Brenda’s Blog
Explore Brenda’s latest thinking on leadership, coaching, and branding. Each post offers practical insights and immediately usable tools to help you succeed — both as a leader and in life.
What helps YOU feel inspired and creative?
I’m writing my next book, and I tend to write best when I’m near water. So, while searching for a quiet space with water nearby, my husband found this wonderful location. Here’s the view from my latest “writing perch” where, for the next 11 days, I will let creativity “flow” (every pun intended!). Would love […]
Are you doing enough of “this” to build your inspiring leadership brand?
This year marks 25 years since I moved overseas. It was 1994, and although I was still fairly young in my career, my employer Procter & Gamble (“P&G”) had asked me to move to Warsaw, Poland where my mission was to help establish and grow leadership brands for the company in the newly opened Central […]
Busy? Here’s a great way to stay connected!
I’m working on my next book right now, so my free time is quite limited. But I hate turning down “let’s get together” invitations that come in from friends and colleagues. My solution? “Virtual drinks.” Agree on a date and time, send a video call invitation, we each show up to the call with a […]
Clients often ask me, “How can I demonstrate greater Executive Presence?”
Does this cartoon seem familiar to you? Clients often ask me, “How can I demonstrate greater Executive Presence?” My response: Be PRESENT. Be in the here and now, not agonizing over a situation from the past or anticipating what might come in the future. This applies to most situations: attending meetings, presenting, giving feedback, and […]
In Hong Kong this week to do two of my favorite things – speak to audiences and coach executives.
As a frequent traveler, I am often asked how to stay mindful and maintain wellness during business trips. One thing I do is wake up early and take a moment to pause and appreciate the surroundings. Here’s the beautiful sunrise that welcomed me this morning!
How do you navigate office politics and still stay authentic?
Very few leaders like dealing with organizational politics, but learning to successfully navigate through it is key to success in the work world. In this video, excerpted from an interview with Forbes contributor, Caterina Kostoula, I share a simple yet effective way of managing the seemingly daunting “office politics maze” while helping you to remain […]
Hilarious memory from our wedding day!
Hilarious memory from our wedding day: The limousine driver got lost on our way to the reception, so we had to do a pitstop at a Gas ‘n Shop in order to ask for help (no GPS back then!) The second photo is of me getting directions from a local. Fast forward to today, and […]
What is imposter syndrome, and how do you avoid it?
Whether or not you’ve heard...
What is the most popular leadership development topic that coaching clients want to improve?
What is the most popular leadership development topic that coaching clients want to improve? My answer: Executive Presence. It’s the special sauce that differentiates truly outstanding/inspiring leaders from good leaders. If you’re curious about your own level of Executive Presence, click on this link and take my 15-point self-assessment. Based on this, which area(s) of […]
“I never have enough time!”
“I never have enough time!” is a phrase I often hear as an Executive Coach. In a recent interview I did with Forbes contributor Caterina Kostoula, I shared a short, simple tip that helps you look at time in a new way, so that you can manage your 24-hours/day more effectively. Watch the video below, […]
Total surprise!
Total surprise! The feeling you get when you open the most recent business school alumni magazine and find a full-page photo of yourself on the inside front cover (I definitely didn’t see THAT coming…!) All kidding aside, I’m happy to be asked by Harvard Business School to be featured in an ad campaign that encourages […]
Does negative feedback really work?
When it comes to leadership, there is one topic that most people either love or hate. What is it? That ever-so-dreaded, eight-letter “f” word – feedback (~smile~). In fact, pause right now and reflect on how you feel about feedback, either giving or receiving it …. Where do you place yourself on the love-it-hate-it scale? The aspect of […]
Very excited to be holding the recently re-released Chinese versions of all three books in my Leadership Personal Branding series!
Very excited to be holding the recently re-released Chinese versions of all three books in my Leadership Personal Branding series!
What are three statements often made at work that can damage your Executive Presence?
What are three statements often made at work that can damage your Executive Presence? I was recently interviewed by Caterina Kostoula, Forbes Coaching Council, for an article in @ThriveGlobal, and I shared three damaging phrases that weaken your gravitas. How often have you caught yourself saying these words at work? https://thriveglobal.com/stories/3-phrases-that-make-you-look-more-junior-than-you-are/
The corporate world can take a cue from Broadway!
The corporate world can take a cue from Broadway! While in the U.S. last week, I saw Hamilton the musical. As expected, the lyrics, melodies, key characters, and storyline were all fantastic. But what was most impressive was the direction – how seamlessly the ensemble worked together as a whole to create an unforgettable experience […]
