
DRIVEN Blog

Keynote Cornerstones: 13 Life Lessons for Young Professional Women to Live By
In preparing for my upcoming keynote address, I soberly contemplated what insights to share with a group of impressive young women about the road ahead, their place in the world, and…

Can Exercise Lead To Success? The Answer Will Energize You
I’ve spent the last 40 years exercising. Well, not perpetually. But I’ve been vigilant about allocating a little time each day for a workout, with varying intensity. For half of those 40 years…

Dating The Dishwasher: 6 Tips to Promote a Mindfully Loving Spousal Relationship
I always enjoy when people ask how long Michael and I have been together. Upon the mere mention his name, it is reported that I begin to glow. Well, for the record, Michael and I have been together since 2007….not a very long time by many…

Reflections on Our Moderating Training Session: The Takeaway of One Special Attendee
Our latest Moderator Training Session at McGladrey made quite the impression on the folks in attendance. Ginny Brown sure has a talent and an aspiration for delivering meaningful content to the bright, open minds seeking fresh perspectives on…

Women: Are We Our Own Worst Enemy?
cheryl benton headshotHere’s some serious food for thought in the age of women’s advancement by Cheryl Benton, founder/publisher of The Three Tomatoes, and one of our strategic partners. She raises an issue about the experience had by many women in the…

Retooling My Brain, Part Two: Turning Fear into Confidence
My second area of focus for mind reset is my fear factor. I have been living in a constant state of low frequency fear for as long as I can remember. When I analyzed this underlying deep-seeded depletion of energy and distraction, I realized I was fearful for…

Retooling My Brain, Part One: Tales of an Adrenaline Junkie
Last year, our specialist Kathleen Brady taught our community about the dynamics of energy. I’ve since been successful using the tools she offered to reframe situations in my life and shift my energy, resulting in a healthier attitude. I have…

Do You Fancy Yourself As a Workhorse or As a Racehorse?
I’m so excited that dear friend and colleague Geraldine Sweetman has graced our blog with a dynamite guest post. Her workhorse/racehorse analogy has invaded my mind at many levels (particularly when thinking about the things we eat, and…

Networking Legends: A Participant’s Takeaways
Last Thursday’s Networking Legends community event at Dorsey & Whitney was not just well attended….it was powerfully attended. I am honored to have gathered together so many valuable individuals from dozens of essential companies and programs…

More Than A Handshake: Managing An Effective Network
Network, network….you gotta network! It’s a given in the business community that networking is vital to a successful career. Keeping close ties with our own networks will provide opportunities that even money or time can’t afford us. It’s how we advance in our…

3 Great Steps Toward Maximizing Time: My Lessons From Laura Vanderkam’s 168 Hours
Much acclaim is associated with Laura Vanderkam’s exploration of the myths, misconceptions, and outright misallocations of time that contribute to sabotaging our lifestyles. 168 Hours: You Have…

Bite Your Tongue, Literally: Unspeakable Speech & You, Part 3
When it comes to dining, nutritionists like to point out that “you are what you eat”. While this is a fact, it’s not always evident on the surface. In the business world, it’s safe to assume that “you are what you say”, meaning, the words and phrases you speak…

It’s Like, Ya Know: Unspeakable Speech & You, Part 2
It’s inevitable. No matter what career you’ve chosen, you’re going to be speaking to others, and speaking often. In order to further your career, the speech you use will need to be of similar integrity to…

What I’m Reading: Farnoosh Torabi’s When She Makes More
I’ve been captivated by the topic, concept and possibilities of and for women as breadwinners for the past two years. I began researching it as I was founding Women’s Advancement Compact, inspired by the wish to see my niece Ashley feel the freedom...

Can We Talk?: Unspeakable Speech & You, Part 1
Polishing our demeanor goes beyond presentation skills, communication styles and workplace EQ. Before we can perfect any of those, we first must get a grip on language….specifically the kind to stay away from. It’s not simply about avoiding F-bombs and mispronouncing the word “ask”; I’m referring to the invasion…

The Gift of Feedback: Intangible, Yet Indispensable
Just as it was when you were growing up, from that first finger painting in pre-school to that final thesis paper in senior year, it is valuable feedback from others that prompts you, guides you, and propels you toward excellence in your career. I often refer…

Checking The Mirror: An Exploration Into Clearer Communication
Our latest Women’s Advancement Compact workshop featured the welcomed return of WAC specialist Kathleen Brady for a highly interactive session exploring the art of non-verbal communication skills. February 18th’s YOU ARE THE MESSAGE: Powerful…

Transcending Insecurity: The Anti-Gravity Yoga Edge
Welcome to the first in a series of WAC posts inviting you to rediscover the concept of the weekend getaway! If there’s one thing we’ve become pretty good at, it’s finding ways to unplug and treat ourselves to little adventures that enrich our lives. Our part of the…

Anger vs EQ: Which “You” is in Control?
If you were one of the participants at January 29th’s WAC community event Corporate Emotional Intelligence: Anger in the Workplace, presented by WAC specialist Ginny Brown, you might have found yourself with a peculiar question bouncing around in your…

EQ Times Seventy: Anger Sure Draws a Crowd
Anchin, Block & Anchin, LLC made their WAC event sponsoring debut last Wednesday, for a community event that I have been eagerly anticipating since the topical conversation between Ginny Brown and Deborah began a couple of months…