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...

At Connect To The Core, we believe that the most powerful communication starts from within. We’re not simply another communication coaching company—we are on a mission to help individuals and organizations find their authentic voice and connect with others in meaningful ways. Our name, Connect To The Core, reflects our philosophy and approach: connecting deeply to the values, drivers, and essence of who you are will allow you to easily and authentically connect with others.

Why "Connect To The Core"?

The name of our company is more than a label; it’s a guiding principle. To connect effectively with others—whether it’s your team, your target market, or your community—you must first connect with yourself. What are your core values? What drives you? What are the fundamental beliefs that shape your approach to life and work? Understanding these things is not just a individual journey; it’s the foundation of effective communication in your business as well as your personal life.

He...

September: The Second New Year

When we think of new beginnings, January 1st often comes to mind. But for many, September brings the same sense of fresh starts and renewed energy, thanks to the ingrained rhythm of the school calendar. As summer ends and school begins, there’s a palpable shift in mindset—a feeling of newness and pumpkin spice that can inspire us to set goals, reorganize, and refocus. Whether or not you have children heading back to school, the patterns of life in September often make it feel like a "second new year."

Here are three ways you can take advantage of this momentum:

1. Set Your “Second New Year” Goals

Just like we set resolutions in January, September is a great time to review where you stand with the goals you may have set earlier in the year. Maybe some have fallen by the wayside, or perhaps new priorities have emerged. Take a moment to assess what's working and what’s not. Set fresh, realistic goals for the next few months and approach them with the ...

Storytelling is an ancient and powerful form of communication, transcending cultures and generations. It is the art of weaving words, visuals, and emotions into a narrative that resonates with audiences, and one of the most spectacular examples of storytelling through artistry can be found in the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. These grand events are not just about marking the beginning of the Games; they are a masterclass in blending art, culture, and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences. Am I suggesting that you need to get thousands of dancers and maybe some animals to tell your story? No, I mean how many people do you know that would have access to that many players, not to mention the animals? There are some lessons that we can take away from the pomp and circumstance though, especially when it comes to our communication.

The Olympic Opening Ceremonies: A Canvas of Cultures

The Olympic Opening Ceremonies are a global stage where the host country showcases its history,...

Feedback and criticism are integral parts of personal and professional growth. And, the impact of feedback can vary widely, sometimes hitting us like a grain of salt and other times feeling as heavy as a boulder. Understanding why this happens and how to navigate these varying impacts is key to harnessing the power of feedback effectively.

The Grain of Salt: When Feedback Feels Manageable

When feedback is constructive and delivered thoughtfully, it often feels manageable—like a grain of salt. In these instances, the feedback is usually:

1. Specific and Actionable: Clear, targeted suggestions that offer a path for improvement can feel empowering. Knowing exactly what to work on makes the feedback feel like a helpful nudge rather than a daunting challenge.

2. Delivered with Empathy: When the person providing feedback shows understanding and compassion, it softens the impact. A supportive tone can make even critical feedback easier to digest.

3. Aligned with Personal Goals: If the...

Aging is an inevitable journey we all embark upon (thankfully), and along this path, we encounter a myriad of experiences that shape and define us. The choices we make and the attitudes we adopt significantly influence the people we become. It's often said that as you get older, you either become your worst self or your best self, (or like your parents). I think everyone has had a vision of themselves in socks and sandals on the front lawn yelling to the neighborhood kids “Get off my lawn!” This dichotomy captures the essence of how our character evolves over time. 

The Path to Becoming Your Worst Self (DO NOT FOLLOW THIS PATH)

Becoming your worst self is a gradual process that stems from neglecting personal growth and allowing negative traits to dominate your life. Here are some common pitfalls:

1. Complacency: It’s easy to become set in our ways at any age (hello toddlers). This rigidity can lead to stagnation, preventing us from adapting to new circumstances and learning from ...

In our rapidly evolving world, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of personal and professional relationships. Yet, despite the numerous ways we can connect—whether through speech, writing, or digital media—trust remains a precious and often elusive commodity. The adage "actions speak louder than words" resonates deeply in this context. For trust to flourish, our actions must consistently align with our words.

The Essence of Trust in Communication

Trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship, whether between friends, family members, colleagues, or organizations and their stakeholders. It fosters a sense of security and confidence, enabling open and honest exchanges. And, trust is not granted automatically; it is earned through consistent and reliable behavior over time.

The Disconnect Between Words and Actions

One of the most significant barriers to building trust is the discrepancy between what people say and what they do. We've all encountered situations ...

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the pursuit of growth is constant. Whether you're a start-up aiming to establish your foothold or a seasoned corporation striving to maintain your edge, the quest for progress is ever-present. Amidst this pursuit, one strategy stands out as a beacon of success: good communication, specifically cascading information throughout the organization.

Effective communication lies at the heart of every thriving enterprise. It's not merely data exchange; it's about fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding. When information cascades seamlessly from the top echelons to the grassroots level, it fuels alignment, empowers employees, and drives organizational agility. And yes, even my company falls prey to the busyness of “work”, and we sometimes lapse in our strategic growth planning. And when we do get together regularly, and information is disseminated throughout the organization and wins are celebrated we are all bet...

In the world of business, entrepreneurs often face challenges that require strategic thinking and resilience. Whether it's due to economic downturns, industry disruptions, or personal circumstances, there may come a time when a business owner needs to make difficult decisions. Facing tough times in a business doesn't mean failure, it’s part of the risk of being a business owner. And let’s face it, “good times” hide a multitude of sins. So, when tough times come around the corner it can be a great opportunity to make necessary changes that have been put off for too long. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies business owners can adopt to navigate challenges successfully and improve their growth outlook.

1. Assess the Situation Honestly

The first step in any challenging situation is to assess it honestly. This means taking stock of the business's financial health, market position, and growth prospects. It's important to objectively evaluate the entire business not simply the ar...

Wow, now that was an eclipse! This awe-inspiring phenomenon has captivated humanity for centuries (I mean how do they know exactly when and where?!?). Beyond its celestial spectacle, a solar eclipse offers valuable lessons applicable to various facets of life, business, and communication. In this blog, I will share with you how the recent solar eclipse got me exploring how it served as a metaphor for business strategies and communication practices.

Embracing Change:

Just as the moon momentarily blocks the sun during a solar eclipse, businesses often face periods of disruption and change. Rather than resisting change, successful organizations embrace it, adapting their strategies to navigate through uncertain times (hello covid). Whether it's a shift in market trends, technological advancements, or personnel changes, businesses that remain agile and open to adaptation are better positioned to thrive in dynamic environments.

Strategic Alignment:

A solar eclipse occurs when th...