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Why Smart Leaders Get Stuck at Crossroads & How to Move Forward
Category: coaching
What Are You Harvesting This Fall?
What’s an Author and Leadership Coach presenting at a Garden Fall Festival? Aah but there are similarities. My work is about Personal Growth. Just like farmers plant seeds, all of us plant Goals. The idea is to water and care for them just like we do plants.
Personally, I love plants but I’m a ‘plant killer’, be it orchids or other beautiful plants. They all end up withered. As time passed, I started gifting them or hiring professionals to care for them. That’s a gift that I didn’t get.
Against that background, here I share 3 points that I hope will help you reflect this Fall.
1.Plant with Intention
Every great harvest begins with a seed, and so do your dreams. Whether your goal is to start a business, write a book, get healthier, or grow spiritually, you must plant it intentionally. Don’t just wish, sow. Choose what you want to see in your future and begin with small, consistent actions.
2.Nurture with Patience
A seed doesn’t sprout overnight. It takes watering, sunlight, and care. Likewise, your goals need patience, persistence, and faith. You may not see progress immediately, but don’t stop nurturing your vision. Keep showing up, keep learning, and trust the process.
3.Protect Your Growth
Every garden has weeds and pests—and life has distractions and doubts. Protect your goals from negativity, procrastination, and fear. Surround yourself with people and environments that feed your growth, not drain it.
4.Reap With Gratitude
When your harvest comes, whether it’s success, a new opportunity, or even lessons learned, celebrate it. Give thanks for the journey, the people who supported you, and the challenges that helped you grow stronger.
This Fall, as we celebrate the physical harvest around us let’s also think about the seeds we’re planting in our lives. Because what you plant today you harvest tomorrow.
So plant wisely, nurture faithfully and reap joyfully. Thank you, and may your harvest overflow with abundant blessings.
Get Ready for a change this season by connecting now. Level up your motivation with your copy of Motivational Quotes Book available now.
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5 Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers
Dead Poets Society
Clarity builds trust and momentum
Summer is almost over and it’s time to make all those back-to-school plans. As we make those plans, lets pause for a minute. Think of a teacher or two who made a difference in your life. Personally, as I age, I think about those teaching experiences and the effect they had on my leadership journey. As I look back, I think of society’s great teachers like Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and the fictional Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society).
Here are 5 lessons leaders can learn from great teachers.
1.Clarity is Powerful
Teachers break down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces.
Leaders must do the same—clearly communicate vision, expectations, and feedback so everyone understands what success looks like.
Lesson: Say less, mean more. Clarity builds trust and momentum.
2. Patience Enables Progress
Teachers know learning takes time and that growth isn’t always linear.
Leaders should extend grace and patience during times of transition, failure, or new learning curves—whether with teams or themselves.
Lesson: Progress often looks like repetition before results.
3. Individual Strengths Matter
Great teachers recognize that not every student learns the same way.
Great leaders acknowledge that not every employee works, leads, or grows the same. They tailor support, roles, and recognition accordingly.
Lesson: Personalize your leadership to bring out the best in each person.
4. Structure Creates Freedom
Teachers use routines and structure to create a safe space for creativity and exploration.
Leaders who implement clear systems give their teams the confidence and autonomy to take initiative.
Lesson: Strong frameworks unlock innovative thinking.
5. Passion Inspires Performance
Teachers who genuinely care spark curiosity and motivation.
Leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart cultivate higher engagement and loyalty.
Lesson: When you model passion, people give their best
As school begins its opening session, the road becomes a task / lesson plan in and of itself. What are your thoughts on the top five lessons? Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Don’t forget to connect if you would like to discuss your own leadership growth journey.
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The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching
Innovation Distinguishes. A group of cross-cultural leaders gathered together to discuss the Cultural Undervaluing of Professional Coaching. Education is a crucial pillar of development, but it is not the full structure. Professional coaching, especially in career planning, mindset growth, and personal branding, is often seen as optional, extravagant, or even unnecessary.
Chris, Maxine, and I, focused on The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching. It has many effects. Here are a few:
Underdeveloped Potential
Talented individuals stay stuck in survival mode. They fail to unlock their genius because no one helps them think strategically about their growth.
