I used to picture innovation as something mysterious that would happen in a scientist’s lab. But after working at a highly innovative company, I have learned that it is quite the opposite. In fact, the process of innovation is straightforward. We plan for it. But first, let’s be clear that creativity and innovation are not the same thing. What is … Read More
Suicide and the Workplace – How to Communicate & Cope
Death by suicide often renders a lot of silence, shame, and regret among family members, friends, and colleagues. Survivors are often left wondering if there was more they could have done to help the person who was suffering. They may ask questions like, “Why did this person do this?” “What if I could have done more?” or “What if I … Read More
4 Leadership Insights from an Entrepreneur
I became an entrepreneur 20 years ago. I was 30 years old at the time and had recently left my career as a medical social worker in order to follow my dream of moving to an island. That move forced me to start my own business. I had both an expertise and a passion for self-care and burnout prevention within … Read More
Live Happier and Healthier: 10 Tips to Reduce Stress
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, stress and stress-related illnesses are on the rise. Stress is so commonplace in our fast-paced society that it seems like a way of life for many. Individuals, workplaces and society as a whole are paying a high price for unmanaged stress. Stress can hit when we least expect it. It is the … Read More
6 Tips to Improving Your Mental Health
“Mental well-being is bigger than the presence or absence of a mental illness. People who live with a mental illness can and do thrive, just as people without a mental illness may experience poor mental health.” Canadian Mental Health Association, 2014 Mental health, like our physical, emotional and spiritual health, is essential to our well-being. Our mental health … Read More
5 Ways to Cultivate Creativity in Life and Work
I believe that all human beings are creative, and that creative thinking is a central part of self-expression. Self-expression is a gift we give ourselves and the world. Creativity, therefore, is at the heart of being fully engaged in life and work. Creativity, like any other skill, can be fostered and developed. Under the right conditions, the muse (creative inspiration) … Read More
4 Ways to Be a More Mindful Leader
I have worked with and for mindful leaders. These individuals have been grounded, insightful, intentional, kind, patient, present, calm and inspiring. I have also worked with and for leaders who have not seemed very mindful and often appeared distracted, lacking in self-awareness, unaware of their impact on others, and reactionary rather than responsive. Are you a mindful leader? What is … Read More
5 Ways to Acknowledge Employees
Wanting to be recognized is a basic human need. As such, to acknowledge and recognize are key human drivers of employee performance and engagement. As a leadership and wellness coach, I have had the privilege of working with many individuals and organizations. I’ve noticed a common coaching topic that emerges in my conversations with clients – either directly or indirectly – … Read More
5 Tips for Delivering Difficult News
Depending on your role at work, there may be times when you are tasked with delivering difficult news to an individual or a group of people. When I look back on my career so far, both as an employee in the early years and as an entrepreneur for the past 15 years, delivering difficult news stands out as some of … Read More
4 Key Dimensions of Self-Care – Take Control of Your Well-Being
What is self-care and why does it matter? Self-care includes all the things you do to take care of your well-being in four key dimensions: your emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health. Self-care is essential for managing stress, preventing burnout and mitigating compassion fatigue – all common occupational hazards for caring, high-performing individuals. Self-care is also important for a sense … Read More
