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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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.
You Don’t Predict The Future, You Imagine It
You don’t predict the future, you imagine it.
Make Waffles Not Spaghetti: How Leaders Can Help Employees Navigate Change
How to help employees navigate change and uncertainty.
Me And My Shadow
When are you hogging the spotlight and casting a shadow on others as a leader?
AWAY's 2019 Culture Crisis: Is It Time To Check Your Culture Baggage?
When is your culture becoming a burden and weighing down your team or organization?
Behind The Scenes At A TED Conference
I got to go to the Brain Spa at TED Women the other week.
I Can Learn German In A Month...Right?
Why we are overconfident in what we can do when we don’t seek feedback early on.
Dear Me: A Letter From My 22 Year-Old Self
Instead of considering what you would tell a younger version of yourself, think about what that younger version of yourself would tell you now?
The "One Size Fits Most" Halloween Costume
One size fits most doesn’t apply to leadership, teaming, or development.
You Only Get Answers To Questions Asked...
Engagement surveys are limiting and only answer the questions asked, which isn’t the whole story.
Even Marie Kondo Has A Junk Drawer
I have a hypothesis. Even Marie Kondo has a messy junk drawer.
It's Time To Change Perspective
How to recognize when incremental improvements no longer work and transformation is necessary.
Have I Failed As A Leader If My Team Has Conflict?
What is the role of a leader in team conflict?
To The Moon!
In 1962 JFK visited NASA and learned how everyone, including janitors, helped put man on the moon.
Leadership Lessons From A Symphonic Conductor & WWII Vet
How leaders can make a positive impression.
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.






