Part of the Living the Resilience Tree Model series I once had a supervisor send me a message: “We need to talk.” Immediately, my body froze. I couldn’t focus on the tasks in front of me. I reread the message over and over, my chest tight and my thoughts blank.…
Posts Tagged with communication
Survival Check: Flight Trauma Response in the Workplace and How to Overcome It
When most people think of the flight trauma response, they picture running away from danger. In the workplace, however, flight doesn’t look like sprinting out of the office—it shows up in more subtle, but equally disruptive, ways. How Flight Shows Up at Work For women leaders of color, this response…
Survival Check: The Fawn Trauma Response in the Workplace and How to Overcome It
I was sitting in a meeting, heart racing, rehearsing what I wanted to say. But instead of speaking up, I smiled, nodded, and stayed silent. Later, frustration welled up inside me. I knew my insight mattered. So why didn’t I speak? It wasn’t fear of public speaking or lack of…
Self-Talk: Is Your Inner Dialogue Leading or Limiting You?
“Speak to yourself like someone you are responsible for leading.” ~ adapted from Jordan Peterson Whose Voice Is It, Really? The voice within. You know it—the one that speaks up before you do. Sometimes it’s bold and affirming. Other times, it whispers doubts that echo louder than truth. And too…
Trust Begins With the Invitation: A Lesson About Branches
When I was first asked to lead a high-stakes project early in my career, I said yes immediately. The ask came from someone I respected — a senior leader with a big vision. But as the weeks went on, something felt… off. I realized later it wasn’t the work itself.…