If you consider the research, only about 7% of what we say is interpreted through our actual words.

Everything else is interpreted through our tone, our gestures, our body language, how we move, how we hold ourselves ... and even the cadence and tone of our voice.

So before I share three nonverbal cues that can quietly take away from your ability to influence, I want to start with something I know you’ve heard me say before:

Whatever you’re thinking comes out of your mouth.

In other words .....

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “That was a lost opportunity… I could’ve been more prepared,” please know you are not alone. It happens to even the most capable, high-performing leaders. And yet, those small windows of time (whether it’s a 15-minute 1:1 or a brief hallway conversation with a senior leader) are often the moments that matter most.

They’re the moments that shape your influence, your visibility, and the confidence others have in your leadership.

I’ve been there my...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss, about building a people-first culture that drives real profitability. With an open heart and sharp business sense, Lauren shared how empathy, flexibility, and authentic leadership create not only happier teams—but stronger bottom lines.

Lauren’s leadership journey began in male-dominated industries like restaurants and real estate, but she never let that dim her voic...

Have you ever found yourself in a meeting, presentation, or other high pressure conversation, emotions are running high, and you’re thrown off your game? Whether you’re negotiating a raise, a new role, or to gain buy-in from your leadership, the ability to negotiate under pressure is a vital skill to have in your tool belt. Let’s explore some key strategies from the Fearless Female Leadership framework that can empower you to handle emotionally charged conversations and high-stakes negotiations ...

Delivering Tough Feedback Effectively Across Organizations

In case you missed my LIVE interview with the phenomenal Brenda Hudson (Senior Vice President Commercial Sales, Sales Enablement, Learning and Development at Insight), here are a few of the wisdom gems she shared:  

• Tuck away all the behaviors you’ve experienced that will not exhibit.
• Have grace, honesty, clarity, and compassion.
• Be sure to share ‘why’ you’re sharing the feedback you are.
• Exhibit gratitude for the recipient of the
...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to negotiate when lives are on the line, in deadly hostage stand-offs, with ISIS, or with an armed man with sniper weapons on the National Mall in Washington DC? Sounds terrifying, highly emotional, and exhausting, right?

Grant it that negotiations with your leadership and/or board may not be life or death, but they can be no less exhausting or frustrating when you’re not heard, valued, and respected for your ideas and initiatives.

I’ll be joining FBI and ...