Senior Manager Strategy & Transformation in the Financial Services | Strategic Leadership Coach | Speaker | Mentor | Leader, passionate about people and continuous organizational improvement | 2x LinkedIn Top Voice

Global Senior Manager with 15+ years' banking experience in areas of Enterprise Risk Management, Governance, Strategic Transformation Projects, and Change Management with a heavy focus on Executive Leadership Reporting. Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong relationships, influence others, and lead high performing teams that advance global priorities. 

Committed to continuous organization improvement, enhancing customer experience and delivering solutions to support strategic financial and business decision-making. 

As a persuasive communicator fluent in English and Spanish, I effectively engage with clients, regulators, stakeholders, management, and staff at all levels. My diverse background includes extensive experience in ERM frameworks, risk culture programs, control assessments, audits, capital structure optimization, and statistical modelling for risk management matters. Leader with a proven track record of leading large-scale projects, implementing change management strategies, and delivering cost savings through efficient project management methodologies.

Core competences include:
•Enterprise Risk Management •Governance & Compliance •Operational Risk •Internal Audit • Executive Leadership Reporting & Analytics •Project Management •Change Management •Data Risk •Model Risk •Strategic Risk •Coaching & Talent Development •SAS/SPSS/DWH •SharePoint & Power Apps •Power BI/Python/R •Copilot •Agile/ Waterfall •JIRA/Confluence •Six Sigma/Kaizen •Protiviti

Diana Lasso

Fear isn’t the enemy. 
Staying stuck is!

Comfort zones feel safe.
But they also keep us small.

You want more:
➟ Impact
➟ Fulfillment
➟ Confidence

Yet fear whispers: What if you fail?
Instead, ask: What if you don’t?

Every breakthrough starts with discomfort.
Every success story begins with a risk.

As Nelson Mandela said, 
"Courage is not the absence of fear, 
but the triumph over it."

You don’t need to take a giant leap.
Just one step forward.

P.S. What’s one change that helped you grow?

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What makes someone a Top Performer?
 → It’s not a title
 → It’s not a one-time win
 → It’s who you are, every single day!

In a company with 90,000 employees across 55 countries, 
standing out is hard.

→ The pressure is real.
→ The expectations are high.
→ And some days feel heavier than others.

But I’m here to tell you something important:
It is possible!

Yesterday, I felt deeply humbled and grateful
to receive the Best of the Best award
in the Top Individual Performance category.

Thank you to my Senior Leadership Team,
my team, my mentors, my mentees,
my LinkedIn community, and to you reading this.
This recognition belongs to all of you!

Thank you for the space, the trust, and
the support to live my purpose and 
show up as the best version of myself.

Leadership is a shared journey, and
I’m grateful to walk it with you.

Here are my 3 secrets:

1- Clarity of purpose:
 → Know exactly why you do what you do.
 → Turn that “why” into daily, intentional actions.

2- Commitment to growth:
 → Invite feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
 → See every challenge as a chance to evolve.

3: Consistency with heart:
 → Show up fully. especially on the hard days.
 → Deliver not only results but trust.

As Aristotle said,
"Excellence is not an act, it is a habit." 

Be the person who gets things done.
You already have what it takes!

P.S. What’s your go-to strategy to perform at your best?

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Good luck is a myth.
A story we tell ourselves.
A comforting tale that makes success look effortless.

But here’s the truth:
The master has failed more times
than the beginner has even tried.

This isn’t about luck.
 ↳ It’s resilience.
 ↳ It’s persistence.
 ↳ It’s showing up, again and again.

Think of Thomas Edison.
When asked about his thousands of failed attempts
before inventing the light bulb, he said:
“I have not failed.
 I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Success is a collection of failures.
 
Failures that:
 ↳ Teach
 ↳ Shape leaders
 ↳ Build character

Leaders aren’t born.
They are forged through experiences,
especially the painful ones.

Mastery evolves every time you show up.
 ↳ Showing up builds resilience.
 ↳ Showing up strengthens your effort.
 ↳ Showing up reinforces your choice to grow.

So, the next time you see someone succeed, remember:
It wasn’t good luck.
It was good lessons learned.

The road to mastery is built on failures,
each one a stepping stone to something greater.

Your story is proof of your resilience. Own it!

P.S. What small win are you proud of today?

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Sometimes all you need is charisma
(and one moment taught me exactly why).

Five years ago, I walked into a meeting
already feeling rushed.

Too many tasks.
Too many tabs open in my mind.
Too many versions of me trying to keep it together.

I sat down, pretending to be fine.
Inside, I was overloaded.

Then a colleague looked at me
and gave me a simple, open, genuine smile.
I still remember it like it was yesterday.

We’ve all met someone like that.
Someone whose presence feels warm.
Someone who makes you feel good
before a single word is spoken.

In that moment, something shifted.
My shoulders relaxed.
My breath slowed.
I felt seen.

No words.
Just presence.
And the entire room felt different.

That moment taught me something powerful:
Charisma begins before you speak.
It’s the emotional message you send
When your inner world feels steady.

Charisma is not a performance.
It’s a practice.

Charisma is about:
→ Feeling aligned with yourself.
→ Connecting with warmth and intention.
→ Leaving people emotionally better.

