Order my USA TODAY Bestselling book: toxicgrit.com TOXIC GRIT: How to have it all and (actually) love what you have. It will help you create a new approach to ambition and find space for all the diverse parts of yourself. Join 75K+ others who read my newsletter 🧩 Life's a Game at amandagoetz.com. It’s full of free tips to play the game of life at a whole new level. In 2018 I found myself at the height of my marketing career with 3 kids under the age of 4 and filing for divorce. In a world telling me to find alignment......I realized that was impossible. The work version of me didn't want to leave early to go be with the kiddos. The mom version of me didn't want to miss a moment with them. I wanted to be fiercely independent and yet also wanted to find love again. Other versions of me didn't want to feel responsible for anything or anyone. This diversity within me led to the creation of my Character Theory Framework. This framework helped me to create space for the 10 characters that make up the movie of your life:  The CEO → wants to pursue big goalsThe Partner → desires companionship  The Soloist → cares about personal growth and development The Caregiver → deep desire to take care of others and show up for themThe Goddess → wants to be desired and pursue pleasure  The Lazy One → loves to couch rot, no goals whatsoever The Socialite → values connection The Creative → desires creation and creativity The Doctor → your inner health &amp; wellness character The Explorer → craves novelty And it helped me. I was able to let go of the idea of balance and give permission for hierarchy, boundaries and the transition sequences necessary to embody these diverse characters. So I put it all in a book and it was an instant best seller!! I'm so excited for you to create space for all parts of you and to see ambition as multi-dimensional. Follow me here for advice as I build a multi-hyphenate life as a CMO, Author, Mom of 3 and getting married again. 

Amanda Goetz

I took a month from posting to really sit with myself and think about what I wanted for 2026. Here’s why….

I spent a lot of the last year in survival mode. 
After a divorce with 3 small kids I was always proving. Pushing. Needing to provide for my family. 

But now I’m on stable ground and yet my nervous system hasn’t caught up. I still feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

That I need to prove I’m worthy. 
That I need to prove I’m smart. 
That I need to prove why I’m here. 

So this year my word is ENOUGH. 

And I’m going to spend the year learning what enough looks like. 

To be enough. 
To earn enough. 
To do enough. 

I love my new CMO role. 
I have a new exciting writing project this year. 
I’m hosting season 2 of the Girlboss podcast. 
And my weekly newsletter is a constant creative outlet. 

That’s enough. 

More isn’t always better. 

So if you are also planning to drive the speed limit in 2026 - follow along here as I’ll be sharing what I’m doing and learning along th way.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Toxic Grit | 2x Founder (acquired) 5x CMO | Mom x3 | Keynote Speaker | Subscribe ➡️ 🧩 Life’s a Game Newsletter

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I’ve been struggling with 2 things lately:

1) it’s clear that when I spend less time on social media, my mind is clearer and I can write from a place of curiosity and purpose. 

But then when I contribute to social media I feel like I’m feeding the beast that is stealing our curiousity and clarity. 

2) The loss of social from the media. 

The closer I got to big creators, the more I found out about the “teams” behind their posts and replies. I can also clearly tell when someone is using AI to reply to posts. 

So what are we actually doing here? 

The point is to connect and inspire. To evoke thoughts and inject nuance into conversations. To drive awareness to things that people may not see from their seat in this world. 

Anyway….if I’ve been a little MIA on here it’s because of these thoughts. 

I deeply crave meaningful conversations and I am trying to find the right medium to having them.

Another great episode of Ambition 2.0 with @girlboss and Malissa Clark 

Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts!

🗣️ Repeat after us: You can love your job and still be a workaholic.

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Amanda Goetz sits down with Malissa Clark, a professor at the University of Georgia, Director of the Healthy Work Lab, and author of Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, to break down what workaholism can look like in real life (spoiler: it’s not just about working long hours). 

They get into the sneaky “working light” tasks that we tell ourselves don’t count as work (like sending emails while watching TV or checking Slack between errands), how leaders accidentally create always-on teams, and so much more. 

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eKd9rtCv 

💻 Or watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eRqNjSN6

Continuing on my journey of “enough” - it’s important you plan your work around your life. Not the other way around. 

