Here’s a true story. I had a great idea to connect recipe websites and grocery stores. I’d launch a MVP (minimal viable product) to demonstrate the software, raise capital and become a zillionaire. At the time, I knew a little something about financials, but couldn’t pronounce or explain EBITDA without looking like an idiot. Because […]

How many times do you look down in a day? Think about it. Although it’s an easy way to avoid falling, it’s not necessary if you know where you’re headed. Let’s say you do fall along the way. So what? Most likely, you won’t make that mis-step again. We gain knowledge through experience. Failure often […]

When you want to go fast, go alone. When you want to go far, then go together. I’ve been silent recently because I had to go it alone for a while. Since I wrote last, I updated siderroad.com, taught undergraduates business communications, started book number two, continued consulting and speaking on “Leading with Innovation” and […]

How to Use Doorframe Management to Become a Member of the Inner Circle Ever heard of this phrase before? Keep it in the back of your mind at all times. It’s a strategic notion to conceive and build relationships, then leverage those relationships into creating opportunities for yourself. Picture yourself standing in a colleague’s or senior executive’s office […]

I’ve just returned from a speech I gave regarding Trust and Taking Blame at Work to a group of executives in the technology space. Taking blame at work builds trust it’s an incredible power move. Pointing fingers everywhere but at yourself  is defensive behavior and makes you be perceived as deceitful. Taking responsibility is a […]

Trust is a Must Trust in the U.S is earned. Trust in many European countries is immediate. The challenge Americans face is working with cultures who trust off the bat. How can Americans find a way to see the competence of a person and not indicate bias from other cultures who may speak slowly, with […]

When my godfather, Stuart, writes me, he signs it “Stay the Course”. Those three words are comforting. We all experience ill content and a lack of confidence now and then. For some, it’s more than now and then; that’s me  Over the last few years, I see his words flash in my mind when moments […]

Recently, I shared Sider Road’s Diversity Workshop Offerings with a respected colleague who is originally from The Netherlands.   I have listened to her speak Dutch.  Given that it’s easier for us to text and email vs. meet in person :), we have been connecting in English.   In an effort to demonstrate to her that I care about her […]

When I was taught to shoot with Edwin’s ‘coon rifle, as an 8 year old girl, I could barely lift the damn thing.  A loud growl which was combined with half a laugh rolled out of his mouth watching me struggle to lift the rifle up to my eye. Edwin, was the older brother of […]

Yesterday, I was asked in an interview about a key thought on how to work with multiple generations. Here’s the answer: Perception is NOT reality.   There are 158,000,000 million people working in the U.S. Teenagers to people over 70 years old working today.  Everyone needs to know how to deal with each generation if we like it or […]

We all day dream of doing something new when the old gig is just that… O.L.D.  It’s the same: politics, drama, commute, coffee, bathroom runs and same ole’ same old.  I remember thinking “Why make money for someone else when you I can do it for myself as an expert? Haven’t I done enough to be considered […]

Your office space and it’s comfort directly affects your mood and productivity at work. Crappy surroundings, crappy mood.  Ultimately PMS sets in: Political Misery Syndrome.  I have worked in the most fabulous offices and the biggest dumps where clearly the CEO didn’t care about appearance or mental health of the staff! Enter here for a […]

Punctuality No need to rush from place to place or appointment to appointment. There is no rush.  Italy is full of beautiful people, beautiful food, and beautiful scenery. In the mood for an espresso before the meeting?  Stop into any one of the hundreds of Espresso Bars on your way—they’re certain to have a mix […]

All:  I’m always being asked the most juicy questions.  There is never a straight line but knowing what’s in line for you will save you time and aggravation.  Take the high road whenever you can.  Class act always pays off. What are examples of office politics leading to you being fired? Basically being shut out. If you […]

This is the first in a series of newsletters on working and traveling abroad for business… and let’s not forget pleasure.  Use the information as your reference guide, it’s not the gospel and it isn’t meant to be…. As a global society, we must understand the nuances of cultural differences, expectations and people’s behavior from […]

For me: It nixed a few jobs. A marriage. A bunch of friendships.  Passive aggressive behavior is a silent relationship killer.  Let’s face it, when you’re rightfully upset and can’t find the words to speak your truth, your actions ultimately backfire and you end up spending time fixing the negativity you put out rather than […]