“Just be grateful.” “Everything happens for a reason.” “It could be worse.” Maybe you’ve said it. Maybe you’ve heard it. But here’s the truth: Positivity, when used to silence pain, becomes a barrier to growth. In the latest episode of Her Next Power Move, I explore the trap of toxic positivity and how it disguises itself as motivation—while denying us the space to feel, grieve, and grow. Based…
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is get your hopes up. When everything around us feels uncertain—when crisis hits or change comes too fast—it’s easy to believe that staying guarded is smarter. But research tells a different story. Hope Theory, grounded in positive psychology, shows that hope isn’t naive—it’s strategic. It fuels resilience. It builds pathways where none seem to exist. It keeps us moving when the…
Tomorrow’s episode is for anyone leading in uncertain times and wondering if they’re built for it. Here’s your reminder: You are—and neuroscience agrees. We’re talking resilience—not as something you’re born with, but something your brain can build. Let me be the voice on your shoulder reminding you: You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Subscribe: lmichellesmith.substack.com
Some days, we hold it together with one deep breath and a quiet prayer. Grief comes in waves, not always from loss of life—but from the fading of dreams, jobs, roles we once found meaning in. And yet, beneath the ache, there’s a whisper: You are still becoming. There’s beauty in the breaking. There’s strength in the pieces. In the newest episode of Her Next Power Move, we’re…
A recent case study reported a staggering 4X+ annualized ROI for leadership training. That’s $4.15 for every dollar spent! But the benefits go far beyond the dollars. It also enhances workplace culture with ✅ increased collaboration: Leadership training fosters better communication skills, helping teams break silos and work more cohesively. ✅ empowered employees: When leaders model empowerment and inclusivity, it cascades through the organization, creating a culture where…
What is the one thing that is missing from your decision making? Hint: It is something that will make your conclusion stronger, removing doubts and making it far more satisfyingly decisive. If you want to make a decision and sleep even better after, watch today’s video to find out more, and as always, there’s some science to it. I practice this with my high-ranking senior leaders. Eventually, it…
As you plot your meetings, events and learning experiences for 2025, please keep me in your consideration set for a take on leadership that infuses science and culture. Better yet, let’s set a meeting to discuss how to tailor a message or workshop to your organization’s needs. I work across industries, virtually and in person. I speak on ✅ the power of positive emotion in leadership ✅ emotional…
“It’s triggering”,” one woman leader told me. Checking in with my leaders yesterday, and many of the women leaders, especially those of color, are stressed because of all that’s going on in their lives and at work, but adding on the stress of this election season is far too much for them. I’ve been sharing with them how to manage and eradicate that stress. When you are stressed,…
You’ve heard that you need to read the room when you host or participate in business meetings, but what if you could quantify behaviors?? WATCH the video: What to Expect when Leading Meetings with the DISC Styles. We explore the unique characteristics and strategies for leading meetings with Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C) styles in meetings. ➡ For Dominance (D) Style: How can you…
I’m hearing from leaders that they’d like to improve their focus, find their peace, advocate for themselves by doing the most revolutionary thing–rest. But during a time when everything is coming at you from your newsfeed and the news cycle how do you rest and continue to lead at optimum levels? With summer coming to a close and fall right around the corner, here are five ways that…