The Secret to Forty Years

For Jana When people learn we’ve been married forty years, they clap. Not politely. Genuinely. Because today, it’s a rarity. Somewhere between six and eleven percent of married couples ever reach this milestone together. Most don’t. So let me tell you what it actually costs to get here. Let me tell you what she gave […]

Strong Enough to Fail

The Research Is Finally Catching Up to What I’ve Been Teaching for Years A newsletter landed in my inbox this week from the Positive Psychology team, the same organization that has spent years building strengths inventories and helping coaches match clients to their natural talents. The subject line was almost a confession: When strengths stop […]

The Divinity Principle

Have you ever had someone make you feel special? Or treat you as if your worth was great? When someone shines a light on you, and your potential, there is a transformation! You might be aware of some “Ugly Duckling” stories like “She’s All That” or “Pretty Woman” “10 Things I Hate About You” (Taming of The […]

The Color of Success

I learned the color of success on my first trip to Bali, Indonesia. The magical color of success is gray. My wife and I landed in Bali after speaking at conference in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I had just given a keynote titled, “Flexible Authenticity”. When we arrived in Bali, we noticed the three colors of black, […]

How to Motivate Your Team for Maximum Results

I assume you want to be happy in your work and your life. I have found that one of the greatest sources of happiness in my life come when I recognize, motivate, and encourage my relationships. How you deliver a message is more important than the message itself. How many times in your life have […]

A Surprise to Remember…

…My Delightful Experience of the Unexpected When was the last time you were surprised and delighted? When do you dwell on what makes you happy and grateful? Living in today’s world is exhausting and draining for many. The news reports distressing and depressing stories from all around the world in a non-stop 24-hour cycle. The […]

Finding Strength in Your Weakness

I would like to argue against the theory that leaders benefit when they only utilize their strengths and surround themselves with people who have different strengths. Here are examples of that theory: “Employees are happiest when they can utilize their strengths every day at work.” Authors Tom Rath and Barry Conchie argue, “If you spend […]

When Life Gives You Mountains…Climb!

Many business leaders and entrepreneurs are struggling right now. There are supply chain challenges, inflation, economic uncertainty, we are divided on political and social issues. Some are balancing hybrid work, talent shortages, etc. We are facing personal and professional mountains. Some of you may be focused on the challenges you are facing which may also […]

Are You Having Fun Yet?

I often speak with high performing individuals who are not satisfied with their lives and their work. Recently I was coaching a president of a company, who I admire. We were talking about how to be more effective in her role and better balance all of her demands. I asked her if she was having […]

Pause…Enjoy Magic!

Have you noticed people often seem frustrated, anxious, and quick to anger these days? Maybe you have been on the receiving end of bad behavior, or maybe you have been the one sharing your frustration? With worldwide pandemics, economic uncertainty, political and ideological battles, and worse, warfare, it is no wonder so many are on […]