The pandemic reshaped the way we work, to say the least. It broke down traditional office walls, (remember when the answer to being able to work from home was that it wouldn’t work logistically? Well, we showed them…right Covid!) It ushered in an era of hybrid work environments whether we knew we wanted them or not. And as we emerge from the fog of the last few years, it's important to reflect on the habits (good, bad, and ugly) that we developed as a society and establish new workplace etiquette to thrive in this evolving landscape. Full disclosure, my company Connect To The Core has been operating remotely since its inception, so you could say pants have always been optional and strongly encouraged. So, when the pandemic hit, it was easy for us to transition, and others had a much harder time.

The shift to hybrid work environments represents a seismic change in the way companies operate. Gone are the days of the rigid 9-to-5 office routine, as employees now have the flexibility to w...

In the vast array of human emotions, gratitude and appreciation stand out as threads that weave the fabric of positive relationships and personal growth. And since it is a “thankful” time of year, today’s blog will explore the difference between gratitude and appreciation and emphasizes the power of choosing to appreciate to create transformative experiences for yourself and others. 

Gratitude and appreciation are terms that are often used interchangeably, and there are distinct nuances that differentiate them. Gratitude is an internal reflection, a personal acknowledgment of what one has received or experienced, while appreciation is an external expression that focuses on the value of others.

Gratitude: A Personal Reflection

 At its core, gratitude is a deeply personal and introspective emotion. It arises from within, a recognition of the positive aspects of one's life, experiences, or even challenges. It is often seen as a practice that enhances well-being, encouraging individ...

I have said many times, success in business doesn't happen in isolation. It's a collaborative effort that often depends on the people you choose to surround yourself with. From mentors and colleagues to centers of influence, partners and employees, the individuals you connect with can profoundly impact your entrepreneurial journey. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in business and how this can be a game-changer for your success.

The Right Mentorship

One of the most valuable assets you can acquire in your business journey is a mentor. A mentor is typically someone who has experienced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and their guidance can be incredibly beneficial. They provide insights, share their knowledge, and offer advice that can help you navigate the challenges and make informed decisions. A mentor can be the guiding light that keeps you on the right path, preventing you from making costly mistakes and accelerating ...

Creating a sense of community is essential for human well-being and happiness. It's a fundamental part of our social fabric, and thanks to the internet, it's not limited to traditional neighbourhoods or community centers. Sometimes, community can be found in the most unexpected places. Now I know this might be a stretch and, in this blog we'll explore the remarkable story of the Home Depot cat and the valuable lessons it teaches us about building community in extraordinary ways. So bear with me.

The Home Depot Cat's Tale

Every community has its heroes, and in a small town in South Carolina, a seemingly ordinary cat became an unlikely one. This feline, known as "Depot," made a local Home Depot store its home. With its distinct tuxedo coat and charming personality, Depot quickly captured the hearts of both employees and customers. In fact, Depot became the unofficial mascot of the store, greeting shoppers and providing a source of comfort and companionship. He roamed the aisles, l...

I was recently getting fast food for my children (don’t judge me), and the restaurant made a mistake with my daughter’s meal, usually not a big deal except we didn’t notice until we got home. So, being the great mother that I am (humble brag), I drove back and told them about their mistake. Here comes the annoying part. The woman behind the counter did not apologize, and quite frankly seemed annoyed. She took the “mistake” burger from the box and right in front of me, threw it in the trash. She then begrudgingly handed me the nuggets, again no apology. This person had an opportunity to delight me by simply apologizing and telling me to keep the “mistake” food item instead of wasting it, or even a smile would have been something. This is a place that you may not expect above and beyond service, and the point is still the same. It was a wasted opportunity.

 Often when we look at our ‘client’s journey” we focus on making sure everything goes smoothly and there is nothing to cause frictio...

Happiness is a fundamental aspect of our lives that can greatly influence our well-being and unfortunately, it’s not guaranteed, unless maybe you were born in the Netherlands, stay with me. I recently read an interesting article about parenting in the Netherlands, home to the world's happiest kids. The author, a psychologist, listed six things parents never do there, and it got me thinking how in recent years, the pursuit of happiness has extended beyond our personal lives and into the workplace. Employees are looking for more than the traditional compensation, they want to work doing something they are passionate about, they are looking for more time off, freedom to work from wherever (because now we all know it’s possible – thank you Covid). 

Many organizations have smartly recognized that happy employees are not only more engaged and motivated they are also more likely to foster a positive workplace culture. In this newsletter, we will explore how six happiness principles—originall...

Standing in front of an audience, with all eyes fixed upon you, can be an incredibly vulnerable experience. The spotlight is on you, and every word you utter, every gesture you make, is under scrutiny or at least it feels that way. It's a situation that can evoke a range of emotions—nervousness, self-doubt, excitement, and even fear. And, within this vulnerability lies an opportunity for growth, empowerment, and a chance to connect with others on a profound level.

The Essence of Vulnerability 

At its core, vulnerability is the willingness to expose one's authentic self, complete with imperfections, fears, and uncertainties. It's about removing the masks we wear to appear strong or flawless, and instead revealing our true emotions and thoughts. This openness may seem intimidating, and it's a powerful act that can lead to deep, personal growth, and more meaningful interactions.

The Fear of Judgment 

The fear of judgment is often at the heart of the vulnerability experienced whi...

Public speaking and presentations can be daunting, and with the right approach, anyone can become a great presenter. In this blog, we'll share five valuable tips from the experts that will help you captivate your audience, convey your message effectively, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting, these tips will elevate your presentation skills to new heights.

Tip #1 - Preparation: Lay the Foundation for Success 

Identify Key Points: 

Begin by planning your communication strategy (try using The Power To Connect). Determine the three key points you want your audience to remember. It can be less than three, and not more. People won’t remember more than three things, so don’t overwhelm them with more. Focus on clarity, simplicity and make it relevant to them to ensure your message is easily understood and remembered.  

Passion and Authenticity:

Speak about a topic you know, understand, and believe in. When you're genuinely passionate about...

In this post-pandemic, recessiony (that’s a word), age of hybrid work environments, it has been difficult for some organizations to; A.) Get their employees to come back to work full time, B.) Have them be happy about it, and C.) Achieve a high level of company culture. 

Results and goals do not get accomplished in a vacuum and rarely by one individual. In this blog we will share three ways to boost an organization's culture to improve retention rates and have happier team members which is always at the epicenter of results.

“Company Culture”, what is it?

Yes, it is a buzzy phrase that everyone claims is important to them. Higher ups often think they have a great company culture, where the team members can have differing opinions. In fact, only 28% of executives understand their company’s culture (1). 

Company culture generally refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that exist within an organization. It represents the collective personality and character...

Let’s face it – work can be stressful sometimes. Whether you're in sales, a managerial role, you’re an entrepreneur, or in any other role that requires you to be at the top of your game every day, protecting your energy is key to maintaining your health, happiness, and productivity.

As a Communication Coach of over 40 years, I’ve worked with dozens of clients and students who have protected their energy effectively, and some who haven’t. Getting burned out is never a position you want to find yourself in, so identifying what drains your energy and what adds to your energy bank is important to recognize as early on in your career as you can.

In this blog post we’ll go over the reasons why energy protection is vital to your career and overall well being, the concept of energy credits and energy debits, how to assess your energy bank, and some practical strategies I recommend to protect your energy so you can be more effective and confident within your role.

The Cost of Not Protecti...