Welcome to Misti's Insights
The Privilege of Pressure and The Costumes of Leadership
Yesterday at the beach, a little boy came up to me while I was decked out in all my open-water swim gear. Picture this: a wetsuit, booties, gloves, headgear—every piece designed to protect me as I faced the 51° water. He stared up at me with wide, curious eyes and...
The Power of Leaning into Humanity and Vulnerability
We’ve all had those moments—times when a seemingly small interaction could have gone either way. Frustration could have taken over, or we could have leaned into something deeper, more meaningful. Recently, I found myself in two very different situations that, despite...
Grieving the Living: Supporting Employees Through the Weight of Undefined Loss
Leadership isn’t just about driving growth or navigating teams through obstacles; sometimes, it’s about helping people carry the invisible burdens they never expected to face. These moments are especially profound in today’s politically and economically troubled...
A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Courage
This past year has been one of the most profound in my life, teaching me lessons I never anticipated. It’s shown me the importance of listening to my body—not just enduring its pains, but understanding the messages they carry. It’s reminded me that healing often...
Brand Misti: Confidence Starts with Clarity
Not too long ago, I had a realization that was both humbling and empowering—I’ve earned my place as a speaker and coach. It wasn’t about comparing myself to others; it was about finally owning my strengths and understanding the impact I bring. Confidence is such an...
Feeling Overwhelmed and Anxious? Why Your Nervous System Might Be the Key
Last week, I felt like I was drowning. My anxiety was sky-high, and my energy was down to fumes. It was like swimming through mud—every task felt monumental, and I couldn’t seem to clear my head. Frustrated, I picked up the phone and called my therapist. "I have so...
Be You, and Trust It’s Enough
Have You Ever Taken Something Personally That Wasn’t About You? Before we dive in, if you haven’t already, check out my recent blog, "Will They Appreciate the Real Me?". It shares a powerful story about choosing authenticity in the face of doubt—a theme that continues...
Mistakes, Boundaries, and Self-Kindness: Transforming Shame into Growth
Walking across the gym floor, I was excited for an outdoor workout on a mild winter day in Maryland. It was the height of the pandemic, and the gym had strict protocols in place to keep everyone safe. My mind was already on the assault bike and the bursts of fresh air...
Turning Frustration Into a Leadership Superpower
Have you ever found yourself so caught up in frustration with a colleague or team member that you missed the chance to turn it into a moment of growth? It’s a feeling many of us can relate to, and it’s exactly what Janet and I were discussing over coffee. As she...
What Kind of Relationship Do You Have with Your Thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/embed/f6K0zqvpWok Have you ever stopped to think about the relationship you have with your own mind? I hadn’t either— not until a friend’s struggle with sleep provoked some fears of my own. It’s funny how someone else’s experiences can...
Redefining the Pledge of Allegiance: A Journey to Authenticity
Standing backstage moments before giving a talk, I felt the sharp sting of dissonance ripple through me. The audience, gathered in respectful unison, began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A simple act for most—routine even. But for me? It was anything but. The...
Will They Appreciate the Real Me? Here’s What I Discovered
It was one week after the 2024 presidential election, and I was in Springfield, Illinois, preparing to deliver a keynote address to 500 elected officials. Self-doubt wasn’t new to me as a gay woman—but this moment felt sharper, heavier. It wasn’t just my own inner...
Breaking Down Silos: The Secret to Cutting Turnover and Doubling Revenue
Have you ever felt like your team operates as separate islands, disconnected and overwhelmed? Many workplaces face this challenge, but here's the truth—silos don't just create inefficiency; they breed stress, disengagement, and blame. One experience that stands out to...
Our Dream Home Journey: From Doubt to Reality
Nearly three years ago, my wife, Yvette, and I decided to let ourselves dream a little. Dreaming was uncomfortable, especially when it involved driving around our favorite town, Lewes, DE, with a real estate agent. We looked at properties that, at the time, were...
Understanding Intentions: A Journey from Sarcasm to Clarity
In our go-go-go society, it's easy to rush through conversations without stopping to consider what we’re truly trying to achieve. We often react instead of reflect, losing sight of our intentions in the process. Recently, I had an experience that underscored the...
When Fear Is Strong, Try This
With nerve pain shooting from my low back into my hip, and also down into both hands, it is difficult to relax, much less trust that I’m really okay, just in pain. My treasured temporal lobe fully engaged in striving to save my body, it’s difficult to detach and trust...
Navigating New Social Norms: Embracing Change and Communication
In the bustling atmosphere of a crowded bar, my friends and I found ourselves squished around a tall table, trying to catch up over drinks. As the wait person approached to take our order, I attempted to get my friends' attention. "He's trying to take our order," I...
Trump: A Reason To Rise
Yesterday, after a swim at Savannah Beach in Lewes, Delaware, I greeted a woman with a simple "Hi, how are you?" Her expression immediately revealed her unease with the election results. I shared my belief in a higher purpose guiding our lives, but she replied...