As I sit on a ferry, preparing for a week full of facilitating workshops and client meetings, I find myself thinking of ways to add fun into a full schedule. Working as a consultant with clients across Canada, planes, trains and ferries are a regular part of my work travel.  Instead of dreading work trips, I now look forward to…

When I first started working as a consultant, I said yes to everything that came my way. I was hungry (literally and figuratively), building my business and didn’t think I could afford to say no to work, speaking or volunteer opportunities. And then I learned there is more power (and respect) in saying no than in saying yes. In my…

In a world of electronic communications, how often do you receive handwritten letters or cards in the mail? What is your reaction when you find a hand addressed envelope mixed with your bills and junk mail? Are you upset and grumbling or does it bring a smile to your face? I’m expecting you inspect the envelope, look at the return…

I used to brag about being a Type A personality. I equated long work hours as a sign of my productivity. I thought going fast was the key to professional success. Boy was I wrong. It wasn’t until I left the office environment that I discovered the power of going slow at work. It took me 20+ years into my…

Storytelling is a hot topic right now. Where storytelling was once limited to authors, speakers and public relations professionals, it’s now getting the attention and respect it deserves, being used by many professionals to share information on a personal level. As a professional storyteller, I make a living by not only telling stories (through my books and public relations work)…

I’ve been working in and speaking about media relations for over 20 years. In an age of social media and digital communications I’m often asked if media relations still makes a difference. The short answer is YES!! When I started my career as a newspaper editor, the local paper didn’t just deliver news but also connected the community. The stories…