy middle. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d5tlm
#messymiddle #blogger #findjoy #leadershipvitae
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#leadershipcoaching #executivecoach #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership #executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadership #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thepowerofleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 16

It’s been too many years to count, and I still remember like it was yesterday. Standing in front of Lloyd’s desk, having my email edited for the 3rd time.

Lloyd was my first manager. Email was a relatively new thing at the time and he was used to editing memoranda. He wanted every email printed and edited before it went out. With a red pen. It felt like school, only worse.

I was out for dinner recently with someone who writes professionally and is a former English professor. I shared the story of the dreaded red pen, and how it still causes me to hesitate when asked to edit anyone else’s work.

Usually, the story is a funny one. How I gave Lloyd back the print out, covered in red ink, after the 3rd iteration. I told him if he wanted it to sound like him, he should send it.

I was 19 at the time. No mortgage or kids. No fear. It didn’t occur to me that I might get fired for insubordination. Or if it did, I was still naïve enough to think it wouldn’t have a long-term impact on my life and career.

In that moment, I was incensed and I wasn’t going to let it go.

To read our original blog post from Dec 2022 about The negative connotation of a red pen and why I hate editing — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/eeqia

#editing #usemyvoice #diversityandinclusion #leadership

leadershipvitae

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May 15

There are times when we feel like we are headed forward blindly. We are tempted to stop or go back, because the way forward is shrouded in darkness.

Our eyesight, and foresight, are not perfect. Often, light is closer than we realize.

We need to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels difficult or scary. Especially when it feels difficult or scary. Our challenges are what define us and help us grow. We cannot develop courage without fear. We cannot become resilient without obstacles.

Just remember, none of us are alone.

Reach a hand back – there may be someone nearby who is also struggling and we can make our way forward together. Do not focus so much on our own path that we forget there may be others equally challenged.

Look for the light of others, reflected on the walls around us. We can all learn from the journeys of others and the lessons they can provide. If we are blind to them, the path will be darker than needed.

#lifelessons #changejourney #bethelight
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#executivecoaching #workingwomen #womeninbusiness #leadershipadvice #femaleentrepreneurs #empowerher #leadershipcoach #networkingwomen #executivecoach #personaldevelopment #leadershipconsulting #careercoach #empowerher #leadershipdevelopment #careergrowth #coaching #executivecoach #womensupportingwomen #livingmyvitae #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 13

While leaders may feel a call to support their teams and provide air cover, sometimes there is value in stepping out of the way.

That same air cover may inadvertently put the team in shadow. When leaders move aside and allow members of the team to lean into leadership, they can learn from a place of safety and demonstrate readiness for the next step. It gives them a chance to shine.

#aircover #growleaders #shinealight
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#livingmyvitae #leadershipmatters #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #businessmindset #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #inspirationalquotes #worklife #inspiration #development #leadershipgoals #coaching #leadershipcoaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thoughtleadership #executivecoach #leadershipservices #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 12

As a change leader, you’d think I’d embrace change. Generally, I do. Change I initiate that is.

And isn’t that the way of things? The reality is that we don’t resist change. Not really. We resist being changed. More specifically, we resist the messy middle on the path to change.

To read our original blog post from May 2022 about Caught up in the suck? Why we need to embrace the messy middle. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d6ij2
#messymiddle #blogger #findjoy #leadershipvitae
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#leadershipcoaching #executivecoach #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership #executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadership #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thepowerofleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 11

I long suspected that I had ADHD. I certainly was “accused” of it many times over the years. Even my executive coach one day interrupted something I was about to say and said “You have ADHD. I know.”

At the time, I wasn’t ready to accept the diagnosis. I was functional enough in work and life. Successful by all measures. The struggles I had at work and home were either seemingly not tied to ADHD or were helped by having a partner (albeit an often resentful one) who would fill the gaps.

What I didn’t really expect until recent years was Autism. I recall a friend sharing about her son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (no longer used, but was appropriate at the time). That was the first time I heard something that seemed close, but still not quite right.

It was when I was working at my last company that things came to a head. I had yet another conversation where I was receiving one message directly, and I was getting another one via other channels. The culture was passive-aggressive and I struggled to navigate conflicting signals between what I was being shown and told.

I called my father in between meetings because I couldn’t face anyone until I got out how I was feeling. It was overwhelming and I quickly found myself in tears. “What lesson did everyone else get that I missed? Why is this so hard? I don’t understand and I don’t know how to do this anymore.”

