As wildfires blaze across Los Angeles, we are reminded of the unpredictable forces that can upend our lives in an instant. These fires, driven by relentless winds and fueled by dry conditions, are a stark metaphor for the unexpected challenges we can face in our personal and professional lives. While we can’t prevent every crisis, we can prepare for them—and preparation can make all the difference between survival and devastation.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Wildfires teach us that readiness isn’t optional; it’s essential. Families in fire-prone areas create evacuation plans, pack go-bags, and establish communication strategies. These steps don’t stop the fires, but they do save lives and minimize loss. Similarly, businesses must be equipped to handle unforeseen challenges. Whether it’s a sudden shift in market conditions, a global pandemic, or an unexpected competitor, the ability to adapt quickly is a hallmark of resilience.

The "What If?" Exercise

One powerful way to prepar...

I recently had the pleasure of writing an article for Dave Sanderson’s Moments Matter Magazine (Summer Issue 2024). I reflected on one of my past experiences, and it has reinvigorated a passion in me that I’m happy to share with you today. To read the full article, click here!

How Our Past Shapes Our Communication

Our past experiences influence our values, behavior, and ultimately how we communicate with the world. These foundational stories, which I refer to as "central organizing stories," are pivotal events or series of events that create a lasting imprint on our perception of life, dictating how we approach both personal and professional relationships.

An important part of my company’s philosophy is based on our Core Values and “connection,” is at the top of the list (it’s also in the name of my company Connect To The Core). I define our “connection” Core Value as the relentless and conscious practice of seeing things from others’ perspectives. This value didn’t emerge from a...

In any workplace, there can occasionally be individuals whose behaviors and attitudes poison the atmosphere. It only takes one “bad apple” to spoil the bunch and negatively impact team morale, productivity, and overall company culture. These employees may display toxic traits such as constant negativity, gossiping, manipulation, or bullying, making it challenging for their colleagues and managers to maintain a positive environment.

Addressing toxicity within a team requires a delicate balance of assertiveness, empathy, and professionalism. In today’s blog, we'll explore four communication strategies to effectively deal with toxic employees while preserving harmony and productivity in the workplace.

Identify the Behavior:

The first step in addressing toxicity is to recognize and understand the specific behaviors causing issues. This may involve keeping track of incidents, privately gathering feedback from other team members, and observing patterns in the toxic employee’s interact...