SUCCESS – Success Strategies

Elevate Your Leadership: Key Questions to Shape 2026

Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakens. ~Carl Jung

As the year closes, the most effective leaders are the ones who pause long enough to evaluate, realign, and elevate. These 12 questions are designed to help you step confidently into 2026 with clarity, courage, and intention.

Take a moment to reflect on each. Use them to guide your vision, your team, and your next level of growth. Strong leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through awareness, alignment, and action.

Reflection Questions

1. What are my top 3 leadership wins from 2025?

2. What drained my energy this year, and why?

3. What habits strengthened my leadership?

4. What habits weakened it?

5. What opportunities did I ignore that I should revisit?

6. What does success look like for me in 2026?

7. What limiting belief must I leave behind?

8. Who do I need to become next year?

9. What relationships do I need to nurture?

10. What boundaries do I need to create?

11. What skills must I develop or sharpen?

12. What is ONE bold move I will take before Jan. 31?

If you’d like support creating a strategic leadership plan for the new year, join the year-end and January coaching sessions. This is designed for leaders in transition and professionals preparing for a stronger 2026.

What will you do differently next year? Which question resonated with you the most? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Setting Goals: Key to Overcoming Crises

Together we Grow

Ann, a historian and extreme planner, had an adventurous time touring Greece with her husband. During the trip, she shared photos of places she had learned in her undergraduate program. As they began their return trip, civil unrest occurred blocking all flights to leave Turkey, cruise and all. Quick decision, they decided to get out of the country whichever way they could. Both landed in Paris, only to be separated to get back home to the USA. Separation was a non-issue. Their goal was to return safely to their two kids waiting back home.

Times of Crises

There are times of crises as in Ann’s case. But most often we do have opportunities to plan ahead. Financiers will preach that we should plan for times of crises too.

Why is it important to set goals? Because if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. Where you will end up, who knows? That’s when you will just have to go with the flow.

Goalsetting is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus

So why do we need to set goals? Because setting goals is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus.

That’s the reason it a pleasure to facilitate the writing process with authors. The event was held at the Broward County’s West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida. This session focused on Writers Goal Setting for 2026 books through the Writers Group of South Florida.

If you are an aspiring author, or are ready to take your leadership to the next level and need a copy of the Goal-Setting guide, connect to get yours today. Leadership Assessment also available.

Not an author but ready to take your leadership to the next level through setting your 2026 goals, let’s chat. Referrals are warmly welcomed.

Cheers!

How Can A Business Owner Overcome Fear of Marketing? 4 Steps-To-Success

Overcome Marketing Fear

At a networking event, a bold Networker spoke about her reluctance to use social media. She was hesitant about using it. She asked herself “why not enroll into a social media class?

How can a business owner overcome this fear? This is a powerful and timely question especially as we get close to the peak of the biggest holiday season. Most business owners are confident in their work but hesitant about visibility.

4 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Marketing as a Business Owner

Many business owners love what they do but freeze when it’s time to promote their work. They fear sounding “salesy,” being judged, or stepping into the spotlight. Yet, marketing isn’t about ego, it’s about service and connection. Here are some tips to negate that fear.

Reframe “marketing” as “helping.”

Marketing is simply communicating the value of what you offer to people who need it. When you shift from “selling” to “serving,” fear loses its grip.
Ask yourself: Who needs this solution? How can I make it easier for them to find me?

Start with authenticity, not perfection.

You don’t need perfect videos, fancy funnels, or flawless captions. You just need a clear message and consistency. Share your why, your story, and the transformation you help others achieve. Authenticity builds trust faster than polished perfection.

Use your strengths.

If writing comes naturally, blog or post.
If you’re a people person, go live or network.
If you’re visual, create short reels or carousel posts.
Play to your natural communication style instead of forcing what feels unnatural.

Build confidence through small wins.

Set simple, repeatable goals, one post a week, one short video, one client testimonial shared. Every time you take action, your comfort zone expands.

Get coached through the fear.

A leadership or business coach can help you uncover the root cause of your fear. Whether it’s fear of rejection, comparison, or visibility and replace it with confidence and clarity.

Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.

Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.

Remember:
As with the business owner we spoke about, she learnedd that she did not have to love marketing, she just needed to see it as part of her leadership. She did and was happy to shout the benefits.

Remember, your voice, your story, and your offer could be the answer someone is praying for. Don’t let fear keep you silent.

Have you been hesitant to step out and share your work? Do share. We would love to hear.

Need help to make the move? Attend GreenLight Leadership Coaching Workshop

Cheers!

Why Smart Leaders Get Stuck at Crossroads & How to Move Forward

Spooky Leadership: 3 Frights That Haunt the Workplace (and How to Fix Them) …

Spooky Leadership

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

As the spooky season approaches, it’s not just ghosts and goblins giving people chills. Sometimes leadership habits can be downright spooky!

1. The Invisible Leader

Disappears when the team needs them most. No feedback, no presence, just crickets.

FIX: Show up. Visibility builds trust. A simple check-in can turn uncertainty into motivation.

2.The Zombie Communicator

Repeats the same messages with no real emotion or connection. Team meetings feel lifeless.

FIX: Revive communication! Be intentional, listen actively, and personalize your message.

3.The Vampire of Ideas

Sucks up all the credit and leaves others drained. Recognition? Nowhere in sight.

FIX: Share the spotlight. Empower your team and celebrate contributions publicly.

This season, take a moment to unmask your leadership style. Make sure you are not the one haunting your workplace and if you are, let’s connect to clear the spookiness.

Are there thoughts you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Empowering Quotes for Entrepreneurs: Fuel Your Journey

Start by doing what’s necessary l; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible. ~St. Francis of Assisi

Starting something new takes courage. Whether it’s launching a business, chasing a career dream, or stepping into the unknown, the journey can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Fear, doubt, and challenges often show up uninvited, tempting us to give up before we’ve even begun.

That’s exactly why I created my newest book, 101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs.

This isn’t just another quote collection. It’s a daily dose of encouragement designed to remind you that setbacks are temporary, obstacles are stepping stones, and success is possible when you keep moving forward.

Why This Book Matters

Every entrepreneur and dreamer knows the reality: there will be days when you question yourself. This book is here for those exact moments—when you need that spark to reignite your drive.

Inside, you’ll discover:
✨ Quotes that challenge fear and fuel confidence
✨ Encouragement to push through hard days and keep showing up
✨ Wisdom from timeless voices that inspire resilience and growth

Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a new career path, or simply in need of a reminder to keep going, these words of encouragement will meet you where you are.

Pre-Order Your Copy Now

101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs will be available September 29, but you can pre-order your copy now!

Here’s how you can support and spread empowerment:

Order your copy today and be among the first to receive it.
Leave a review once you’ve read it—your feedback encourages others to join the journey.
Gift a copy (or two!) to the entrepreneurs, creators, and go-getters in your life who could use a reminder that giving up is never an option.

Final Thoughts

Dreams are built one step at a time. Challenges are part of the process. And sometimes, all you need is the right word at the right time to keep moving forward.

This book is that reminder.

Don’t wait—101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs now. Join me in fueling a movement of empowered entrepreneurs who choose courage over fear and persistence over giving up.

6 Thinking Traps Holding You Back

You can’t grow without letting go. ~Unknown

Gaps in your thinking traps your personal, business, or career Growth. Here are 6 reasons.

6 Reasons Your Thinking Traps Your Growth

The Knowledge Gap: I don’t know how to grow
The timing Gap: It’s not the Right time
The Mistake Gap: I’m afraid of making mistakes
The Perfectionist Gap: I have to find the best way before I start
The lack of Inspiration Gap: I don’t feel like doing it
The Comparison Gap: Others are better than me

Which one, two or more do you identify with? Think about it and share. We can’t wait to hear.

Cheers!

_{Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com}

That Wretched Performance Improvement Plan As Leadership Changes

THAT WRETCHED PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

It’s a devil. I tell you it’s the devil! You work hard. Achieve great results and are applauded for your contribution.

