Reflections on 2021

I don't know about you, but as I think about the year we just lived through, I noticed something disturbing.  The trends of discouragement, frustration and impatience that has been emerging over the recent past not only continued, but actually escalated -- in the news, on the internet, in Social Media, and certainly in politics.  We live in a mask vs. no mask, vax vs no-vax world, rife with conspiracy theories and lots of complaining.  People seem angrier than ever, as they dig in to their positions.

Meanwhile, I feel more optimistic about the future than ever.  Because I think we've proven that we are stronger than we might have thought.  We learned.  We adapted. We became more flexible; we innovated.  And I believe that portends well for the future.

I have been able to preserve my sense of humor, finding opportunities to laugh at myself and the everyday absurdities that life presents.  I've been able to gain clarity on my core values and chances to demonstrate them in my interactions with others, in my training sessions, and as a facilitator.

Overall, I've become even more grateful for the people and things in my life that are most meaningful.  Surely, I've missed seeing some of those people; I've missed traveling as much as I like, but I have found other things to enjoy and other ways to amuse and entertain myself.

As I think about where my professional life stands right now, I feel so incredibly fortunate.  I get to represent some of the best the world has to offer in my partnerships and affiliations and I am better equipped than ever to support my clients, my community and my network.  I can make a bigger difference and make a bigger impact.

After fifteen years of focusing on personal development, I am still a work in progress, though I feel confident about my ability to lift and celebrate others as they follow their own paths.  My work with global thought leaders over that time, plus my past experiences in a fast-paced, high growth corporate environment have provided me with so many tools, systems, and methodologies to effect positive changes with leaders and those who aspire to leadership.

As a Certified High-Performance Coach, I can support people in virtually any walk of life who want to advance to the next level in their area of focus or expertise.  Using a scientifically proven method that differentiates and emphasizes the mindset, behaviors and habits that make the biggest difference the fastest when it comes to performance, we can improve the joy and confidence and increased engagement that comes from doing - and being - your absolute best.  What a great way to show up in the world!

As a partner with The Wiley Corporation, a global leader in publishing, education, and research, I am certified to facilitate learning among individuals and teams, using state of the art assessments and training programs.  With these tools and programs, I can enable leaders to increase self-awareness, leadership skills, conflict management, emotional intelligence, and the building of cohesive, high performing teams.

And as a member of senior faculty at the Leadership Development Institute, which is part of Eckerd College and affiliated with the Center for Creative Leadership, it is my privilege to facilitate leaders through a development program that has been referred to as a phenomenon and has consistently ranked in the top ten of Leadership Development programs world-wide for many years in a row.  Observing a diverse group of participants over the course of five days and bearing witness to the transformation that occurs is truly one of the privileges of my life.

So, today, as I reflect on 2021 and look forward to 2022, I am truly grateful for the investments I have made in my own personal development over the past fifteen years and the sense of joy and satisfaction that I have been able to derive from helping others, lifting others, celebrating others as they make their own personal, challenge-filled journeys through work and life.

After all, I believe in leadership.  I believe in its ability to transform people.  I believe in the profound impact it can have on people's lives, not just at work, but also at home with their families, their friends and in their communities.  I believe that learning how to lead is a lifelong pursuit and is so worthwhile.  I believe in deliberate leadership, being intentional and purposeful about the decision to lead others and to grow others and to help others.

And these beliefs, along with my core values, allow me to face 2022 with positive intent and optimism.  What about you?  What do you think the future holds?  What’s working for you?  What’s causing pain, fear, or frustration?  Where are you headed, and how can I help you get there faster?