I approach my yearly planning the same way I approach building a marketing calendar as a CMO. 

I slice the calendar in 4 ways:

- Annual tentpoles & events
- Quarterly launches
- Monthly beats
- Weekly non-negotiables

Reminder: Use this link to get your 🧩 Life's a Game Planning calendar. ⬇️⬇️

Open article: 🧩 Life's a Game: Your 2026 Game Plan by amandagoetz.kit.com

Today’s newsletter has already gotten more replies than I normally get. I think this topic resonates…

Check it out and let me know. ⬇️

https://lnkd.in/eHCRCS4b

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Loved this convo with Alexa von Tobel - check it out and let me know what you think!

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Alexa von Tobel—the founder of LearnVest (where she raised $75M and successfully sold it to Northwestern Mutual) and current founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital—to unpack the resilient mindset that has shaped her successful career, from founder to venture-capital veteran.

Alexa dropped out of Harvard Business School and poured her life savings into LearnVest, a multimillion-dollar business idea—despite warnings from nearly everyone around her that she was making a big mistake. She did it in the middle of the 2008 economic recession, no less.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode, now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 

https://lnkd.in/eq-wEGjd

Open video: From Harvard Dropout to VC Powerhouse: How to Bet on Yourself with Alexa von Tobel | Ambition 2.0 on youtu.be

From Harvard Dropout to VC Powerhouse: How to Bet on Yourself with Alexa von Tobel | Ambition 2.0

I help ambitious, heart-led leaders lead with more power and ease.
Leaders choose me because I’ve been in their shoes.

My clients are high-performing executives and founders who want a strategic thought partner -- not platitudes. They want someone who knows how to think like an operator, act like a guide, and isn't afraid to challenge their thinking.

They call me in to help them:

- Reset their mindset
- Transform their leadership
- Problem solve with freedom and creativity
- Face tough decisions with clarity and confidence
- Build new, stronger habits and shed old ones that no longer serve

They use me as leverage to strengthen their teams:

- Assess what's working and what isn't
- Revamp collaboration and communication
- Identify areas of friction and areas of opportunity
- Develop top talent more quickly and in line with business goals
- Transition out people whose time have past with respect and efficiency

I’ve led companies, made impossible calls, and navigated moments where there was no playbook. 

I’ve scaled businesses, restructured teams, and built functions from the ground up -- while also recovering from burnout, navigating health crises, building a family, and finding my way back to myself.

Over my 25-year career, I’ve:

• Generated tens of millions in enterprise value
• Switched sectors 5 times and led 7+ functions
• Scaled businesses by 5x and turned around underperformers
• Hired and developed hundreds of leaders, many now thriving in C-suite roles or fulfilling nontraditional paths
• Navigated difficult personal and professional pivots -- and emerged stronger

Let’s connect if you’re ready to lead without limits:

→ Coaching: Book a free strategy call: https://calendar.app.google/jEKEt4dyzgLqL1ms6
→ Newsletter: newsletter.kathywubrady.com

Kathy Brady

A job can be just a job.
Or it can be the foundation of lifelong friendship.

Last week, I reconnected with former NBC & hulu colleagues I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years.

All because one of us -- Mike Romoff -- sent a text message.

It was as if nothing had changed.

Mark Yackanich, Roy Simkhay, and I didn't miss a beat.
We immediately fell back into old rhythms and easy laughter.

Even though in those 20 years, so much had changed:

We'd gotten married
Grown our families (10 kids in all)
Transitioned into multiple industries and roles
Reached new heights (and new lows)
Learned to hustle less, savor more

That is the power of shared vision, values, and experiences.

We had gone through the digital media battlefield together 20 years earlier.
We had traversed highly uncertain and intense terrain, tackling challenges and celebrating wins -- together.

That time together had forced us to show our true natures.
Something that easy times don't do.

And even though we went our separate ways, we had cemented something that time won't weaken:

✨ Respect and deep care for each other.

It's OK if your job is just a job.
It doesn't have to be your life's mission.

But if you're willing to lead with courage and heart, you might just find (or create) a workplace where the people don't just power the work, they stay with you long after the job is done.

