Last Saturday, I had the privilege of seeing Taylor Swift perform LIVE and I learned so much from the experience.   You learned SO much from going to a concert?!  Yes.I.Did. In addition to ALL the lessons I’ve learned along the way from Taylor about being an incredible business person, an inspiring feminist, and a political …

Taylor Swift: Lessons from the Eras Tour on How to Invest in Myself Read More »

We often spend a lot of time cultivating strong connections with the people close to us on the organizational chart—with our boss and our direct reports topping the list. Too often, these efforts come at the expense of forging alliances with our peers—internal and external. In my work as an executive coach, I often ask …

The Power of Peer Connections: Five Ways to Widen Your Circle Read More »

Just picture it, you are tearing up the slopes in Deer Valley or soaking up the sun in Cancun. But, you are constantly checking your phone and s-t-r-e-s-s-e-d about what is happening at the office.  You can’t relax. Something has to change. Why set an out of office message? Before heading off for your well-deserved …

The Key to a Great Out of Office Message Read More »

Setting boundaries around the holidays can feel much harder than it does year-round.  Why are boundaries around the holidays so hard – at work, at home, with your chosen family, with your family of origin???  We increasingly live in boundaryless environments with no structure around our home life, our work life, our personal life, and …

Setting Boundaries at the Holidays Read More »

Is updating your resume enough when you want to change careers?   You know the feeling. You’re bored. You’re not moving up. You feel stuck in your career. It’s time to make a move. You brush off and update your resume. You submit your updated resume to multiple positions. You deploy your network. Your updated …

Beyond Updating Your Resume: Five Ideas to Regain Your Career Change Mojo Read More »

Organizations are increasingly retaining executive coaches not only for top executives’ leadership development, but also for building better functioning teams. This shows the realization that providing coaching opportunities to employees at all levels creates a more productive work culture, helps shape tomorrow’s leaders, and serves as an effective employee retention tool. Leaders, too, are hiring …

How To Invest In Yourself: Four Ways to Get More from Coaching Read More »

Changing careers over 40 is daunting.   You’ve spent a decade or more developing the skills and experience necessary to excel in THIS field. You are a respected expert. You invested in the education, training and mentorship necessary to succeed. And, you’ve given up so much on your road to success – from dinners with friends …

Career Change at 40 and Above Read More »

As we round the corner into Q2, it’s time to revisit our goals.  Remember those? Chances are that you took a lot of time setting them in early January, but might have lost track of them as life got busy and you focused on the dumpster fireimmediately in front of you. From my experience, goal …

Difference Makers for Achieving Goals Read More »

The Cambridge Dictionary defines values as “the principles that help you to decide what is right and wrong, and how to act in various situations.” In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown defines values as a way of being or believing that we hold most important. Why are values important?   Foundation Values are the only route …

Defining Your Values is the First Step in Self Leadership Read More »

Is it just me or are you craving a different kind of life? A life where you read the newspaper while you sip your coffee. A life where you walk the dog holding hands with your sweetheart. A life where you sit on your porch drinking wine and giggling with your girlfriends. A life where …

Craving a More Spacious Life Read More »

There is no such thing as normal.  There, I said it.  This is not the “new normal” and we are likely never going back to “normal.” We are now living in a world where change is the rapid, continuous, and ever-present.  We need to meet this new reality with agility, optimism, and a growth mindset. …

Dusting Off Your Digital Strategy for Business Development Read More »

In a prior post, I talked about ways to get your momentum going when you’re in a rut or your motivation is stalled. If you’re feeling stuck in a career, you might have already tried that.  I closed by saying, “Just because you’re stuck doesn’t mean you’re staying.” One of my very wise friends countered, …

Strategies for Growing When You Feel Stuck in a Career Read More »

In my career as a litigator, I traveled AT LEAST every other week for business.  And, now that I’m coaching, I have found myself traveling nearly as much for client meetings, professional development, speaking engagements, and FUN!  All my friends are turning 40 this year – so I’m spending a lot of time UP IN …

Pro Travel Tips Read More »

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do any of these thought bubbles seem familiar? All of these phrases describe the profound sense of overwhelm that I recently heard about from one of my new leader clients. For many new leaders, it’s overwhelming to go from peer to boss or from independent contributor to team leader. Imagine then …

Turning Overwhelmed into Under Control Read More »

There’s magic in a beautifully set table. . . Have you ever salivated over a table that even Martha Stewart would be proud to sit at? At this time of year, I find myself googling “DIY holiday table setting ideas” and gawking at the creativity of people using candles, pomegranates, squash, and pine cones to …

Setting the Table for Success in 2022 Read More »