To read our original blog post from Dec 2022 about Looking back on three decades, what I wish my coworkers knew about neurodiversity — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/ee36l

#audhd #adhd #neurodiversity #autism #leadership

leadershipvitae

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May 10

From our earliest days at home and school – to each new job or company – we are assessing and figuring out what is expected. We observe what is modeled, rewarded, criticized, and celebrated. We likely adjust based on positive and critical feedback.

Throughout each chapter of our lives, we may feel like parts of us fit and others that don’t. The most fortunate of us have supporters around us, helping us navigate when we feel different. Who celebrate that which is uniquely us, rather than pushing us to adjust to those around us in an attempt to fit in.

We may look around and wonder what everyone else knows that we don’t. Why others seemingly know what is expected and we feel like a fish out of water.

The secret that doesn’t get shared nearly enough? What makes you different and feeling like you don’t fit is most likely your gift.

Rather than try and contort or hope others get it, embrace it. It’s not easy. It may take time to grow into the confidence of who you are. I’m still working on it after several decades. Yet the seeming contradictions within me are my power. They bring an ability that is unique to me. The same is true for you.

To read our original blog post from May 2022 and featured by @smartbrief about Struggling to fit in? Don’t. Your difference is your gift. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d5tlj

#yourgift #beingdifferent #leadershipvitae
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#leadershipcoaching #executivecoach #womeninleadership #executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment #empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadership #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #thepowerofleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 9

For the last several years, my son and I have alternated between Christmas and Thanksmas. This year, we celebrated our Christmas on Thanksgiving. That leaves Christmas as a time for myself, giving the gift of stillness and rejuvenation ahead of the new year.

In this pattern, I have recognized the importance of not only considering gifts for others during the holidays, but gifts for ourselves as well. As many may be scrambling around for last-minute gift ideas…how often do we put ourselves on the list?

While we may not consider belonging a gift, I’d argue that it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves or anyone else. If there’s a huge question mark next to your own name, or a loved one, consider three ways belonging can be a wonderful way to create joy.

To read our original blog post from Dec 2022 about Three gifts of belonging we can all give this holiday season — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/efgpy

#holidays #gifts #belonging #leadership

leadershipvitae

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May 8

Performance athletes operate at about 80-85% of their ability on the daily. In practice. In workouts. Even on race day. Those that push hard from the start slow down at the end. High-performance athletes start out at 80-85% and are consistent until the end. If they are not ahead, they can push at the end to win. They keep their reserves for when it matters.

That surge is our 100% (maybe even 105-110%). It’s what helps us push over the line and get to done. Tap into whatever mental strength we have left to finish that challenging project or hit a deadline.

If we have been operating at 100% consistently the entire time, it becomes a lot more difficult to find the strength for that last push. Instead, if we have been operating at a sustainable pace, less than our top performance, we have reserves we can use to surge when needed. And that surge will be high-quality delivery, not what’s left when we are exhausted and dragging.

To read our original blog post as featured by @smartbrief from May 2023 about How an athlete mindset helps me optimize my work performance ➡️➡️➡️ https://leadershipvitae.com/2023/05/how-an-athlete-mindset-helps-me-optimize-my-work-performance/

#performance #leadership #mindset

leadershipvitae

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May 6

Resilience is a muscle we can develop by adapting and finding our way through challenging experiences. Anyone else feel like the universe is providing non-stop resiliency lessons lately?

I certainly have. At one point in the last few years, the universe provided a number of back-to-back challenges. Some of them were harder than others. None of them were welcome and all seemed to focus around my health.

As a single mom, the one thing I want most is to be able to raise my child, see him grow up, and ideally be here for his adult milestones too. Health issues tap into a fear that I won’t be around to do that.

Each time one would hit, I found I had a choice. I’d start getting sucked into the dread of what was going on. The fear of how it would turn out. Or I could reframe and stay focused on my dreams. For myself and my child.

So I followed the steps. Got through the challenge with as positive a mindset as I could manage. Again and again and again. Each time one struggle was managed, another would pop up. The dread would creep back in.

To read our original blog post from July 2022 about Where are you putting your energy? Into dreams or dread? — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d6ipq

#dreams #leadershipjourney #thepowerofleadership

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#executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment#empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensuportingwomen #leadershipcoaching #worklife #inspiration #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #leadershipservices #executivecoach #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership

leadershipvitae

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May 5

How we start the day matters. Let's begin with intention.

#beginwithpurpose #starttheday #intention #livingmyvitae #wordsmatter #leadership
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#executivecoaching #workingwomen #womeninbusiness #leadershipadvice #femaleentrepreneurs #empowerher #leadershipcoach #networkingwomen #executivecoach #personaldevelopment #leadershipconsulting #careercoach #techwomen #stemwomen #stem #womenintech #empowerher #leadershipdevelopment #careergrowth

leadershipvitae

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May 4

May the fourth be with you!!!