If you want to lead well,
You must work on your presence.

When we train our presence, we:
→ Build trust faster.
→ Strengthen connection.
→ Create safer, warmer spaces at work.

Here are 5 simple ways to train your charisma every day:
→ Ground your energy before you enter a room.
→ Show warmth in small, genuine ways.
→ Keep your posture open and steady.
→ Listen fully, without rushing the moment.
→ Aim for people to feel lighter after talking to you.

As Brené Brown says,
“Connection is why we’re here.”

Charisma grows when you feel calm inside.
It expands when you lead with warmth.
And it becomes unforgettable
When your presence helps others breathe easier.

P.S. What’s one small action you'll practice today to grow your charisma?

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Your team needs a leader, not just a boss.
The difference changes everything.

Bad Leaders:
→ Focus on blame
→ Criticize in public
→ Avoid responsibility

Good Leaders:
→ Praise in public
→ Focus on solutions
→ Take responsibility

As Simon Sinek said,
"Bad leaders care about who's right, and 
Good leaders care about what's right."

Leadership is not about power. 
It's about empowering others!

Do the right thing, always. 
Be the leader you wish you had.

P.S. What's one quality you admire in a great leader?

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Anyone can lead when things are easy.
But the real measure of a leader?
How you treat people when things fall apart.

Kindness is often misunderstood.

It’s not:
 → Saying yes to everything.
 → Pretending everything is fine.
 → Avoiding the hard conversations.

Kindness is how you show up when it matters most.

→ It’s courage to make the right call.
→ It’s respect, especially when emotions run high.
→ It's clarity, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

As Brené Brown said, 
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

Kindness costs nothing.
But its impact?
↳ Huge

Lead with heart and let that be your legacy.

P.S. What’s your go-to strategy to lead with kindness?

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Your next chapter starts with one simple step:
Understanding the one you just finished.

Most people rush into planning 2026:
→ New goals
→ New dreams
→ New intentions

But here’s the truth:
You can’t design your future 
If you don’t understand your present.

→ We forget our wins.
→ We magnify the hard moments.
→ We overlook the small things that made us feel alive.

As Stephen Covey said,
“Begin with the end in mind.”
And that starts by knowing where you’re standing today.

Here are 5 Tips to Create Intentional Goals for 2026:

1. Revisit your year:
✓ Review your calendar to remember what actually happened.
✓ Write down the top 3 moments that defined your year (good or bad)

2. Track the moments that made you happier:
✓ Identify where you felt most alive (places, people, activities)
✓ Highlight 3 things you want to feel more often next year.

3. Write down what worked, and what didn’t:
✓ Capture 3 wins you want to repeat in 2026.
✓ Capture 3 things you’re ready to leave behind.

4. Capture the lessons that shaped you:
✓ Write the 3 biggest lessons this year taught you.
✓ Turn each lesson into one simple action for 2026.

5. Notice what is changing around you:
✓ Acknowledge shifting priorities (family, health, values)
✓ Set one goal that honors the reality of where you are now.

2026 isn’t just another year.
It’s an invitation to create a life with clarity, intention, and truth.

And when you're ready, use the SMART method:

 S —  Specific: Clear and concrete.
 M — Measurable: With a number you can track.
 A —  Achievable: Realistic for your life today.
 R —  Relevant: Connected to your values and priorities.
 T —  Time-bound: With a deadline that creates momentum.

SMART makes your goals:
→ Real
→ Visible
→ Actionable

And here’s the best part:
When you gain clarity, your confidence returns.
When you choose with intention, your energy rises.
And when you design your year with truth, 
Your life begins to feel like it’s finally yours again.

Step into 2026 with clarity. Lead it with purpose.

P.S. What’s one insight from 2025 that will guide your goals for 2026?

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Your resume opens the door.
Your Power Skills decide if you stay in the room.

The game has changed.

Today, everyone has:
↳ Talent
↳ Credentials
↳ Experience

So, what makes you different
In a global, fast-moving world?

Your judgment.

Maybe you’ve felt it too,
you deliver, you show up, you care…
and still, growth feels out of reach.

Your next promotion isn’t about time in the company.
↳ It’s about how you interpret information,
↳ anticipate what’s coming,
↳ and make decisions with a human touch.

And the data is clear:
LinkedIn: Power Skills drive 89% of promotions.
McKinsey: Strong judgment improves decisions 3.8x.
IBM: Critical thinking and adaptability are CEOs’ top 3 priorities.
WEF: Cognitive flexibility is the #1 differentiator for 2030.
PwC: 72% of executives value judgment over technical expertise.

AI can give you all the data you want.
But your Power Skills
will define your future.

That’s why I created the 5-step MINDS Formula
to help you stand out in rooms where decisions are made.

M — Map:
→ Name the real problem in one sentence.
→ Identify the three elements that shape the outcome.

I — Investigate:
→ Look for the pattern behind the data.
→ Ask what’s missing, not just what’s shown.

N — Notice:
→ Picture the best and worst scenario.
→ Identify who will feel each choice.

D — Design:
→ Create two or three real options.
→ Test a small step before a big decision.

S — Sense:
→ Combine data, intuition, and ethics.
→ Choose what you can explain calmly a year from now.

