A well functioning team is like a symphony, each part working in harmony with the rest. Unfortunately, some teams don’t work that way at all! So, what can you do if you find yourself in the midst of a team that makes more noise than music? The first step is always to consider how you can change your own behavior, attitude or level of participation. Ask yourself, “Am I fully engaged [...]
On my journey through Chile, I visited the fascinating houses of poet and national hero Pablo Neruda. Stepping into his houses was almost like entering a dream. Pablo loved ships, and many elements of his homes were crafted to resemble the interior of a yacht: porthole windows, low and rounded ceilings, narrow hallways and staircases, and always a view of the ocean. […]
My trombone teacher was a bold, courageous man who had escaped the dictatorship of Romania to play the trombone with the symphony orchestra. He had high expectations of his students… and I had a lot of self doubt.
Having just returned from a long journey through Peru and Chile -my first real-life encounter with the harsh realities of developing countries – I am now acutely aware that warm running water in my home is a luxury. Having endured the howling engines and black clouds of exhaust that filled the streets of Lima, I find myself savouring the fresh air of my quiet neighborhood. Having worried about robbers on the [...]
My company’s tagline is also my motto in life. It’s a philosophy that guides me, because passion and dreams make life AMAZING! Many years ago, my friend Miriam spent a year in Chile. Around the same time, I discovered my passion for Salsa dancing and Latin culture. Within our friendship, a dream emerged to travel together through South America. […]
Habits – the things we do and say automatically, without thinking – are a very big part of our lives. They show up in our everyday activities (showering, driving, eating) … the way we talk (gestures, phrases, style) … even the way we think (self-talk, fears, judgments). We develop habits because they make life simple. They automate our behaviour so we can accomplish things without much attention or effort. [...]
Does your holiday season seem a little less festive than it used to? Maybe a little more stressful? Sometimes, in the flurry of shopping and decorating and rushing to parties, we completely miss the point of the season. But who is to blame? The holidays can be busy and expensive and emotionally exhausting! If your holidays are starting to feel like a ritual of obligation, it may be time to change [...]
Are you a champion procrastinator? Some of us are such talented and accomplished procrastinators that we really should get an award. Honestly, we can be so creative! Where others see a pile of paperwork, we see another game of Solitaire. Dirty dishes in the sink? That’s just a sign it’s time to paint your nails. Feeling a little wince of recognition? Me too. I think maybe we’re all born procrastinators. So, [...]
As we come upon this Thanksgiving season, I find myself deep in celebration – what a wonderful place to be! Let me tell you how I landed here, and why I’m so full of gratitude. As I built my business over the last five years, there have been a handful of people who played an especially meaningful role in my pursuit of success. Today, I want to turn the spotlight on [...]
It was a year ago that Anne told me about her plan to start her own company. She positively lit up when she talked about it, so when I saw her last week, I was eager to ask about her progress. “Well… we’re trying to sell the house right now, and of course find a new place to live, which means we’re knee-deep in paperwork and extra tasks right now….” She [...]
