Tiles – Lisbon’s Signature “Thing”

On June 21, 2018

One of the unique things about Lisbon, Portugal are its tiles. You’ll see houses in every neighborhood fronted with colorful ceramic tiles. I could barely walk down a block without stopping to photograph another tile design. There is even a museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) dedicated to the history of tiles in Portugal, with examples

Up, Down, and All Around—Trolley Cars and Leadership

On June 12, 2018

I’m in Lisbon for a month, feeling what it’s like to live in a neighborhood (Santos-o-Velho), explore new sights in a new culture, and continue my work. One big thing I’ve noticed about Lisbon is you must look up, down and sideways if you are really going to take in the beauty of the city…and

Beyond My Comfort Zone…And Loving It!

On June 5, 2018

Stretching far out of my comfort zone today. In a different time zone, in a different country, in a different language, heading to a destination I’ve never been. By one bit of security is a good cell signal and google maps. (How did we get along without google maps before???) I’m in Lisbon, Portugal, the

I’m Exhausted…and I Didn’t Even Do Anything

On May 21, 2018

I’m standing on the side of a winding country road near a vineyard with tiny green grape clusters reaching for the warm sun, yards from the entrance to a winery known for its excellent Zinfandels. But there will be no wine tasting for me today. This day is all about supporting my husband through Ironman

Chocolate Truffles, Onion Soup, And Leadership Lessons

On April 26, 2018

What I learned about leadership from a celebrated French restaurant. How does a traditional French restaurant weather the notoriously competitive and fickle restaurant industry to stay highly successful for over 50 years? And what can those lessons learned teach us about becoming successful leaders? L’Auberge Chez Francoise in Great Falls, VA has received scads of top

Which Lens Are You Looking Through?

On April 13, 2018

Have you ever been to the optometrist to get fitted for new glasses? Staring at the eye chart, you strain to assess magnification acuity. “Which one is better? Lens A?” Click. “or B?” Click. “A?” Click. “or B?” What if we used this idea and looked at the world through a different lens every day?

Sometimes, You Get What You Need…

On March 22, 2018

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.” –The Rolling Stones, 1969 “I did it again. Tried to jam 20 pounds of ‘stuff*%*’ in a 10 pound bag.” As I looked at my upcoming week on Sunday night, I thought, “how

Is Our Stress Altering The Brain Cells Of Others?

On February 22, 2018

I was standing in line at my favorite coffee shop. The guy in front of me seemed to be having a bad start to his day. It’s not what he said, it’s how he said it. He ordered a coffee and croissant. “Ordered” being the operative word. Louder than necessary. Leaning with wide arms on

Can You Be A DOER And SELF-AWARE At The Same Time?

On February 15, 2018

Another report from the coffee shop…Here I am, listening in again. It’s a popular spot, close quarters. You can’t help but overhear people’s conversations. Sometimes I pick up a nugget or two for leadership reflection. Like from the table next to me today. Two women, I gather from their conversation, co-owners of a small business,

What The Brain Is Doing When We Get Feedback

On January 30, 2018

In the “6 Most Dreaded Words” we met David and Shauna, two consultants in a feedback discussion after a presentation. A discussion that is shaping up to be largely one-way (although Shauna is having a robust conversation in her head) and more defensive than effective. How can they have a more productive feedback conversation? Understanding what happens in the

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