As Albert Einstein said:
“Not everything that counts can be counted.” 

Leadership starts when you trust your own decisions.
Own your growth.
Own your judgment.
Own the leader you’re becoming.

P.S. Which step of the MINDS Formula speaks to you today?

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Use my 5-step MINDS formula to help you stand out by DL

Now that you’re back in person,
You feel more tired when you get home.

You are not alone
This has a name: Neurofatigue.

When your brain moves from a controlled environment
to noise, movement, conversations, fluorescent lights,
and constant social evaluation,
Its energy drains faster.

Deloitte found it in 2024:
↳ Emotional exhaustion rises by 52%

You’re not losing capacity.
You’re navigating overexposure.

But you can protect your energy.
You can also train your brain to adapt.

Here are 5 Simple Anchors to Stay Strong During In-Person Work:

1. Manage your brain’s load early:
↳ Simple mornings create stronger days.
➟ Pick one clear priority first.
➟ Delay non-urgent chats until after your focus block.

2. Give yourself small pauses:
↳ Tiny resets work wonders.
➟ Take a quiet 3-minute pause between tasks.
➟ Stand and walk every hour to release tension.

3. Use your social energy wisely:
↳ Connection fuels you. 
➟ Choose two meaningful conversations to invest in.
➟ Step away when everything feels too intense.

4. Protect the space where you think:
↳ Your attention is gold.
➟ Review emails in set time blocks.
➟ Turn off notifications during deep work.

5. Take care of your body:
↳ Physical comfort boosts mental clarity.
➟ Keep water at your desk and sip often.
➟ Add small stretches during the day to release tension.

As Maya Angelou said,
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

You may not shape every moment in the office.
But you can shape how you care for your energy.

You grow stronger when you honor your rhythm.
You gain clarity when you support your mind.
You protect your presence when you lead yourself first.

P.S. Which anchor will you practice today?

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Your work opens the door.
Your evidence keeps you in the room.

The competition isn’t the real challenge.
The lack of documentation is.

In a world where excellence is the baseline, everyone brings:
 ↳ Skill
 ↳ Ambition
 ↳ Performance

So, what truly sets you apart
in a fast-moving, global environment?
Your visibility.

Maybe you’ve felt it too…
 ↳ you deliver, you show up, you exceed expectations
and still, your growth moves slower than your impact.

Your next promotion isn’t about effort.
 ↳ It’s about what you can prove,
 ↳ how clearly you show your value,
 ↳ and the story your achievements tell for you.

Here’s the truth:
What isn’t documented gets lost.
What you capture becomes career capital.

That’s why I created the 7-step EVIDENT Formula
to help you make your results impossible to ignore.

E — Extract:
 → Capture the real outcome you created.
 → Name the problem you solved in one sentence.

V — Verify:
 → Collect numbers, emails, and indicators that prove impact.
 → Anchor your narrative in real data.

I — Illustrate:
 → Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
 → Make your contribution unmistakable.

D — Document:
 → Keep a monthly log of actions, results, and insights.
 → Build a timeline of measurable growth.

E — Elevate:
 → Share wins with intention in meetings and updates.
 → Visibility with substance, not ego.

N — Normalize:
 → Make evidence a habit, not an exception.
 → Review it before interviews, evaluations, or negotiations.

T — Tell:
 → Turn your data into a compelling story.
 → Show how your impact moves the business forward.

As Seneca said:
 “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Your achievements deserve a record.
Your career deserves visibility.
Your future deserves to be EVIDENT.

Leadership grows when your impact is seen.

P.S. Which step of the EVIDENT Formula speaks to you today?

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7-step EVIDENT formula to help you enhance your results

What my niece taught me about delegation 
(it transformed my team’s productivity since)

Last weekend, I decided to teach my 5-year-old niece
how to make the bed. 

Normally, it takes me just a few minutes. 
But she was excited to help, so I couldn’t say no. 

I showed her how to pull up the sheets, 
smooth out the blanket and arrange the pillows. 

She struggled a bit ... tugging the blanket unevenly
and getting the pillows all mixed up. 

We had to redo a few steps, and 
it ended up taking much longer than usual. 

In the end, it took nearly 20 minutes. 
But by the time we were done, 
she had learned something new 
and something to brag to her brother about!

Delegation is not just about offloading tasks.

Delegation is about:
→ Empowering others to learn and grow. 
→ Fostering a culture of capability and independence. 
→ Leveraging diverse strengths to achieve greater results.

When we invest our time in training and coaching others, we: 
→ Cultivate trust.
→ Build a stronger team.
→ Encourage innovation. 

As John Maxwell says,
“Leaders become great, not because of their power, 
but because of their ability to empower others.”

Delegation is an investment 
in someone else’s growth and confidence. 
Invest in your people today!

P.S. What’s one small responsibility you could delegate today to help someone grow?

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We all have days when you feel on top of the world. 
The next day, it’s hard to get out of the bed. 
But let’s be honest: motivation doesn’t last.

Here’s why you shouldn’t rely on it:
→ It’s Unpredictable: Motivation varies daily 
→ It Can Fade: Excitement diminishes over time
→ It Lacks Structure: No plan for sustained progress 

That’s where discipline comes in.

