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.

The Story Behind Success Strategies (And What’s Coming Next …

I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.

As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.

That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!

Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.

Goal Setting & Achievement

The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.

Discovering Purpose & Passion

Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.

Stress Management & Work Life Balance

The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.

Embracing Change & Personal Growth

Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.

Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building

For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.

Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.

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Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!

Cheers!

Top 12 Places to Donate Your Books

With so many books to choose from, you’ll have the hard part of deciding which one to donate.

On Instagram I shared the hard task of purging my books. I have a million with little or no storage space. But what happened was…. During my purge, I ended up reading and re-claiming books.

I decided to share my work (purge in process), and an interested person asked, “where can you donate books?” I responded briefly but decided to post more here on the blog.

Popular and Unique Places to Donate Books

Local Donation Options

  1. Public Libraries
    • Many libraries accept gently used books for their collections or book sales.
    • Call ahead—they often have specific donation days or guidelines.
  2. Schools & Colleges
    • Especially helpful for children’s books, young adult novels, and textbooks.
    • Contact local principals, librarians, or teachers to ask if they need donations.
  3. Community Centers / YMCA / Local Clubs
    • Often accept books for literacy programs, tutoring, or community libraries.
  4. Hospitals & Nursing Homes
    • They may accept clean, gently used books for waiting rooms or patient use.
  5. Churches / Faith-Based Organizations
    • Great place to donate devotionals, spiritual books, or children’s materials.

Charitable Organizations

  1. Goodwill or Salvation Army
    • Accepts a wide range of books. Proceeds support their employment programs.
  2. Habitat for Humanity ReStores
    • Some locations take books to sell in support of housing projects.
  3. Books for Africa / Books Through Bars / Better World Books
    • Organizations that distribute books to under-served communities locally or globally.
  4. Little Free Library

Online / Specialized Options

  1. Freecycle.org / Buy Nothing Groups (Facebook)
    • Offer books locally for free and connect with those who want them.
  2. Local Prison Programs
    • Many prisons accept paperback books only. Check with local chaplains or nonprofits.
  3. Book Drives / Literacy Nonprofits
    • Check with local literacy organizations or Rotary Clubs—they may be running book drives.

The Power of the In-Between: Leading Through Life’s Transitions

Sometimes God brings times of transition to create transformation. ~Lynn Cowell

Transition is not a sign that something’s gone wrong.
It’s often a sign that something deeply right is trying to emerge.

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, stepping into leadership, returning to yourself after raising children, grieving a loss, starting over, or simply outgrowing who you used to be — you are not lost.

You are in motion.
And motion is sacred.

Transitions Aren’t Detours

So many of us have been taught to treat transitions like detours. Inconveniences. Delays.
But in my experience — and maybe in yours too — transitions are not detours. They are invitations.
Invitations to pause.
To listen.
To lead our lives more deliberately.

There’s a quote I love:

Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried but actually you’ve been planted

So if you’re feeling buried right now — by uncertainty, or fear, or change — know this:
You’re not stuck.
You’re becoming.

Whether it’s career change, motherhood, empty nesting, loss, or reinvention — transitions are not delays. They’re sacred invitations to pause, realign, and step into something deeper.

Who You Are Becoming is Just as Important as What You’re Doing

Our default in transition is to rush into action.
Update the resume. Apply for roles. Rebrand the business. Hustle harder.
But what if the first step wasn’t “What should I do?”
What if it was: “Who am I becoming?”

Because clarity doesn’t come from more motion.
It comes from alignment. From asking:

  • What do I no longer want to carry?
  • What am I being called to step into?
  • What version of me is ready to emerge?

This is your opportunity to shape your next self, not just your next job title, or business pivot, or life chapter.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

One of the hardest things about transitions? They can feel so lonely.
Especially for women who are used to being the strong ones, the fixers, the go-to for everyone else.

But here’s what I want to say to you today:
You are not alone. And you’re not the only one feeling “in between.”

