A Reckoning at the Slimy Rock

On August 22, 2019

I don’t think I can do it. It’s too high. The rock is too slippery. “Here, give me your arm, I’ll pull you up.” No, I’m too heavy. You’ll pull your shoulder out. (…trying again for a foot hold on the slimy rock) I don’t think I can do this. (Sobbing) “Just give me your

Who’s on Your Fire Team?

On August 15, 2019

Last week I had the immense pleasure of serving as a team leader for a diverse group of Army and Marine veterans at Semper Fi Odyssey Leadership camp. The program re-energizes their warrior spirit and helps them create a plan to move their life forward through rebuilding family relationships, going back to school, pursuing a

What Makes You Feel Alive?

On August 2, 2019

While on vacation in Maine last week, my husband and I took a hike on the coast trail in Acadia National Park from Otter Point to Sand Beach and back. The trail winds through the trees and over rocks, fairly easy but with its share of ups and downs, roots and rocks that beg for

Who’d You Bring to the Dance?

On October 4, 2018

I’m a bit of a Dancing With the Stars junkie and this season features its first blind competitor, paralympian Danelle Umstead. She is paired with professional dancer Artem Chigvintse. The job of Artem and the other pros on the show is to train non-dancers to dance. Their role is to design an experience which stretches their partner’s

Where Did Your Wings Take You?

On September 20, 2018

Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall. –Ray Bradbury, author I don’t really think of myself as a ‘jump off the cliff’ type, more a ‘calculated risk’ taker. I prefer to travel off the beaten path, yet I can’t see myself hacking a new trail through unexplored

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

The Gift Of Generosity

On December 21, 2017

I recently lost a very good friend to cancer, someone I had known for close to 40 years. My friend was a dynamic spirit who filled her life with adventures. At her celebration ceremony, many people from different interests in her life came forward to share the piece of Valerie that they knew. Her whitewater

What Do A Carrot And Being A Leader Have In Common?

On October 5, 2017

When was the last time you played with your food? I was in Santa Fe NM recently on a long weekend vacation with my sisters. Santa Fe is known as an art community and the three of us are pretty far from being art aficionados. To really experience the vibe of the place I signed

Get Real, Be Real—The Impact Of Authenticity

On July 27, 2017

“That’s who I am. They will just have to learn to deal with it.” That was the self-justification of a manager proclaiming her ‘authenticity’ and leaving a trail of employees reeling and ducking for cover. This person voiced whatever came to her mind, often with hurtful impact. That was ‘being real’ in her view. At

How Do We Move From ‘Performance’ To ‘Potential’?

On September 27, 2016

Over coffee with a friend with a mutual interest in creating environments that encourage diversity, she commented on an undercurrent she has observed at several tech industry groups she attends. Her perceptions matched what I have also experienced during my speaking and coaching discussions in various professional forums. Here’s what we’ve both observed — Women

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