Discipline is like a muscle:
→ Provide Consistency: Ensures daily commitment 
→ Builds Strong Habits: Habits drive results 
→ Keeps You Accountable: Maintain focus on goals

As Aristotle said,
“We become what we repeatedly do.” 

So, the next time you rely on motivation, 
Remember: it’s your discipline that will carry you through.

In the end, Discipline is doing what needs to be done, 
even when you don’t want to.

P.S. What habit are you strengthening this week?

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People love the finish line.
Few see the grit it took to get there.

Because success isn’t built on luck.
It’s built on resilience, focus, and 
tiny steps that no one applauds.

For years, you might’ve believed:
↳ “Once everything aligns, I’ll move forward.”
↳ “If I had more time, I’d do better.”
↳ “When things calm down, I’ll start.”

Those beliefs once protected you.
Now, they hold you back.

Many high performers professionals lose momentum because:
❌ They wait for perfect conditions.
❌ They let setbacks define their pace.
❌ They forget that progress requires endurance, not ease.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t need a smoother road.
You need a stronger mindset.

Here are 5 Ways to Stay Strong When Growth Feels Slow:

1- Start before you’re ready:
↳ Courage grows through movement.
➟ One imperfect step beats endless planning.

2- Treat challenges as training:
↳ Pressure shapes character.
➟ Every hard moment prepares you for the next.

3- Focus on what you can control:
↳ Chaos is constant.
➟ Your focus is your anchor.

4- Protect your recovery:
↳ Your brain needs oxygen to think.
➟ Resilience depends on renewal.

5- Keep your “why” close:
↳ When you know your why, you can handle any how.
➟ One priority. One outcome. Real progress.

As Angela Duckworth said,
“Our potential is one thing. 
What we do with it is quite another.”

Don’t chase perfection. Build persistence.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
and neither is your growth.
You already have what it takes.
Trust your process, the results will follow.

P.S. Which step speaks to you the most?

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The moment you choose yourself…
your energy begins to return.

But burnout rarely starts with a big moment.
It starts with the tiny ones you ignore:

The moment you push through the headache.
The moment you answer one more email at 10 PM.
The moment you whisper, “I’ll rest later.”

And suddenly…
Later never comes.

According to Gallup,
1 in 5 professionals is experiencing burnout right now.

Not because they lack talent.
But because high-performing professionals tend to overgive.
Instead of reducing their load, they carry more.
And what begins as dedication slowly becomes depletion.

Burnout is a silent disease.

Maybe you’ve been there:
➟ You deliver
➟ You support
➟ You show up

And still, your body struggles.

Not because you lack discipline.
But because you stopped listening to yourself.

That’s why I created the 7-step RENEWAL Formula
to bring you back to the leader you are:

R — Reduce strain:
➟ Ask for clarity on deadlines.
➟ Cut one commitment that drains you.

E — Ease your nervous system:
➟ Practice 3–5 breathing twice a day.
➟ Take short pauses to reset your mind.

N — Nurture connections:
➟ Share pressure points early.
➟ Reach out to someone supportive weekly.

E — Establish daily limits:
➟ Protect recovery windows.
➟ Set a hard stop for the workday.

W — Withdraw from noise:
➟ Silence notifications before sleep.
➟ Reduce evening screen exposure.

A — Adjust your workload:
➟ Clarify what truly needs you.
➟ Redistribute tasks with your leader.

L — Live your core values:
➟ Write your top 5 values.
➟ Choose actions that honor them.

As Maya Angelou said:
“Nothing will work unless you do.”

Sustainable leadership begins the moment 
You choose your health as part of your success.

Honor your energy.
Honor your health.
Honor the life you’re building.

P.S. Which step of the RENEWAL Formula speaks to you today?

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Use my 7-step RENEWAL formula to bring you back by DL

Do you feel your team could achieve more?
The secret lies in investing in your people.

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of 
our HOLA Mentorship Program 2025.
What a journey it's been!

Leading this program has been a true honor.
Seeing 270 Mentors and Mentees 
grow has been truly inspiring.

A huge THANK YOU to our Mentors and Mentees
for believing in our team's growth. 
Your dedication and commitment make us stronger every day.

Special thanks to our allies in Mexico Adda Nelly Lopez Gallegos, Emmanuel Serrano Loza, Edgar Ricardo Araujo Alcántara and our HOLA Canadian team Ellis Mendez (MSc, MBA, PMP®, CSM®, CSPO®, ITIL®), Federico Yu, 
Andrea Alonso-Kuri and Pablo Cuevas. 
We couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you for your collaboration and support.

Why invest in your team?

→ Growth
↳ Investing in your team fuels their personal 
and professional growth.
A growing team is an evolving team.

→ Retention
↳ People stay where they feel valued and developed.
Retention isn’t just about pay; it’s about purpose.

→ Innovation
↳ A well mentored team is an innovative team.
They bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table.

As John Quincy Adams said,
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, 
learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Your team’s growth reflects your leadership.

P.S. What’s your favorite strategy to help your team grow?

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If you only measured three things this week,
you’d transform your entire career.

Anyone can look busy.
But the real measure of a strategic leader?
What you choose to track.

Because productivity is often misunderstood.

