Negotiating the requirements of the military is not easy. You may feel disconnected or a lack of control for your future. You face separation from friends and family, uncertainty for the future, exposure to violence, and a risk of injury or death. It is amazing leaders continue to pledge their

I just spent a day and a half with the strong negotiators at Paladin fs, LLC. Like other high performers, they are constantly “sharpening their saw” to improve skills and do that much better negotiating for their clients. These micro meetings or strategic company retreats often bring in subject matter

I had the privilege of spending two days with NAWIC Midwest Region for their conference last week at the request of Barb Allen. We kicked off at Ranken Technical College with a private tour by President Don Pohl and his executive staff. Practical, great education, commitment to student success, plus

My last two weeks have been ones of personal “Grounding.” Grounding is going back to your past to help you move forward in the future. Two weeks ago, I helped coordinate TTPA Family Weekend at my alma mater Texas Tech University Last week I spoke in St. Louis to the

When I was a new lawyer, I was told that you can overcome a weaker argument by researching and preparing more than the others. A deeper understanding approach works in negotiating a sale, making a request to a donor, and resolving a dispute. My friend David M. Schneer, Ph.D./CEO/Author just

Last night, I had the privilege of presenting at the Women ADVOCATE Book Club hosted by the women at Spencer Fane LLP where we discussed my book Ask Outrageously. I was introduced to the event creator Mavish Bana by my friend Tori Levine. Tori was a mentor and advocate from

Remember the opening lines to A Tale of Two Cities? “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Dickens knew that life can be a series of highs and lows. In the fantastic news, my daughter got engaged this weekend to a wonderful guy. Also, you

A good start to dealing with all things leadership is to listen to my friend Bruce W. Waller, CRP, PHR, SHRM-CP’s podcast Life in the Leadership Lane. I’m honored that Bruce interviewed me for his 199Episode. (Yep, you read that right. The man has successfully produced almost 200 episodes.)As you

You’ve just closed a big deal. Maybe you’ve dealt with a challenge or settled dispute. Perhaps you’ve successfully negotiated through a complex situation with multiple parties and moving parts. What happens next? Negotiators have different methods of acknowledging milestones and successful outcomes. Some dealmakers publicly celebrate good outcomes with their

This month has been full of celebrations. None more deserving than yesterday’s recognition by Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus of Maura Gast of Visit Irving. I had the privilege of speaking for the Women in Tourism through the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and we are

Last week, I was inducted into the National Speakers Association’s Hall of Fame. This recognition means a big deal to me. I thought I had prepared for the award’s banquet. I watched videos of past recipients’ acceptance speeches and studied the outfits they wore. Jill Scott and I coordinated travel