“I don’t want to offend somebody.” “I don’t want to be judged.” What are we afraid will happen if we speak up? And WHY don’t we speak out? How can…

In my role as an executive coach, I’ve seen how important it is for people to provide a context for their behaviors. I can understand the pull to react that…

There are plenty of reasons why we may not stand up for ourselves, even when every instinct tells us we deserve to be heard. In my recently published memoir, Reimagined,…

As a talented Marketing Executive and busy mom of three very small children, Shannon Cunningham often asks herself: “what’s next?” And…how do you even begin thinking about what’s next?  It’s…

For well over a year now, West Michigan professional, Tom Blower, and some friends within his network have intentionally gathered with Barbara for guided conversations surrounding whatever the topic of…

In this episode, Barbara welcomes Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber. Listen in as Barbara and Andy tackle the struggle of balancing “Busy work”…

Sara Lachman, like many of us, have certain personality types she is drawn to in work environments. She calls these people her “rocks” – extremely goal-oriented and driven. In this…

Mel Trombley, Director of Leadership Programs at the Grand Rapids Chamber, is a very successful business woman & a community cheerleader. A self-described “Woot! Woot! personality,” she sometimes struggles (or…

Alex and Kayla Benda are go-getters, to say the least. They took their big ideas and grew multiple businesses over the past six years. Managing this, along with trying to…

Our guest, Zach Verhulst, is an experienced architect here in West Michigan.  He is passionate about community and people. Zach has very recently taken on a new positive at Metric…

Today’s episode focuses on the subject of Crisis Management, something many of our listeners have top of mind during this pandemic. Our guest is a communications marketing executive with over…

Our guest is an amazing connector, strategist and cheerleader to so many here in West Michigan.  She is the Principal of Greater Good Partners, LLC. We couldn’t be more thrilled…

In the leadership development programs I facilitate, I am often asked to offer book recommendations. While I have a few favorites that relate specifically to the topic of leadership, I’m…

I was recently exposed to some research conducted by psychologist John Gottman, a nationally recognized expert on marriage and parenting. In marriage, he has identified conversational “bids” (or remarks) that…

 We’ve all been there at one point or another.  Maybe you’re in a team meeting and you have something you’d love to say.  You want to contribute. But something inside…

Last weekend I made a quick stop at Trader Joe’s because I needed something last- minute. I approached the freezer case where two young boys, probably around 11 and 8,…

Last month I took a courageous step and joined a virtual community in which everyone has made a commitment to discover their unique Soul purpose. It is a quest to…

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” Dolly Parton In the leadership programs I conduct for men and women, I’m constantly reminded how…

Most of my coaching practice is focused on helping people get unstuck. Their “stuckness” (as I like to label it) can be about almost anything: deciding to leave a job…

Years ago, when I was in the Sales Training department at Steelcase, Inc., I became friendly with a woman who was a team leader for the western region. Mindy ultimately…

I understand that it is sometimes hard to seek help in a Manager role for fear that you will lose credibility. As in all requests for support or assistance, being…

Employees in every generation have had anxieties about what will be the next stage in their careers. Throughout these generations, there has been at least one constant truth – prolonged…

While you were growing up, did you ever hear an adult say: “Let cooler heads prevail?” As adults, maybe this adage makes more sense than it did when we were…

What’s toxic for one person may simply be an annoyance or disappointment for another. The best way to gauge if a workplace is too toxic for you is to: Re-engage with…

I’m sorry to say that there’s no one right answer. But there is evidence that bosses who are best friends with someone who reports to them (or even elsewhere in…

A frustrating work environment can be when your supervisor simply doles out work and directives to you or your team of experts without any conversation or feedback from those around…

Last year I had the privilege of working with a smart, successful, and tenured Economics professor who intentionally chose to add breadth and depth to her expertise by becoming a…

“Everyone has a story that will break your heart. And, if you’re really paying attention, most people have a story that will bring you to your knees.” – Brené Brown Every…

I recall, a few years ago in a leadership program I was facilitating, that one of the participants expressed a degree of annoyance when someone described their response to a…

“True self-confidence is the courage to be open—to welcome change and new ideas regardless of their source. Real self-confidence is not reflected in a title, an expensive suit, a fancy…