This past week, my conversations with two newly retired business leaders got my Emily-brain whirring. Both had long, respected careers—but one is struggling with identity and usefulness, while the other is energized by authentic connections that outlasted his title.

The difference? Transactional vs. non-transactional relationships. My musing: if the tilt isn’t balanced toward the non-reciprocal, our later years may be more fraught.

Three voices — a DEI leader, a writer, and a poet — reminded me that it’s okay to feel our pain. Even when life feels heavy, naming the hurt, honoring the heart, and leaning on others can help us move forward.

Turning 64 got me thinking—not just about birthdays, but about life, death, and what it really means to feel alive. Inspired by a thought-provoking essay, a bold TV series, and a simple gift from my sons, this post explores how paying attention to ordinary moments can help us live with aliveness—no bucket list required.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets—it’s for your network, too. Whether you’re in career transition or simply looking to refresh connections, now’s the perfect time to rethink your community. In this post, I share a simple three-step formula for networking success—plus practical tips to make it feel authentic and doable.

Ever felt like something’s missing but can’t name what? You might be experiencing ambiguous loss—a grief without clear closure that many of us are feeling right now. In this post, I unpack what it means, why it’s so hard, and three ways to navigate the uncertainty with resilience, reflection, and intentional action.

When life feels out of control, one thing that helps is reconnecting—with intention. In this post, I share the three ‘people buckets’ that guide me: my Peeps, Uncharted Connections, and Business Allies. Each brings something unique to our lives, and when nurtured with care, they make the world feel a little less overwhelming.

Some days, the usual career tips just don’t feel right—today is one of those days. Instead, I’m turning the question to you: How are you, really? When was the last time you paused to ask yourself that? In this post, I share why making space for that reflection matters—and invite you to join me for a real conversation.”

As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on an image from childhood: The Little Engine That Could. It’s a reminder that while determination matters, none of us climbs life’s big hills alone - we need champions and challengers by our side. In this post, I share why this season is the perfect time to imagine what’s possible and ask yourself three powerful questions for the year ahead.

Thanksgiving invites gratitude - but this year, I’m also leaning into something just as powerful: resilience. Psychologists define it as adapting well in the face of adversity, and the good news is, resilience can be learned. In this post, I share practical tools to help you strengthen your resiliency muscle and find hope even when the world feels uncertain.

When the world feels overwhelming, what anchors us? Our values. They remind us of who we are, give us courage in uncertain times, and guide us through life’s hardest moments. In this post, I share how reconnecting with my core values—Autonomy, Authenticity, and Connection—helped me find hope when I wasn’t feeling very hopeful. Plus, a simple activity to help you uncover your own.

Summer’s over, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. But when it comes to career, growth, or post-career planning, who is in your network matters just as much as how you network.

Discover a fresh way to think about your connections—and make your community work for you.

Time moves fast—and sometimes, so do our intentions. Before this season fades, what’s one thing you want to make space for that truly matters to you?

A year ago, I made a decision that changed everything: I hired a business coach. It felt scary, vulnerable—even cry-worthy. But what I learned is this: the “go-it-alone” myth can hold us back more than we realize.

Curious why letting others in is so powerful—and how it can help you grow? Then keep reading…

At a recent workshop, I closed with a quote that stopped the room in its tracks: “What is standing backstage, in the wings of my life, waiting to make its entrance?”

It’s a powerful question—one that challenges and inspires us to look at what’s next.

Spring is all about growth—but what about your mindset? Are you operating from a fixed mindset (“This is just how I am”) or a growth mindset (“I can learn and improve”)? One simple shift can change how you face challenges and setbacks.

Curious which mindset you default to—and how to start thriving?