Several years ago, my husband Matt and I embarked on a five-month RV road trip in our vehicle, fondly named Freedom. Early in our journey, we began compiling a list of people and places that stood out for their exceptional service or kindness—whether it was a stack of melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, a warm smile, or a helpful tip on a "locals-only" shortcut.

The landscape of work has transformed significantly, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. More freelancers and remote workers are supporting traditional 9-5 industries than ever before. This shift has made it essential for companies to rethink how they engage and integrate these valuable team members into their culture.

Have you ever witnessed something so amazing it brought tears to your eyes? Put a lump in your throat? Or stopped you dead in your tracks?

You might never have thought about it until now, but that intense physical, emotional and mental response is the emotion of awe.

As a coach and facilitator, I often guide leaders and teams through bright listening exercises. Here are a few I find particularly effective (and I practiced them myself during a wonderful two-day workshop called “Scaling Intimacy” led by Jenny Sauer-Klein).

In today's dynamic business landscape, the significance of company culture cannot be overstated. However, crafting and sustaining a vibrant culture remains a challenge for many organizations. At the core of this challenge lies the pivotal role of leadership. Leaders wield considerable influence over organizational culture, shaping it through their actions, words, and attitudes.