By Candice Thompson, Senior Communications Consultant Every week, I sit with leaders who are exposed to powerful ideas — in coaching sessions, strategy conversations, and development programs. And almost every week, I watch the same pattern unfold. A concept lands. A...
When I think about what a high‑trust leader looks like in real life, I think of Dr. Naida Rutherford. She is the embodiment of these principles — a powerful motivational speaker and a dear friend who leads with clarity, courage, and compassion. I’ve watched her...
As 2025 winds down, it’s time to pause, breathe, and honor the journey. This season isn’t just about closing the books — it’s about celebrating the wins and setting intentions for 2026 to unfold with power, purpose, and passion. A practice for balance: Grab a single...
As leaders, we love our buzzwords. But the truth is that our team often hears something very different than what we intend. Here are a few examples: “Let’s be agile” What we mean: “Let’s stay flexible and responsive.” What they hear: “We’re changing everything again.”...
Too many presentations fade out when they should crescendo. You’ve built momentum, delivered insight, and then… “Any questions?” The energy drops. The message blurs. The moment passes. Here’s what I teach leaders and speakers: Never end on Q&A. Instead,...
If you’re waiting for someone to notice your impact, you might be waiting a long time. Visibility isn’t vanity—it’s strategy. It’s how leaders build trust, influence, and opportunity. Here are 7 simple, high-impact ways to raise your visibility starting today: Polish...
You’ve made a mistake—good. That means you’re human. Now let’s get to work. Maybe you missed a deadline or made a tone-deaf comment. Maybe you made a leadership decision that didn’t land the way you hoped. Even the best leaders stumble! What happens after is what...
You don’t need a $5,000 suit to make a $5,000 impression. You need intention. Whether you're walking into a boardroom, stepping onto a stage, or leading a high-stakes conversation, your appearance speaks before you do. This might be an unpopular opinion, but in...
Here’s the truth—people don’t need a lot of your time. But they need 60 seconds of your uninterrupted time. That’s what I call a human moment. It’s the moment when you put your phone down. When you stop glancing at the text. When you stop performing and start...