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 […]

I always enjoy listening to what people tell me about themselves in personal and professional settings.  I’ve interviewed hundreds of people—more often than not, most start with their positive attributes and end with their flaws.  Of course, we all have both, but how people express themselves in tone and non-verbal cues makes a difference in my […]

Looking Forward Be proud of yourself. First of all, you are still here as am I. Banging the drum as they say ….making the most out of everyday. This week, each year, I look back at the accomplishments personally and professionally. The point is not to make myself feel like crap, but to pat myself […]

Selling Your Point of View and Product—It’s One and The Same Let’s face it, from the moment we wake up in the morning until we close our eyes at night, we’re all selling. Whether we’re selling ourselves, selling a product, selling a service, an opinion or point of view, doing it well is a trained […]

Finding Your Voice—What does that mean? Forming that first sentence that expresses your point of view and sets the tone for what you are about to say or write will come naturally once you’ve found your voice. For some of us, it takes years to find our voice. It’s a start and stop process.  How […]

As one matures the beauty of perspective changes. In our 20s we can conquer the world, have endless energy, and consider a change to be positive. In our 30s some of us become cautious and start to look at challenges from a perspective that is not only singular.  My 40s and early 50’s have been filled […]

WORK SPOUSE 101 Work relationships that work are priceless.  Effortless. Fun. Sympatico. They make it worth showing up to your company everyday. You have a crush on their talent.  You know each other’s awkward stories by heart and have a set of running inside jokes. No it’s not your significant other. It’s your work spouse. […]

Office Politics Is Like Taxes! How does anyone survive Office Politics? It’s painful and exists at the top, middle and even our friends who have just started working.  Office Politics is like taxes; they never go away, you pay a big price for not paying attention and you will get nailed if you don’t play […]

Welcome! This is a series of questions and answers which  I have been asked and have answered in multiple ways, multiple times.  Often, I find that the basics questions are the most valuable as it’s hard to be in the middle of your own daily drama, daily storyline and be able to see and feel […]

Recently I got remarried after a long courtship. Keith and I knew each other in college. We both married others and had children and when we did reconnect, the children met. My children are living with us, and his children live with his ex-wife who doesn’t live too far away. During the courtship, his children […]

Your job is to serve The Big Cheese. If you are R-U-D-E and surly, you will get F-I-R-E-D. It’s that simple. A boss is not going to tolerate being treated with dis-respect. I can’t tell you how shocked I’ve been at the behavior of some of the people I’ve managed, or at some of the […]