When I played high school volleyball, my coach didn’t save her feedback for the end of the season—because, well, some of us would’ve been hopeless by then. She coached us every day, with encouragement, humor, and a knack for turning mistakes into lessons. Great leaders do the same. They don’t wait for review season—they coach all year long.

Ever felt like the new kid when technology changes at work? I sure did—until our daughter became my unofficial Slack coach. Here’s what that taught me about leading across generations.

I sat down to write about storytelling—and couldn’t think of a story. The irony isn’t lost on me. So instead of forcing one, let’s get to the point: storytelling might just be the most underrated leadership skill you have.

If you’ve led through the past few years, you know “uncertain times” are basically business as usual. Here’s how to lead with clarity when nothing feels clear—so your team stays focused, steady, and moving forward.

The same story can land completely differently depending on who’s in the room. Men and women often bring distinct communication styles—one leaning toward hierarchy, the other toward connection. Great leaders don’t fight this difference; they flex their style, read the room, and adapt to meet the moment.

I’ve been traveling coast to coast teaching one big idea: Great leaders aren’t the hero of the story—they’re the guide. When you step out of the spotlight and equip your team to shine, you don’t just solve today’s challenges—you grow tomorrow’s leaders. Who on your team is ready for their next step?

Trying to lose a few pounds before my high school reunion reminded me a lot of cutting meetings—simple in theory, tricky in practice. Just like food, some meetings are nourishing, and others are pure junk. Put your meetings on a healthy “diet plan” that leaves your team energized instead of bloated.

If you’re stepping into a new leadership role, how you set the tone matters. Here are three practical ways to build credibility right from the start. Donuts are optional—follow-through is required.

Ever joined a project where everyone thought someone else was handling something important… only to find out no one was? That’s what happens when roles and expectations aren’t clear. Suddenly you’re starring in The Mysterious Case of Missing Responsibilities.

Confession time: I’ve trained for half marathons the wrong way. More than once. Turns out, running 30+ miles a week makes you really hungry, and having three pints of beer the night before a half is a big no-no. Here’s what I learned about mistakes, momentum, and making a better plan.

What do you do when you’re in charge, but no one has to listen to you? I learned the answer while leading my church’s auction fundraiser. Here’s how influence—not authority—helps you get people on board (and three ways you can build it).

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about helping people find the answers together. Try this when you don’t know the answer: “I’m not sure yet. Let’s figure it out together.”

My main goal for vacation this year was simple: get a family photo. Not a perfect photo—just one where no one had to yell to make it happen.

Leading isn’t just top-down—it’s also about managing up. Knowing how to communicate with your boss is a key leadership skill. Here are three simple tips that can make a big difference.

Last week, I asked my community for help with a word that seems to send shivers down the spines of my students at Georgia Southern University: feedback. So, I put the question out there: Do you have a better word than feedback? And wow, did you deliver. Read on to learn my new word.

I’m asking for your help: Do you have a better word than “feedback?” Seriously—I need it. I’m gearing up to teach Public Speaking again this fall at Georgia Southern University, and every time I say the word “feedback,” I can practically see my students’ shoulders tighten like they’re bracing for a root canal. Any ideas?

When it comes to learning how to motivate without micromanaging, your quiet trust speaks louder than instructions ever could.

July 2 is halfway day—the perfect moment to pause, take a breath, and reflect on what you’ve planted so far this year and get real about what needs to happen to end the year strong.

In high-pressure moments, teams either come together—or fall apart. During my time at The Ford Plantation, a simple weekly meeting routine helped build the kind of trust that carried us through a crisis. If you lead a team, this one’s for you.

When my mom decided to go back to college when my sisters and I were in middle school, our life turned upside down. The experience was transformational, and we learned more than just life skills.