Hey Reader, My seven-year-old has decided she's a chef. Cookies, fresh bread, scrambled eggs — if it can be made, she's making it. Her brother has decided he's a food critic. His only note so far is "more." They have a good system. :) Watching her figure out something new, one attempt at a time, is a good reminder for us. You don't always get it right the first time. You just keep showing up until it clicks. That's what we're doing here. Let's get into this week's three things. #1. From My...
8 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I'm trying something new this week on the podcast. In today's episode, you'll hear real voicemails from people dealing with real-life situations. I’m listening to them for the first time live, so you'll hear my unfiltered answers. :) In this episode, you’ll learn: What to say when someone shuts down emotionally How to handle an apology that isn’t accepted (without carrying the weight of it) The exact language to use in hard conversations about money, leadership, and boundaries...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, My daughter taught me a secret handshake this week. It took about four tries to get it right. But somewhere in those four tries I was reminded that communication is much more than words. It's how you show up. When you show up. Whether you put down your mental to-do list and give them your full attention. Presence is a form of communication. Sometimes it's the loudest thing you can give. Let's get into this week's 3 things. #1. From My Inbox: "How do I manage my delivery when...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, This week's guest, Dr. Shadé Zahrai, is one of the loveliest humans I've ever met. She has a PhD in why you can't get out of your own head. I've known Shadé for close to two years, and every time we sit down, she rewires the way I think. In this episode, Shadé and I get into the science of self-doubt, including her on-air "doubt quiz" from her new book Big Trust, where she told me (in front of y'all!), where I crack. Here's what we cover: The five voices of self-doubt Why...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Spring is here and I’ve been enjoying time outside with my kids. This week my son and I dug a hole in the yard. I was surprised how much good conversation can happen when an 8-year-old boy has a shovel and some dirt! This week, I hope you can make some time to get outside and dig into a good conversation too. Here are this week’s 3 things: an inbox question, a communication tip, and something I’m currently loving. #1. From My Inbox: "I love your tips. But, how do I remember what...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I can't tell you how many times I've watched a hard conversation fall apart before it ever gets going. In this week's episode, I'm breaking down the 3 biggest mistakes people make in hard conversations, and how to fix each one. Here’s what’s in this episode: Why "always" and "never" turn any conversation into an argument about accuracy Why the more you explain a "no," the less it sounds like one Why the first seven seconds aren't about your words (and what to do when they go...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I'm headed to Nebraska this week. Apparently it's known as the Tree Planters' State, which is right up my alley. I love trees. They remind me that the best things in life take time and outlive you. Same goes for the work you're putting into better conversations. Alright, let’s get into it. Here are this week’s 3 things: an inbox question, a communication tip, and something I’m currently loving. #1. From My Inbox: “What's the difference between setting a boundary and being...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, This week's guest, Emma Grede, is one of the most charming people I've ever met. She's also someone you don't mess around with. In this episode, Emma and I talk about what it means to be ambitious as a woman, and why she doesn't "watch what she says." Here's what we cover: Why work-life balance is a myth (and what to focus on instead) The "old thought vs. new thought" framework that will shift how you see your career Why imposter syndrome is fake (and how her mom made sure she...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I'll be on tour in Australia and New Zealand this July. Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. Melbourne's first show is already sold out. If you're in the area, grab your tickets now. Here we go. #1. From My Inbox: "How do I communicate with someone who's hurt but refuses to talk about it?" Stop trying to get them to talk. The harder you push, the higher the wall goes. Instead, drop the rope. Your job isn't to get answers now. It's to make it safe to answer later. Swap...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read