Marking one year since leaving a career in TV news, I’ve discovered the top 10 values that are the root of my new work every day. ⬇️
1. STANDING ON THE BOX: This is a visual I hold for what I’m creating now. I’ve been “in the box” for so long as one thing: a television anchor ruled by parameters of performance and presence. Finally, I get to stand on the box with my own values and purpose; that mix of elation, fear, bewilderment, and exhilaration!
2. PEACE: If I ever get a tattoo, it would be this one word. My peace is doing work that meets people where they are. Some of the most powerful work I’ve done has been in the smallest rooms: one executive finding her voice, a team learning to truly listen to each other, caregivers feeling seen.
3. TIME: I’ve found my zone of success. I often do my best thinking with morning coffee in hand and won’t go anywhere in full hair and makeup before 8 a.m. And I work well on my couch after 7 pm.
4. ENERGY: I worked to bring my nervous system back into the normal zone after 30 years of “breaking news” fight or flight. It is easier to say no to projects or people who drain that battery, so I can give my energy to things that align with my values.
5. GUT FEELINGS: I know when people want to collaborate. I know when people just want to pump me for resources. I know when a job doesn’t feel right. I listen to that little voice.
6. GROWTH: I’m learning everything from invoicing to scaling a business to how to value my expertise. I’ve made more than a few mistakes. But I get to keep learning, which fires up my brain in exciting ways. My friends say I have a goofy smile on my face when I describe what I’m doing now. I think that’s a good thing.
7. PLAY: Moving my body and having fun is just as much of a priority as the work I do. I find the best brainstorms come when I talk with friends on the tennis court, lift weights, or walk my dog.
8. FLOW: Going with it has never been easy for a recovering control freak. But I deliberately gave myself the freedom to create and try things this year. I didn’t label what I was doing; I embraced the journey of discovery.
9. MY STORY: I’m writing a book called “Thanks for the Lasagna, Just Send Booze”. It’s my personal journey through losing my husband to cancer and figuring out life after. I’ve never shared anything that’s “in progress” before, but I’ve started publishing the essays on Substack and Medium.
10. COMMUNITY: I invested in two women-led businesses for my website and video, instead of bigger firms. I loved the care they brought to my work. I’ve also put a premium on cultivating new friendships, tending to older ones, and saying yes to a coffee whenever I can. I want to thank every person who patiently answered all my questions about how they created their business!
These values aren’t just personal; they’re the foundation of how I show up in every keynote and coaching session.
What’s one value that’s become non-negotiable for you?
