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Tips for Leading with Gratitude

In a world of so much uncertainty, political tensions heightening and chaos unfolding in all parts of the world, it can be challenging to keep a positive attitude as you show up for yourself, family and colleagues each day.

I despise uncertainty and hence my superpower is “control” to deflect the unknown and uncomfortable throughout my day. And while that serves me well over the years, too much control over my interactions can lead to a perception of being a bit aloof and less engaged.

If you know me, that is not a persona I wish to show up with and I’ve found other tools in my toolbox to combat my need to control uncertainty is gratitude.

I find this to be the key to establishing quick rapport with people, easing the pace of transactional and also reminds us we’re all human and that is the only constant we can rely upon amidst all the world chaos.

When we lead with gratitude, it changes the dynamics and in all cases you get a positive outcome. This is the only thing I can be certain of and I want you to realize more positive interactions whether at home or at work.

These are my tried and true tips that have served me well and maintain human connection:

Step 1: Create a new mindset: Every interaction is an opportunity to express gratitude. If you lead with this approach, watch the magic unfold as you will see everyone else follow your lead!

Step 2: Meeting in person or Virtual: Thank the person for their time and meeting with you; it shows respect. If it’s a new person and you are uncertain about the interaction, this slows things down and allows some casual conversation to get to know each other.

Step 3: Write an email with human connection. Start with a thank you for their time to consider the proposal:

  • Thank you in advance for your time to review this need…
  • Thank you for providing the information and the value it brings…
  • Thank you for their quick response and how it helped you…
  • Thank you for that constructive feedback, I sincerely appreciate your thoughts…

It slows things down and pays respect to the person and how you value them

Never!!!! Start with the action like “I Need “x”. I know this may be contrary to some “Lean email” I told you about where you state the Ask & need in the first sentence. Pause and express gratitude and then get to the point.

Step 4: Texting: Same as email

I don’t prefer texting, but if Whatsapp / texting is a communication of choice for someone you are interacting with, the same goes for this. Start with a quick thank you; similar to email.

Step 5: Lead by example and coach others in the same.

If someone is struggling with getting people to respond, this bit of advice will help them immensely.

These tips are for you, but if you see someone struggling; sharing this kind feedback with them will lift them and elevate your interactions.

When we lead with gratitude, the universe will respond to you in kind!

Do you  have challenges in this world of uncertainty that you just need someone to talk to?  I’m here to listen and perhaps we can have a conversation.

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself.

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board.

To hear more about This topic please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 11/3/23.

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge?

Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success.

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Are You Speaking Up at Work? Three Things Your Boss Needs to Hear from You

During my time under the corporate umbrella, my creativity was stifled. Although I had fresh ideas, I was often overlooked for recognition and merely appreciated as a dependable resource within the organization. This didn’t work for me, and I started envisioning ways to revamp the organization and make it an attractive place to join, essentially launching a marketing campaign for my department. 

As I attempted to implement a regional strategy, it was met with resistance and failed to contribute to my professional growth, prompting me to realize that something was amiss. Through introspection and a quest for meaningful work, I realized that to break free and pursue my purpose, I had to venture out on my own, as I no longer belonged in my current environment where my innovative ideas fell on deaf ears.

Today, I wanted to share with you how leveling the playing field will help you be seen, heard, respected, and top of mind when it comes to proposals, changes, promotions, or critical conversations, avoiding that feeling of being unappreciated in the workplace.

Be a Proactive Proposer

The first thing your boss needs to hear from you is proposals for what needs to be changed, improved, shared, leveraged, or used. By speaking up and sharing your ideas, you’ll be seen as an idea person with strategic thinking.

Be a Problem Solver

The second thing is being a problem solver. Instead of creating more problems, provide solutions to the problems you see. Take charge and consult on an approach rather than waiting for leadership to fix the problem. By doing so, you’ll be seen as a leader and an equal to your boss.

Be Open to Feedback

If you follow this approach in an environment that values thought leadership, you will start to see signs that your ideas are valued and desired. However, not all bosses may be receptive, and if met with negativity or adversity, it is an opportunity to gather data and consider alternative directions.

If you’re in a leadership position, share this article with colleagues or team members who struggle with speaking up. I firmly believe that by helping others, we elevate the collective. I’m available for further discussions and look forward to hearing from you.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my upcoming book, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 10/20/23. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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How to Proactively Receive Feedback

I’ve been fortunate to receive some wonderful feedback from my clients. It’s been a privilege to help them through crises, act as a listening partner and collaborator, and contribute to their organization’s growth. I’ve seen firsthand how external resources can be a lifeline when facing challenges. I’m fortunate to have a vast network that I can connect you with, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.

