By Deanna Jones Old habits don’t die. They just get better branding. We talk about agility, empowerment, and trust—but many organizations still run on control.It’s just more subtle now.Control hides behind dashboards, endless check-ins, and “alignment” meetings. But the mindset is the same: people need to be managed into performing. That might have worked when […]
It’s Time to Finally Let Go of Command and Control Read More »
By Deanna Jones Every leader says they want to hire the “right person.” Someone passionate, driven, a great culture fit. But too often, we look for the perfect résumé instead of the person whose natural talents align with the work itself. We chase credentials instead of curiosity. Here’s the truth: most people already have what
Stop Searching for Perfect Employees — Start Spotting Hidden Talent Read More »
Diversity isn’t a cost. It’s an investment. Some companies are quietly retreating from their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, spooked by politics, budgets, or backlash. Others are moving in the opposite direction. They understand what the market will soon prove: in a world this unpredictable, doubling down on DEI isn’t moral idealism. It’s strategic foresight.
Why Workplaces Should Be Doubling Down on DEI Read More »
In an age of glossy mission statements and corporate slogans, Suzy Welch’s Becoming You offers a refreshing counterpoint: the key to a thriving workforce isn’t a one-size-fits-all “why” dictated by management, but the unique blend of each individual’s values, aptitudes, and passions. Rather than molding employees to fit a predefined purpose, Welch advocates for workplaces
Unleashing the Individual: A New Era of Work Inspired by Suzy Welch’s Becoming You Read More »
Passion is emerging as a critical yet nuanced factor in the skills-based hiring landscape of 2025. As organizations move away from prioritizing degrees and traditional credentials, the spotlight is shifting toward what candidates can do—and increasingly, whether they genuinely care about the work they are doing. Employers who succeed in blending demonstrated skills with authentic
Skills Will Get You Hired. Passion Will Keep You Thriving. Read More »
Sometimes the most challenging part of change isn’t the leap itself—it’s asking the right question before you leap. In Designing Your Life, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans offer three simple but profound questions: On paper, they seem too simple. But in practice, they can reframe your entire life and your work. They did for me.
Three Questions That Can Redesign Your Life Read More »
Managers are skilled at finding mistakes. They notice when numbers slip, deadlines are missed, or performance lags. But here’s the question we rarely ask: what would change if leaders were trained to catch joy instead? Noticing joy is not about pretending work is easy or carefree. It’s about paying attention to the moments that show
Do You Catch Your Employees Having Joy? Read More »
Here we are once more, handed another word to label the workforce mood. Job-hugging. Sounds gentle, protective. But peel back the cover, and it rings clear: disengagement disguised as refusal to let go. It’s not comfort. It’s fear. I’ve stood in that hush. In jobs where nobody ever asked what stirred my curiosity, what ideas
Job Hugging: When Holding On Becomes a Signal, Not a Shrug Read More »
As president of the Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber and as a consultant focused on inclusion, I’ve seen how politics have reshaped the events industry. Hosting a conference isn’t just about booking a ballroom anymore—it’s about safeguarding the dignity and safety of every person who walks through the door. In 2025, federal and state rollbacks
When Politics Meets the Events Industry: Why Location Matters More Than Ever Read More »
Somewhere between childhood dreams and adult responsibilities, many of us lose touch with the things that once made us feel alive. We get practical. We get busy. And little by little, we drift away from the moments that brought us joy. If you’ve ever looked up and realized you’re just going through the motions, you’re
Finding Your Way Back to What Lights You Up Read More »
