The only way we really learn how to swim is by jumping in (the swimming pool or off the dock into the lake). The fear we overcome quickly is turned in to courage. This courage quickly translates into new skills and talents. Let's take a couple recent examples in the sports world that have transforme

    In 2010, my father shared some wisdom at his and my mother's 50th anniversary party: “Have someone to love, love what you do, and have something to look forward to.” Isn't it best to embrace what your father says, right? Why? Because 424 million paid vacation days went un-used in America in 20

Why do I love the NFL? It is a great mixture of world class athletes, intense and emotional competition, vision and strategy, precise execution, fan interaction, and big business.  For example: It’s emotional. Only one team wins the big prize annually. The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy is ador

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings held hands during the National Anthem Wednesday (8/8/2010) evening. They held hands during their late night interview with NBC’s Bob Costas and early morning interview on NBC’s Today Show. This duo is a great partnership of complete excellence. As three-t

As a leader, you are faced with difficult decisions that have large impacts on people, families, products, services, and financial results. The more responsibility, the more difficult the decisions. In 2010, I had the opportunity to hear Army four-star general George Casey speak to a room full of s

Are you stuck in your role at work? Are you missing opportunities to get that promotion? Are you not viewed as a leader yet? Your answer could be as simple as volunteering. Every time I volunteer, it helps me build my network and further my career. It has also made me better and more informed as a

Since I have been coaching women and emerging leaders, I am hearing a common concern: “Jen, I am overwhelmed. I just can’t say ‘no.’ Sometimes I don’t know where to start.” When a coach hears her client truly open up, we are encouraged because we know the client is becoming introspective. As coach

I am honored to have had the opportunity to write for Inc. magazine, sharing my experience of transitioning from corporate executive to start-up. Check out the article, "5 Ways Corporate Execs Can Thrive at a Start-up" on Inc.com!

If you were running a company, and had to choose between two NBA stars to run it, who would you choose to lead: new NBA star, Jeremy Lin, or the reigning NBA's Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose? Without hesitation, I want Lin. Why? Stamina. Both of these NBA guards are 23 years old, but Rose has a

Recently my parents called me and I answered the phone to the scary comment, “there’s been an accident.” They had been in a farm accident! Mom broke her arm, has two bum knees and a busted lip. Dad’s ankle was horribly bruised after a truck loaded with hay ran over it. Thank goodness for the neig

Recently, I have embraced and experienced two significant transitions.  The first one was relocating from a 4,000+ square foot home in a suburb to a 1,275 square foot 2-bedroom flat in an urban arts & cultural district.  The second transition included changing jobs, from being a global leader in

Are you a Woman in Leadership in a corporate or entrepreneurial setting? Or do you have a desire to become one? We, Maleene de Ridder and Jen Wilfong, work with women like you. Women who aspire ‘to sit at the table’ confidently; to run the financial side of business; to lead, collaborate with, and f