One topic I feel strongly about is the importance of feedback in the workplace. Unfortunately, not all leaders provide feedback, and waiting for performance reviews can be detrimental. I encourage you to take control of managing your leaders by proactively asking for feedback.

I’ve developed a framework for soliciting feedback, which includes asking what to continue, what to start, and what to change. It’s crucial to qualify the value you’ve brought to the organization and have face-to-face conversations to receive feedback.

When asking these questions, here are a few things to remember:

  • Gratitude is a powerful tool. It’s important to acknowledge positive feedback and use the foolproof 1-to-1 formula to position your value and ensure your contributions are recognized and valued.
  • When receiving recognition, pause and slow down. Show gratitude and acknowledge the effort others put into sharing their feedback and the value they see in your work.
  • Seek to understand constructive feedback. Constructive feedback may not feel good initially, but it provides valuable data and insight that can help us show progress and meet objectives. 

I urge you to take this framework and apply it to your own situations. If you’re a leader with team members who struggle with managing their careers and asking for feedback, share this podcast episode. For leaders who don’t have the time to teach these skills, I offer my assistance as the “drop-in CEO” to facilitate conversations or build capabilities within organizations.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my upcoming book, please tune into my podcast that released this Friday 10/6/23. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success.

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How Can Breaking Down Tasks Help You Finish the Year Strong?

As we approach the final 90 days of the year, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. Yes, I’m behind on my website update, writing plan, and five-year strategy, but I believe in the importance of giving oneself grace and finishing the year strong. I encourage you all to approach the end of the year with anticipation rather than stress. It’s an opportunity to accomplish goals and make a lasting impact.

I’ve faced my fair share of challenges with my website update, writing plan, and five-year plan. However, I’ve learned that discipline and prioritization are key to overcoming these hurdles. I’ve found success in creating focus time on my calendar and breaking tasks down into manageable chunks. I’m also thrilled about my upcoming book, “Secrets of the C-Suite,” and I’m confident that I’ll complete it within the next year.

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of breaking tasks down, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Schedule your tasks into the calendar, no matter how small. Being able to check them off a list will help you see your progress and keep you focused on what comes next.
  • Celebrate each achievement, and learn to embrace small rewards. Something as simple as your favorite cup of coffee after completing some paperwork you’ve been putting off can go a long way when trying to motivate yourself to move forward.
  • Consistency really is the key to success. Any overwhelming task only gets less overwhelming when we keep at it. Start at the result and figure out your steps by working your way back toward the beginning.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my upcoming book, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 9/29/23. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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How Can You Proactively Ask for Feedback in the Workplace?

I’ve been fortunate to receive some wonderful feedback from my clients. It’s been a privilege to help them through crises, act as a listening partner and collaborator, and contribute to their organization’s growth. I’ve seen firsthand how external resources can be a lifeline when facing challenges. I’m fortunate to have a vast network that I can connect you with, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.

One topic I feel strongly about is the importance of feedback in the workplace. Unfortunately, not all leaders provide feedback, and waiting for performance reviews can be detrimental. I encourage you to take control of managing your leaders by proactively asking for feedback.

I’ve developed a framework for soliciting feedback, which includes asking what to continue, what to start, and what to change. It’s crucial to qualify the value you’ve brought to the organization and have face-to-face conversations to receive feedback.

When asking these questions, here are a few things to remember:

  • Gratitude is a powerful tool. It’s important to acknowledge positive feedback and use the foolproof 1-to-1 formula to position your value and ensure your contributions are recognized and valued.
  • When receiving recognition, pause and slow down. Show gratitude and acknowledge the effort others put into sharing their feedback and the value they see in your work.
  • Seek to understand constructive feedback. Constructive feedback may not feel good initially, but it provides valuable data and insight that can help us show progress and meet objectives. 

I urge you to take this framework and apply it to your own situations. If you’re a leader with team members who struggle with managing their careers and asking for feedback, share this podcast episode. For leaders who don’t have the time to teach these skills, I offer my assistance as the “drop-in CEO” to facilitate conversations or build capabilities within organizations.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my upcoming book, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 10/6/23. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success.

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Building Your Dream Team

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to make that final push to achieve our goals and objectives. But remember, we can’t do it alone. We all need a supportive inner circle to guide us, to cheer us on, and to help us navigate the challenges that inevitably arise. If this is you, I first want to share how I’m committed to helping you close those gaps and then stay tuned for some tips to help you!

