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!

Summer Fun Week 12 - How do you follow the YES?

Time to read: It's a long one. Might take you a minute or so to read.

Vintage silver plate and peonies…the perfect combination

It's Week 12! There is so much to say about fun. I'm going to keep going.

I talk to my clients about following the energy of YES, and today I'm going to teach you how to do that so your life is filled with more fun.

In shameless self-promotion, the example is my signature group coaching program, Clarity U.

I have led Clarity U for 5 years, and last year, I just didn't feel it. I wasn't motivated to promote it. The idea of marketing was exhausting. I didn't want to think about it or talk about it. I could have forced myself to do it, and the end result would have felt like going through the motions. I want to offer my clients energy, presence and inspiration. So I didn't offer it.

This is the energy of no.

Of course, you have to do things you don't like or don't feel like doing. And, when the juice just isn't there, pay attention. Does something need to change? Do you need a break? Do you need to approach the thing differently or change something?

Alternatively, this summer, two people approached me to ask if I was offering Clarity U again this fall. I was, like, hmmm…that sounds like fun. The door felt open, and the possibilities exciting. I started to imagine the people in the group and found myself wanting to talk about it again.

This is the energy of yes.

If you want more fun in your life, follow the energy of yes. It always leads someplace good.

And, remember the shameless self-promotion piece? If you'd like to chat about whether Clarity U is a good fit for you, please hit reply to this email, and we'll find a time to chat.

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!