--
Hi 👋 I'm Kathy Wu Brady, a 2x CEO and 2x COO, who is on a mission to help leaders and their teams work together better -- with more energy, creativity, and trust.

Follow me and subscribe to my newsletter to get weekly tips on how you can make this a reality for your organization and your career.

Kathy Wu Brady

Executive Coach & Advisor | 2x CEO & COO | Artist | Speaker | Subscribe --​> Lead without Limits Newsletter

From left to right: Mike Romoff, Kathy Wu Brady, Roy Simkhay, Mark Yackanich at Cipriani Soho

I grew up scared of entrepreneurship.
Until I realized why it mattered so much.

My father was a serial entrepreneur.
One of the mad scientist types.

We literally had computer parts scattered throughout our basement
He'd have a new idea every month.

I used to help him test a pre-GPS map-to-voice guidance tool on weekends. Other kids were playing video games.
We were driving around town with a satellite strapped to our car and scrambling to hold down a computer bouncing along on top of our folded-down middle row.

He had huge dreams, but sadly, none came to fruition.

I began to see entrepreneurship as a pipe dream that wasn't worth the time or the effort.

But that was the wrong takeaway.

Yes, entrepreneurs have to be on the other side of rational courage.

The odds are stacked against them in almost every way.
The disbelievers outmatch the supporters 10:1.
The effort to realize the vision is massive.

But they are the reason why our lives are improved, jobs are created, and real wealth is generated.

Yes, it doesn't happened for everyone, but the journey is a worthy one because the outcomes can be lifechanging -- not just for the founders, but for the people and organizations they serve.

Last night, I got to support two clients: Suma Reddy and Richard Whelton as they pitched their two incredible visions:

Gather: A simple, rugged, and accessible robotics platform to help farmers, educators, and creators (and more).

ShakeIQ: Strategic support and insights for medical device sellers and revenue leaders.

It was the annual Wharton Club of New Jersey Entrepreneur Showcase, hosted by McCarter & English, LLP.

It was a reminder of how incredible entrepreneurs are -- solving real problems for real people and having the courage to do it even when there are no guarantees for success.

And it was a reminder that to bear witness to this type of courage is a gift in and of itself -- something I finally started to say to my dad a few years ago.

--
🔔 If this resonated with you, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter for more stories and practical advice on how to build a career and lead a team with courage and conviction.

One of the biggest secrets to scaling your leadership?
Outsource the coaching your team needs.

No one gave me this insider tip when I was coming up the ranks.
I thought a leader's job was to do it all.

Set strategy and goals.
Design the organization and functions.
Keep up with industry and functional trends.
Be external facing and an industry thought leader.
Create relationships inside the organization and outside.
Anticipate change and nimbly navigate crises and curveballs.
Manage my team's productivity and progress.

Do all of the above and...
Coach and develop each person on my team.

Yes, it can be done.
But generally not at the same time and not by one person.

The top leaders know how to optimize the use of their time and their skills.

For some, it's developing their people.
But for many, it's being a relationship builder and thought leader.

How do they get the rest done?
They outsource, partner, and collaborate.

If you're leading a team, especially a team of leaders, and feel stretched and need help developing your team. Don't wait, and don't be frugal.

Your team is your greatest asset and your greatest point of leverage.
Invest in both.

---
If you're a C-suite or senior executive who wants a coach who has actually led, built, and transformed teams, to help you up-level your team, DM me. 

I'm creating space to work with 2 corporate clients this year to go deep.

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I help empathetic, high-achieving leaders define what matters most and carve out a path to claim it.

I’m an executive coach and advisor, a 2x CEO and 2x COO, and an aspiring artist. After 20 years leading high-growth businesses, I launched Lead without Limits to share the lessons, mindsets, and strategies I wish I had earlier in my journey.

--> http://newsletter.kathywubrady.com

Founder & Principal

A dream sabbatical: visiting my 100-year-old grandmother, spending time with my kids and partner, restarting painting after 35 years away, building friendships again, and learning how to write online.

