Brené Brown answers a question she consistently receives from readers: "During tough conversations at work, what's the difference between showing fear and putting up your armour?

The best way to practice uncomfortable conversations is by actually having them. Simon Sinek gives some advice on how to make this a little easier.

Why are there so few women leaders? Weaving together scientific research and personal narrative, Alexis Kanda-Olmstead explains why women may be reluctant to take on leadership roles and what we - women and men - can do to disrupt the powerful internal forces that undermine women’s leadership aspirations and confidence. 1. Alexis Kanda-Olmstead leads talent and diversity initiatives at Colorado State University for the Division of University Advancement. Throughout her twenty-year career in higher education, Alexis has worked to help students, faculty, and staff actualize their potential as leaders through self-knowledge, personal empowerment, and service. As a student and practitioner of women’s development, social justice, and organizational psychology, Alexis believes that with grace and humor we can create positive change that benefits everyone. 

Lori is the Director of Multicultural Services and Outreach at SCC. She earned a bachelor's in sociology from Gonzaga University and a master's in educational leadership from Washington State University. She has worked in education for over 12 years at universities throughout the region before landing at CCS. Lori is a member of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, and serves as a board member with the Washington Council for Higher Education. In this short clip, Lori talks about the value of mentoring. Enjoy!

I am quite well known in the region for my passion to make a positive difference in people's lives and this passion guides me on everything I do. The reason I stayed in the Recruitment Industry for so long is that recruitment is a very strong tool to make a difference. Interesting words from Simon Sinek on finding your vision and using your gifts to advance that vision. Enjoy!

There is nothing more frightening than the moment we expose our ideas to the world. Brené Brown shows us how to deal with the critics and our own self-doubt by refusing to "armor up" and shut ourselves off. "Not caring what people think," she says, "is its own kind of hustle."

Inspiration and leadership style... The UK's most powerful women share their experiences, advice and philosophy for a successful working life.

In this video, Simon Sinek explains how adopting an infinite mindset is necessary for leaders who want to build stronger, more innovative and more inspiring organizations.

This week I thought I would revert to one of my favorites - Simon Sinek presents a simple but powerful model for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers -- and as a counterpoint Tivo, which (until a recent court victory that tripled its stock price) appeared to be struggling. Enjoy!

In every workplace, there are three basic kinds of people: givers, takers and matchers. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant breaks down these personalities and offers simple strategies to promote a culture of generosity and keep self-serving employees from taking more than their share.

This weeks's video comes from Brené Brown and her brave and honest book for leaders – Dare to Lead. The book has the subtitle ‘Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts’ and is, in its essence, an attempt to redefine good leadership. Brene Brown firmly believes that genuinely great leadership is not defined by status, power, or titles but by something else entirely. According to her, great leaders recognize potential, take responsibility, and are vulnerable, honest, and courageous. Great leaders do not pretend to have all the answers, and they never let their egos get the better of them. 

It's our responsibility to prove to our employees or co-workers that if they make a mistake they're going to get helped - not blamed. Too often we tell people that they're the problem instead of "we have a problem." By being open about your mistakes, you then create a learning opportunity.

We have all changed someone's life - usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other's lives.

Interesting short video about not holding yourself back and being aware of the negative connotations in our communication. I think we can all be reminded from time to time to change the narrative from "I can't" to "I can".  Enjoy!

When I started my business I knew without a doubt that I would fail at some stage. Luckily enough this has yet to happen but I have no doubt it will. When you see mistakes as a learning opportunity, you make the activity a positive rather than a negative. Apparently Oprah agrees. Enjoy!

Critical conversations in the workplace are sometimes difficult and many struggle with this. Simon Sinek helps us unlock the secrets to effective communication in challenging situations

Being an effective leader does not happen over night. It is the consistency and dedication to becoming a great leader that is important. I have never met a great leader who thinks they are one - great leaders are constantly learning and openly admit they don't have all the answers.

Welcome back to Life Advice for a profound exploration of life's lessons as shared by the remarkable Matthew McConaughey. In this insightful speech, McConaughey imparts wisdom drawn from his journey, blending personal experience with timeless truths. Let's unravel the key takeaways that can shape our perspectives and lead to a more fulfilling existence.

Interesting that self-doubt exists even in the most successful women. CNN's Sara Sidner moderates a timely discussion about empowering girls across the globe with former First Lady Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney and Melinda French Gates. Enjoy!

Accenture CEO Julie Sweet sits down with Moira Forbes to share lessons on personal reinvention, mastering self-confidence and the power of embracing your fears.

Effective confrontation with any other person requires these three things in any order: speaking to your feelings, how a specific behavior of theirs affected that, and the impact that behavior might have in the future. Simon is an unshakable optimist who believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together. Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. 

Happy New Year to all! To start our new year, following is a video from Sheryl Sandberg who left Google to become Facebook’s COO in 2008. In this video, she looks at why so few women make it to the C-suite, and offers up three important pieces of advice to women who want to buck the trend and get there. The key, in Sandberg’s view, is ensuring women remain in the workforce.

One of the best traits of great leaders is being authentic and genuine with their teams and letting them know you care. By doing so you will build trust with your team. Enjoy this short video by Simon Sinek that talks about how to build that trust.

Sometimes acknowledging our weaknesses and limitations can actually make us stronger, suggests Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, author and podcast host. But like arguing, there are constructive ways of giving feedback that can make another person feel like you're trying to help. Grant offers his Brief but Spectacular take on feedback. you're trying to help. Grant offers his Brief but Spectacular take on feedback.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an Indian actress and producer. The winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, Priyanka Chopra is one of India's highest-paid actresses and has received numerous accolades, including two National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards. She believes her innate confidence to be the driving factor behind her massive success and credits her parents for instilling her with this belief from a young age. 

I thought I would share this video as I constantly have to remind myself to stop talking and listen! This is in no way connected to not caring but more the extrovert coming out in me that has so many words to get out. Enjoy!

When I saw this clip, It resonated with me as we have discussed all of the hurdles mentioned in our Women in Leadership workshops. Enjoy!

Get ready to unlock the secrets of success with Simon Sinek in this inspiring video on consistency. Sinek reveals how consistency can take your leadership to the next level, helping you to build trust, inspire your team, and achieve lasting success. Discover how to balance flexibility with steadfastness, using real-world examples to showcase the power of consistency in action.

Ben talks about the journey to finding your authentic self.

This week we are going to mix it up a little and I would like to share some leadership quotes with you that were sent to me to share with you at our last session. You will notice the theme of being genuine and authentic. Enjoy!