Why Most Stress Advice Fails Leaders

Let’s be honest—most stress management advice feels like it was written by someone who’s never had to fire an underperformer, handle a really angry customer, or manage up to a difficult boss while keeping their team motivated.   Leadership stress is different.   Usually, you can’t “just take a mental health day” when your team is counting on you.…

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The “No Problem” Problem

What’s the hidden cost of “No Problem”?   I was rushing to pack up after a speaking engagement at a conference when I realized I needed a late checkout. The Scottsdale hotel had been stellar all weekend, so I called the front desk with confidence.   “Hi, this is JoAnna Brandi in room 352. I’m speaking…

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Beyond Perks

Can you move beyond to perks to create a mentally healthy culture now?   May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve been reflecting on a powerful insight from workplace culture expert Catherine Mattice who said “Good perks can’t fix a bad culture.”   This resonates deeply with me, especially in light of recent research from Michael…

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Navigating the biz wilderness today?

WOW! We’re living in what the experts call a BANI world.   That’s Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible. Whoa! Sounds like your life?   Our systems are as brittle as a stale cookie. (Remember those supply chain meltdowns?)   Workplace anxiety is so thick you could cut it with a knife.     Everything’s non-linear – meaning small…

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