Your clients are the lifeblood of your business.  While it’s easy to become consumed with winning and performing the work, it’s important to never stop nurturing the relationship at the center of it.  Clients want to be seen and know that they matter to you. While it is ALWAYS a good time to show your …

Creative Client Holiday Gift Ideas for Professionals Read More »

It’s that time of year again! Although this year’s Thanksgiving season may look different from the years’ past, one thing remains the same: Gratitude. Are you practicing gratitude every day? Or does it fall by the wayside with everything else you have going on? It’s easy to lose sight of how much we have to …

Practicing the Season of Gratitude All Year Long Read More »

It’s easy to get stuck, especially during a pandemic when our activities have been curtailed. As a leader, what can you do when you feel stuck? Stuck in your thinking. Stuck in your routine. Stuck in the weeds. As an executive coach, one of the things I do is help my clients get unstuck and …

It’s Your Move Read More »

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill  The stories we tell ourselves can implicitly limit our possibilities.  Great examples of these narratives can be found here: https://bit.ly/2KomABW. On the flip side, if you tell yourself a hopeful story, it can allow you to take …

Practice Positivity Read More »

If you were to ask a group of people in any large city, “What’s the biggest appeal of working from home?” I’d bet most of them would tell you: avoiding my commute.  And, after commuting an hour or more for fifteen years, I couldn’t wait to work from home and win back all that “lost …

The Ritual of Commuting Read More »

“There is nothing that makes me happier than sitting around the dinner table and talking until the candles are burned down.” – Madeleine L’Engle, A Circle of Quiet This quote is me in a nutshell. I LOVE gathering people around a communal table for a meal. It doesn’t matter if it is pizza or filet …

Dinner Parties for Dummies Read More »

Summertime reminds me of my childhood, growing up in Wyoming – fresh air, open spaces, lazy summer breezes, taking it easy, and grilling on the BBQ. Cue the band, The Eagles and “Take It Easy…” Ahh…memories. This week on social media, you might have noticed a theme on unplugging. Sarah-Nell has been sharing her personal …

Meditation: the Mini-Vacation Read More »

Learning a new skill or set of skills can seem so daunting.  The thought of learning the piano or guitar as an adult can bring on a full-scale panic attack in the same way as the thought of learning to lead a division of a Fortune 100 Company.  However, we can’t let that anxiety become …

Learn Like A Toddler Read More »

Are you keeping track of your wins? I have a client – let’s call her Jill – who is a successful partner at an AmLaw 100 firm.  She has a booming laugh, a happy marriage, and a thriving practice – as a service partner.  She lived in fear that the partners she served would start …

Attagirl: Keeping track of your wins to rewrite your story Read More »

“Trust is not a matter of technique, but of character; we are trusted because of our way of being, not because of our polished exteriors or our expertly crafted communications.” – Marsha Sinetar A lot of potential clients call me because they don’t like going to work – people are stressed out; there’s been a …

Trust is the antidote to a toxic work culture Read More »

One really cool way to manage burnout is with job crafting. This allows you to do MORE of the stuff you love at work and LESS of the stuff that drives you crazy. Think of every task, client, role, or duty as a magnatile. Some of the tiles you like and the colors please you; …

Job Crafting: Turning Your Day Job Into Your Dream Job Read More »

Is it hard to find how to say no? How many times have you found yourself saying YES when you’d rather yell NO? I had a coach tell me, “if it isn’t a hell yes, then it’s a solid no.” And, I come back to this mantra often as I juggle social commitments, civic engagements, …

The Art of Saying NO Gracefully: How to Say No Read More »

As you may know, I spent 15 years as a litigation attorney.  Lawyers track their time in 6-minute increments.  Imagine for a minute that you need to divide your 8-hour work day into 80 unique time entries and LOG THEM every.single.day.  This was my life for 15 years.  As you can imagine, every single minute …

What I Needed to Unlearn Read More »

Who knows how to run a great team meeting? It’s a critical skill. As an executive coach in Atlanta and a former law partner, I’ve been in my fair share of meetings. I’ve gone from feeling like everything was a total waste of time to feeling empowered with a proactive approach. What about you? How …

How to Run a Great Team Meeting Read More »

The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts. – Marianne Williamson Do you ever get jealous of other people’s success? Do you wish you had their job? Their title? Their car? Their purse? You don’t have to.  There is enough for everyone.  And, if there isn’t enough right now, we simply need …

Cultivating a Mindset of Abundance Read More »

The beginning of every year is a time for introspection and reflection, but the beginning of a DECADE seems even more momentous. How are you different than you were in 2010? What have you learned? How have you grown? On the eve of this new decade, I share a dozen lessons that I’ve learned over …

Dub’s Dozen Lessons of the Decade Read More »

