Storytelling, a core career and life strength, is the art and science of influencing and inspiring others; not just by telling great stories through various means, but being a great story. And everyone loves a great story. I’m a Nashville-based writer, talent strategist, and certified executive coach. On this website, I primarily write stories […]
“Mrs. Cavanaugh is a good person,” Zhang Li said as the 41-year-old attorney stood before the judge. “She’s taking responsibility for her own healing. And having quality time with her children is part of that healing process.” The Hon. Maria Santos, in her late 50s with cropped, silver hair, studied Zhang Li for a moment […]
Stories shape us, stick with us, and often inform–even subconsciously–the decisions we make. Stories we tell ourselves about our strengths, good character, and possibilities shape our orientation toward the day’s work and interpersonal communications. Stories about “how much we suck”…well, they have their own way of shaping things.
As you grow mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling habits into strengths, all three will increasingly interrelate and optimize one another. Here’s how. Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of, and attentive to, what’s taking place within and around you. It’s concentration on steroids. Mindfulness habits create a present-moment mindset of curiosity […]
This morning, as I look forward to seeing Avengers: End Game, I’ve gained a profound insight regarding why certain entertainment totally pushes my “geek button.” It’s a spiritual thing. A spiritual quest, if you will. I’m fascinated by mindfulness meditation, and have been for most of my life; I just didn’t recognize it as such […]
Here’s some unsolicited advice for you: Don’t grovel. You’re better than that. Wondering if you’re groveling or on the verge of groveling? Take note of your thought stream. Are you actively or mentally preparing yourself to practically beg people to like you, listen to you, recognize what you have to offer, reach out to you, […]
Writers are influenced and shaped by the literature of other writers. And while the books of one’s youth and young adulthood are most prominent in this formation process, writers continue to grow and evolve across a lifetime as they discover additional literature. These are the authors who have especially shaped me and continue to do […]
My favorite female writers span several genres, and each woman has distinguished herself as a master of her craft. If the ones who are still living got together to form their own literature faculty, the school would be without rival: Toni Morrison, author of Beloved and Song of Solomon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of Americanah and We […]
Liberal, well-read men: What are you doing with your “down-time?” Listening to podcasts is a great way to fill chunks of time spent in the car, commuting on the train or bus, hanging out in the airport while your flight is delayed, working out at the gym, or taking a long walk or run by […]
Liberal, open-minded men: What have you read lately? 2018 gave us a record number of women getting elected to higher offices. It also gave us some incredible books that will help generations of women for years to come, as women and their male allies continue to fight back against a persistent patriarchal culture. Here’s five […]