Welcome to Misti's Insights
Embracing the Roller Coaster: A Journey of Resilience and Self-Discovery
In 2019, I ventured into the backcountry, parking my car near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I fought with my feet to carry me and my 40-pound pack nine miles to the David Lessor Shelter, nestled deep in the woods. This shelter, one of 260 along the Appalachian Trail...
Own Your Weird: Embrace Your Unique Style and Thrive with Confidence
Have you ever found yourself standing in a fitting room, questioning whether you can rock this outfit? Recently, I found myself in that very situation, pondering over a pair of pants and whether they matched my age category. My wife often teases me about my style...
The Unexpected Interview: A Lesson in Genuine Connection
Recently, I found myself thrust into an unexpected interview scenario that profoundly underscored the value of genuine connection. While I knew that Janet—the head of human resources—was on the lookout for a coach, I was completely in the dark about the specifics: why...
Navigating Divisive Conversations: Embracing Empathy and Open-Mindedness
It was the morning of July 24th, and I was out for my usual morning walk when I bumped into my friend Chip and his wife. “What do you think about the turn of events?” I asked Chip, referring to Joe Biden pulling out of the race. “Don’t get me started with politics,”...
Resentments and Freebies: Why You Shouldn’t Work For Free
Have you ever been asked to work for free? Maybe the request came in the form of additional projects being added indiscriminately to your workload or getting a promotion without a pay raise. Very often, we say “yes,” hoping that something good will come in return. ...
Mastering Assertiveness: How to Stand Your Ground Without Seeming “Bitchy”
In today's fast-paced world, navigating professional relationships can be a delicate balancing act, especially for women who often face the challenge of being assertive without being labeled as "bitchy." It's a common concern, and it's one that deserves careful...
Navigating Change: Lessons from One Leaders Journey Through Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions are often fraught with challenges that can lead to miscommunication, fear, and a decline in productivity, creativity, and job security. If you have found yourself in the midst of rapid and unclear change within your organization, and unsure...
My Coming Out Story
June is National LGBTQ Pride Month. In recognition, I'd like to share a little bit about my own journey. “Mark your calendar,” my psychology 101 professor said on the first day of class in January 1997, “There will be a gay panel here on April 15th. Your attendance...
Stop Seeking, Start Noticing: Unveiling Your Everyday Learning Moments
Are you yearning for a deeper connection with your community, seeking inspiration from positive role models, and desiring a boost in self-assurance? Prepare to witness the extraordinary power concealed within everyday moments, ripe with the potential for profound...
Listening with Impact: Unveiling the Secrets of Persuasive Communication
In our fast-paced world, where everyone seems to have an opinion and a desire to be heard, truly influencing others can feel like an uphill battle. We often wonder why our attempts at persuasion fall short, go unnoticed, or worse, create strife in relationships. This...
Elevate Your Path: Proven Methods to Stand Out and Thrive in Your Career
In a world where the pursuit of success often overshadows the essence of fulfillment, one crucial element stands out - the power of authenticity and love in our work. As we navigate the realms of our careers, it's not merely about standing out; it's about standing...
Unveiling the Power of Intention: Reaching Your Hardest and Most Important Goals
Ever felt the intense frustration of chasing a meaningful goal, whether it's pouring your heart into passion projects, pushing yourself through workouts, or striving for a healthier lifestyle? We've all been there, battling that inner resistance. But what if I told...
Embracing Openness: The Power of Right Timing
Racing through a jam-packed day, I hopped on my bike for a doctor's appointment, squeezing it in before a whirlwind of activities. With my schedule tightly packed, any unforeseen delays could easily throw me off balance. Does this sound familiar? As luck (or lack...
9 Strategies to Reach for When You’re Thrust Into a Difficult Conversation…
From comedians to the media to business leaders and politicians, I have heard these words spoken what seems like a zillion times. “Our nation is divided.” How many times have you heard, seen evidence of, or thought the same thing? It’s literally everywhere, from the...
Beyond Words: The Unexpected Impact of Acknowledging Influence
A few days after posting this blog about the power of belief, I forwarded it to Gerry, the woman whose clear and crisp words about my talents changed my life. Since I had also recorded a video to demonstrate the power of our beliefs, I forwarded that to her as well....
The Power of Dispersing Attention: A New Perspective on Problem-solving
“If peace comes from seeing the whole, then misery stems from a loss of perspective.” — Mark Nepo Unexpected Challenges After a Successful Speech After delivering a speech in January, the response was overwhelming—I not only sold out of books but also surpassed...
From Self-Doubt to Self-Realization: A Personal Transformation Story
Five days before a big talk I was scheduled to deliver in Virginia, I reached out to my 80-year-old friend, Gerry, in search of some wisdom. As I poured out my worries about the upcoming event, Gerry patiently listened to my thoughts on the audience, topic, and venue...
What To Do When January Passes and You Haven’t Made Progress on Your Goals
As I sit here, thinking about the peeling back of the calendar, I feel antsy — like there’s something I need to do and quickly, to ensure that I get to the end of the year feeling accomplished. Fear is strong. Can you relate? Here’s what the fears sound like right now...