It’s not:
 → Checking off tasks.
 → Going from meeting to meeting.
 → Replying to every email the moment it appears.

Productivity is how you direct your energy with intention.
 → It’s moving one strategic goal forward.
 → It’s solving the problem that actually matters.
 → It’s strengthening the relationships that elevate your influence.

For years, many professionals believed:
 ↳ “If I finish everything on my list, I’m performing.”
 ↳ “If I stay busy, I’m adding value.”
 ↳ “If I join every meeting, I’m leading.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they limit your impact.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t rise by doing more.
You rise by measuring what matters.

Here are the 3 metrics that can elevate your leadership:

1- Value (Impact Today):
What problem did you truly solve?
Real value comes from outcomes, not effort.

2- Progress (% Implementation):
How much did you move your quarterly goal?
One needle moved is worth more than tasks completed.

3- Relationship (Influence & Alignment):
Who did you align, support, or strengthen this week?
Leadership grows through trust, not titles.

As Peter Drucker said,
“What gets measured gets managed.”

 ↳ Lead with clarity.
 ↳ Measure with intention.
 ↳ And let your metrics tell the story your calendar never will.

P.S. Which of these 3 indicators is your favorite?

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Big goals don’t fail from lack of talent.
They fail from a lack of focus.

You don’t need more time.
You need fewer distractions.

The hard part isn’t setting the goal.
It’s protecting it.

Every ping, every scroll, every “just 5 minutes” 
chips away at the future you said you wanted.

Distractions aren’t harmless.
They’re expensive.
And they often wear the mask of productivity.

Answering one more email.
Rewriting the plan instead of executing it.
Saying “yes” to things that don’t move you forward.

Here’s the truth:
If everything matters, nothing does.

When you protect your goal:
➟ You move with intention
➟ You reclaim your energy
➟ You make progress faster

As James Clear said:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. 
You fall to the level of your systems.”

So, build systems that honour your focus.
And stop negotiating with your distractions.

P.S. What’s one small habit that helps you stay focused each day?

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Visual: VisualsbyMelodi🙏

You can ask for a raise all year…
and still walk out with nothing.

Because compensation isn’t about effort.
It’s about value, demonstrated with clarity.

For years, you believed:
↳ “If I show how hard I work, they’ll see it.”
↳ “If I’ve been here long enough, I deserve more.”
↳ “If others earn more, I should match them.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they’re hurting your strategy.

Many high performers fail in negotiations because:
❌ They negotiate from efforts, not impact.
❌ They compare themselves to others and create friction.
❌ They speak from emotion instead of measurable results.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need more justification.
You need more evidence.

Here are 5 ways to negotiate your salary like a Strategic Leader:

1 — Know your impact before you ask:
↳ Confidence comes from data.
➟ List your top wins and estimate your results.

2 — Speak in outcomes:
↳ Effort is invisible. Results are undeniable.
➟ Turn your work into numbers, savings, or improvements.

3 — Build a simple business case:
↳ A raise is an investment, not a favor.
➟ Show how your contributions strengthen the future of the team.

4 — Think in total compensation:
↳ Growth has many forms.
➟ Explore bonuses, stock, certifications, or development programs.

5 — Choose your moment wisely:
↳ Timing gives you leverage.
➟ Ask after a win, a success, or a visible achievement.

As Peter Drucker said,
“What gets measured gets managed,
and what gets measured gets rewarded.”

You don’t earn a raise with hours.
You earn it with impact.
Visible. Measurable. Irrefutable.
And it all begins with one step: own your value.

P.S. Which of these steps will you apply in your next negotiation?

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You can work hard all day…
and still feel like you didn’t move anything forward.

Because productivity isn’t about doing more.
It’s about directing your mind with intention.

For years, you believed:
↳ “If I keep multitasking, I’ll get ahead.”
↳ “Jumping between tasks means I’m fast.”
↳ “Being busy means I’m productive.”

Those beliefs once helped you survive.
Now, they’re draining your clarity.

Many high performers lose impact because:
❌ They overload their brain with constant switching.
❌ They stay in reaction mode all day.
❌ They confuse activity with progress.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need more speed.
You need more focus.

Here are 5 ways to work smart when your mind feels overloaded:

1- Choose one task at a time:
↳ Your brain performs better with one target.
➟ Single task. Full presence.

2- Cut distraction triggers:
↳ Noise kills clarity.
➟ Fewer tabs. Fewer apps. Fewer pings.

3- Protect your deep work:
↳ Focus is a boundary.
➟ Block time. Close doors. Own your attention.

4- Reset your mind often:
↳ Your brain needs oxygen to think.
➟ Step away. Take breaks. Breathe.

5- Pick your “one win” for the day:
↳ Impact comes from direction, not volume.
➟ One priority. One outcome. Real progress.

As Cal Newport says,
“Focus is the new superpower.”

You can’t multiply your brain.
But you can multiply your impact when you protect your attention.

P.S. Which habit will you reset today?

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What my high school nuns taught me about managing energy 
(It transformed my leadership style and my team's effectiveness)

At high school, I was juggling basketball, volleyball, and homework, often feeling drained by the end of the day.

No matter how organized I was, 
The exhaustion never seemed to go away.

