Entries by maryanne

How is Your Tolerance for Change?

I am one of those crazy people who loves to host and cook for huge family gatherings, so preparing for the massive Thanksgiving meal is an olympic event that I actually look forward to every year. (Side note – Speaking of hosting, I’m hosting something else tomorrow that I know you’ll love, so read to […]

When They Found the Courage to Speak Up

It’s not something I frequently get the chance to do, but this was a rare opportunity to watch a client in action. I had permission to sit in on a division meeting to watch the dynamics of the event, and the culture of the group, first hand. From my chair in the corner, an obvious […]

Do You Have the Courage to Lead Through Uncertain Times?

Do you simply have the courage to lead? In this post: Discover powerful ways to overcome fear and uncertainty when facing major decisions and changes Unlock the true meaning of courage and learn to take action despite your fears Become an inspiring leader by developing a clear vision and motivating others to achieve extraordinary results Take […]

Communication Challenges: Did You Miss the Big Question?

Communication challenges- did you miss the big question? Key takeaways: Recognizing the cultural differences important to marketing- How assumptions about cake preferences in Japan led to marketing  challenges for Betty Crocker; The power of asking the right questions and its significant impact in overcoming communication challenges; Tailoring your communication styles with different audiences in mind […]

What Happens if You Say ‘No’?

What happens if you say “no?” Do you remember the old Staples television commercial with the “EASY” button? People would look for something at Staples, find it quickly and hit the button that would exclaim, “That was easy!”   The fun part was that you could actually buy your very own “easy” button at Staples. […]

Would You Have Passed the Test?

This is one of those sticky subjects that people (and companies) love to espouse as a core value… until a moment comes that puts that value to the test. Would you have passed the test?   I’m talking about integrity.   People have lots of personal definitions and interpretations of the term, but as a […]

That’s When I Realized it Wasn’t a Good Idea

Have you ever made a decision that seemed like a great idea at the time, but in retrospect realized that it wasn’t?   Or at least, maybe you realized that circumstances that made it a great idea made sense at the time, but times change, and now it’s time to go back to the drawing […]

Could You Locate it on a Map?

Geography was never my strongest subject, but it wasn’t my weakest either.   At least, I didn’t think so, until I got introduced to someone who lived in a place that made me pause for a moment and ask myself,   “Wait… that’s a real place?”   I’m not proud of that, but at least […]

And the Award for Best Actor in a Debate Goes to…?

I’ve never been a follower of the Oscars, Grammys, Tonys or other major awards shows, but if there were Emmy's for debates, several categories could have been awarded last night.   Last night was the second Republican primary debate in the lead-up to the 2024 election, and as always, my analysis is completely APOLITICAL, looking […]

What Do You Do if Your Backup Plan Fails?

My heart was in my throat.   After seven years of blood, sweat and tears (okay, maybe not actual blood, but enough sweat and tears to compensate), the day had come for me to defend my doctoral dissertation.   It was early Monday morning, the day after Easter, and I was looking through the printouts […]