I’m all about the OG when it comes to Star Wars. I could rewatch the original trilogy all day long. And have. During lockdown, I watched Star Wars movies 100 times. After that, I stopped counting.

No matter how many times I watch, I always see something new. Something in a new light.

I was walking on my treadmill one morning, watching Empire Strikes Back, when I noticed interesting pairings of the characters. Foils – opposites – that were used to push a key character forward in their development. Moving someone closer to their eventual style of leadership.

We can all benefit from a foil to help us achieve our potential. To push us forward. At any time we might be a Luke, Han, or C3PO. Then the question becomes, how do we find our foil?

To read our original blog post from Nov 2022 about How to elevate your leadership potential the Star Wars way — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/edjjc

#starwarsday #growth #starwars #leadership

leadershipvitae

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May 3

Leadership is something we can all practice every day. We can lead ourselves from within, embracing vulnerability with ourselves and others, being truthful in our interactions, or taking accountability for our actions.

When we demonstrate leadership practices consistently, maybe we’re given the privilege of leading others. Formally or informally. Once we move to formal leadership, suddenly our behaviors and practices become part of our job with (hopefully) clear expectations. ⠀

There are so many books and frameworks out there about leadership. What it is and what it isn’t. Yet there’s no one definitive guide. Companies have job descriptions and role expectations they publish, but leadership is rarely found in a list of discrete actions. ⠀

Instead, each individual has to practice leadership the best they know how. Modeling good examples, learning from mistakes, and embracing a growth mindset are great ways to move from newbie to experienced, and maybe even great leadership.

Yet even great leaders must be wary. At no point is the journey done. We can never learn so much that we’re done growing. Be so good that we can’t make mistakes.

Instead, great leaders must know that they can be great AND a villain simultaneously.

To read our original blog post from April 2022 and featured by @smartbrief about
A warning to all great leaders. Beware becoming the villain you fear. — ➡️➡️➡️ https://ed.gr/d5tlg

#progressoverperfection #leadershipjourney #thepowerofleadership #executivecoach #leadership #leadershipvitae #womeninleadership
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#executivecoaching #womeninbusiness #inittogether #leadershipdevelopment#empoweredwomen #femaleentrepreneur #womensupportingwomen #leadershipcoaching #worklife #inspiration #development #leadershipmatters #leadershipgoals #coaching #bizcoach #9tothrive #herbusiness #womenempowerment #leadershipservices

leadershipvitae

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May 2

Last summer, I was talking with a client on next steps to move her personal business strategy forward. She worked for one company and was starting her own coaching gig on the side. She was working on a proposal to integrate her day job and her passion for coaching.

As she outlined her approach, she included her thoughts on communication to leaders in the company. She had a desire to share her entire 5 year plan, along with background, justification, and context.

She was highly focused on transparency and honesty. To her, anything less than full disclosure was holding back and not being authentic.

I’m big on transparency and honesty. Sometimes, however, we may not benefit from signaling every move or showing every card. We need to consider the existing trust level, and the threat – or risk – involved.

As we talked about trust and threat, and what to reveal when, it reminded me of teaching my son how to play cards.

To read our original blog post from Jan 2023 about Why game night with my son was a lesson in trust — ➡️➡️➡️ . https://ed.gr/egeg8

#familyfun #gamenight #trust #leadership

leadershipvitae

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May 1

With the great resignation, a lot of folks left less than ideal conditions and pay for new opportunities. According to a study by Joblist in 2022, as much as 25% subsequently regretted making the change.

The reality is that no opportunity is perfect. There is no ideal company, culture, role, or boss. I’d love to be proven wrong, but even the best fit is going to occasionally rub the wrong way. Require some sort of compromise.

The good news is that there is one constant in every situation. Ourselves. We are the one thing that we carry with us everywhere we go in everything we do. And we are evolving creatures that can adjust and adapt.

When we take on a new role, we may fear that we’ve made a bad decision. Will this be the right place for me? Did I make a mistake? What if I don’t like my boss or my coworkers?

By leaning into our ability to learn and grow, we can transition that fear into empowerment. Take steps to move from worry to making the environment a better fit.

A role, organization, or manager may not be perfect, but we can do our part to make it more manageable.

To read our original blog post from April 2023 about Three steps to transform doubt to empowerment in a new role ➡️➡️➡️ https://leadershipvitae.com/2023/04/three-steps-to-transform-doubt-to-empowerment-in-a-new-role/

#empowerment #leadership #leadershipdevelopment

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