Then a change in leadership! Things go haywire. Goals are thwarted. Messages are confusing. Leaders don’t explain. Midst the changes, the transition in process becomes the focus backed by mixed signals.

Then comes the inevitable performance drop. A lack of clarity, missed communication. Performance improvement plan rears its ugly head. A strong performer, an all star becomes the targeted.

Where did things go wrong?

Ever experienced it? Let’s talk.

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.

What’s The Perfect Door Prize? 21 Gift Ideas for Networking Events That Shine

Show up. Let yourself be seen. ~Brene Brown

What’s a networking event without door prizes? Boring (smile). So, event organizers encourage gifts. They are a simple yet powerful way to boost engagement, excitement, and attendance at networking events. They create a sense of the anticipation and fun, making the event more memorable for participants. Door prizes also encourage people to arrive on time, stay longer, and interact more freely with others. Besides entertainment, they offer a subtle marketing opportunity for sponsors, hosts, or businesses to showcase their products or services in a positive light.

The PSL Business Club asked the question: “What is the Perfect door prize to give away at networking events?” Members chimed in. Some suggested giving what you would like to receive. Others suggested giving away high-end gifts that will make you the talk of the event. Gift these over several periods and you’re sure to leave a lasting memory. Here I share key gift ideas extracted as members chimed in.

Gifts That Shine

Wellness bundle energy drinks
Journal, fun pen, small devotional or motivational card set
Cute mugs which says “let’s connect over coffee”
Pair a small gift care ($10-$15) with a handwritten note or business card enclosing a product sample
Branded item that’s actually helpful
Gift cards to local restaurants.
Something useful like Coffee gift cards
Wine or Vodka
Dark chocolate and a gift card or voucher to try branded services
Cool shirt
Stanley or Yeti cup
Gift baskets
Branded swag bundle from the host company
Branded items or one/two from local businesses or gift certificates
Candy
Homemade cookies
Hand-painted items
Chocolates from a chocolatier
Beach accessories
Fun items that’s non-business related
Dot card… to make sharing information easier at networking event

High-End Gifts

Higher end gifts creates a lasting memory of your brand. Such gifts are:

Massage or Spa packages
Weekend getaway at hotel
Dinner for two at a high-end/classy restaurant
Tickets to a concert/play

There you have it! Here’s hoping it takes the guess work out of your gift giving when attending your next event.

Life Or Lipstick?

You are just one decision from a totally different life. ~Wilfred A. Peterson

Life or lipstick? Silly question. I was driving when I looked in the mirror and saw ‘dry lips’. If you know me well, I don’t like to go anywhere without my lipstick or some color on my lips.

Immediately I began rummaging in my handbag. One hand on the steering wheel and the other attempting to do a deep dive (women’s handbag).

Suddenly I realized my foolery and said to myself life or lipstick? That immediately put things in perspective.

Haven’t we all made some decisions that when we look back at the short term benefits did not make any sense?

Sometimes you make the right decision. Sometimes you make the decision, right. ~ Phillip C. McGraw

Life Choices

Why would I choose lipstick over my life?
Why would you quit a job without having another source of income?
Why would you stay in a relationship that’s harmful? After all you’re not even married?
Why would you start a business without a plan? Without capital?
Why would your health not be considered during food consumption

We could go on and on. Let’s choose to be wise about the decisions we make and their effect on life.

The quality of your life is built on the quality of your decisions

Have an important decision to make? Think it over closely. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk it over with a confidante or leadership coach.

Cheers!

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!

Reflection Questions

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Times of Crises

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4 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Marketing as a Business Owner

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Subscribe to continue reading

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1. The Invisible Leader

2.The Zombie Communicator

3.The Vampire of Ideas

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Why This Book Matters

Pre-Order Your Copy Now

Final Thoughts

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6 Reasons Your Thinking Traps Your Growth

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1.Clarity is Powerful

2. Patience Enables Progress

3. Individual Strengths Matter

4. Structure Creates Freedom

5. Passion Inspires Performance

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Gifts That Shine

High-End Gifts

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Life Choices

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Transitions Aren’t Detours

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

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Wrapping it Up

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