Welcome to Misti's Insights
Confronting Self-Doubt: A Lesson on Comparison and Creativity
Yesterday, I had a conversation with someone whose precision and clarity left me inspired—but also wrestling with a nagging wave of self-doubt. His name is Vinny, and I had hoped our talk would uncover fresh opportunities or even spark a collaboration. Instead, what I...
“I Tried, But It Didn’t Work” — When Listening Becomes Manipulation
A client of mine recently came to me feeling deeply frustrated. “My employees just aren’t making the adjustments necessary for success.” What she meant was that—due to major shifts in budgeting—her team needed to change how they did their work. Processes, priorities,...
When the 18th Doctor Walks In: A Lesson in Leadership, Patience, and Letting Go
This week I had an experience that caught me off guard—not just because of what happened, but because of how I responded to it. It was a doctor’s visit. Doctor #18, to be exact. I’ve seen seventeen other medical professionals over the past few years, trying to get...
The Miracle of Perspective
This morning at the pool, I met someone remarkable. Her name is Wendy. She’s in her late 70s, with a smile that could light up the cloudiest day and an energy so warm, you can feel it from across the water. What struck me most wasn’t just her vibrant presence—it was...
What Does It Mean to Lead Without a Title? A Personal Story
Recently, a thoughtful reader responded to one of my blog prompts with this: “Biggest challenge: making sure to lean into opportunities for being a leader while having a role that is primarily a solo contributor. Wish more people were talking about a definition of...
Trust Is Earned: 9 Practical Ways to Strengthen Trust Within Your Team
Trust is the foundation of every successful team. Without it, collaboration falters, communication breaks down, and morale plummets. But trust isn’t automatic. It’s something you earn through your actions every single day. “Trust is earned… If you want your team to...
Day 29 of 100 Days of Trust: Trusting in Time Itself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cev93XiChGc For the past 29 days, I’ve been walking through a personal experiment I’m calling 100 Days of Trust. Each day, I challenge myself to soften my grip on control and lean into trust—trust in people, in life, in myself,...
Your Voice Matters: What Inspires You Most?
To my cherished readers, Some of you have been following my journey for more than two decades, while others have just joined this community. No matter when you came on board, I’m so grateful to have you here. I’m reaching out in a way I haven’t before, and I’m...
What the Fourth of July Taught Me About Freedom
It’s July 8, and I’m still thinking about the fireworks. Not just the kind that light up the sky, but the kind that spark something deeper within—the kind that remind me of life’s challenges, choices, and the lessons they bring. On the morning of the Fourth, I found...
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...