Health and well-being

Skills: Organizational Development · Business Development

Official Member

Skills: Public Speaking · Leadership Development · Organizational Development · Strategic Partnerships · Business Development · Corporate Social Responsibility Chief Operating Officer Feb 2022 - Jan 2024 · 2 yrs

Chief Operating Officer

Skills: Executive Management · Strategic Planning · Organizational Development · Business Development Interim Chief Executive Officer

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Skills: Leadership Development · Organizational Development · Recruiting · Diversity & Inclusion · Start-up Operations Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer

Chief of Staff & Chief People Officer

Skills: Revenue & Profit Growth · Public Speaking · HR Management · Leadership Development · Organizational Development · Executive Management Chief Operating Officer

XO Group Inc. (TheKnot.com, TheNest.com, TheBump.com) is a consumer internet and media company that helps couples navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments together through industry-leading apps, websites, video, commerce, and print businesses. 

NYSE: XOXO

EVP, eCommerce, Registry & Guest Services

Scaled the business in its second year to double revenue, while reducing costs by 30%. Vente-privee USA was the U.S. joint venture between vente-privee.com, the worldwide leader in flash sales, and American Express. The company closed its US offices in late 2014. CEO Feb 2013 - Jan 2014 · 1 yr

Managed the launch operations, product development and sales operations of the U.S. joint venture between vente-privee.com, the worldwide leader in flash sales, and American Express. COO Sep 2011 - Feb 2013 · 1 yr 6 mos

Skills: Organizational Development · Change Management

Head of Business Operations

Managed the multi-phased process of rebranding of the Local Media division across digital, TV, and social channels, including extensive change management efforts at all levels across 10 owned and operated stations across the U.S. VP, Marketing Strategy - Local Media

VP, Marketing Strategy - Local Media

Relaunched NBC Local Media's digital properties across 10 local markets, including websites, mobile sites, and mobile apps. Managed the day-to-day operations across Editorial, Technology and Business Development. VP, Online & Mobile Properties - Local Media

VP, Online & Mobile Properties - Local Media

Helped launch NBC's first video syndication business, managing over 200 content and distribution partnerships across all content categories. Director, >nbbc Content & Distribution Partnerships Aug 2006 - Sep 2007 · 1 yr 2 mos

Director, >nbbc Content & Distribution Partnerships

Oversaw the initial integrations of hulu with it's 5 strategic distribution launch partners: AOL, Comcast, MySpace, Microsoft and Yahoo. Guided technical scoping, product development and legal negotiations.

Director of Distribution Partnerships

Established all Client Services policies and processes and onboarded and launched over 30 partners. Collaborated with Product & Technology on product development and overall product strategy.

Senior Manager, Client Services

Investment Banking Analyst

What happens when you're at the top of your game
and you face not just a setback, but a complete reset?

This happened to my friend Ron Gold.

A Wharton grad, highly successful Wall Street banker.
Ron was on top of the world.

He was one of the "Masters of the Universe," as we liked to call them in the 80s and 90s.

And then, one day, it was all taken away.
14 years ago, Ron was struck by a car while cycling, and it paralyzed him from the waist down.

Life and work were forever changed.

There were many reasons to give up, and very few to keep going.
But Ron, a competitive athlete, and someone who never dreamed small, did the opposite.

He didn't just survive, he carved a new path to thrive.

Join Ron and me today for a raw conversation on what it took to navigate the tremendous physical and emotional pain. And how he is still navigating today.

You'll walk away not just inspired, but ready to transform how you lead in your work and in your life.

Today, Friday January 23rd at 2:30pm ET

(Link in the comments below).

There’s a strange moment that happens after a big win. 
Relief, pride, maybe even a little celebration. 
But then, almost immediately, a quiet voice asking: Now what?

I’ve seen it in myself, and in every leader I’ve coached. 
The high doesn’t last. The next challenge is already knocking.

It’s easy to get addicted to the chase. 
To think the next milestone will finally make you feel settled. 
But it never really does.

I used to think this was a flaw. 
Like I was missing some secret ingredient that would let me finally relax into success. But maybe it’s just how we’re wired. Maybe the real work is learning to find meaning in the in-between.

The quiet days.
The messy middle.
The times when nothing is clear, and you’re not sure if you’re moving forward or just treading water.

