PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVES ISSUE 08 | LISTEN UP I opened my mouth to speak… but nothing came out. Not a whisper. Not a peep. Nothing. It was my first meeting with a new executive—one of those high-stakes moments where first impressions matter. I had done my research. I had my questions ready. I was prepared to engage. But none of it mattered.Because at the exact moment I needed my voice the most… it was gone. I sat there as the conversation unfolded around me, my usual instincts kicking in.Jump...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
When I left corporate life to start my coaching practice, I made a promise: more time for art. For me, art isn’t just about the finished piece. It’s about the process. I create three-dimensional landscapes from mosses, lichens, and flowers I forage and preserve. Each piece is an exploration of the natural world—a way to connect its intricate systems with the mysteries of the human mind. At first, I honored that promise. I spent afternoons foraging and hours meticulously preserving my...
2 months ago • 4 min read
“I would hate that.” That was my gut reaction as I watched contestants on The Amazing Race struggle through a brutal challenge—biking through sand, hauling heavy bundles of wet laundry, and laying out saris one by one on a scorching beach in India. Their faces were flushed, their muscles straining. It looked hot, exhausting, and like an absolute nightmare. But then I caught myself. What if I could find the positives here? What if, instead of fixating on how awful it seemed, I used this as an...
3 months ago • 5 min read
When was the last time you took a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come, Reader? It’s easy to stay focused on what’s next. There’s always another milestone to hit, another challenge to tackle, another goal on the horizon. But here’s the thing: your wins—the big ones and the small ones—deserve recognition. They tell the story of what you’ve built, how you’ve grown, and the impact you’re creating. Recently, I realized how often I skip this step. Even after hitting milestones I’d once only...
4 months ago • 5 min read
This is embarrassing to admit... I have a set of IKEA dressers that I’ve dragged across state lines not once, not twice, but so many times I’ve lost count. From Minnesota to Boston. From Boston to Nashville. From Nashville back to Boston. And finally, from Boston all the way back to Minnesota. 🙄 The dressers cost $299 each. They’re still available at IKEA.Moving them (even once) cost more than buying them new. So why did I keep them? Because I built them. Well, my dad helped. Okay, I helped....
5 months ago • 6 min read
"As I left the meeting, all I could think about were the blank stares and awkward silence..." I replayed every second in my head, convinced it had gone horribly wrong. Never mind that I’d answered tough questions on the spot, shared valuable insights during the discussion, or that a colleague had complimented me afterward—I felt like a failure. 😔 Sound familiar, Reader? I see this all the time with clients, and I’ve been there myself. More times that I care to admit. You walk away from a...
6 months ago • 6 min read
Hi, I'm Angela, and I Have RBF That's, Resting Business Face. 🙄 When I’m focused on something, I’m really focused—so much so that if someone pops by my desk while I’m engrossed in my work, I’ll practically jump out of my seat—startled. It’s happened so often that my coworkers once installed rearview mirrors in my office to give me a heads-up! Apparently, I was that unapproachable. But it wasn’t just my reactions that were throwing people off. It turns out that when I’m lost in thought or...
7 months ago • 7 min read
If you’re like most of us, you want to be recognized and valued—but you also want to fit in. Standing out can feel risky. But the alternative, being like everyone else, is riskier still! Hello Reader! Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, we all share a common goal: to lead with greater clarity and confidence. Reading about leadership is a good start, but true growth comes from taking action. Consider this your practical guide to not just earning—but truly embracing—your...
8 months ago • 5 min read