I’m excited to announce that I’m currently writing a book, set to be released in 2024. Titled “Secrets of the C-Suite. This book is designed to equip aspiring leaders with the essential skills they need to secure a seat at the table and make a real difference.

I’ve noticed a gap in the market for books that specifically support individuals in advancing their careers, and I’m passionate about filling that void. I want to elevate my audience, to inspire you, and to help you reach new heights in your professional journey.

If you would like to assist me in this journey, there are three things you can do:

  1. Share your story: I’m reaching out to my network for help. If you’ve benefited from my insights and guidance, I’d love to hear your story. I want to include these stories in my book to acknowledge your contributions and to provide real-life examples of success.
  2. Collaborate with me: If you know of someone who would benefit from this resource, connect them with me so I can begin to help.
  3. Support your network: If you have seen someone who is frustrated with where they are in their career and know you can help, I encourage you to say something. We all get further toward our goals when we can look at our talent in a way that serves the common good. 

As the “CEO whisperer,” I’m here to assist you. I believe in the importance of reaching out to others for help and have developed a framework for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps, skills gaps, network gaps, and emotional intelligence gaps.

I encourage you to find people who can help close your knowledge gaps and learn from their expertise. Evaluate your network and consider who you need to connect with to expand your opportunities. Remember, emotional intelligence is crucial in handling challenging situations. Self-reflection and understanding others’ perspectives can go a long way.

So, I turn to you and ask, “Have you created your dream team” who will have your back and help you to remove barriers and enable you to reach your career goals? If not, let’s talk and see how we can collaborate and help you to be successful!  I mean it, let’s talk!

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my upcoming book, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 9/22/23. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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How to Lead with Heart and Impact

I recently learned the significance of listening to people’s stories and understanding their emotions. When working with a client,  I realized that spending time listening and empathizing with team members had a far greater impact on organizational success than simply trying to solve their problems one by one. This experience inspired me to make a course correction in my leadership style.

Being an inspirational leader vs. trying to spend your day putting out fires requires a higher level of trust between you and your team. Here are three tips that will help you get there:

  1. Create moments or experiences that inspire others. I’ve captivated podcast hosts with my storytelling, leaving them speechless and eager to ask the next question. By drawing people in with engaging stories, you can inspire and motivate them.
  2. Ask your team what they need to succeed. This approach shifts the focus from tactical work to personal growth and empowerment. By encouraging individuals to think about their own success and taking control of their destiny, they are no longer stuck in a victim mentality.
  3. Show gratitude and recognize the little things that others have done. I remember when someone expressed appreciation for my work, which made me feel wonderful and inspired me to reciprocate. By expressing gratitude and empathy, you can foster human connection and inspire others to support you.

In conclusion, being an inspirational leader rather than just an influencer is crucial. By following the framework of checking in with your team, telling stories to engage them, asking what they need to succeed, and showing gratitude, you can inspire and motivate others. When people feel inspired by their interactions with you, they are more likely to prioritize your needs and be responsive.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 9/15/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me by schedule a short call and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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Three Ways to Think Differently

I think I’ve found the keys to success and I’m over the top excited to share this with you. If you’re ready, let’s take a leap towards greater success with this simple shift in mindset!

I’ve been working with a client to enhance their client experience, and the feedback I received was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me of my superpowers: deep listening and facilitating conversations. I believe these skills can be beneficial to you as well, as they can help you understand and connect with others on a deeper level. With that said, sometimes we don’t leverage our superpowers because our mindset is not in the right place. 

About 7 years ago, a personal training trainer encouraged me to focus on the possibility of success rather than worrying about failure. This shift in perspective was a game-changer for me. It boosted my confidence and made me realize that feedback, whether positive or negative, is a gift for growth.

Many professionals are risk averse due to scrutiny and they adopt the mindset of potential failure. When you shift your mindset to the possibility of success, confidence is enhanced. That confidence that comes with the mindset shift is my key to success and hopefully yours. 

When considering your own mindset, there are three main things I invite you to challenge yourself with:

  • Reflect on your own initiatives, presentations, or proposals. What is currently within your control? Focus on only the things that can directly influence the outcome of your goals.
  • Avoid letting a negative mindset hold you back? Remember your past successes and trust in your ability to figure things out. 
  • Don’t worry about perfection or the opinions of others. Instead, focus on your growth and the value you bring.

Remember, keep pushing forward and keep growing. Your mindset is the key to your success.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 9/1/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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Are You Investing in the Right Habits as a CEO?

