Insights
Insights about life and leadership written for curious and courageous leaders
Trust Is Infrastructure: What the Happiest Country on Earth Teaches Leaders
In March 2026, Finland was named the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year. I have a double stake in that news. I serve as the Honorary Consul of Finland for Washington, Montana and Idaho, and I have spent more than two decades coaching executives and teams
Your values list is not your values
I just shocked my client when I told her that “Your values list is not your values.” I typically ask my clients to explore their values in the beginning of our coaching relationship and share them with me. Most of them share a list of virtues or aspirations. Honesty. Integrity.
Nice Leadership Has a Cost. Here Is How to Count It.
Most leaders who fall into the niceness trap do not realize they are falling. The fall is gradual, and at every step it feels like the sensible choice. You soften the feedback a little because this is not the right moment. You do not raise the concern in the meeting
More Joy For All Women
The Sensibilities of Sensuality – Experiencing Joy of Life Take a moment and think back of your day today. Recall a moment when you felt the happiest? If there wasn’t such a moment today, think of one earlier this week… or month or year… Maybe it is right now? What
Live and Lead Fascinated!
Sometimes curious things happen. Like being interviewed for a fascinating program called “Creative Life”. The award-winning host of Creative Life, co-founder of the American Creativity Association, lawyer and author Philomena (Phyllis) Blees became fascinated about my motto “Live and Lead Fascinated!” – and we had a short conversation about it
The 6 Conditions That Drive Innovation
Innovation is not only interesting, it’s crucial for business growth. Peter Drucker said that “Business has only two functions: marketing and innovating.” Teams in companies all around the world are required to be “innovative.” However, this is easier said than done. While the human element of the innovation process is the most
3 Leadership Characteristics That Will Drive Your Innovation – Even During The Times of COVID-19
Article published in Real Leaders, written by Kristiina Hiukka The proverbial wisdom says that “you can have all the riches and success in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.” Right now, everything hinges on our health. Our work, our wealth, our future. As the
Playbook For Life
Getting to college is a big deal. Then, you are in, and you expected to make sense of it all. There are so many choices and decisions. And all of them feel like your life depends on them… or at least that the rest of your life is impacted by
Innovativeness sustains innovation
The emotional rollercoaster of an #entrepreneur – especially that of a #startup leader – can determine whether the venture either flourishes or withers. I had an opportunity to present for the #UniversityofWashington #CoMotion #StartUpFundamentals series my “6C model” of #innovativeness – what keeps the flame of #innovation burning, without burning