by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Pssst...I’m going to share with you a little “inside secret.” “Motivational?” Wasn’t always my thing. Look, I LOVE what I do – I mean REALLY love it. Getting people fired up and eager to embrace and adopt change in their lives. Watching those “light bulbs” go off when I’ve said just the right thing to get them off of the fence and into an action plan that can change the course of their career or even their life. That’s good stuff – right? But I fought the “motivational” part of it. For a long time. In my mind if you were a “motivational Read More
Leadership is a Powerful Privilege…
Leadership is a Powerful Privilege…
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Reality: Leadership is a powerful privilege--open to everyone, regardless of title or job description. Leadership is about how you CHOOSE to live your life. Often people tell me that they would hate to do what I do—speak to thousands of people every year. And I get that. In fact, research shows that 85% of people rank public speaking as their #1 fear, with death coming in as #5 and drowning #7. Think about that one for just a minute. That means that most of you would rather have me come into your house, hold your head under water until you were dead—than Read More
Is Success An Option for YOU?
Is Success An Option for YOU?
by Motivational Speaker and Executive Coach Connie Podesta I just hung up the phone with a coaching client who made this statement: “Connie, I am comfortable selling anything…except myself. That part – is HARD.” As much as I understood her feelings, I was also very concerned about her future success and job security. (FYI—she gave me permission to use “her story” for this blog. I NEVER share secrets from my clients.) I’ll share with you what I shared with “Mary.” There has never been a more for us to SELL OURSELVES, validate our worth and demonstrate how much we bring value to the Read More
Need to Keep Your Job in Today’s Economy?
Need to Keep Your Job in Today’s Economy?
Start by Separating the Little Stuff From The Big Stuff by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta In a time where people are focused not just on getting ahead – but staying afloat in a shifting economy by continuously doing what they can to bolster their job security, there are a few “must know” steps to watch for. First things first -- Keep your personal lives personal. While it’s tempting to share in the office -in times of stress people tell secrets that they would not ordinarily tell. What do you risk when you tell too much? First, you will get advice you don’t want, and secondly, people Read More
No Time to “Waist”…
No Time to “Waist”…
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Not long ago I posted on Facebook from the closeted confines of a dressing room with its all too frightening and unflattering florescent lighting, “I'm trying on bathing suits. Don't anyone come anywhere near me...For a while. And all my positive motivation is NOT working in this dressing room. Am I the only one who needs therapy after this experience?” The response was overwhelming. I officially was not alone in my dilemma. Then, just yesterday, I reached out once again to my family of Facebook friends…"Last summer's pants don't fit me. Too tight. Read More
DANGER: Apathy is Contagious
DANGER: Apathy is Contagious
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Listen...Indifferent and apathetic people are JUST as dangerous to your life as negative people. Apathy is CONTAGIOUS! You can just feel it, can't you? Those unmotivated,don't-care folks just suck the energy and life right out of you. You can sense mediocrity settling in like a dense fog or wet blanket. Don't be afraid to say, "Oh No! Not around me! I've got things to do & goals to reach!" It's not enough anymore to just stay away from "negative" people -- you've got to keep those ho-hum buddies at bay too. If what you want is to STANDOUT, get Read More
Two Minute Tip on Leadership…
Two Minute Tip on Leadership…
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Here is my two-minute tip of the month on leadership. Short & Sweet! Share with your friends and co-workers and let me know what you think! How are YOU standing out in a LEADERSHIP role? Read More
Change. Deal with it.
Change. Deal with it.
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta As a motivational speaker, clients often ask if I have a keynote topic about "How to Deal with Change." And my answer is always "Yes, I do. It is a four-word workshop and the title is ‘Change. Deal With It!’” It always gets a laugh --until they realize I'm serious. I can read their minds. They think, "What? No sympathy for what we are going through? No techniques on how to 'survive' change? No words of wisdom telling us we need to 'embrace' change? No lectures on how to be a better 'change agent'?" Nope, none from me. Why? Because the truth is: Read More
Are You Too Busy for Your Own Good?
Are You Too Busy for Your Own Good?
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta When was the last time you did something you've never done before and then wondered why it took so long for you to discover this new experience? I just went to a yoga class and my body is asking why I didn't do this a LONG time ago. Don't get me wrong. I exercise (although not as much as I should.) I take long walks (but not as much as I'd like.) And I've even tried meditation (did you know that means NOT talking for an extended period of time???) But yoga – this was something else altogether. It was pure, joyful peace. And I realized something. I Read More
Resolutions?
Resolutions?
Not for Me! by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta This year I made just one New Year's resolution--that I would NOT make any New Year's resolutions. Why? Because resolutions are usually about what I'm doing wrong (and want to make right) or what I need to do (and haven't been doing) or what I've been putting off (and need to start doing NOW!). In other words, resolutions--although they sound positive and strong--are really focusing on what we didn't do, failed to do, wanted to do, need to do, or should do. ENOUGH, I said to myself. To be honest, I'm tired of setting goals that keep my Read More