Have you ever wondered how I came up with the name Wayfinders? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a question I get asked a lot. I came up with it when I watched Moana sail a boat for the first time. She has never sailed before, but she is persistent, determined, and courageous. No matter …

What does it mean to be a Wayfinder? Read More »

Hi Friends! How are you navigating change? This month, for the first time in my life, I was asked to tell my story . . . not once, but TWICE. I was humbled . . . and terrified. As I reflected on what others might find interesting about my journey and what aspects might resonate, …

Navigating Change Read More »

What is mentoring? Mentors and sponsors are crucial to your career progression across industries. We all benefit when a senior colleague shows us the ropes and provides us with new opportunities. Who you know matters – industry-wide, about 80 percent of job openings are filled via word-of-mouth. A 2015 McKinsey & Company survey showed that …

Who’s Got your Back: Mentors Read More »

Last week, I had the privilege to go skiing for the first time in almost twenty years. And, it reminded me how much wisdom is stored in our bodies.  My body knew how to ski. When I got off the lift at the top of the mountain, I didn’t have to think. Muscle memory kicked in …

You Are Already Wise Read More »

I thought that if anyone knew how to improve productivity, it was me. I’ve been working from home full-time for just over a year. Working from home seemed like the answer to all my problems – until I had to do it. Then, I wasted precious time wondering what time OrangeTheory offered classes today, what …

Staying Productive at Home: How to Improve Productivity Read More »

Many people have a gratitude practice, and I do too.  Interestingly, this practice of daily delight has a kinship gratitude, but for me is lighter, more bite-size, and more mindful. It simultaneously sharpens my mind and celebrates presence. It is amazing how quickly the study of delight makes delight more evident.  It’s like you develop …

A Practice of Delight Read More »

Who has time for time management? We are all BUSY trying to fulfill so many different roles in our lives – the loving parent, the compassionate leader, the fun camp counselor, the engaged citizen, the attentive spouse, the zealous protester – and there isn’t enough time for all of them. And while you’re figuring it …

Time Management Tools for Working Moms Read More »

If you’re looking for LinkedIn profile tips, you’re likely looking for a career change. LinkedIn is a powerful platform that allows you to research new companies, raise your hand to new opportunities, increase your visibility, and connect with potential clients or prospective employers under your own terms. Whether you are looking to grow your network, …

LinkedIn Profile Tips: Our Top Ten Read More »

“Seriously! How do you do It???” I get asked this question all the time as an executive business coach growing a rewarding coaching practice, serving clients, managing my family, and still creating time for myself. It was also a question I was asked constantly while working as an Am Law 100 partner and managing a …

My Answer To, “How Do You Do It???” Read More »

What is a Mastermind Group you ask?? The Success Alliance describes mastermind groups as: [A] combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you and your mastermind group members achieve success. Members challenge each other to set strong goals, and more …

Mastermind Group Demystified Read More »

Do you ever wish you could get more done? Here’s how to get shit done. During my senior year of college, I interviewed for a position and they asked what my greatest strength was. I honestly answered, “Getting sh*t done.”  (Shockingly, I didn’t get the position.) I have ALWAYS prided myself on my focus and …

The Secret to Get Shit Done Read More »

Since I launched Wayfinders in March, I have frequently been asked what coaching is and why hire a leadership coach. Unless a person has had a personal experience with executive coaching, I think it is hard to grasp the transformative power of coaching. Coaching helps executives, high potential employees, and ambitious professionals thrive in a …

7 Reasons to Hire a Leadership Coach Read More »

Designing your life takes a serious mindset shift and leap of faith that you can change your day-to-day. Have you ever taken the time to dream about what’s possible in your life? Do you wonder what would have happened if you just pursued your passion and set big goals in a career transition? Or quit …

Designing Your Life Read More »

If you know me, you know that I grew up in McLean, Virgina, in the shadow of Washington, DC. We lived off the very first exit in Virginia, so we were always crossing the Potomac River to into Maryland and DC. Growing up, my favorite food in the WHOLE world were crab cakes from Congressional …

Congressional Crab Cakes – A Taste of Home Read More »

Here’s why I love time blocking: How many emails do you think you get in a single day? At the peak of my practice, I was getting 200+ emails a day! 😱 Always-on behavior is harmful to long-term mental health and bad for productivity.  The constant fragmentation of our time and concentration has become the …

Time Blocking for Beginners Read More »

What aspects of your work make you feel like a star? Have you optimized your potential in this area? We keep telling ourselves if we just had a few more hours in the day, we could tap into that purpose and passion and savor it. Or maybe we tell ourselves that “if only” we were …

Even Stars Need Coaches Read More »

