Are we ready for the future? According to the US Department of Education (www.ed.gov/stem) “Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career.” When we compare that level of readiness to the projected demand for STEM related careers and jobs, it’s easy to see a major problem. The [read more]
I’ve just returned for a one-week intensive training course called the Women’s Campaign School for Women at Yale University. I was one of 78 motivated women that made up the 21st class of this leadership program. The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University is a non-partisan, issue-neutral, leadership program, whose mission is to increase the number [read more]
What a week! It’s has been filled with celebration and challenge, success and fear, introspection and self-expression. In the past seven days, I’ve watched several clients and peers soar to new heights. From the outside looking in, it appears so easy and effortless. But I know that the reality is that it takes a great deal of courage and effort to develop [read more]
I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in beautiful Woodstock, Vermont. While there, I visited the Billings Farm and Museum and enjoyed demonstrations of sheep sheering, wool carding, and sheep herding with border collies. Sitting in the bleachers, eating sea salt caramel ice cream made by a local Vermont dairy, I watched these amazing dogs [read more]
Distinguish yourself with effective presentation skills. No matter what your field of study or professional discipline, your career and work impact can be greatly enhanced if you possess strong presentation skills and confidence. Presentation skills continue to be one of the most commonly requested professional development needs listed on Individual Development Plans (IPDs) at major [read more]
Last weekend, I enjoyed the special treat of cross country skiing in Jackson, New Hampshire (near Mt. Washington). My husband & I were visiting friends who had moved from Connecticut to New Hampshire (from cold to colder!) They are retired now, and are taking full advantage of the many outdoor adventures that New Hampshire has to [read more]
Marcus Buckingham and Jason Averbook recently released a new white paper proclaiming “a radical shift is under way in talent management, creating an unprecedented opportunity to influence how people work and experience work.” A long time fan of Marcus Buckingham and his book, Now! Discover Your Strengths, I was eager to read through his latest findings. [read more]
I’m a believer in the value of not only selecting, but also pursuing New Year’s Resolutions and goals. Many of my close friends and family members disagree with me, thinking that New Year’s Resolutions are either a waste of time, and/or a failure in the making. How many times can you proclaim at the start of [read more]
“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” –Ken Blanchard, consultant, author of The One Minute Manager For the past two months, I’ve been studying the topic of influence without authority. I find it fascinating… and to be honest, frustrating, too. The topic is extremely relevant to how work gets done these days. It’s integral to how change and [read more]
Last week, I spoke at the University of Connecticut’s School of Business, as part of their Leadership Speaker series, which was made possible by a Target® Stores grant. (Thank you Target!) My talk was entitled: Everyday Leadership: Motivating the Leader in You. After the talk, one of the savvy students asked me whether I thought [read more]
