Integrity is a standard of personal morality and ethics. It is not relative to the situation and doesn’t sell out to expediency. Its short supply is getting even shorter. But without integrity, leadership is a façade. Learning to see through exteriors is a critical development in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Sadly, many people […]

Even after three “snoozes” and more than your normal dose of coffee this morning, you’re still drowsy. You’re feeling crabby, rundown, exhausted—and you can’t shake the yawns. Why are you so tired? You probably didn’t get the best sleep last night, and you’re not alone. Insufficient sleep is a health epidemic, and one that can […]

About three years ago, I moved my company to Las Vegas. And it was nearly destroyed. It was right before COVID-19. We had seen a huge opportunity to headquarter in Vegas: There would be tons of events, and we wouldn’t have to travel so much. Then, a global pandemic hit. Regardless of whether you lost […]

Before I moved from Minneapolis to New York City in 2006, I worked in the prepress production department of a family-owned advertising agency that is consistently listed as one of the best places to work in Minneapolis, for good reason. (OK, I will spill: It’s Periscope.) We had a saying there that I still refer […]

A few months back I went to a friend’s birthday party. We grilled, chatted and played board games, among other things. When I returned home, I said to my husband, “I had so much fun tonight!” I was sort of stunned by the fact for days. What struck me was that I had spent years […]

I have a confession to make. Are you ready? Please don’t judge me too harshly. Ok, here goes. I’ve failed. A lot. Some failures were easy to brush off. Others were devastating. Those girls I really liked who turned me down. Having my writing rejected … and rejected … and rejected. Failing to grow my […]

During that awkward phase of high school when you are just as confused by what your math teacher says as what your hormones are telling you, my life shifted dramatically by the most dreaded experience for all school age children — I changed schools. Thanks to the infinite wisdom of the local school board and […]

We all lead busy lives. In today’s world, it’s as if it’s a badge of honor. Always rushing to the next thing. Working late to meet that deadline to please a boss or client. Driving from one kid’s soccer practice to the other. With all of the busyness that fills our days, weeks and months, […]

I’ve always been shy. I’ve become accustomed to being called “the quiet one.” My mum tells stories of me hiding my face away whenever we had company when I was just a wee toddler — a toddler who, through genetic build up and perhaps social conditioning, acted on his instinct to cover up and hide […]

What makes us love Harry Potter or most action movies? Why do we always cheer for the good guys? Why do we love a good story of challenge, perseverance and triumph? Why makes these stories timeless? The story of the hero has not changed for thousands of years. Since ancient times our traditions and culture […]