Articles

In the annals of history, tales abound of leaders who, intoxicated by their own power and enamored with their own voices, tragically ignored the sage advice of those around them. From the timeless wisdom of Machiavelli, who understood true intelligence lies in surrounding oneself with astute minds, to the cautionary fable of the Emperor’s New Clothes, where flattery and sycophancy masked stark nakedness, the message remains clear: to shun good counsel is to court catastrophe.

Are Setbacks Stepping Stones to Success?

Last Friday, I found myself engaged in a profound conversation with a seasoned corporate executive about communications, during which the topic shifted to “failing up.” This conversation prompted me to ponder: In a world where success often seems synonymous with flawless execution and unwavering perfection, can failure truly be a catalyst for advancement? Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that failure, far from being a stumbling block, can indeed serve as a springboard to greater heights.

Toxic Teammates: Unlikely Heroes in Disguise?

This morning I woke up to a flurry of emails that got me thinking about toxic teammates. In the landscape of modern workplaces, toxic teammates often evoke images of negativity, discord, and inefficiency. Yet, what if we dared to view these seemingly disruptive forces through a different lens? What if, beneath their abrasive exterior, toxic teammates hold the key to unlocking innovation and growth? Contrary to conventional wisdom, these individuals may be the unsung heroes in our quest for progress.

Redefining Change Management: Embracing Unconventional Wisdom

Recently, I’ve found myself immersed in discussions about change management, yet I can’t help but feel inundated by the same tired clichés and worn-out tropes. Considering this, I’ve taken the opportunity to rethink some of the fundamental principles that guide these conversations. Here are 10 counterintuitive thoughts about change management that leaders may find insightful:

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership dynamics, one term stands out for its divisive connotations: “boss.” As a leader myself, I’ve long harbored an aversion to this term, a sentiment echoed by those who’ve worked under my guidance. To me, being a boss implies a detachment from the team, a focus solely on directives and maintaining the status quo.

Don’t we want to see successful Black women?

In Hollywood, where scripts are dissected and characters scrutinized, there lies a paradox within the narrative landscape: the struggle to portray successful black women authentically without succumbing to tired tropes and stereotypes. Such is the predicament I face with “Sundown.”

A Call for Reflection and Action

In a recent global gathering aimed at fostering understanding and connection among diverse participants, the opening query from the head of diversity, equity, and inclusion was jarring: “Where are all the black people?” The reverberations of this provocative question rippled through the room, leaving many attendees feeling disheartened and marginalized. As a woman of color present at this event, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. This was meant to be a forum for mutual learning and collaboration, not a platform for divisive rhetoric that alienated the majority of attendees hailing from various corners of the globe.

When the news broke, “Nintendo Shipped Switch Consoles by Plane to Meet High Demand,” it got me thinking about the difference between PC Games and Console Games and questioning, which is better and does the difference come down to nothing more than preference?

“You bought a gaming PC?” This time Micah, my know it all nephew, sounded incredulous. “Yes,” I said with a level of excitement in my voice appropriate for being seated in an open office area. “I told you I want to play games, now I can.” At this, he was quiet for a moment before asking, “What games are you going to play?” This was a good question.

In a recent poll, I asked, “How are you using data to drive your media relations strategy?” The responses:

• 50 percent, I’m not,
• 35 percent, I’d like to, but how?
• 15 percent, It’s integral

What’s happening here? 

In a world where a sentiment can be communicated in 140 characters or with the speed of a text or an emoji does voice, speaking to another person on the phone, matter?

Last week a colleague returned from an intake session with a new client. During the conversation, the client said, “I don’t really know what you do. It must be magic.” Although an innocent comment that gave us all a laugh it got me thinking about the art and the often under-appreciated, seldom talked about, science of media relations.