Crazy for Connection: Choosing Authentic Relationships in Life and Business
A Night on the Corner of 53rd and 9th Rob and I stood on the corner of 53rd and 9th Ave. after a super swell Saturday.“Ok, well… Night!” he tossed his Leading Man grin and turned south toward his Hell’s Kitchen apartment. “Night then,” I said through a tight, everything-is-just-fine grin and turned north toward […]
Worst Audition Ever: Lessons in Confidence and Preparation
The Dream of a Million-Dollar Line There are actors who make millions from one famous line: “Show me the money!” “You had me at hello.” “I’ll have what she’s having.” When I started as a professional actor in NYC, my most money-making line? “Hi, I’ll be your server today.” Breaking Into Commercials Then, I began […]
DULA: Your Guide to Defining, Understanding, Learning, and Acting on Goals
Why Wait to Elevate? Are you a person who uses New Year’s Day to make a change and better your life? Why wait to elevate? You don’t need a ball drop, a champagne toast, or a new bullet journal to start moving toward your tomorrow. All you need is a DULA. What is a DULA? […]
Are You Playing It Safe? Why Taking Risks Is the Key to Growth
The Path to the Waterfall The Park Ranger pointed North. “Two miles down the path, you will see the trail branch off up to the waterfall. The final mile up, you will notice a slight increase in difficulty.” (A slight increase was more than a slight understatement.) After a grueling hour scrambling over rocks and […]
The Dandelion Treaty: A Simple Way to Foster Respect and Connection
A Late Summer Walk and a Magical Moment When my son was very young, we were on a late summer walk and came across a dandelion that had completely gone to seed; it was a giant puffball. Growing up in Michigan, when we found one of these, we would make a wish and blow off […]
Stop Saying ‘But’ and Start Growing: Empower Your Team to Fuel Business Success
Start with a Goal: Visibility and Growth Imagine your goal for next year is to increase visibility and grow your business. It’s Thursday afternoon, and you’ve gathered the team for a brainstorming session to reach your goal. You’ve got flip charts, markers, coffee, and chocolate. Ready, set, go! Team members shift to the front of […]
Den of Dorks: Surround Yourself with the Right People
The Rise of the Robots and the Cool Kids The gym is filled with throbbing music and cheering, dancing people wearing costumes and waving streamers. The rise and fall of the chants and fight songs is reminiscent of a football game against archrivals. This event, however, is louder, brighter, sparkly-er somehow, and pulsing with actual […]
Let Go of Your O: How to Stop Overthinking and Start Doing
The Arrival of the O Pile I open my mailbox and my heart sinks. Oh no. Here is ANOTHER one. I can tell by the mass, the telltale plastic wrap, and wait… Yes, there it is, that smile beaming from the front cover – once warm and welcoming – now… derisive. O Magazine! With the […]
Bank on Thanks: How Appreciation Drives Motivation and Success
What Motivates Us Most? Do you want to help yourself and those around you Live Lighter? As a Motivational Speaker helping organizations increase productivity, connection, and performance, I often ask audiences, “What is the #1 motivator in the workplace?” Instantly, I hear voices shout, “MONEY!” – the answer I most often get. (Though occasionally I […]
Believe It or Not: Why Being a Hero is Easier Than You Think
The Unexpected Call to Action The phone call comes late in the morning. A friendly lilting voice saying hellohowareyou. Then, the tiny waver that lets you know something is amiss. “We are in a bit of a tight situation here this morning… we wondered if you could possibly help out?” It’s the conference director of […]