Career Plateau
Professionals with great resumes stall out due to poor networking, weak positioning, or self-limiting beliefs.
Global Irrelevance
In our rapidly changing world where soft skills, emotional intelligence, and AI adaptability are premium assets, people fall behind.
Silent Suffering
Many carry silent frustrations; “I’m better than this, but I don’t know how to rise.” Coaching could be the very bridge out of that quiet despair.
Join the conversation. Let’s hear your thoughts.
Rather a private chat? Chat me now.
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A Conversation With Journalist & Award Winning Story Teller Sharon Gordon
Absolutely thrilled to announce that Sharon Gordon’s debut book “Sheribaby is NOW AVAILABLE!
Journalist Sharon, is the talented 2025 Award winning Storyteller and niece of beloved Jamaica’s Singer Songwriter Beresford Hammond.
I met Sharon a decade ago when Reggae music matriarch Miss Patricia Chin, hosted my Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders book event at VP Records, New York.
It’s been such an honor to guide Sharon through the book publishing journey – from connecting her with Raquel, the perfect editor for her genre, to navigating publisher conversations and finally seeing her words in print.
Her dedication to the craft and willingness to embrace the publishing process made this success inevitable. This is why I do what I do!
Congratulations Sharon! Indeed, hard work pays off!
If you have been dreaming of becoming a published author but aren’t sure where to start, let Sharon’s journey inspire you. With the right guidance, YOUR story could be next on the shelves!
Order your copy of Sheribaby today https://a.co/d/5R50Nwu and follow Sharon’s author journey
Enjoy our literary conversation here.
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When The Rug Gets Pulled: Navigating Unexpected Job Loss
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face — Eleanor Roosevelt
Uncertainty and fear are common these days as both federal government and private sector battles with job security.
Government jobs once thought of as the most secure are now being eroded. Employees across the board are now forced to adapt quickly or be left behind.
In this video, Chris Daley, and I in my capacity of Certified Master leadership Coach, explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by workers who experience sudden, unexpected job loss. We share how professionals across various industries can arrive at work only to be told their positions had been eliminated—with little to no warning.
The video briefly examines:
📍The initial shock and emotional impact of unexpected termination
📍Common corporate practices that leave employees in the dark
📍Immediate financial concerns and survival strategies
📍The psychological journey from disbelief to acceptance
📍Practical steps to take after job loss.
Whether you’re currently dealing with sudden unemployment or want to prepare for corporate uncertainty, this video offers both emotional support and actionable advice for those facing one of life’s most challenging professional transitions.
If you or someone you know has been affected, DM to connect.
If you’re an employer or business leader who needs help with business transition, reach out today and get the help you need to do it the right way.
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7+ Ways To Prepare For A Public-Facing Leadership Role
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
More than two decades ago I started my first leadership role. Always facing an audience through years of athletic performance, the arts, other leadership roles, I was always confident. But this was different. In my HR Leadership role, I faced responsibilities on behalf of the company. No more hiding behind other senior leaders. My boss gave me no choice but to step up to my full responsibilities.
After going through a bout of nervousness that lasted months, I found that it got easier each time. Before long, I prepared for each meeting when I had to address employees performance, achievements and areas of development across the region with confidence.
On observation these days, we see politicians and society’s leaders in public service assuming new roles. Consequently, the question was raised; “can a person from behind the scenes excel in a new public-facing role?” The answer is absolutely!
Public-facing means a role where the (individual) exercises managerial authority or control of an entity’s activities.
