candidgoat 
In a previous email, I talked about the importance of savoring a “curiosity cocktail” when handling individual complaints from your team. But what happens when complaints seem to be the norm, and negative thoughts are being flung around like candy at a parade? Complaining can be a natural, even healthy, release. But there’s a fine … Read more
Feeling like your team culture needs a boost? You’re not alone! One thing I hear often is that team cultures can feel negative or even toxic, and change seems out of reach. But here’s the thing—building a thriving team culture is possible. It all starts by focusing on three key areas: Attitudes: Are we energized … Read more
A common theme I hear when working with organizations or during keynote talks is that the culture feels a bit negative or even toxic, and teams are struggling to make meaningful changes. Here’s the good news: creating a thriving team culture is absolutely doable. It just takes a little focus on the right areas. To … Read more
The places we live, visit, and dream of traveling to all help shape who we are. This week, I’m celebrating two of those places—Iowa and Wisconsin! Before moving back to Iowa, we spent nearly a decade in the Badger State, where I grew as a leader, became a parent to two awesome kids, and truly … Read more
As a longtime healthcare operations leader, safety is more than a priority—it’s personal. And now that I’m a parent, let’s just say my safety radar is dialed up to max (yes, helmets please!). This week, I had the honor of speaking at the 2024 Iowa Governor’s Safety and Health Conference, where we dove into essential … Read more
Sip on This: A Curiosity Cocktail for Handling Complaints Someday, I’ll bring a cocktail on stage… but for now, let me introduce you to what I like to call a “work cocktail.” And no, it’s not the kind you’re thinking of—it’s a cocktail for handling complaints! Imagine one of your direct reports comes to you … Read more
Ever felt like the world is happening to you instead of the other way around? Flat tire. Contractor ghosted you. Kid gets sick on the most important day or your career. You spill coffee right down the front of you. It’s easy to get caught up in that mindset, especially at work or in our … Read more
Culture should not be like Voldemort from Harry Potter—he who must not be named. Ever stopped to think about what team culture really is? It’s one of my favorite topics to dive into with audiences because the answers are always as varied as the people themselves. When I ask folks to define it—not just the … Read more
Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators? It’ raises their spirits! Weekend speaking events are rare, but this weekend was a busy one—husband out of town, kids’ sporting events, and fall activities in full force. So, when my sister-in-law and nephew offered to spend Saturday with the kids—doing all the running around and painting … Read more
With the kids back in school (and my snack pantry finally getting a break), I’ve found myself with a bit more freedom. And by freedom, I mean I’ve reclaimed my favorite coffee shops. The hustle, the bustle, the buzz of conversation—it’s all fuel for my extroverted soul. So, there I was, nestled into my usual … Read more
