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

As I began planting flowers this spring, I noticed a lot of similarities between developing businesses (and people) and growing a garden. My grandmother had a natural green thumb; she just knew how to get plants to take root and grow. She passed her love of gardening on to my mother. Mom has won num

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

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

Two years ago, my good (non-athletic) friend Molly asked a couple of us if we’d run a half marathon with her.  I politely and hesitantly responded, “yes, but where is it?”  When Molly quickly answered with San Diego, we were committed with zero hesitation.  None of us had run a half marathon, but we