“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” ~ Russell H. Conwell For all my success at the office, the question I most frequently get asked is: How do you have so many friends?  This ongoing conversation has taught …

Making Friends Made Easy Read More »

As we enter what feels like day 4,872 of the pandemic, I’m left with intense feelings – highest highs, lower lows, humility, awe, exhaustion… just like when I had a newborn. It’s disorienting. Can you relate? Like having a newborn, I’m suddenly dealing with a whole new, unchartered world where physical and emotional space is limited. …

15 Ways Living Through the Pandemic is Like Having a Newborn Read More »

After leaving behind my work as a law partner to become an executive coach, I got asked a lot of questions about how all this works. “Do you know how to find a business coach? How do I hire one? What do they do?” As an executive coach for women, I want for you EXACTLY …

How to Find a Business Coach Read More »

Are you looking to up your executive presence? Certain learned speech patterns can prevent women from showing up as leaders at work. Whether you realize it or not, there are very real barriers preventing women from fully self-actualizing as leaders. First off, opportunity. 155 countries have at least one law that limits women’s economic opportunities; …

Sound Like A Leader for Executive Presence Read More »

Do you ever watch Harry Potter for the 100th time and nod knowingly whenever you see Hermione? Here she comes. Ready to sabotage her own success by being perfect. We see you, Hermione. Recently, I watched “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” with my kids.  In one scene, Hermione turned in an essay that was …

Why Done Beats Perfect Read More »

“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” ~ Karl Barth What do you do for yourself that brings you joy? Not your husband. Not your kids. Not your boss. Not your friends. What do you do for YOU?  Not too long ago, I couldn’t list one thing that I did purely for myself that brought …

In Pursuit of Joy Read More »

As I’m sitting down to write this post, it’s election season; we’re rounding month nine of a pandemic; I’m in day who-knows-how-many of virtual schooling; I’m running my business as an executive coach for women; and the hot button issue of VALUES keeps coming up for me and my clients. What are their values? Are …

Wayfinders Core Values Read More »

Study after study has proven that social networks are critical to both landing a job and advancing in your career. The term “networking” has a certain ICK factor. And, hey, I get it – it evokes an image of a desperate man in a suit crowded into a windowless conference center aiming his finger guns …

How do you activate your network during covid? Read More »

All of us struggle to succeed on our own terms.  And, if you want to accelerate your career, working harder is seldom the answer.  Fourth century Greek philosopher, Diogenes, said, “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Here are some key strategies for …

5 Game Changing Strategies to Accelerate Your Career Read More »

You know it’s true. We spend so much time working, running our households, giving back to our communities, our endless to-do lists, and pursuing our goals that we forget one crucial element to our well-being and happiness. PLAY. When is the last time you played? And it doesn’t count if you play with your kids …

Restorative Power of Play Read More »

I am brave, I am bruised I am who I’m meant to be, this is me Look out ’cause here I come And I’m marching on to the beat I drum I’m not scared to be seen I make no apologies, this is me. ~ This is Me, Greatest Showman If any of you have …

This Is Me: Exercise as Self-Care Read More »

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain Since I decided to leave BigLaw–yes, a lawyer career …

Top 5 Strategies to Optimize Lawyer Career Change Read More »

I bought $200 in groceries and then ate my child’s leftover chicken nuggets over the sink because I’m too tired to cook. Sound familiar? We’ve ALL been there. If you follow me on Twitter (@snwalsh), you know that I LOVE to cook.  And, I’ve shared that love with my husband and our kids, so that …

Back Pocket Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp Read More »

“You talk as though you’ve been enslaved. If you don’t like your fate, change it! You are your own master, there are no shackles on you. ” ~ Aida Are you dragging your heels or afraid of career transition? When I spent the summer of 2000 in New York City, I was fortunate enough to …

Chart a Course for Career Transition! Read More »

Can you relate to this? Since I entered high school, I have been pushing. Pushing to get better grades. Pushing to lead every organization I join. Pushing to wring more out of each and every day. Every hour. Every minute. Pushing, pushing, pushing. It’s exhausting if you never take the time to GLIDE. As an …

Working Like a Hummingbird vs. an Eagle Read More »

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. When Trump was elected in November 2017, my family decided that we needed to be part of the change we wanted to see in the world.  We chose LOVE and …

My Foster Story: They’re Saving Me Read More »

Sponsors are your ticket to the top.   Women with sponsors are 27% more likely than those without sponsors to seek a raise and 22% more likely to seek ‘stretch assignments’ that build their leadership experience. Powerful sponsors set talented professionals on the “path to power and influence” via three main factors: pay raises, high …

Your Ticket To The Top: Sponsors Read More »