Here are 7+ points to prepare for a public-facing leadership role. Focus on:
1.Communication Skills
- Develop clear, compelling public speaking abilities
- Practice articulating complex ideas simply
- Learn media training techniques
2.Personal Brand Development
- Build a professional, authentic public image
- Be consistent across different platforms
- Develop a strong personal narrative
3.Continuous Learning
- Stay updated on industry trends
- Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
- Cultivate emotional intelligence
4.Professional Appearance
- Dress appropriately for your industry
- Project confidence through body language
- Work on your on-camera and in-person presence
5.Media and Presentation Preparation
- Take media training workshops
- Practice handling tough questions
- Learn crisis communication strategies
6.Networking
- Build relationships with key industry influencers
- Develop a supportive professional network
- Seek mentorship from experienced public leaders
7.Digital Literacy
- Manage social media presence professionally
- Understand digital communication etiquette
- Be mindful of online reputation
Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability
- Develop thick skin for public scrutiny
- Learn to handle criticism constructively
- Maintain composure under pressure
Consistent practice and self-reflection are the keys to becoming an effective public-facing leader.
What has been your experience with getting ready for a leadership role? Did you use any of the above strategies? If so, what worked for you? Any other strategy that comes to mind? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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10 Ways To Help You Achieve Your Goals
Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar
Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.
If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:
1.Break Down Large Goals
- Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
- Create a step-by-step action plan
- Make each milestone specific and measurable
- Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal
2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan
- Write down your goals in detail
- Specify exactly what you want to achieve
- Include specific deadlines
- Identify potential obstacles in advance
- Create strategies to overcome these obstacles
3.Prioritize and Track Progress
Use tools like:
- Goal tracking apps
- Physical planners
- Digital spreadsheets
- Regularly review and assess your progress
- Adjust your plan if needed
- Celebrate small victories along the way
4. Build Accountability
- Share your goals with trusted friends/family
- Find an accountability partner
- Join support groups related to your goals
- Consider working with a coach or mentor
5. Develop Consistent Habits
- Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
- Practice discipline and consistency
- Use habit-tracking techniques
- Start small and gradually build momentum
6. Enhance Motivation
- Visualize success
- Create a motivational vision board
- Use positive affirmations
- Reward yourself for reaching milestones
- Maintain a growth mindset
7. Continuous Learning
- Acquire necessary skills
- Read relevant books/materials
- Take courses
- Seek mentorship
- Stay updated in your goal’s domain
8. Manage Time Effectively
- Use time management techniques
- Prioritize tasks
- Eliminate distractions
- Practice focused work sessions
- Use productivity tools
9. Practice Self-Care
- Maintain physical and mental health
- Get adequate rest
- Exercise regularly
- Practice stress management
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle
10. Stay Flexible and Resilient
- Accept that setbacks will happen
- Learn from failures
- Be adaptable
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Continuously reassess and adjust your approach
Follow these steps to achieve your goals as you step into a new phase of your career. Need help? Let’s connect
Cheers!
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Why Year-End Triggers Career Reflection
You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind. ~Hillary DePiano
The end of the year naturally invokes a period of career reflection, which serves as a psychological milestone that compels professionals to pause and assess their journey. As the calendar approaches its final weeks, individuals are instinctively drawn to introspection, triggered by a combination of cultural traditions, personal goal-setting practices, and an innate human desire for growth and meaning. This time of reflection is fueled by the contrast between the year’s accomplishments and unfulfilled aspirations, creating the opportunity for honest self-evaluation (hint …that common ideal weight loss plan).
Also read: Conquering Transition Doubts
The approaching new year symbolizes renewal and potential, encouraging professionals to reflect on their career trajectory, measure progress against past objectives, and recalibrate their professional vision. Factors like annual performance reviews, financial assessments, industry shifts, and personal life changes converge during this period, making it an ideal time to critically reflect on career satisfaction, skill development, alignment with long-term goals, and potential opportunities for growth or transformation.
Consequently, here are a number of pointers that discusses this period of reflection along with recommendation. Not a self-starter , we can help.
Natural Evaluation Period
- Annual performance reviews
- Reflecting on past year’s achievements
- Setting new personal goals
- Psychological reset moment
Emotional Triggers
- Holiday season brings perspective
- Family gatherings prompt life discussions
- Increased time for self-reflection
- Motivation from new year anticipation
Professional Burnout
- Accumulated workplace stress
- Desire for meaningful change
- Recognizing current job’s limitations
- Seeking personal fulfillment
External Evaluation
- Social conversations about resolutions
- Seeing others make bold moves
- Increased motivational content
- Feeling inspired by potential
Strategic Approach
- Budget reassessment
- Career growth opportunities
- Market trend observations
- Personal development planning
Motivational Approach
- Embrace fear as growth signal
- Start with small, low-risk steps
- Build confidence gradually
- Seek professional guidance
- Create solid transition plan
Recommended Actions
- Self-assessment
- Skill inventory
- Informational interviews
- Part-time exploration
- Professional coaching
- Continuous learning
Are you experiencing any of these signs? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Adapt the motivational approach along with the recommended actions. But if you need the expertise of a coach who can help. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate for a friend experiencing these signs and help him/her kick off the new year with a difference.
