Latest Blog Article: Culture Transformation for High Performing Teams with Brenda Dysinger, CHRO

Agency Over Worry When Stakes Are High: Three Levers That CreateControl When the Pressure Is On

 

If you’ve ever ‘choked’ during an important conversation, it means that you’re human and that you care deeply about the outcome which is great! What’s not so great is that many times our inability to emotionally regulate robs us of our ability to influence, especially when the stakes are high.  

Here’s a look at my recent closed session at SFVegas for the Rising Stars cohort at Women in Securitization.  The focus was on Clarity, and what I'm about to share works any time of year, especially whe...

Continue Reading...

Be Included in the Rooms That Matter

clarity impact influence Jan 14, 2026
 

Have you ever wanted (and deserved) to be in a room that would immediately add value, expand your visibility and impact ...but you were NOT included?

Maybe you know you’ve earned your way into that room, and it feels like you were purposefully excluded or maybe it was an oversight.

Either way, it can be incredibly frustrating and detrimental to the business.

Here’s the good news. There is a proven process to help you get into the important rooms and ensure your voice is heard, valued, and recognize...

Continue Reading...

Feeling Dismissed by Peers or Leadership? (How to Be Heard)

 

Have you ever walked into a meeting prepared, thoughtful, ready to contribute ... and then left feeling dismissed?

It is incredibly frustrating.

And, I want you to hear this clearly:

Your voice matters. It matters more now than ever.
And you deserve to be heard, valued, and respected in the rooms you are in.

The good news is this does not have to keep happening. There is a proven process to reduce those moments and increase your influence without needing to become louder, sharper, or someone ...

Continue Reading...

Build Influence Without Being Seen as a Threat (Part 1 of 3): Strategic Empathy

clarity emotions influence Oct 06, 2025
 

If you’ve ever shared a strong idea and felt the room tense or held back because you "didn’t want to step on your boss’s toes," you’re not alone. Your voice matters A LOT, so let’s make sure it’s heard, valued, and respected. This series is doing just that while ensuring you are not held back or blocked by being perceived as a threat: Strategic Empathy.

Why “strategic empathy”?

Strategic Empathy isn’t just kindness, it’s preparation.  It shows you understand and care what matters to the person...

Continue Reading...

Get Compensated for What You're Worth (Part 3 of the 3-Part Video Series): "The Power of Practicing Your Ask"

 

Preparation is powerful. But here’s the trap I see so many fall into: they spend all their time practicing the “why” behind their ask… and almost no time practicing the “what.”

When negotiating salary, budget, or new opportunities, leaders will confidently talk about their accomplishments and impact. But when the conversation turns to “So what are your salary expectations?”—their voice changes, their tone drops, and their confidence wavers. Yes, making a bold ask, especially a pecuniary one, is...

Continue Reading...

Get Compensated for What You're Worth (Part 2 of the 3-Part Video Series): "Turning Resistance Into Your Superpower"

 

Have you ever noticed that right when you’re about to ask for something important—like a raise, more resources, or a new opportunity—resistance shows up?

Maybe it’s worry, fear, or imposter syndrome whispering in your ear. Most of us, understandably, see these emotions as negative. . But what if they were actually superpowers in disguise?

Resistance is often our ego’s way of trying to protect us. But instead of fighting it, you can reframe it into wisdom and fuel.

Here’s how:
✔ First, notice t...

Continue Reading...

Get Compensated for What You're Worth (Part 1 of the 3-Part Video Series): "Emotional Regulation: The First Step to Negotiation Success"

 

Many times leaders prepare for negotiations with facts, research, and strategy. Yet they skip the very first—and most crucial—step: emotional regulation.

Without it, even the most confident  ‘ask’ can fall flat.

One client of mine recently received a dream job offer. On paper, it looked incredible. But she knew the offer wasn’t as strong as it could be. The emotion on her mind was ‘worry’. After a five-month search, she was afraid that if she asked for more, she might lose the opportunity alto...

Continue Reading...

Get Compensated for What You're Worth: "Introduction to the 3-Part Video Series"

The research tells us that women get offered less, and rarely try to negotiate compensation packages.

Let’s change that! 

It could be a new role, a bigger salary, additional resources, or even just the chance to lead the next big project. Yet so many leaders—no matter how advanced—feel hesitation, worry, or even imposter syndrome when it comes time to make an ask for what they want and deserve..

That’s why I created this short 3-part video series: “Get Compensated for What You're Worth”

Here...

Continue Reading...

Struggle with the Juggle - an Interview with Laura Butler, Chief People Officer, TTEC

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Laura Butler, Chief People Officer at TTEC, about the realities of leadership, balancing competing priorities, and the evolving role of HR in shaping organizational success.

Laura shared how her parents deeply influenced her path—her father, who instilled the importance of working in service of others, and her mother, who created memorable experiences while raising six children. These lessons inspired Laura...

Continue Reading...

The Imposter’s Gift: Your Inner Critic Might Actually Be Your Ally (Part 3 to the 3-Part Series)

 

What if your imposter feelings weren’t an enemy… but a friend and confidant? Not just a cheerleader—but a wise, honest guide imparting wisdom.

Instead of resisting it, try this:

  • Acknowledge it: “I notice I’m feeling like an imposter—and that’s okay.”
  • Ask: “If this feeling were a trusted friend, what would it say?”

This exercise helps you defuse the shame, mine the wisdom, and access the emotional agility to lead with your full power and heart.

What if your inner critic was really you...

Continue Reading...
1 2 3 4 5 6
Close

97% Complete

Get Our Most Current Mental Toughness Articles, Tips, Tools, Videos and More! 

Emailed directly to you each week ... and all FREE!