One afternoon, one of the nuns looked at me and said:
“You don’t need to manage your time.
You need to manage your energy.”
That sentence stuck with me for life.

Here’s what I learned over the years:

1- Set a clear goal: 
Such as ending your day feeling energized.

2- Identify your why: 
Like being present for your family and pursuing your passions.

3- Implement a plan: 
Simple changes like regular breaks and 
focusing on energizing tasks can make a big impact.

Managing energy keeps you going when the tasks seem endless. It allows you to show up as your best self.

As Oprah said:
“You can’t be a source for others if you’re running on empty.”

So, if you feel drained, pause and reassess.

Ask yourself not just what you need to do, 
but how you want to feel while doing it.

Your energy is your most valuable resource.

P.S. What’s your goal for energy management?

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Wife & Mother of 7 | Venture Capital | Scientist | TOP 30 Patent Drafters | United States Patent Examiner | Violinist | Polyglot | STEM Children's Author | #1 LinkedIn Global Influencer in Innovation/IP Law

Kathryn Vatt is a scientist, former USPTO Examiner, and devoted wife and mother of seven, with over 25 years shaping the future of innovation. Recognized as one of the Top 30 Patent Drafters and Prosecutors and the #1 LinkedIn Global Influencer in Innovation/IP Law, Kathryn has built a career at the intersection of science, law, and business—helping inventors, startups, and global companies turn creativity into competitive advantage.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.S. Biology) and Johns Hopkins University (M.S. Biotechnology), Kathryn is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor in Patent Law at the Franklin Pierce School of Law, one of the world’s leading IP programs. Her rare cross-disciplinary background gives her both the scientific insight and the legal strategy to protect ideas at the highest level.

At the USPTO, Kathryn examined thousands of patent applications, conducted exhaustive prior art searches, and made determinations that shaped industries and influenced global innovation. After leaving the Patent Office, she founded Vatt IP Management, where she develops bulletproof IP strategies, drafts airtight applications, and supports litigation teams in defending patents. She also mentors engineering and life science students through Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute and judges international startup competitions, nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Her entrepreneurial vision extends to her ventures:

My Startup Shield™, a founder-focused program that helps startups secure their innovations before they pitch. It protects ideas at the earliest, most vulnerable stage and positions founders to raise capital with confidence

My AI Examiner™, the world’s first proprietary patent search platform that combines examiner-trained AI Patent Examiners with Kathryn’s own human review. Unlike conventional tools, it doesn’t just search faster—it “thinks like an examiner,” offering inventors and startups clarity, precision, and strategy.

MyKidVentors™, a STEM-inspired children’s book series born from her seven children’s real “What if?” questions. Through these imaginative stories, she nurtures curiosity in the next generation, showing that every big invention begins with a single question.

For Kathryn, the same motherly instinct that guides her family fuels her professional mission: to protect, guide, and nurture startups with care, strategy, foresight, and integrity. She believes innovation doesn’t just start in labs or boardrooms—it starts in the curious minds of those brave enough to ask, “What if?”

Kathryn V.

FINDING YOUR BEAU


Founders don’t burn out because they’re weak.
They burn out because they care deeply…
because they carry the weight of a dream
long before anyone else can see it.

And sometimes the way back
isn’t to grind harder
or push through the exhaustion...
it’s to let something new in.

A fresh idea.
A different perspective.
A person or moment that brings light back into the work
and reminds you why you started.

You are not done.
You are not fading.
You’re simply waiting for your spark to find you again.

And it will...
often in a way you never saw coming. 💛

THE MAGICAL CHAIR


In a quiet salon somewhere in the world, a hairstylist welcomes women into his chair...
women who have carried life on their shoulders,
women who deserve to feel beautiful without needing a reason.

And with gentle hands and genuine kindness,
he transforms them.

Not just their hair…
them.

You can see it in their faces:
the way their eyes suddenly shine,
the smile that takes over their whole expression,
the way they sit a little taller, remembering a version of themselves they thought they had lost.

And something beautiful happens next…
their joy reflects right back into him.

He lights up.
He laughs.
He gets emotional right along with them…
because their joy becomes his joy.
It is pure, contagious happiness...the kind that can only come from lifting someone else.

He’s not just doing makeovers.
He’s restoring confidence.
He’s offering dignity.
He’s reminding people of their own light.

All through kindness.
All through care.
All through choosing to make someone else’s day a little brighter.

And maybe that’s today’s lesson:
We all have the power to change someone’s life…
not by doing something big,
but by helping them see the beauty they forgot was theirs.


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SPOIL THE WAG DAY

Today is Thankful For My Dog Day...
a day that asks us to pause
and really feel the quiet, steady love
that our dogs bring into our lives.

Because it’s easy to move through our days
and miss the little things they do...
the small gestures that speak louder
than any words ever could.

Like the way they greet us at the door
as if we’re a gift they’ve been waiting for.
Or the way they curl up beside us
when our heart is heavier than we’re willing to admit.
Or how they watch us...
really watch us...
with eyes that seem to say,
“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

Dogs love with a purity
that asks for nothing but presence in return.
They sit with us in our silence.
They celebrate with us in our joy.
They somehow know
when to nudge us outside for fresh air,
and when to press their head into our lap
because they sense we need grounding.

