Some of you may know that I was in Newfoundland earlier this month. It’s a spectacular place (here are some photos). We went on a boat tour south of St. John’s hoping to see both whales and puffins. Before boarding, we noticed a white board that noted the day’s wildlife sightings. Whales weren’t listed. “Oh well,” we thought. Who can control such a thing? Our tour guide further cemented (or anchored?) the message, telling us that whale sightings are only so likely in the middle of August…
human connection
Leadership Reflections: Upon Graduating from the Appalachian Leadership Institute
In the interest of not burying the lead, let me first say I graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) on Wednesday. It’s been quite the journey, one that has taken the better part of the last year to complete. I’ve gone to sessions in six Appalachian states as well as D.C. We learned about community development, economic development, tourism, housing, healthcare, and other issues and opportunities within the region. It’s been the learning and bonding experience of a lifetime! If you have the opportunity to apply to future cohorts, JUST DO IT!
Creating a New “We”: PA Downtown Conference Reflections
I’d like to reflect on the PA Downtown Conference’s opening keynote presentation, which focused on how we can aspire to become a stronger, more unified nation. The speaker, Shaylyn Romney Garrett, co-authored The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do it Again. Her co-author was Robert Putnam, best known for Bowling Alone.
Rolling Into Summer Retreat
This very moment is everything I noticed yesterday that I had “Rolling Into Summer?” (with a question mark at the end) on my calendar for June 1-2. That’s because when I first penciled it in, I wasn’t sure that I would go on to host my first overnight nature retreat. Truth be told, I didn’t […]
In Gratitude of Investment
A friend invested in me in a big way last week. Pam purchased five tickets to the Gremlins in the Woods* workshop that I’m hosting next month. Not only did she invest in herself in registering, but she also invested in her friends…and in me. Pam believes in the value that I provide as a […]
Feeling Alone, then Connected
How the David Bowie Is Exhibit Took Me by Surprise My wife and I visited the Brooklyn Museum for the David Bowie Is exhibition earlier this month. Upon entry to the exhibit, visitors were handed a set of cushy headphones. I slipped mine on and suddenly was immersed in a visual and auditory experience complete […]
My Best Gifts this Year
Most weren’t “things” at all As the year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about the best gifts that I received this year. Four that touch both my personal and professional lives (and which generally involve the idea of “connecting”) are: The gift of nature. I recently took stock of the parks and trails I’ve […]
Collaborations catapult me forward
And make my work a whole lot more fun! Photos by Tori Stipcak of Victoria Irene Photography Most independently-employed consultants are acutely aware of the old saying “two heads are better than one” and a longing for the creative energy that comes along with sharing ideas with coworkers. Even in writing this post, I wish […]
Some year-end inspiration in videos
I thought I’d end the year by sharing some of my favorite videos – ones that inspire me and perhaps will do the same for you. May you love fiercely, choose joy, and go outside to play this coming year! 1. Love Has No Labels PSA This one never gets old! 2. Starling […]
Three Women Living Boldly
It’s women’s history month, and I’m so excited to highlight three women who inspire me in the present. Thanks to Lucia Aguirre, Betty Kripp, and Marissa Paine for taking the time to answer my questions (responses below). First, let me share a bit about each of these women from my own perspective: I first met […]