That’s where the real growth happens.
Not in the big wins, but in the way you show up when no one’s watching.

I’m still figuring out how to be okay with that.

Some days I get it right. Some days I don’t. But I’m learning to appreciate the quiet voice, too. It’s usually trying to tell me something important.

--
If you found this helpful, follow me for more raw and real leadership reflections and practical guidance.

Want deeper insights? Subscribe to my newsletter to get exclusive strategies straight to your inbox.

You truly don’t know what you are capable of until you give yourself a chance to try.

For 2 years, I’ve avoided trying portrait painting because I felt it was “too hard” and I "wasn’t skilled enough.”

Today, I put those fears aside and tried my hand at portraiture.

It’s no Mona Lisa.
But it didn’t have to be.

I loved the experience, and I can’t wait to try my hand at it again tomorrow.

It highlighted for me the importance of giving yourself permission to experiment and learn.

And, if you’re a leader, to do the same with your team.

You never know what potential you may unlock. ✨

When was the last time you made an important decision completely alone?

No extra gut check. No mentor call. No trusted advisor. 
Just you and your own mental gymnastics.

My conversation yesterday with Tom Hardin, a friend and the former FBI informant known as Tipper X, changed how I think about ethical decision-making in leadership.

Tom made four insider trades at age 29.
Personal gain? $46,000.
Cost? His entire career.

The catch?
Tom isn't a bad person. He's exactly like most leaders I know.
Smart. Hardworking. Ambitious. Under pressure to perform.

He watched questionable behavior happen around him and told himself: "That's happening, but it wouldn't be me."

He never prepared for what he'd do if he were in that position.
His boss gave an ambiguous directive under pressure.
Tom didn't ask clarifying questions.

When the opportunity came, he made the decision alone. And in isolation, it was easy to rationalize:

"It's just once"
"I'm still a good person"
"Who am I hurting?"

Then the FBI showed up.

What followed: 
Two years as an informant wearing a wire. 
His name on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. 
Seven years from FBI approach to sentencing. 
A marriage that survived against 85% odds. 
A complete reinvention.

Tom now speaks to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He teaches them what his 29-year old self needed, but didn't get.
He's turned his most difficult moment into a way to help others avoid his choices.

The lesson that will stay with me?

Ambiguity is the enemy of ethics and integrity.
When leaders send ambiguous messages under pressure, teams fill in the blanks. 

Often in ways leaders never intended.
In our Substack Live conversation, Tom shares:

The one question that changes everything
Why isolation accelerates poor decisions
What actually could have prevented his choices
How to create a culture where ethics aren't just words on a wall

This isn't just about finance. It's about every leader navigating AI disruption, quarterly pressure, and the daily temptation to be ambiguous about "how" we achieve our goals.

🎥 Full conversation with a synopsis available now (link in comments)

📚 His book launches February 25th -- this one is a must-read (link in comments)

Too many leaders take expectation-setting for granted. 
The cost isn't just missed goals, it's lost time and top talent. 
 
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟱𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, according to Gallup.

(𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩) Unfortunately, that’s not surprising.

Even in a board game, where there are clear rules and objectives, there are a variety of ways to win (or lose).

In business, how you execute can be even more varied because the rules aren’t standardized, teams aren’t uniform, and the playing field is ever-changing.

Leaders know this, and yet, few give their team enough (or any) direction on what good is, and then get disappointed (and surprised) when their team misses the mark.

Leaders' excuses are plentiful:

• “I’m too busy. I don’t have time.”
• “My team should know what I want.”
• "My expectations should be obvious.”

And the resulting problems multiply even faster:

• Wasted time because work has to be repeated
• Frustration from the leader, and from their team
• Missed or poor outcomes that lead to missed goals
• Top talent departing when they don’t see any improvement

It doesn’t have to be this way.

You can help your team deliver and make the process less difficult for them by setting up clear and effective expectations.

When we lead well, the short-term benefits are only part of the picture. 
The long-term value is where the real payoff lies:

• A higher-performing team
• Developing leaders who can compound their results
• Creating greater trust that will result in career-lasting relationships

I share my 8-step process for how to set expectations that actually help your team deliver in my newsletter post today (𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴).