They don’t care about our accomplishments.
They don’t measure our worth.
They simply choose us,
every single day,
in the simplest, most beautiful ways.

And that’s what makes this day matter.
It’s a chance to honor the companion
who teaches us what loyalty really looks like,
what unconditional love truly feels like,
and how healing it can be
to be understood without needing to speak.

So today, do something extra for your sweet pup...
a longer walk,
a special treat,
a gentle brushing,
a moment of stillness where you just sit together.

Because our dogs give us
their whole heart,
their whole presence,
their whole life.

And being thankful for them
is the easiest thing in the world. 🐾💛



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NON-ARTIFICIAL STEPPING STOOLS


I read a great Substack today, Unicorn Parents, and I couldn’t agree more with David Y.: in a world racing toward AI, the thing that will matter most for our children is what makes them beautifully, unmistakably human.

Not their speed.
Not their efficiency.
Not their ability to compete with machines.

But their ability to love.
To serve.
To lead with heart.

And then I saw this video and it felt like the perfect illustration of that truth.

A little girl is washing her hands at the kitchen sink…and you suddenly realize why she can reach it:
Her older brother is already on the floor beneath her,
quietly acting as her stepping stool,
holding still so she can stand on his back without falling.

Then another brother walks in, sees what’s happening,
and immediately drops to the ground beside him…
positioning himself so that when she steps down,
she’ll land safely on his back too.

Then they switch.
They laugh.
They treat her tiny struggle like a chance to lift someone they love, literally.

It’s playful.
It’s innocent.
And it’s the kind of kindness that takes your breath away.

Because this is something no machine can ever replicate:
The instinct to serve without being asked.
The joy of helping someone else rise.
The quiet pride of being the reason someone feels safe, supported, and seen.

AI might shape the future of work.
But our children...the way they care for each other and the communities they build...
that is what will shape the future of the world. 💛

Check out David Y.'s full article here: https://lnkd.in/g75sVRfe

If you haven’t followed David Y.’s work before, treat this as your invitation.
I love how he describes Unicorn Parents:

“Each week, I share practical insights and reflections to help you build a profitable business without missing the magic at home. If you’re serious about winning at work while raising great kids, you’ve come to the right place. This is a community built for ambitious parents who want both.”

It’s rare to find someone who understands the reality of building something meaningful at work while nurturing something even more meaningful at home. Thank you, David Y. 🙏 

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CONES OF LOVE


It’s recess time...
and while most kids run toward the playground,
a teacher walks toward one child.

Gently, he lifts him from his wheelchair
and helps him sit in a chair to begin their practice.

Step by step, they move together...
weaving through cones, building strength, building courage.

And when the boy reaches him on his own,
he falls into his teacher’s arms…
a hug filled with trust, pride, and pure joy.

But what makes this scene just as powerful
is what’s happening around them.

The other children gather close.
They witness compassion in action.
They see what patience looks like.
They learn what love can do.

And without a single lecture or lesson plan,
this teacher is shaping them too...
quietly teaching kindness, empathy, and the truth that every person deserves a chance to rise.

Because sometimes the most powerful lessons
don’t happen at a desk or in a book…
they happen in moments like this.

One teacher.
One child.
One act of love that changes everyone who sees it. 💛


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NO MORE POOL WATER


With Thanksgiving just days away,
I find myself thinking about the people
who make this world softer, safer, and more beautiful
just by the way they choose to love.

People like the couple in this video.
They didn’t walk past suffering.
They didn’t turn away because it was inconvenient,
or because they were on vacation,
or because helping would take time and effort and heart.

They saw a life that needed them...
and they stepped in.
They cared when they didn’t have to.
They stayed when it got hard.
They fought for a little dog
who had no one else to fight for her.

They crossed countries,
sat through vet visits,
endured uncertainty,
and carried her through treatments
that would have scared most people away.

Not for recognition.
Not for praise.
Just because compassion whispered,
“Do something,”
and they listened.

It’s easy to talk about love.
It’s easy to talk about kindness.
But living it...
especially when it costs you time, comfort, and ease...
that is something sacred.

And today,
I am thankful for people like this.
People who choose empathy.
People who open their hearts wide.
People who make room for the vulnerable,
the hurting,
the overlooked.

They are the quiet heroes among us.
The ones who remind us that goodness still wins.
The ones who show us what love looks like in action.

As we continue into this week of gratitude,
may we notice them.
May we celebrate them.
And may we strive to be more like them...
people who don’t just pass through the world,
but leave a trace of kindness wherever they go. 🧡🐾


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✨ Founder Friday Spotlight: Kevin Jurovich ✨

Today I want to highlight someone who represents everything this series is meant to celebrate: courage, reinvention, resilience, integrity, and the kind of leadership you don’t just notice…you feel the moment he walks into a room.

Kevin Jurovich.

He is the person founders call when the noise gets too loud, the pressure gets too high, and the path forward feels impossible. The person who helps you breathe again. The one who guides people through big decisions not with ego, but with grounded wisdom and the kind of kindness you can see in his eyes.

And he took that instinct...that rare ability to steady others...and built something extraordinary from it.

