By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta & Syndicated Columnist Julie Escobar Listen. We’re big fans of change. Connie’s a motivational speaker who travels the world, more often than not helping companies, organizations, associations and people ADAPT and leverage change. Julie was an early adopter of social media and in the speaking and training industry for years. We feel your pain. You’re disgruntled. Confused. Unsure. Ticked off even. It’s understandable. Change – well at least the way you just experienced it – is a tough pill to swallow. So let’s break it down. Here are Read More
How to Give a Dynamite Presentation
How to Give a Dynamite Presentation
Six Top Tips to Being a Speaker They Will Remember….in a Good Way! by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta So, you’ve got to give a big presentation huh? Stand up in front of everyone and try to act cool and nonchalant—as though you had done this a million times before. But inside you know better…and you are just waiting. For “it” to show, whatever your “it” is. Saying “um’ a thousand times? Turning beet red? Mouth dry? Perspiration? Forgetting whatyou are going to say next? Don’t worry – that’s normal! Believe it or not, after 25 years and 60,000 people a year, I still get nervous. 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
Quit It!
Quit It!
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta All Right - Just Quit It! Stop trying to fill every minute with something to do. Don’t confuse simple contentment with BOREDOM. Listen, we all probably can agree that it’s a fast-paced, go-go-go world that we live in. The demands are high and the time management is a MUST. Don’t miss this thought though…You MUST also make time for YOURSELF. A walk in the evening, lunch with a friend, 30 minutes with your favorite book, watching a TV show you enjoy, listening to music, or just sitting on your favorite spot just thinking about nothing…these are all 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
What is a Girl Like Me Doing in a Place Like This?
What is a Girl Like Me Doing in a Place Like This?
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Before we go any further, let me just say this: I hate to exercise. I love dessert. And I am just a teeny bit proud of my type A, always-on, overachiever, tad-compulsive personality. So how did someone like me end up at Hilton Head Health for seven days where exercise is the agenda for the day, daily meals and snacks total 1200 calories, and s l o w i n g down and focusing on the moment is the name of the game? This is definitely NOT a place where you would usually find me hanging out. But...I also can no longer avoid the pull of gravity on my body or Read More