I'd love to hear how you've set (or experienced) expectations communicated well in the Comments below.

There’s a myth that leaders are supposed to have all the answers.
I bought into it for years. Tried to be the calm, wise source for everything.

But the longer I did this, the more I realized how much of leadership is about asking the right questions, not giving the right answers.

I’ve watched teams light up when I admit I didn't know something.
They didn't lose faith in me. Instead, I was giving them permission to bring their own ideas, to challenge the status quo.

It was uncomfortable, sometimes. It felt safer to be the expert in the room.
But I’ve learned leadership isn’t about creating certainty.
It’s about curiosity. About being willing to learn, even when you’re supposed to be teaching.

If you’re feeling the pressure to have it all figured out, maybe try letting go of that for a day. See what happens when you lead with questions instead of answers.

You might be surprised by what you find.

What's helped you let go of having all the answers?
Share your experience below.

Follow me and subscribe to my newsletter for more real talk on leading through uncertainty.

Sometimes things break. Sometimes they break badly. 
And sometimes, how we respond defines everything that comes next.

My guest last week, Ron Gold, knows this intimately.

Fourteen years ago, Ron was a managing director at Barclays, building the Asian equity desk in the U.S., living the life he’d planned since college. 

He was an avid cyclist and triathlete, a husband, and father to three daughters. 

Then, on a seemingly ordinary Saturday after Thanksgiving, a driver fell asleep at the wheel and changed everything.

Ron woke up from a coma weeks later, paralyzed from the waist down, unable to speak, being told by his neurosurgeon that he would never walk again.

What struck me most when I first met Ron at our Wharton alumni networking group wasn’t his wheelchair. It was his warmth.

Here was someone I’d expected to be one of the “sharks” from my Wall Street days, and instead I found someone profoundly human, funny, and present. 

Someone who had taken unimaginable disruption and somehow found a way forward.

This conversation wasn't about making lemonade from lemons (Ron hates that phrase, by the way).

It’s about the messy, difficult, year-and-a-half-long process of accepting a new reality. 

It’s about finding purpose when your planned path disappears. 

And it’s about discovering that you’re far more powerful than you think—while also learning to accept what simply is.

For leaders navigating any form of disruption (career transitions, health challenges, market upheavals, or personal reinvention), Ron’s story offers something rare: 

Honest wisdom about resilience that doesn’t minimize the pain.

Watch the full conversation or read the synopsis in my newsletter post today.
(link in the comments)

The fastest way to ruin your team's outcomes?
Telling them they should be going faster, further, and with more zeal.

Being pushed to do something never generates as much value as being pulled.

When people are pushed, they are more likely to:
- Wish that we were doing something else
- Resent the people pushing
- Be less creative

When people are pulled, they are more likely to:
- Enjoy the journey, even when it gets bumpy
- Engage more deeply and collaboratively
- Feel more agency

I was fortunate to learn this early in life -- in high school.
I earned a terrible nickname: "slave driver"

I pushed my teammates hard on every group project.
I didn't call them names, but I made them feel small and undervalued.

I nitpicked at their work. I complained about our progress.
Nothing was ever enough. I was a tyrant.

But kids are wonderfully direct. They don't worry about hurt feelings or being politically correct.

It was exactly the feedback I needed.
And I was lucky to get it long before I became a leader in the workplace.

It took me years to hone how to:
- Give direction without stifling ideas
- Inspire action without dictating the steps
- Sharing feedback that made people feel valued while helping them grow

If you're a leader who knows that you are creating PUSH conditions and not PULL conditions, you're not alone.

The good news?
You can change your ways without losing quality or momentum.
In fact, you will improve both once you change your approach.

--
If you're ready to shift, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter for more ways to lead with more power and ease.

And if you want to dive in faster, schedule a free strategy session with me. I have 3 slots open for Q1. Link in the comments.

I’ve spent years helping leaders navigate transitions, but I still get caught off guard by my own.

There’s this myth that experience makes change easier.
Maybe it does, a little. But mostly, it just gives you better questions to ask.