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Develop Your Brand: A Blueprint For New Authors
Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.
Tim Ferriss
Many are the desires of the first-time author. Writing is the biggest. Often new authors find it overwhelming to write and see the manuscript to the end. When they do, the next step is often forgotten. Suddenly an author becomes and an entrepreneur – one in which they didn’t anticipate. Developing the book’s brand… yikes!
It’s important to the book’s success and target audience awareness. Essentially, building an author brand is very important because a strong brand helps you stand out, attract readers, and build a loyal fanbase. Here are six (6) steps to get you started:
Build Your New Author Brand
- Understand your Brand
- How do you distinguish yourself in the literary world?
- Discover your Brand’s Identity
- Reflect: Who are you as an author?
- Who is your ideal Reader?
- USP: What sets you apart?
- Create your author persona
- Define your writing style, tone tc
- Design consistent visual identity
- Create author Bio to showcase achievements, background, writing journey
- Build your online Presence
- Create author website to showcase books and engage with Readers
- Choose social media platform where target audience hangout
- Engage your Audience
- Develop content calendar
- Engage with Readers
- Connect with fellow authors
- Launch Book and Grow Brand
- Create buzz and Lunch or Re-Launch your book
- Collaborate to expand
- Keep learning. Keep writing.
- Be flexible and adaptable
There you have it. What has been your experience with the writing process? Do share. We would love to hear.
If you feel overwhelmed, let’s connect.
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Achieve In Months What Might Take Years On Your Own …
Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.
Dr. Roopleen
Whether you feel stuck in your career, overwhelmed as a supervisor or simply want to maximize your performance, coaching could be the key to achieving in months what might take years alone. The top signs you will benefit from working with a coach are discussed in the video.
- You feel stuck and unable to move forward.
- You are struggling to Balance work, life and personal commitments.
- You are in a Leadership role but feel out of your depth.
- You are going through significant life or career transition.
Invest less than 10 minutes to watch this video and discover the power of coaching for yourself! The returns could change the trajectory of your personal and professional life.
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9 Investment Strategies For New Entrepreneurs On A Tight Budget
Don’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.
Jas Bagniewski
20% of new startups fail within the first year of business. This can be scary for first time entrepreneurs. So, the more prepared small businesses are, the more they can survive especially as it concerns making bold marketing steps which require some upfront investment. That said, here are some ideas to counteract those costs for a new business owner on a tight budget:
- Leverage free platforms – For example, start a free blog, post on LinkedIn, use free webinar services, publish a podcast using free hosting.
2. Barter services – Exchange things like hosting an event or providing content in return for exposure from partnerships.
3.Get sponsorships – Seek sponsorships from vendors/partners to help fund events, ads, giveaways. Offer sponsor visibility.
4. Use DIY options – Design your own simple website, create your own flyers, give free talks at local libraries versus paid venues.
5. Offer packages – Offer bundles and multi-session discounts to incentive larger purchases to increase revenue.
6.Be guest instead of host – Guest blog, speak at other events instead of funding your own. Reduces costs.
7. Tap into your network – Ask connections to share content, provide referrals, submit testimonials, write guest posts.
8. Focus locally first – Start by promoting heavily just within your local community to establish proof of concept.
9. Only invest where needed – Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Prioritize money only where it will derive direct value.
Essentially, the goal is to maximize existing free resources and opportunities where you can exchange services. The aim is to become creative in order to access cost-effective resources until you gain proof of return on investment, then you can increase spending.
Which of the methods have you used? Can you add another method that has proven helpful? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
