Public Speaking
Stay Happy!
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And one more thing: Don’t make yourself crazy. Attend only events that are absolutely necessary, and parties that will bring you joy! Let’s start the new year right. Please schedule a 30-minute complimentary clarity call to punch up your personal pitch.
Read MoreCuriosity: Your Superpower
Most people comment on my “energy” or “youthful energy.” When I was 16, after starring in a musical at Peoria Corn Stock summer stock, the newspaper reviewer commented on my tremendous energy. I received similar feedback all the way through my 30-year keynote speaking career. What is it? I believe energy is produced by curiosity.…
Read MorePhotos: Capturing Your Legacy
How long do you keep photos? Are they on your phone? In organized albums? In boxes somewhere? My sister recently cleaned out a storage unit, and gave me a huge bin—3 feet by 4 feet—labeled “Mimi.” It’s full of albums and hundreds of loose photos of my career, and the people close to me at…
Read MoreBe a Proud Procrastinator
Are you experiencing dog days of summer? I am. The sultry weather definition in the Farmer’s Almanac is only the first one. The second definition is “a period of inactivity or sluggishness; a period of stagnation.” What if we choose to go with that? What if we put off the need for frantic activity until…
Read MoreAuthenticity: Connecting Between Words
Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. So, AI is not you. We still need to connect to demonstrate we are the real thing. In the quest for authenticity, we get some questionable results. “Reality” television. Cringe-worthy tweets of inner thoughts and feelings. Photos of our dinner! Do…
Read MoreThe Magic of Mentoring
In the name of advancing HI (Human Intelligence), mentoring is more important now than ever. In this crazy time, we need someone who “gets” us, and can point the way forward. A mentor, by definition, is an experienced and trusted advisor. A mentor gives us encouragement, support, and guidance to help us navigate our careers,…
Read MoreThis Boomer’s Close Encounter with AI
My keynote speaker client is not Gen Z. She’s not even a Millennial. She’s 51. Last week, we were in the midst of creating her speech – – weekly meetings on Zoom and a shared screen on Google Docs. Each of us can edit between the weekly sessions. My edits are suggestions, since I’m the…
Read MoreLet the Music Move You
We can’t imagine a dance class or an exercise class without music. I can’t imagine my spin class on my stationary bike or my life without my playlist. Each song drives me to spin – – and live. Want to know what music I spin to? Here’s a favorite: “More Than a Feeling” by Boston…
Read MoreAre You Running Tough?
1983 – the finish line of my marathon. My running partner: Donna, a fellow HR trainer at Northrop Aircraft. Anyone who has run a marathon knows just how tough it can be. And it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. And it’s not even about HOW you finish, it’s just about finishing!…
Read MoreBlank Page Paralysis? Here’s a Cure
Content is king. You know it. You need to write. You need to “post.” Intimidating, isn’t it? I know. Sounds huge. How do you get motivated? Long ago, in a company far, far away, I was training managers in business writing. I pointed out a syndrome I called: “Blank Page Paralysis.” Now it’s blank screen…
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