A FOGGY CONFESSION…Have you ever driven through thick fog, only for it to suddenly clear as if it was never there? That’s how 2024 felt for me—starting foggy but ending clear and, dare I say, figureoutable. I ventured into new territory (cue the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast). It felt unfamiliar, singularly focused, and, honestly, a … Read more
Yesterday, in two out of my three meetings, someone mentioned, “It’s the home stretch.” What struck me wasn’t just the words, but how differently each person said it. Their tone, facial expression, and intent revealed something unique: One person seemed barely hanging on, just trying to push through (we’ve all been there). Another spoke with excitement, … Read more
Is it winter yet? Here in [your location], we get snow—but so far, not much has arrived. Whether that makes you cheer or sigh might depend on your snow-shoveling preferences! This fall, we prepped for winter in all the usual ways: patio furniture stored, garage reorganized, shovels moved to their “ready” hook, and snow pants … Read more
As I refresh my professional branding (watch for new colors, designs, and an updated look for Lisa Even soon!), I’ve been reflecting on how we’re all shaping our personal brands daily—whether we realize it or not. And let’s face it: our personal brands ripple into our professional brands. One article that caught my eye: 5 … Read more
Lately, I’ve been carving out time to study other speakers. Sometimes it’s a quick fifteen minutes; other times, it’s an hour. I focus on how they tell stories, what jokes land, which strategies inspire, and—most importantly—what sticks with me. One speaker I saw this past year stood out for a surprising reason. He admitted he’s … Read more
As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to pause and share some thoughts and reflections as we look ahead. Don’t worry—this isn’t just a highlights reel. It’s an acknowledgment of the ups and downs that life and business bring! Each year, I take a bit of time to look back at both the … Read more
One of my favorite activities as a leader has always been putting together a “Year in Review” PowerPoint for my team. It‘s a simple yet powerful way to reflect, celebrate, and reconnect with all the moments—big and small—that shaped our year together. Each month gets its own slide filled with: Milestones: Who got engaged, had babies, … Read more
At the edge of our abilities…. As the year winds down, I find myself in a more reflective mood, maybe because it’s a time to exhale and breathe or maybe because my mind is already in holiday mode (planning, presents, and patience!). These quieter days, when so many people take time off, bring a pause … Read more
Let’s be real: annual performance reviews can feel like a slog. As leaders, we know the work that goes into them—inputting data, assessing team members, and somehow making it all feel fair and constructive. Some organizations make it easier than others, whether through better self-assessments or tech tools that actually work. But what if we … Read more
Ever seen a van try to pass itself off as a Jeep Rubicon? Meet Vannie, my adventurous van who’s been dabbling in some serious mud-slinging. I couldn’t help but wonder: Is she hiding her true self behind that dirt? Or maybe she’s just in the midst of a vehicular mid-life crisis? Picture this: a classic … Read more
