Author: Melissa Segal

How often do we let a first impression determine what we think about someone? As I walked into the hotel fitness center, I heard someone talking. I turned the corner and noticed a woman on the stationary bike in a

When was the last time you fully explored your core values—and how they actually show up in your life? I spend a lot of time helping organizations clarify their values (and missions/visions!). And yet, I recently realized that I hadn’t

A client recently shared that a colleague’s comments at work often make people uncomfortable. Most team members feel the same way and talk about it with each other. I asked whether anyone has addressed it directly with the colleague. My

I’m not very good at asking for or accepting help. This past week, I didn’t really have a choice. My mother-in-law passed away after a long illness. In the midst of the emotional processing, the logistics alone felt overwhelming. We

After a routine medical test, I was called back for additional testing because the results were unclear. When the doctor came into the room, he sat down, introduced himself, and said simply, “Here’s the bottom line. Then we’ll talk through

I usually spend the week of New Year’s enjoying quality time with friends and family, while also tending to my lingering to-dos. This year, one item on that list was finally integrating the pictures that once lined my office walls

This past weekend, I attended a community retreat on the North Carolina shore. While we came together around a common thread, the group held real diversity. We spanned generations, family constellations, interests, worldviews, professional paths, and life experiences. What stood

As the year winds down, I’ve been doing what many of us do: thinking about what I want my work in 2026 to look like. In the midst of that reflection, I was asked by a colleague whether my weekly

This past week felt off. It was a fairly typical week, full of the usual lists of work and life commitments. But something felt different, and what should have been small pebbles weighed on me like heavy rocks. I felt

I recently interviewed for a contract role. Early in the conversation, the board asked whether anything in their list of needs raised concerns for me. I took the opportunity to share something important: while I had most of what they

I recently came across my grandmother’s birth certificate and discovered that her actual birthday was months away from the day we celebrated every year—a day on which I still think about her. I was stunned. Why would she choose a

Picture the scene: you’re halfway through Thanksgiving dinner. The cranberry sauce is delicious, the conversation is flowing, and the toasts are heartfelt. Then Uncle John says something that hits a nerve. You notice that familiar pit in your stomach, and

Sometimes meaningful leadership lessons don’t come from a workshop or a book; they come from a Facebook message—and a picture of a dog. A few weeks ago, I came across a painting of a spotted dog on Facebook Marketplace. It

You know that split second when you realize you’re about to react the same way you always do—and then you choose differently? Yesterday, a coaching client described this very experience. He had faced a familiar situation: a tense exchange with

My dad recently cut off his ponytail, and I found out about it on Facebook. Let me back up. My dad was a military man and looked the part (clean-cut, precise, put together) for most of my life. Then, during

I’ll never forget that summer afternoon. My mom and I were at her 30th high school reunion when we suddenly heard a commotion near the pool. A man had collapsed. Within seconds, a crowd formed. A physician rushed in to

Last week, a training participant asked a question that stuck with me: “How can I apply this material in a way that feels authentic to me?” In addition to answering her question, we talked about how powerful it would be

Last week, my spouse and I celebrated our 30th anniversary with a trip to Calgary and Banff National Park. We marveled at the beautiful scenery, enjoyed some amazing hikes, and appreciated the break from work and other responsibilities. And we

“I don’t share my own perspective. I’ve learned that it’s best to keep a low profile.” I’ve heard that sentiment countless times from team members who have faced negative consequences simply for voicing thoughts that didn’t align with their leaders’