Stop saying ‘um’—here’s how to sound more ‘eloquent and decisive’
As a communication coach with over 20 years of experience, and the CEO of a communications training firm, there are few words I dread hearing more than “um.” It’s a useless sound, and if used too frequently, it can adversely affect how people see you. In fact, research shows that when fast talkers produce a […]
Stop saying ‘I’ve been there’ when empathizing with others: Do this instead
As a journalist, a media executive and a communication coach, I’ve spent my entire career focused on helping people communicate what’s important to them One thing I’ve noticed: When it comes to empathizing with someone sharing a personal struggle — whether it’s the trials of a troublesome teenager or losing a job — many of […]
The right way to respond to a compliment in 3 simple steps
Has anyone ever told you, “Great job!” or “That was impressive!” — only for you to respond with, “I got lucky,” or “It was nothing!” If you’re downplaying your accomplishments at work, you’re potentially sabotaging your career. Outside the office, you might be undermining your relationships. As the CEO of Soulcast Media and a global […]
I published my first book at 38—how I changed careers to do it
Once upon a time, before I ever gave any serious thought to becoming an author, I was a recruiter. Then I was an HR manager, resume writer, career advice columnist, and career coach. For the most part, I really enjoyed it. Helping others find jobs they love, or at least like, is incredibly rewarding. But […]
I study happiness for a living—4 parenting lessons for raising happy kids
I’ve always looked forward to Mother’s Day. I embrace it as a useful reminder to pause in the tumult of everyday life, to reflect lovingly and thankfully about my mother — and the mother figures in my life — and to tell them how important they are to me. I’m fortunate enough to be both […]
This common issue can lead to a fear of success
I started working in finance as a bank teller when I was 21 years old. Surrounded by ambitious colleagues and wealthy clients, I was inspired to take more control of my money. I learned everything I could, picking up books about financial education, building my credit and focusing on my savings. I did not grow […]
6 ways to answer ‘How are you?’ when you’re absolutely not ‘fine’
Unprecedented times are starting to feel like the new normal. With stocks falling and the threat of a recession looming, many of us are struggling. No one is untouched, whether you’re trying to lead a team through uncertain conditions, agonizing about whether your retirement funds could disappear, or worrying about your job security. What we […]
I’ve spent 10 years studying how to age slower—the overlooked thing I do to stay younger and healthy
As a plastic surgeon, my job involves many kinds of so-called anti-aging procedures. But while they may make you look younger, the cells in your body won’t function the way younger cells do. That’s why I’ve spent thousands of hours over the past 10 years learning about a way of treating patients that I was […]
How to manage emotions that can sabotage you during salary negotiation
On the surface, salary negotiations seem to be about money and benefits, and most of us approach them that way. We limit ourselves to thinking about what we want in terms of dollars, perks, and packages. But as a negotiations professor and coach for almost 20 years, I know that for most of us, salary […]
How to ease into a satisfying retirement life
My research team at Harvard Business School and I spent a decade interviewing people to uncover the psychological, relational and life restructuring challenges of retiring — and how best to navigate them. We discovered that identity issues can loom large for people. That’s especially true in the early phases of retiring, when they grapple with […]