My Opinion About Your #1 Priority. :-)

Time to read: 35 seconds

More custom charm bracelets for my daughter's scientific friends

Last week, I said I do humans. Humans are the center of my personal and professional life.

Remember? Humans are my favorite!

I’m rather old-fashioned about humans. I think humans need each other…live and in person.

We are a communal species. That doesn’t mean you have to live with other people or even like all other people, although it helps if you like a few other people. And, it makes things much easier and fulfilling to have other humans to share life with.

Good relationships create opportunities. Good relationships provide support. And entertainment. Wonky ones get in the way. My private clients know I always recommend prioritizing relationships at work.

• Pay attention to the personal aspects of people’s lives.
• Look for ways to help.
• Write HAND-WRITTEN thank you notes.
• Be generous with compliments.
• Be generous in general.

In case you need repetition for a message to sink in, relationships are crucial. So crucial, they are your #1 priority, today and always.

What Do I Actually Do?

Time to read: 24.6 seconds

Made this charm bracelet for my daughter's friend who loves Saturn

It's Thursday again!

When people ask me what I do, the obvious answer is, “I’m a coach.” Then, because the memes online about coaches are copious and hilarious, I clarify, “Not a life coach. I’m an Executive Coach,” as if that title makes one bit of difference.

The less obvious and more accurate answer is, “I do humans.” I work in many technical organizations filled with engineers, scientists, and financial analysts. My job is to help people build relationships, manage conflict, engage in difficult conversations, and design the way they want to work together. (In a week or two, I'll tell you my main motivation for doing what I do every day.)

I’m the how and why. Other people tend to the what.

Here at the Corporate Rebel, relationships are #1. I’m super social, and people are my favorite. That’s why, when you reply to one of these emails, you will get a real response. No auto responders, no assistant or proxy answering emails.

That’s how I like it.

Wanna Peek Backstage?

Time to read: 24 little seconds

You might not care… all of this jewelry is a premium vintage brand, Crown Trifari

Hello, World! I’ve been publishing this newsletter for over 12 years. I am humbled and honored that so many of you receive me in your inbox every week. I take my responsibility to you seriously.

My thinking has evolved over 12 years, and many things remain consistent. (You’d hope so!) I thought I would spend a few weeks sharing my perspectives on life and business with you for two reasons:

• 1. To pull back the curtain so you can peek backstage.
• 2. So you can use me as a model to fine tune your own perspectives and become even more clear what you are about, what you stand for, and what you want.

So, sit back. Relax. I’m doing all the work for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

A Few Thoughts About Our World

Time to read: 1 minute, 10 seconds

Cute photo of our puppy

People reach out to me regularly about what I think about things happening in the world and what to do about it. It seems like everything everywhere has turned upside down all at once.

Honestly, I have days when I have a hard time keeping the faith. When I wonder if anything I teach and live matters.

Then I pull myself out of that pit of despair and remember that, of course, it matters. I matter. You matter. We all matter. It matters what you think because what you think leads to what you believe. And what you believe leads to what you do. And what you do, day in and day out, big and small, matters a lot.

Every act of violence is a choice. Every act of love is a choice. Every dehumanization of another person is a choice. Respect and kindness are choices. How you show up every day, in every situation, is a choice. You don't have to look very far to see the power of one individual to make choices that impact other people in positive and horrific ways.

So you see, you matter. A lot.

If you feel stuck, unappreciated, confused, and wonder what to do about it, let's talk. My signature group coaching program, Clarity U, starts on September 25, and there is still a spot for you.

One Clarity U graduate said, "It's better than 25 years of therapy!"

I know you get marketed to all the time, so if you're like, "not for me," ignore this email. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled missives in a week. If you're thinking, "I want things to be different, and I don't know how to get there," let's talk. Just email me , and we'll set up a time.

Clarity U starts on September 25. That's plenty of time, and it's coming fast.

P.S. If you're curious about a cohort coaching program, email me , and we'll set up a time to chat!

Fall Transition- Yikes!

Time to read: 35 seconds

It's September! Can you believe it? Fall. It feels like summer just started, and now kids are going back to school, days are shorter, and cooler temps are coming (here in the North, anyway).

Early fall is a season of transition. You just got used to your summer routine, and now it's time to shift the routine again. All that change can be challenging. Getting your kids up early. Getting everyone out the door. Pulling your wool sweaters out. Making plans for the holidays. Fall shoots off like a rocket ship.

Give yourself grace. You are in transition for a few weeks. Accept that you're in transition. Acceptance will make it easier. And I always want things to be easier for you.

I didn't do Clarity U last year for many reasons, one of which is that I just didn't want to do the marketing. So, I'll be efficient. Clarity U! It's my group coaching program! It's awesome and has helped many people find balance, career satisfaction, and more confidence.

Intrigued? Email me to find a time to chat. Think a friend might be interested? They can sign up here. And they can email me to set up a time to chat. Clarity U starts on September 18 so let's talk ASAP!

Summer Fun Week 14 - Where Is Your Focus?

Time to read: 25 seconds

I think about food. A lot.

It's Week 14! This is the last week we're talking about fun. I hope this series, though, sets you up for a lifetime of more fun.

Today, consider where you put your focus?

• What do you think about?
• What do you talk about?
• How do you spend your time and energy?

The things you think about, talk about, and do are the ways you spend your days. And the way you spend your days is how you spend your life.

If you want to have more fun and joy, consider how to have more joy in your thoughts … about other people and yourself.

If you want more fun and joy, drop complaining and pick up topics that are fun for you. (Anyone want to talk non-stop about vintage housewares and charm bracelets?)

If you want more fun and joy, choose to do things you find fun or to find the fun in the things you do.

And (shameless self-promotion), if you have difficulty changing the things you think, talk about, and do, a group coaching program might be just the ticket. Like…I don't know…hmmmm…maybe CLARITY U!

Intrigued? Email me to find a time to chat. Think a friend might be interested? Forward this newsletter to them. Clarity U starts on September 18, so let's talk!

I look forward to connecting with you!

Summer Fun Week 13 - Everyday Vacation

Time to read: 25 seconds

Fun at the mini pig cafe in Tokyo

It's Week 13! Still going on the fun!

August is vacation season, and a good vacation is worth its weight in gold. Nothing satisfies like a week at the cabin, snuggling mini pigs in Tokyo, or napping on the beach.

And, vacations aren't just for vacation. You need breaks and rest all the time. So, how can you give yourself the energy of a vacation every day? Here are some ideas to get your little grey cells firing:

• Read for pleasure (the news doesn't count).
• Before work, take a few minutes to do a project, write a letter, or walk around your garden.
• Walk outside for a few minutes during your workday.
• 5 minutes of meditation.

You don't need 2 weeks of vacation to take a break. Give yourself a break every day. If you have difficulty putting your work down and giving yourself permission to take a break, a group coaching program might help. Hit reply to this email to set up a time to chat. We start on September 18, so grab your spot now!

P.S. My Clarity U group coaching program is back for fall 2025. If you're curious about a cohort coaching program, email me , and we'll set up a time to chat!