The truth is, every transition feels personal.
Even when you’ve seen the pattern a hundred times. There’s always that moment of doubt, the what if I’m making the wrong call?

I’ve learned to pay attention to that feeling. 
Not to let it run the show, but not to ignore it either.
Sometimes it’s just fear talking. Sometimes it’s your gut telling you something you need to hear.

I wish I could say I always know which is which. I don’t.

Here's what I do instead:

1. Pause before I react.
Giving yourself space isn't a delay tactic.
It's a way to make sure you're not letting your emotions drive your actions.

2. Ask for input.
AI, a trusted friend, a coach or advisor.
Different sources for different challenges, but all of them can help you sift.

3. Separate signal from noise.
Being tired, hungry or bored -- all noise.
Having an insight, feeling energized, seeing the data -- that's your signal.

Transitions are messy.
They’re supposed to be.

If you’re in the middle of one, give yourself a little grace.
You’re not behind. You’re just in the middle of the story.

And honestly, that’s where most of the good stuff happens.
--
Have you been through a tough transition?
Share your experience below, or let me know what helps you find your footing. 

If this resonated, subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips on how to navigate change and find the path that's right for you.

Excited to be going to my first Wharton Club of New Jersey Annual Entrepreneur Showcase tomorrow -- Thursday, 1/29.

The ability to connect with innovative founders like Suma Reddy in person is going to be a great way to kick off 2026.

The best part?
It isn't open only to Wharton alums.
Guests are welcome!

Who's going to join me?
Link to register in the comments.

Gather, started by Wharton MBA grad Suma Reddy, creates simplified robotics tools that can integrate into current farm operations to alleviate the burden on today's workforce.

Learn more about them at The WCNJ ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE AND PITCH EVENT on January 29. It will feature pitches from young companies in finance, healthcare, robotics, AI and other areas. 

More information and registration in the comments below.

After a lifetime of be more, do more, make more...
What if 2026 can be a year of less?

A year of clarity, focus, and intentional subtraction.

Whew! (*sigh*)

We’re on the other side of the end-of-year:
A time that looks sparkly and festive on the outside, but actually drives most leaders bonkers with stress.

Budget negotiations, goal-setting machinations, end-of-year performance reviews, team celebrations, all while pushing to hit your annual targets — it’s no wonder leaders leave the season often feeling relief more than joy.

One of the biggest drivers of stress is the feeling that you didn’t do enough, didn’t achieve enough, didn’t grow enough. 

This is often coupled with a stifling feeling masquerading as false optimism that this next year will be “better.”

The constant refrain of MORE starts off like an anthem but can, over time, devolve into the drumbeat of a death march.

I confess, I love more. 

I grew up feeling in my bones that I needed more. 
More clothes, more friends, more travel, more food. 
It wasn’t that I didn’t have enough. I did.
I just wanted more.

But throughout my career and my life, every time I gave myself permission to choose “less”, I achieved more.

So I invite you to consider:
What if this next year isn’t the year of more?

I wrote about how to realize the practice and the rewards of "less is more" in my newsletter post today. (link in the comments)

Have you tried "less is more" in your work and life?
I'd love to hear more in the comments.

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To lead without limits doesn't mean doing more or applying more pressure. It means finding a path that feels true to you and on your terms.

If you want more of that approach, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter. I share actionable, battle-tested tips every week.

How many leaders do you know who've had to wear a wire for the FBI?

Not many, I bet.

Tom Hardin did.

He wasn't just a top performer on Wall Street, he became the most prolific informant in the industry's history, unraveling secrets that would make even the boldest executive sweat.

This isn't a Hollywood script. It's real life.

Tom faced choices most of us hope we'll never encounter.
He landed on the wrong side. Fell. Got back up.
And is now helping other leaders and organizations avoid the same traps.

His journey isn't just about mistakes and consequences, it's about resilience, redemption, and what it really means to own your story.

Tom's tell-all book drops at the end of February. But you don't have to wait.

Today at 3:30pm ET, get a sneak peek of the wild, messy, real story, straight from Tom, on Substack Live. (Link in comments.)

The lesson? Leadership isn't about perfection. It's about what you do when you're tested.

