L. Michelle Smith

Embrace the Joy of Self-Care! 🌟

Did you know that laughter and amusement are powerful tools in your self-care toolkit? It’s true! According to research from the Mayo Clinic, laughter not only feels good but also has tangible health benefits. My clients are enjoying a new aspect to our sessions. I have a deck of self-care cards, and I pull from them randomly and use them for reflection and for action. I was excited…

What’s standing between you and an original thought? 🫠

As high-octane leaders, we’re often driving full-throttle towards success. But let’s talk about a hidden roadblock that can throw us off course: stress. Stress can significantly impact not only your happiness, but also your performance. Neuroscience findings from Harvard Medical School underscore this reality. When stress levels soar, our cognitive functions suffer, hindering decision-making, creativity, and overall effectiveness. For all leaders, but especially for women of color and…

What women leaders should ask themselves “What would Jim Do?”

Ladies… it’s about time you moved with a little more audacity. Need to know how? Just watch Jim. Now what will you do differently? Need to move differently on your leadership journey? DM me.

Stressed out? Your brain feels it. 🧠

🧠 Did you know stress, good or bad, can rewire your brain? Join us this May in The Circle as we delve into stress management and its impact on our brains. 📚 We’ll explore neuroscience insights from Harvard Medical School on how stress affects cognition and memory. Join today and you’ll also be included in our monthly group coaching on the 3rd Friday at noon CT—mark your calendars!…

DISC In Meetings Recap

Last week, we looked at each DISC style in meetings. Did you recognize yourself, a boss or a colleague in any of the styles? Here is a brief recap for you in case you missed each in-depth post. If you’d like to explore what SOAR DISCernIQ ™ can do for you individually as a leader, whether with the classic assessment or the 360 version…or you’d like to explore…

Leading Through Change: Up-skill & Be visible

Often I’m asked how leaders can mange through the unprecedented change we find ourselves in not only in the market, but in the culture and beyond. I recently provided some answers to the combined women’s networks and employee groups at AT&T. Now is not the time to put your head down and hide. Can the opportunities find you IRL or online? Up-skilling also is invaluable and it doesn’t…

My powerful story of mission-driven coaching on The Culture Soup Podcast®️ 🎧

In 2019, I did what many corporate types would call “the unthinkable.” I walked away from opportunities at a Fortune 10 after being “surplussed” without a job lined up. Sure, I had opportunities externally. Yes, I had a seedling of a business that I had started, but I wanted to take the time to think through my next step methodically. I had a mission that only a few…

How to increase your digital literacy to lead better

At the heart of my practice are tech leaders, but you’re probably learning that even if you aren’t in a traditionally tech business, there is increased pressure to become more tech savvy as many organizations embark on digital transformation. As we charge ahead into the digital age, one thing is abundantly clear: digital literacy has become an indispensable skill for leaders across all industries. In 2024, amidst the…

How to attract and recruit top tech talent

Despite news of massive layoffs at Big Tech firms like Google, Cisco, Amazon, and others, there remains an IT staff shortage at many companies, especially in smaller and mid-sized organizations. I spoke with The Channel Company’s MES Computing and provided strategic tips on recruiting and retaining IT talent. I also weighed in on fostering a corporate culture that is welcoming to Gen Zers who are entering or about…

A leadership lesson from the death of OJ Simpson

I recall sitting in the newsroom behind a computer at KDFW-TV FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth when the verdict dropped, writing for the early shows that day. I distinctly recall an audible gasp across the newsroom, all for different reasons of course. I remained quiet, but my jaw dropped. Not only was it gobsmacking, it was up to me to write what we called the H’s, or the headlines…

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