Let this season be one where you ask for help.
Where you find community.
Where you give yourself permission to rebuild — slowly, honestly, bravely.

Because you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
You just have to decide you’re worth the becoming.

Wrapping it Up

So if you’re in transition today — good.
It means you’re alive.
It means something inside you is shifting. Growing. Healing.
Honor that.

You don’t need to go back to who you were.
You are being invited to rise into who you’re becoming.

And I promise — she is worth the wait.

Going through a transition and feeling confused? Let’s connect

Cheers!

Give Her the Gift of Growth This Mother’s Day

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How Can Leaders Take Charge of Limited Resources to Achieve Better Outcomes?

66 Percent of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96 percent of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.

Begin with the end in mind. ~Steven Covey

It was a pleasure to speak on the topic Prioritizing Workloads at the HR and Business Leader’s Council of Florida
Education, Social Impact and Networking event.

A fitting topic as 66% of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96% of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.

As we forge through the new year, it’s statistics like these and the impact on organizational and personal stress that led to the Council’s forward thinking to bring it to the forefront of the business leader’s mind.

How can we prepare? How can leaders take charge of their limited resources to achieve better outcomes?

Covey steered strategists to Begin with the End in mind. 🎯 Prioritizing limited time and resources work wonders. Most of all learn to say ‘No’
to time wasters and set boundaries. 🚫

Suffice it to say, there was much to synergize and Dave & Buster’s Inc.
provided the right space.

It’s time to take charge of your priorities. Stay tuned for more on the Urgent vs. Important Matrix.

Understanding Emotional Exhaustion: 5 Key Signs

Self-care is how you take your power back

Lalah Delia

Long days at work, inability to meet financial needs, household chores, relationship strains. All these can take a toll on us at times. Here are 5 signs associated with burnout. Read and examine each. Then apply it to yourself.

1.Emotional Exhaustion

Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from daily stressors, with persistent mental and physical fatigue.

2.Decreased Performance

Reduced productivity, struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, and experiencing a significant drop in work quality.

3.Detachment and Cynicism

Developing a negative, indifferent, or callous attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities. Feeling disconnected and unmotivated.

4.Physical Symptom

Experiencing frequent headaches, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, weakened immune system, and increased vulnerability to illness.

5.Lack of Work-Life Balance

Feeling constantly preoccupied with work, inability to disconnect, neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities.

Are you experiencing one, two, or a few of these signs? Stay tuned for practical solutions. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com

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!

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

    Goals: Killing me Softly

    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!

    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.

    From Fear to Freedom: Conquering Career Transition Doubts

    Fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the process is its own reward. —Amelia Earhart

    Fear is real. Sometimes it retards us. Most times it’s just in our mind yet causes us to feel stuck, unable to make the move that we desire. Common is the fear to leave a career, change jobs, or reach for that promotion as we question ourselves. So, we stay where we are and before long months turn into years, years into decades and we remain in the same place.

    So what can you do about it? Here is a concise breakdown of career change fears and year-end motivation.

    Why Year-end Triggers Career Reflection

    Common Career Change Fears

    1.Financial Uncertainty

    • Potential income reduction
    • Financial stability risks
    • Fear of economic instability
    • Concerns about supporting family

    2.Identity Loss

    • Defined by current professional role
    • Fear of starting over
    • Loss of established professional status
    • Questioning self-worth

    3. Skill Gap Anxiety

    • Feeling underqualified
    • Learning curve intimidation
    • Self-doubt about adaptability
    • Imposter syndrome

    4.Comfort Zone Resistance

    • Familiar routine feels safe
    • Fear of unknown
    • Risk aversion
    • Psychological safety in current job

    Are you experiencing any of these signs? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Talk with a trusted friend or 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 different start. Conquer those transition doubts.

    Cheers!

    Making Big Decisions: Head Or Heart?

    Decisions. Decisions

    A new year paves the way for ‘change’. As we approach 2025 many of us will make decisions that will impact our lives. Decisions in our entrepreneurship roles, decisions in our relationships, career (stay or go), and in our personal and professional lives.