This past month made me realize that my technical capabilities are useless in the face of a crisis and my mindset about what is the purposeful work I need to do has completely changed. Thinking back to my book, the CEO’s Compass, I became the “Compass” for so many leaders to steer away from results and instead help them to achieve Peace of Mind. It’s an important concept I want to share with you so as you move forward in your pursuits, you’re focused on a different outcome than what you’ve been conditioned to do. 

As a CEO myself, I can’t stress enough the importance of setting intentions and making people feel valued in interactions. Creating a daily routine that centers around intentional action is critical for long-term leadership success.My own daily routine includes self-care and supporting clients. I believe that being a CEO is about being in service to others. 

After working for decades with high performers and CEOs, I’ve seen three key areas where I believe CEOs should focus their attention:

Investing in Oneself

Investing in oneself is crucial for personal fulfillment and the ability to give to others. I encourage you all to prioritize self-care and personal growth. This will ultimately allow you to be more effective leaders.

Investing in Time

Investing in one’s time involves being intentional and strategic with how it is spent. I suggest evaluating priorities, setting clear intentions, and being willing to delegate or cancel tasks that are not critical. Time blocking and prioritizing what is urgent and important can help you manage your workload effectively.

Investing in Others

Being in service to others is a fundamental aspect of being a CEO. Approach interactions with others with the intention of providing value, insight, and support. This can involve actively listening, helping find solutions, and facilitating productive conversations.

When you combine these three elements, CEOs are able to shift their focus from profit and goals to the service of others. That shift is the key to a CEO mindset that is sustainable and sets a good example for others.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 8/25/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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Why teachers are the most overlooked asset in the C-Suite

Throughout our educational journey, teachers have had a profound impact on us. They’ve nurtured our problem-solving skills, effective communication, and innovation. But why is this support system often missing in the workplace?

I’m not suggesting we directly hire teachers from academia. Instead, I propose we identify individuals within our organizations who already possess these nurturing characteristics and consider ways to elevate their roles in supporting teams. My book, “The CEO’s Compass,” is a resource that can help CEOs and anyone facing challenges in their current playbook. I emphasize this in my chapter on people where I say that people are the greatest tool in your toolbox and investing in them can pay dividends. 

Here are a few tips for creating an environment that supports teaching skills in the workplace:

Implementing the Concept: First we must assess the organization’s readiness for such a change. Leaders need to realize teaching is a human capital investment vs. a compliance activity that the hope and pray assures peace of mind. We need to connect with the hearts and minds of leadership to realize that at the other end of the product or service they produce is a family member. If we don’t invest in elevating the skills of our team with deep understanding, failures can have deep negative impact. Only then can we appreciate that teachers specialize in taking concepts from theory to application. These skills translate to business leadership by assessing the readiness of the organization, focusing on change management, and defining the desired outcomes. It’s about elevating education and creativity within our teams.

Investing in Team Strengths: It’s crucial to assess team strengths and invest in individuals who have a teaching and nurturing persona. This could mean identifying someone within the organization who possesses these skills or considering bringing in external support, such as an educator or fractional chief people officer, to advise and nurture the current team.

Preparing the Team for Change: Preparing the team for the changes and investments being made is essential. We need to communicate to our workforce that these efforts are not just compliance activities, but a genuine investment in their growth and the future success of the company. The return on investment may be intangible, but it’s significant – improved employee retention, team performance, and customer experience.

Training and Skill Development: Time constraints can make training a challenge. Instead of lengthy training sessions, I recommend providing an hour or two of overview training on the new skills and integrating it into their day-to-day work. Real-time observation, coaching, and application of the new skills within their current challenges can accelerate the impact and make the training more effective.

Celebrating Achievements: Sharing progress, celebrating achievements, and recognizing the organization’s commitment to investing in its people and teams is important. I encourage continuous engagement and repetition of these principles.

If you are aspiring to the C-Suite, and tired of the hustle, are you ready to change how you work and implement these tips? 

If you are a business owner or C-Suite leader, are you ready to invest in your people and help them be successful? Their success is your success! 

Now is the time for you to collect your thoughts and take action. I want you to succeed and this framework can enable you to do it yourself. 

However, if you need more help, I’m here for you as the Drop In CEO, CEO whisperer or as a sounding board. 

To hear more about my story about framework, please tune into my podcast that is releasing this Friday 8/18/23. 

Maybe you simply need a support system to apply these new insights. I find leaders need a place to talk through the challenges and that’s why I created The Drop In CEO Collective, a forum for C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow. To learn more about our next event you can visit our page and register. 

Would you rather have a quick 1-2-1 to discuss your specific challenge? Could The Drop In CEO be your support system? Direct Message me on LI or contact me via my website and let’s have a conversation. Until then, I wish you much success. 

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