That “something” is Hubble.
A platform reshaping how startup due diligence, fundraising, and investor-founder trust actually works.
Not performatively.
Not theoretically.
But practically.
Systematically.
Intelligently.
Humanely.

If you’re a founder, you need to know what Hubble is doing.
If you’re an investor, you can’t afford not to.

But what makes Kevin stand out...what makes him someone truly exceptional...isn’t just what he’s building.

It’s who he is.

A founder with heart.
A leader with humility.
A thinker who listens before he speaks.
A builder who cares deeply about the people he serves.
A human who shows up for others again and again, even when he doesn’t have to.

The founder journey isn’t linear. It’s filled with highs, lows, pivots, and pressure…
but how you show up for people can stay steady.
And Kevin shows up every single time.

If you want to see what real grit, real vision, and real integrity look like in a founder...explore what he’s building at Hubble.

Some people build companies.
Some build movements.
Kevin is building both.

Here’s to extraordinary humans building extraordinary things.
Happy Founder Friday, Kevin. It’s an absolute honor to know you and be part of the incredible community you’re building. ✨

THE MAGIC OF MEETING IN REAL LIFE

There’s something special about meeting someone you’ve only ever known through screens:
the messages, the Zoom calls, the Slack threads...
and then suddenly, there they are… right in front of you.

That was my Sunday with Sasha from Hubble. 💛

We were supposed to meet earlier this week at a Hubble meetup,
but schedules got in the way
(and yes…I was so bummed to miss her while she was visiting from London).

After Thanksgiving, I checked in...
“Are you still in AZ?”
She was.
She leaves Monday.
And just like that, we planned a little coffee walk.

What I thought would be a short visit
turned into hours of talking about life,
our journeys,
our dreams,
and of course…how incredible the Hubble community is. 😊

And here’s the thing:
It’s no surprise she’s Hubble’s Head of Community.
Sasha makes you feel cared for the second you meet her.
Warm, thoughtful, deeply present...
she embodies everything community is supposed to feel like.

Just look at this sweet handwritten card from Sasha and the Hubble team.
Yes, handwritten.
Old-school.
Intentional.
The kind of gesture that says,
“I see you. I appreciate you.”

There are big things that make the Hubble community special...
the platform, the vision, the mission...

And then there are little things.
The impromptu meetups.
The unexpected kindness.
The way people within this network make you feel at home.
Sasha does that effortlessly.

Feeling grateful today for community, connection,
and the beautiful real-world friendships that start online
and only get richer in person.

Thank you, Sasha Cayward.
My heart is full. 💕

🌟 FOUNDER FRIDAY: Michele Costa of GoSadi

Some meetings just feel meant to be.

Thanks to our amazing mutual friend, Bettina Briz (who truly has a gift for connecting the right people at the right time), I finally got to meet Michele in person. 

From the moment we started talking, it felt effortless.
Then came the most unexpected surprise:
our shared connection to Naperville.

We both lit up talking about Anderson’s Bookshop
and, of course, Two Bostons...
the happiest dog treat store on earth.
It made the world feel wonderfully small in the best possible way.

Michele is the co-founder of GoSadi, a platform helping fiber artists create, sell, and organize without getting tangled in tech - but what struck me most wasn’t just what she’s building.

It was her.
Her warmth.
Her kindness.
Her energy that somehow leaves you feeling lighter, inspired, and excited about what’s possible.

After our meeting, she sent me the sweetest message about our Naperville connection being “serendipitous.”
And she was right.

Because this work we do isn’t just about building things.
It’s about the people we meet along the way...
the unexpected threads (pun intended 😉 ) that connect us, and
the communities that form in the spaces between.

Michele is one of those people who makes the world brighter simply by being in it. I’m grateful our paths crossed, and I can’t wait to cheer on everything she’s creating. 

Here's a special Two Bostons video…
just for you, Michele. 🐾💛

THE THANKSGIVING LINE-UP

Today, homes everywhere are filling with familiar scenes:
the cool cousins, the football fans, the honorary chefs,
the picky eaters, the Black Friday planners,
the ones keeping the kids entertained,
and the uncle who always ends up in a food coma before dessert.

Thanksgiving has a way of gathering all the characters we love.
And I hope this video makes you laugh…
a little humor, a lot of personality,
and a reminder that family, in all its beautiful chaos,
is something to be grateful for.

But holidays hold many stories.

For some, today is full of laughter.
For others, it’s a quieter kind of day.
Maybe someone you love isn’t at the table this year.
Maybe you’re missing a voice, a chair, a presence.
Maybe this holiday feels different…or a little heavier.

Wherever you are:
in a full, lively home,
in a peaceful, quiet one,
or somewhere in between…
I hope today brings you something gentle:
a warm moment,
a good laugh,
or a memory that makes you smile.

I’m especially grateful today for the friendships born right here on LinkedIn.
The serendipitous connections,
the kind messages,
the “small-world” moments that turned strangers
into mentors, supporters, and friends.

This community has brought some of the kindest, brightest souls into my life,
and I’m thankful for every conversation,
every encouragement,
every bit of humanity we’ve shared along the way.

Wishing you a day filled with love, grace, gratitude,
and the reminder that your presence matters…
today and always.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. 🧡


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