    The question was asked on social media about decision-making. When making decisions do you make them using your ‘head’ or ‘heart’. Respondents quickly chimed in with 29% preferred ‘head’, while 71% preferred ‘heart’. Decided to break down head decisions vs. heart decisions and analyze their roles and characteristics in decision-making.

    Head Decisions (Rational / Logical)

    1. Characteristics:
    • Based on facts and data
    • Relies on analysis and reasoning
    • Focuses on practical outcomes
    • Uses systematic evaluation
    • Considers long-term consequences
    • Weighs pros and cons objectively
    • Driven by logic and evidence
    1. Best Used For:
    • Financial decisions
    • Business strategies
    • Career choices
    • Investment planning
    • Risk assessment
    • Legal matters
    • Technical problems

    Heart Decisions (Emotional / Intuitive)

    1. Characteristics:
    • Based on feelings and intuition
    • Relies on personal values
    • Focuses on emotional satisfaction
    • Uses gut instincts
    • Considers personal fulfillment
    • Weighs emotional impact
    • Driven by passion and purpose
    1. Best Used For:
    • Personal relationships
    • Creative pursuits
    • Life purpose decisions
    • Value-based choices
    • Personal fulfillment
    • Passion projects
    • Meaningful connections

    Which is Better?

    Neither is “better” – both have their place

    1. Integrated Approach:
    • Best decisions often combine both
    • Head ensures practicality
    • Heart ensures alignment with values
    • Balance creates sustainable choices
    1. Context Matters:
    • Some situations need more logic
    • Others need more emotional intelligence
    • Most benefit from both perspectives
    1. Decision Framework: Best Practice: Use Both
    • Heart: Initial guidance
    • Head: Validation and planning
    • Heart: Final gut check
    1. When to Lean More on Head:
    • High-risk situations
    • Financial commitments
    • Legal matters
    • Complex problems
    • Strategic planning
    1. When to Lean More on Heart:
    • Life purpose decisions
    • Personal relationships
    • Career passion
    • Creative endeavors
    • Value-based choices
    1. Integration Tips:
    • Start with heart to identify what matters
    • Use head to evaluate feasibility
    • Check back with heart for alignment
    • Plan execution with head
    • Monitor satisfaction with heart
    1. Warning Signs: Head-Only Decisions:
    • Feels empty or unfulfilling
    • Lacks personal meaning
    • May lead to regret
    • Could miss opportunities

    Heart-Only Decisions:

    • May be impractical
    • Could be financially risky
    • Might lack sustainability
    • Could be too impulsive

    Real-World Example: Career Change Decision:

    • Heart: Identifies passion and desired impact
    • Head: Evaluates market demand, salary, skills needed
    • Heart: Confirms emotional alignment
    • Head: Creates transition plan
    • Both: Monitor progress and satisfaction

    Recommendation

    1. Use a Balanced Approach:
    • Start with heart to understand what you truly want
    • Use head to evaluate feasibility and plan
    • Check back with heart for alignment
    • Execute with head’s planning
    • Monitor with both heart and head
    1. Decision-Making Process:
    • Identify the type of decision
    • Consider the stakes involved
    • Use appropriate balance of both
    • Create evaluation criteria
    • Make and implement decision
    • Review and adjust as needed
    1. Questions to Ask: Head Questions:
    • What are the facts?
    • What are the risks?
    • What are the long-term consequences?
    • What resources are required?

    Heart Questions:

    • How does this feel?
    • Does this align with my values?
    • Will this bring fulfillment?
    • What does my intuition say?

    Points to Note

    • The best decisions often come from balanced input from both head and heart
    • Different situations require different balances
    • Practice integrating both perspectives
    • Trust both your logic and your intuition
    • Monitor outcomes using both metrics

    So there you have it. A thorough overview of when and how to make decisions with your head and heart. What type of decision-maker are you? Head or Heart? Do share, we would love to hear.

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