Will you be there to hear what most leaders are too afraid to say out loud?

Tag someone who should listen in, or drop your toughest leadership lesson in the comments.

Ex-FBI informant turned impactful corporate trainer and keynote speaker • Author, Wired on Wall St (Feb. ‘26) • Advocate for ethical, accountable org. culture • Engaging global audiences

Beware of leadership advice that starts with "always" or "never".
Consistency matters, but calibration matters more.

The cadence of work -- 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 -- and the diversity of your team -- 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 -- demands you adjust as you go.

It's easier to strike one note and keep on it.
You can follow one playbook.
It starts to feel routine.

But if the conditions change, or if someone on your team needs a different message or tone, you do them (and yourself) a disservice by staying too steady.

How do you calibrate?

The same way any top-tier performer does.
You train.

𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀.
Being prepared is the antidote to any tough situation.
Even if you can't predict what will happen, you can help yourself respond with calm and clarity.

𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱.
You know your team. Now reflect on what approach works for them in different situations. Test your hypotheses and get feedback from them on what works and what doesn't.

𝟯. 𝗚𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀.
When in doubt, shore up your foundation: Make sure goals and priorities are clear. Delegate and authorize people clearly. Be available to support. Model critical thinking. Communicate communicate communicate.

When have you calibrated your approach?
I'd love to hear what worked and what didn't in the comments. 
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Follow me for more practical leadership advice that will help you and your team level up how you work so that you get more of the right things done and you have more fun doing it.

It's easy to be daunted as a leader today.
But you have more control than you think.

The increased pressure to perform: more results, faster, with greater accuracy.
Distressed, demotivated, and fearful team members.
More information to process.
More tools to learn.
Plus: a barrage of polarizing news outside of work.

Leaders who manage these stresses well know the secret:

The key isn't to turn off your empathy and your mind.
It's to be selective about what you choose to do and when you choose to do it.

The pressure you feel isn't just being imposed by others.
It's being created by you.

Which means you can create release valves and reduce the strain.

If you are anxious on a Sunday, make sure you take time to work out.
If you feel particularly drained on a Friday, don't use that day to do more.
If your Exec meetings on Tuesdays are hard, schedule a meditation before it.

And take on more when you're feeling your energy rise.

If your team meeting on Monday leaves you pumped, go and use that time to tackle a new concept.
If you feel most optimistic on Thursday mornings, schedule time to read challenging information.
If Wednesday mornings feel quieter, use it to dive deep into a complex issue.

Learning how to do this well doesn't just mean more energy and better results.
It means you'll enjoy the work more and be more resilient.

What's one way you manage your energy? I'd love to hear it in the comments below.

--
Want more actionable tips to bolster your leadership?
Follow me and subscribe to my newsletter (link above) and join thousands of leaders who are learning to lead with more clarity, confidence, and ease.

I’ve always struggled to memorize frameworks.
They feel so elegant, and easy to communicate.
But I found that my brain seeks more organic in-the-moment solutions.

There’s something comforting about a clean diagram, a step-by-step process, a sense that if you just follow the map, you’ll get where you need to go.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀. 

Teams don’t always fit into neat boxes. 
People bring their whole selves to work, and sometimes that means the plan goes sideways.

They don't teach you this in business school case studies.
Or as you prepare for consulting case interviews.

𝗜𝘁 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵.

I wasn't tied to a particular way of thinking.
I was more open to hearing input from my team.
I was able to test and iterate options more quickly.

𝗜𝗳 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is throw out the map and just listen. 
Ask what’s really going on. Let the messiness be part of the process.

It’s not as satisfying as ticking boxes. But it’s a lot more real.

And honestly, it’s where the best ideas usually show up.

What about you? Do you stick to frameworks or trust your instincts when things get messy? Drop your thoughts below.

Share with another leader who needs a reminder that they don't need to follow the "standard" way to win.

And if you want more real-world leadership insights earned in the field, subscribe to my newsletter, Lead without Limits (link in my profile).

Join me and Tom Hardin (TipperX) in 30 min (at 3:30pm ET) on our Substack LIVE to hear a preview of his book and story coming out in late February: Wired on Wall Street.

Link in the comments.

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