Karen’s Articles
What to Say at Conferences When You Have No Idea What to Say
Last week I wrote about Charles, who is a high performer in the sales industry but struggles at trade conferences. In general, Charles spent a lot of time preparing for his sales calls, but he didn’t know how to prepare for the unstructured nature of a conference...
What to Say at a Conference When You Find Conferences Terrifying
When I was coaching Charles, a confident, seasoned sales representative in the competitive healthcare industry, I didn't expect to hear this: “I’m going to a conference next month, and I’m terrified.” Terrified? Of a conference? Charles wasn’t nervous about...
The Power of Showing Up: Why Professional Community Still Matters
When I first started my job search in Boston, I only knew my brother and my friend, Julie. I was counting on Informational Interviews that I had learned about at the University of Virginia to get me in some doors and help me land a job. I wrote about the process here,...
I Won an Award…and Found an Eggplant Casserole
This past winter I perfected an eggplant casserole. And this morning, to my delight, I found one tucked away in the back of the freezer. Woohoo! I know what’s for dinner! As if that weren’t enough excitement for the week, I also received a very big surprise this past...
The Power of Personal Connection in a Digital World
When I graduated from the University of Virginia, there was a recession. But that didn’t change the fact that I needed a job. With a trunk full of hope and my brother Rick’s couch to crash on, I drove to Boston and launched what I hoped would be a strategic and...
Teflon at the Post Office: A Lesson in Leadership and Grace
Today I witnessed how to stay professional and positive, regardless of who you work with. Around lunchtime, I stopped by the post office to get a passport photo taken. Sure, I know there are faster or fancier places, but this stop fit my errand route, and I thought...
Leadership and Purpose: Do Employers Still Go the Extra Mile?
Last night, I was walking home from my neighborhood book club, and my mind was still turning over a conversation we had. We’d just finished The Gown by Jennifer Robson, a work of historical fiction set in post-WWII London. The story follows two seamstresses who...
Leading and Living Your Values via Christiansburg Printing
Growing up in a small town in Southwest Virginia, my father owned a small print shop. This type of business doesn’t exist anymore – with copy machines and online printing, it’s no longer needed. Christiansburg Printing produced booklets, flyers, football programs, and...
Leading By Savoring and Anticipating
I'm currently preparing to deliver one of my favorite presentations, facilitation skills, to a fairly new organization to me. Having previously presented to another group within the same organization, I look forward to their engagement and enthusiasm. The anticipation...
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