Leadership Companion Blog

In the dynamic world of leadership, women bring unique perspectives and strengths that are essential to innovative and inclusive decision-making processes. GET MY VISION COMPANION However, navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of leadership roles can sometimes feel isolating for women leaders. This is where the magic of women’s peer groups and masterminds come into play. These groups offer a space for connection, growth, and empowerment that can significantly enhance both personal and professional development. Here are some of the key benefits of being part of a women’s mastermind for leaders. Shared Experiences, Shared Strength One of the most

It’s a big week for me as I celebrate three years sober and the third anniversary of my stroke. I’ve done a lot of reflecting lately on how different my life is now compared to just a few years ago or even when I was in the c-suite and drinking all the time. I wouldn’t consider myself an alcoholic or an addict, yet my drinking wasn’t allowing me to live a vibrant and fulfilling life. I understand the pressures and responsibilities that women leaders face and the constant messaging we get to turn to alcohol or “mommy juice” to soothe

In a world where the discourse around wealth and financial independence is gaining momentum, women leaders are finding themselves at the forefront of pioneering change. GET MY VISION COMPANION However, one crucial aspect often remains a challenge for many—talking about financial wellness. I led a discussion on this topic the other day and several women admitted at the outset that they were scared about this topic. By the end, they were grateful that we journeyed down this road together. Here’s how to get comfortable with this conversation. Understand Your Financial Picture The first step toward feeling confident talking about financial

In the realm of women’s leadership, one of the most profound challenges we face is how to effectively delegate responsibility to our teams. GET MY GOAL COMPANION The tightrope walk of ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard, while also fostering an environment where team members feel trusted and empowered, can often feel daunting. However, when navigated correctly, the act of delegation not only enhances the quality of work; it also solidifies your reputation as a leader who nurtures growth and autonomy. In one of my recent mastermind groups, a leader was looking for strategies to help her give

In a world that is increasingly acknowledging the importance of diversity and inclusion, the empowerment of women in leadership roles has never been more crucial. As a women’s leadership coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power that knowledge of your strengths can have on your career trajectory and overall life satisfaction. Understanding and leveraging your strengths is not just about personal growth; it’s about contributing to a broader societal change that values diverse leadership styles and perspectives. GET MY VISION COMPANION The Foundation of Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal development. For women, knowing our strengths offers a foundation

In any professional journey, encountering difficult peers is almost inevitable. Whether it’s a clash of personalities, diverging work styles, or simply a misunderstanding that has snowballed, these challenges can significantly impact your productivity and workplace harmony. Recently, I was coaching a woman who has been a leader in her organization for 15 years and suddenly her newly promoted peer started questioning every decision she made. She doesn’t want to be seen as unable to work with this peer and needed help. Through coaching, a number of ideas surfaced to help her navigate this challenging relationship. Here are some strategies she

Starting a new position can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience, especially for women striving to carve out their place in leadership roles. As you stand on the precipice of this new chapter, it’s crucial to approach it with both confidence and strategy. I have a number of women promoting into new positions and I’m thrilled to be on this journey with them. Often in this transition season, I’m asked “How do I start this position well?” I thought I would tackle this question this week. Here are some invaluable tips to help you navigate and thrive in your new

As a women’s leadership coach, I understand that one of the most challenging aspects of leadership is navigating through the difficult process of layoffs. It’s an experience that can be emotionally taxing for both the person delivering the news and the employee receiving it. Handling layoffs with compassion, empathy, and professionalism can significantly impact all parties involved. I’ve coached several groups of women on this topic, and I thought I would share some of their best recommendations for conducing layoffs. GET MY GOAL COMPANION 1. Preparation is Key Before initiating the conversation, ensure you are well-prepared. This means understanding the

In the dynamic world of leadership, collaboration stands as a cornerstone of effective management and success. However, navigating the delicate balance between cooperation and ensuring your contributions are valued, rather than taken for granted, can be challenging. This is especially true for women leaders who often face unique workplace dynamics. If you’ve ever felt like your peers are taking advantage of your collaborative spirit, you’re not alone. In a recent group, two women felt hurt, angry and frustrated by colleagues who have been taking advantage of their collaborative spirit. Here are some of the ideas the group came up with

In a world that is gradually breaking away from traditional gender roles, it’s essential for women to take up leadership roles with confidence and authenticity. GET MY GOAL COMPANION The other night, I led a group on the topic of being an authentic leader. During our discussion, I was reminded that the challenge often lies in navigating the unique dynamics of a male-dominated workplace. Here are some strategies that the group shared to help them become authentic leaders in their workplaces. 1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective As a woman in a male-dominated field, you bring a unique perspective to the

Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love. Coaching in the women’s space and having worked in the c-suite, I know how infrequently we put ourselves first. I thought this Valentine’s Day would be an excellent opportunity to share how to celebrate and honor the most important relationship in your life – the one you have with yourself. Here are some powerful ways to show yourself love this Valentine’s Day. GET MY VISION COMPANION Practice Self-Compassion Give yourself permission to be kind to yourself. Embrace self-compassion by acknowledging your worth, flaws, and imperfections. Treat yourself with the same understanding and

The other day, one of the women in my groups asked how much she should tell her boss about her personal life. She shared that her boss is a younger male and always asks his team to be fully transparent about life so he can help them with the balance. While that sounds like the right response anyone would want from a boss, my client has seen that those who speak up aren’t given the best assignments or information isn’t fully shared in return. She has the sense that transparency for her boss is a one-way street and she wanted

In the fast-paced world of today, women are often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, from career ambitions to family commitments and everything in between. In the midst of this whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of our own needs and well-being. In fact, I was leading a group through an envisioning exercise I created and one of the women realized in the middle of it that she has totally stopped prioritizing herself. She has elderly parents who aren’t in the best of health. She has two busy teenagers, one of whom is neuro diverse, and she has a husband who

I’m not sure if it’s the time of the year, the volatility of the market or something else; however, I have been talking with so many women who are either in the throws of a career change or are contemplating making one in the next year. Making the decision to change careers can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role or seeking new challenges, embarking on a career change requires careful consideration. As a women’s c-suite coach, I understand the importance of aligning your career with your passions and goals and I wanted to

In every professional journey, there are inevitable challenges that we face. One of the most difficult things we can face is dealing with individuals who attempt to undermine our efforts or steal our thunder. The other day a woman in one of my groups asked for help with this exact issue. While it’s a question I get regularly, I don’t think I’ve ever written on this important topic. Here are some strategies the group shared on how to navigate this complex terrain. GET MY VISION COMPANION Understand Your Triggers At the outset, the group shared that understanding your triggers is

In my last group of the year, I asked the members what their biggest triumph was for the year. I was surprised to hear each of them share about how they really rose to own their voice and advocated for themselves this past year. One woman shared that she has been woefully underpaid and she sent an email to the CEO with all of the comparative data. She acknowledged that she didn’t send it until last week and she wished she hadn’t waited so long; however, she needed that time to find her bravery and send the email. Another woman

The path to success is often littered with challenges, and one of the most significant obstacles many people face, including women executives, is self-doubt. While it can be crippling, it’s important to know that you’re not alone in this struggle. In fact, even the most successful women have battled self-doubt. GET MY GOAL COMPANION 1. Sheryl Sandberg As Facebook’s COO and the author of “Lean In,” Sheryl Sandberg has been an inspiration to many. However, she has openly admitted to struggling with self-doubt, or what is commonly known as the “Imposter Syndrome.” Sandberg once said, “There are still days I

In the world of leadership, how you finish is often just as important as how you begin. As a women’s leadership coach, I’ve noticed a common thread among the most successful female leaders – they all understand the importance of finishing strong. The other day, one of the members in my groups lamented that an employee had just left for another company and left so many things unfinished that this executive said the employee lost a good recommendation from her going forward. I listened as others related to this in their own staff and even peers. The group then spent

A merger can be a challenging time for any organization. With the uncertainty of the future, the potential for restructuring and the inevitable culture shifts, it can feel like navigating through a storm. As a leader, your skills, resilience, and perspective can turn this seemingly tumultuous period into an opportunity for growth, both personally and organizationally. I have several clients going through mergers and acquisitions right now, so I thought this topic was timely. In fact, the other day, two women in the same group are going through a merger – one works for the parent company, and one works

As women leaders, we often find ourselves facing daunting challenges that push us out of our comfort zones. These situations can be intimidating and terrifying, but they also provide tremendous opportunities for growth and transformation. I recently faced my own fear of crying in a very big way. I was asked to deliver the keynote speech at the inaugural meeting for a newly formed women’s group at a health care company. There are about 200 members. I was trained in the courtroom for public speaking and then gave keynotes frequently when I was the Chief Human Capital Officer in a

As women leaders, it is crucial to navigate the corporate world with confidence and assertiveness while maintaining our authenticity and integrity. Developing executive presence is not about being domineering or aggressive; it’s about commanding respect, influencing others, and making an impact. One of my clients recently asked the group for tips on not being a pushover. She said that she finally realized that she wasn’t going to get a promotion because everyone viewed her as a pushover and it was time to change this view. GET MY GOAL COMPANION Define Your Personal Brand To establish executive presence, one of the