Brain Food: the Brain Spa of Ideas
Articles on Storytelling, Change, Culture, Leadership & Communication
Karen writes about the real challenges leaders face every day: how to tell memorable stories, how to turn data into something people actually act on, how to lead through constant change, and how to build a culture where people do their best work.
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There Is No Going Back
Culture can only be shaped going forward. There is no way to return to the way things were. Here’s how to look forward.
The Story That Makes You Cringe
Start your story considering your audience to avoid adding details that would make them cringe.
Better Than Yesterday
Why the smallest improvements can make a difference in your growth. How to be 1% better.
The (J.C. Penney / Sears) Toy Catalog
How nostalgia can tap into people’s emotions in stories.
Everything I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
The rules we followed in elementary school make a good foundation for how to lead.
NASA's Culture Problem: What Challenger and Columbia Teach About Trust
How NASA transformed to a safety culture and what we can learn from them.
So, Uh, How Am I Doing?
Share stories of what good looks like to help develop employees and shape culture.
Order On The Court
Why the hub and spoke leadership model is always limiting and misses out on leveraging individual strengths.
Run Towards The Roar
The things we fear are often not quite what we expect. How to challenge your fears and move forward.
What Would Make You Ridiculously Proud of Yourself?
How to tap into what truly inspires you.
The Fine Line Between High Performing And Dysfunctional Teams
How to build and sustain a healthy team.
I Dropped My Phone Down An Elevator Shaft
The role of a leadership is to help everyone feel seen and valued, regardless of role.
The "Rehire Your Employee" Approach to Year-End Reviews
Performance reviews shouldn’t be annual conversations. They should be ongoing discussions that rehire your team member’s commitment.

